leather love

It's officially October which to me means it's OFFICIALLY the start to fall. We have a gorgeous weekend coming up and I'm so excited to finally pull out some of my vests, sweaters, leggings and more. Today I'm talking a classic yet trendy staple to use in your fall wardrobe :: leather. Leather gives off a very high-end, classic feel whether you wear it in boots, pants, skirts or tops. Today I'm highlighting a piece that you've probably seen in magazines and around town. The leather skirt is a versatile and feminine way to wear leather. If you're uneasy about sporting leather, start with a skirt.

I love this camel / cognac color because it goes with EVERYTHING. I'm not kidding- it really goes with every color, from blacks to browns to everything in between. Of course I chose to add a pop of leopard up top with my new favorite blazer.

Many people switch out their closets from season to season. Don't feel like you have to stow away your summer tops. You'd be surprised at the short-sleeved and sleeveless tops that transition perfectly from summer to fall by adding a cardigan or blazer. This LOFT bow neck shell was a summer purchase that will stay with me until it gets too cold!

How fabulous is this leopard blazer that I recently scored at Nordstrom Rack? The more fabulous part is that it was $29.00 That's 2-9 DOLLARS, y'all!

Don't be afraid of mixing colors. Complimentary colors like this Loren Hope lilac bauble and chartreuse top stand out against one another while also pairing well together.My Trina Turk 'Sydney' skirt is currently sold out {click here to add yourself to the waiting list}, but here's some more leather skirt inspiration for you ::

Anthropologie Lasercut Vegan Leather Skirt

House of Fraser Almost Famous Leather Skirt

ASOS Leather Pencil Skirt in Cream

So start hunting for the perfect leather {or pleather -- as long as it's done right} skirt for this season. You'll find yourself wearing it all throughout the winter; with tights and booties, riding boots, heels and more.

How to wear it :: the bootie

I'm currently sitting on my porch, enjoying the perfect cup of coffee with my samoa creamer {if you didn't know this existed you need to run to your nearest grocery store ASAP}, and relishing in the 60-degree crisp fall air! Which gives me the perfect inspiration for today's post :: it's all about booties.... the shoes, obviously.

Booties are the perfect solution to cooler weather that doesn't require heating half of your legs in full riding boots. As the temperatures begin to drop but the days are still warmer, booties give you the fall look without the "real" thing. But booties are also a great, versatile alternative to boots in the winter as well. I love to wear mine with tights and a dress, corduroys and more even in the cold temperatures. So you get it; booties are a versatile wardrobe must-have that can help you make the transition into fall and last you through the winter. A couple things to go by when buying a bootie ::

1) Tan is the most versatile color. Black only goes with so much, and chocolate brown limits you to wearing it with most things except black. But tan can be paired with virtually ANY color.

2) When pairing your booties with jeans, DON'T try to tuck your jeans INTO the booties. You have two options here :: cuff your jeans to hit about 1/2" above your bootie, exposing the slightest bit of ankle. OR, if your jeans are longer, pull them over the bootie.

3) Choose a bootie that gives you some room around the ankle. Not a gaping hole, but not a bootie that hugs the ankle bone. A little bit of room around the ankle not only makes your ankles appear slimmer {which is much appreciated for us gals who don't have the smallest of ankles... ahem} but it is also more comfortable and comfort is key when it comes to shoes

My favorite place to buy booties? Solesociety.com. I am swooning over a leopard pair as I type this {is anyone surprised?}. Sole Society has so many different styles of booties for affordable prices. AND, you get 20% off when you sign up for the first time. Not to mention my SS booties from last season are SO comfortable. Here are a few of my favorite picks for fall ::

So if you don't have the perfect pair of booties in your closet, try one of these. For those of you first-timers, I suggest the Chelsea bootie. The most classic cut with the most color choices, you can't go wrong. For those of you looking to add to your collection, try branching out with something a little different, like perforation, fringe or buckles. A little variety never hurt anyone! Wishing you a stylish week ahead, and keeping my fingers crossed that these fall temps keep movin' on in!

pattern on pattern

Happy Tuesday! Fall is coming, so make sure you address your wardrobe in time! Book your consult today by emailing courtney@lifestyledatlanta.com; whether you need a wardrobe overhaul, or an hour of outfit inspiration. Today we're talking pattern mixing :: it's not only allowed, but encouraged in your wardrobe! You just have to know how to do it right. There are a few rules when it comes to pattern on pattern ::

1. Make sure one of your patterns is more subtle than the other. Two ultra-bold patterns will make your look a little loud and messy
2. Stripes and leopard ALWAYS  work. If you're uneasy about mixing your patterns and don't quite know what looks good, you can never go wrong with a simple black + white stripe with a leopard or cheetah print
3. Be careful with florals. Florals can be great with other patterns, but be careful. A bigger floral pattern will compliment another pattern better than a tiny floral with lots of colors.

Okay, we all know I have a slight MAJOR obsession with leopard. But I'm not ashamed! Leopard is a neutral as far as I'm concerned, and it is the perfect pattern mixer because of that. Here's some inspiration for you ::

So don't be afraid to try some pattern mixing, especially this fall! It's the perfect time to maximize your wardrobe and use your pieces in new and versatile ways. Pattern mixing allows you to do just that!

Get my favorite leopard clutch HERE

the babydoll top

Happy Monday, y'all! It seems like I've been all about tops lately... and there's nothing wrong with that! Whether you have your go-to neutral bottoms or like to play around with colors or patterns, you can always use your tops in new and versatile ways.

Today we're talking about the babydoll top. Now that I've mentioned the word "babydoll," many of you want to stop right there and close this window. Please don't! You can rock the babydoll top no matter what age or size you are. You just have to do it right. This top is perfect for hiding insecurities {ahem...mid-section} while still looking stylish and put-together. Two rules when it comes to babydoll styles ::

1) Make SURE you wear a skinny pant on bottom

...unless you are tucking or half-tucking your top, in which case you should still wear a more fitted pant like a straight leg. No wide-leg pants with this style; the flowy top paired with flowy bottoms creates an overall sloppy and bulky look. It's all about balance, people.

2) Make sure the top hits at your pocket line or below. Preferably below.

I stumbled across this top at Old Navy {yes, Old Navy!} and snatched it up. It was the last one in store and I can understand why! There are times when you score an item at Old Navy that doesn't look like an Old Navy find... this is one of those times.

Paired with my newest Kendra Scott addition;  a rose quartz long tassel necklace to balance the flowiness of the babydoll top

You can snag this top for yourself!

Until next time! Wishing you a stylish week ahead.

LIFEstyled on Gilt City

Happy Monday, y'all! I'm brightening your day with LIFEstyled deals and discounts exclusively from Gilt City. For those of you who aren't signed up for Gilt City, you should be! They offer luxury services and goods at discounted prices and allow you to take advantage of all of these deals around your city.

And, lucky you! Just in time for the approach of fall, you can try our services at an exclusive rate that does not happen on the reg. This is the cheapest you will ever be able to experience LIFEstyled, so be sure to take advantage while this offer lasts! {new clients only}

I can't wait to work with you in the coming months! We'll address your fall wardrobe, how to transition from summer into fall, and how to use the items in your closet in more versatile and maximized ways. You can even choose a package with shopping included so we can fill in those holes. Click HERE to learn more about these discounted rates and purchase your service.

the leopard sandal

Happy Hump Day! Today we're talking a summertime must-have :: the leopard sandal. You've heard me say it before that you can absolutely use leopard as a neutral. It's true! And leopard doesn't have to be "fancy." It can be casual, understated and the perfect pop of chic. I love these simple ankle wrap-arounds by Seychelles. The best part? You don't even know you are wearing shoes, they're so comfortable!Pair your leopard with a simple short, your favorite maxi or sundress

You can score my Seychelles leopard sandals from Modcloth for a steal!

Here are some other fun options to satisfy your leopard craving ::

So add some pep to your step with a leopard sandal this summer! Don't be afraid to use it as a neutral and mix with simple patterns like stripes and polka dots. A step outside your comfort zone will yield a multitude of compliments and new outfit options in your wardrobe!

made in america :: part one

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a Happy Fourth of July and a relaxing weekend. Our beach trip is officially over, and I am still refusing to accept that it's back to the real world. Anyone else? So in honor of the great U.S.A., we're kicking off a series highlighting some of my favorite brands and products that are made right here in America...

Today for part one, I'm highlighting a fun little company based here in Atlanta that makes beaded tassel jewelry :: Just Peachy. Rachel with Just Peachy Blog is a fellow fashionista and her lovely tassel necklaces were a welcomed addition into my casual wardrobe! These are so easy and fun to throw on with anything from a tee, to a basic dress by adding some bright colors & some tribal flair.

This  beaded necklace with hints of coral and lavender paired perfectly with a basic navy + white striped tee.

How about this citrine green paired with fuchsia accents? Two of my favorite bright colors combined into one. Perfect for pairing with chambray and much more. {paired here with chambray LOFT romper}I am also loving Rachel's other tassel necklaces {like this peach tassel below}, some of which are available in her ETSY shop. {custom orders welcomed}

LIFEstyled loves supporting local businesses and products! If you have any suggestions or own a business yourself, we'd love to hear from you!

Stay tuned tomorrow for part two of our 'Made in America' series, where I'm sharing my new favorite beach coverup and many more fab items from a fun Chicago company!

going nautical

Summer is here, the Fourth of July is around the corner, and the nautical trend is isn't going anywhere! I'm headed to the beach tomorrow {yay!} which makes today the perfect time to talk  about going nautical with your look this summer; when done right, nautical is timeless, classic + chic. Not to mention the perfect amount of preppy.

Here's how to get it right ::

• Start with cool blue stripes. A thinner stripe can go horizontal or vertical, but if you go thicker, make sure it's vertical for slimming reasons.

• Add a warm accessory or statement. Yes, you've got the BLUES, in essence, but don't go too crazy with it! Add some contrast with another color, particularly a warm one if your stripes are cool.

• Don't be too matchy. This is more of a *life rule* that just happens to also apply to the nautical trend. Don't match your shoes to the exact blue hue in your blouse. Don't do the matching earring / necklace set. Don't be afraid to add something bright and bold into your nautical look, like neon, or play around with complimentary colors.

 So there you have it, nautical done right! This summer, pair your nautical with any denim; from white, to dark, to coral or mango.

Wishing you a happy Fourth of July week ahead! Tomorrow, we'll kick it off with our Beauty Giveaway, just in time for your sunny weekend plans. If you haven't entered, now is your LAST CHANCE! Click here and leave your comment to enter.

spotlight on :: stella & dot engravables

Happy Friday, y'all! Today I'm spotlighting some BRAND NEW jewelry from Stella & Dot - the Engravable Collection. I love these simple and dainty pieces that can feature your own initials, a special date in your life, your childrens' initials, etc. The perfect gift for yourself or a loved one, and the perfect layering piece to throw on with other jewelry.

These are not yet available for purchase on the website, so you can only order them through me. Visit Stella & Dot to learn more about the engravable collection, and email me { courtney@lifestyledatlanta.com } to place an order!

**Don't forget to enter into our Summer Beauty Giveaway! Visit yesterday's blog and share your favorite beach read to win your own Brightening CC Cream by Painted Earth Skincare {a $37.00 value!}

Wishing you a fabulous + stylish weekend ahead!

spotlight :: Peter Pilotto for Target

Happy Wednesday! I hope all of you had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend with family and friends. Thank you to all of the men and women who sacrifice for our freedom!

Today, as I'm getting back into the groove of things, I'm highlighting the Peter Pilotto for Target line. These edgy, bold patterns are perfect for summer and only need minimal accessorizing. Here's a Peter Pilotto dress I scored on clearance for $11.88. And now, all of the Peter Pilotto line is now on clearance on Target's website so you can score some great deals!

Here are some summer favorites {for CHEAP!} on the Target website ::

So there you have it... The bold & spunky Peter Pilotto line for Target, all at clearance prices! That's a way to try a new fashion statement without breaking the bank. And, stay tuned for this Peter Pilotto look to be featured on Style Under 40.

Tomorrow, I'm talking about the summer sweater!

Until then - stay stylish,