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.

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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!IMG_6559

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!IMG_6603

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.IMG_6561My 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 your white into fall

Do you still live by the rule "Don't wear your white after Labor Day?" Well I'm here to tell you to consider that rule null and void. You don't have to listen to your mother's old-fashioned advice because, like the times, fashion rules have changed. You CAN and SHOULD wear your white denim into the fall and even the winter! Here's how ::

1) Pair your white with deeper colors up top

2) Pair your white with boots or booties for a more winter-y look

3) You can never go wrong with white, chambray and boots in the fall. If all else fails, remember that

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So maximize the white in your closet and take it into my favorite season with you! You'll be sure to find new and versatile ways to use it as fall sets in.

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.

Courtney -25 Courtney -13Booties 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.Β 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.Β 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 ::

My leopard weakness coming full circle... The Chelsea Bootie in Tan

This "Bourbon" color is the PERFECT shade of tan... The Chelsea Bootie in Bourbon

If you like a little fringe and a lower heel... The Kemi Bootie in Tan

I'm loving the leather straps + buckle detailing on these booties...The Terilyn Bootie in Army Fudge

Last but not least, the Perforated Bootie...The Sidney in Light Luggage

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!

6 Must-Haves for Fall

FALL MUSTHAVES

Happy Wednesday! I hope you've missed me as much as I've missed you all... It has been a whirlwind few weeks as we've ::

  • bought a house
  • gutted theΒ house {byΒ ourselves is the key word... and I wouldn't recommend it for those of you who don't enjoy manual labor}
  • finished renovations
  • moved in
  • got a brand new puppy

Does that get me off the hook for my lack of blogging? I hope you will forgive me. I'm settled in and back in action! September is here and this morning I felt the slightest crisp in the air and got so excited for the fall season. It's definitely my favorite time of year not only because of the crisp temps, beautiful leaves and pumpkin spice lattes, but because of the FASHION. Fall fashion is by far the most effortless, and in my opinion, flattering. Today I'm telling you about 6Β things you must have in your closet as the fall weather approaches ::

  1. Lightweight Scarves...The perfect accessory for a chillier day or an evening out. Simply throw on the scarf and let it hang without tying it, or circle it around your neck to use it in place of a necklace as your main accessory. Think of a lightweight, fun scarf as the cherry on top of your ice cream sundae.

    Morroccan Pom Pom scarf

    Leopard/Heart Scarf

  2. Riding Boots / Booties...Need I say more? Fall is all about boots in my opinion. They are chic and stylish yet easy to throw on. They give a polished look to an outfit that's as simple as leggings or skinny jeans or as dressy as a dress and tights. Try a bootie with a block heel.

    Tory Burch 'Simone' Riding Boot

    Kelsi Dagger Bootie, Nordstrom

  3. Pixie Pants...I live in pixie pants during the fall and winter. They are basically a thicker, more sleek version of leggings with seams that run vertically down the pant and a zipper in the back. Who doesn't wish they could wear leggings all day, every day and it be socially acceptable? Now you can...if those 'leggings' happen to be pixie pants. They come in multiple colors so you can play around with your pixies.

    J.Crew Pixie Pant

  4. Ballet Flat...Ballet flats are essential for fall. Try a leopard or a fun color and add a little extra something to your t-shirt and jeans ensemble. These leopard Steve Madden flats have become my go-to; the main reason being they are lined with a SUPER soft material and you feel as if you're wearing slippers all day! Yes, please.

    Steve Madden Elusion Flat

    By far my new favorite flats!

  5. Patterned Blouses...My go-to outfit in the fall is my pixie pants and a flowy top. I accessorize with jewelry, scarves, belts and layering pieces but these are my foundation. If you're not too budget-conscious, you can find amazingly unique and fun tops at Anthropologie. If you're really trying to watch your wallet, try places like Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, Old Navy and Marshall's. You'll be amazed at what you can find!

    Anthropologie Kennedia Henley Blouse

    Anvie Peasant Blouse

    Old Navy Bow Pattern Blouse

  6. Vest for Layering...My military vest has seemed to stay with me year-round. From maxis in the summer, to blouses in the summer-fall transition, to layering over blouses and cardigans in the cooler months, this olive green vest is the perfect layering piece for your fall needs, and the perfect neutral for the other colors in your wardrobe.

    Ambition Military Vest, Nordstrom

    Layer over a maxi while the temps are still warm, or over a cardigan this fall!

    ...or over a cardi this fall

    So start prepping your closets for the fall season... It will be here before you know it!

Thursday's Tip :: Tone on Tone

Try mixing it up in your wardrobe without having to shop :: The tone-on-tone look. Pair some of your similarly-toned pieces together. Tone on tone can be done with a shirt and a necklace, cardigan & shirt, etc. Simply choose a piece in your closet that you like the color of, and then choose an accessory that has the same tone, yet not in the exact same shade. {i.e., a turquoise sweater with a pale turquoise/mint necklace, or a pale purple blouse with a plum blazer}

Courtney did this with the Pantone Color of 2014, Radiant Orchid. Styling an orchid dress with a darker-toned cardigan is one way of rocking the tone on tone look ::

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Here are some other tone-on-tone looks to inspire you ::

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What are your favorite tone-on-tone looks? We'd love to hear from you. You can hashtag #toneontone on social media and tag us, @lifestyledatlanta on Instagram or visit our facebook page.

Wishing you a stylish Thursday! The weekend is almost here!

The Swing Dress

swing dress

As the temperatures here in Atlanta reach the 60's and spring is approaching {wishful thinking!}, I wanted to discuss a spring staple in my closet. Enter, the swing dress. I love this classic and casual dress that is versatile enough to dress up or down. I like to call it the "daytime dress." So many of us have the little black dress and others that we pull out for cocktail parties, dinners out and more. But what about a daytime dress? I'm thinking the swing dress fits the bill this spring. It has a girly, classic shape and can be accessorized in almost any way. Here are a few examples, many from one of my favorite online shopping sites - asos.comΒ {if you haven't been to this site, they always have great deals and totally unique pieces!}::

1)Β ASOS Swing Dress in KnitΒ - pair with a bright patterned scarf, like the Stella & Dot Wild Hearts

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2)Β Carmina Halter Swing DressΒ - I love this pretty shade of pink. Take it from day to night with a white blazer, and belt to draw in the shape a bit

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3)Β Anthropologie Savant Swing DressΒ - I love this for a casual day of errands, lunch, or whatever your day might bring you. Simple black and white stripes make this an effortless look. Just pair it with a long necklace like this Makena Pendant Necklace. Pairing a blousy dress or top with a long necklace as opposed to a short one will draw the eye up and down, creating a slimming effect.

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4)Β ASOS Swing Dress in PaisleyΒ - This pattern is so much fun. Dress it up or down with booties or heels. It doesn't need much in terms of accessorizing, just a simple long necklace like my favorite Rebel Pendant, and you're good to go!

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5) ASOS Vero Moda Swing DressΒ - This casual fabric is perfect for almost any activity, and the dark color allows it to be taken from casual to dressy in no time. Pair with a leopard belt, and dress it up with a black pump at night.

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So will you be adding a swing dress to your closet? I'll be posting some real outfit photos of swing dress ideas on Instagram and Facebook, so be sure to follow along!

As for now, I'm headed to sunny Florida so I won't be blogging for a few days! But you can keep up-to-date on my beach-chic outfits through social media, as always.

Wishing you a happy & stylish week!

xoxo.

Valentine's Favorites

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Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and we're sharing some of our favorites for the day of love! Whether you're single or taken, Valentine's Day calls for all things red & pink. What more could a woman ask for? From clothing, to nails, to accessories, we've got you covered! Here are a few LIFE{styled} favorites ::

VALENTINES

Alice + Olivia Bryant Printed Silk Shirt

OPI Big Apple Red Polish

Kate Spade Fair Maiden Stacy Wallet

Stella & Dot Sardinia Pendant

Fringe Scarf, Steffen Schraut

Kate Spade Studs, Flo Pink

Fuchsia Scalloped FlatsΒ {these will be making an appearance in my wardrobe VERY soon!}

Red Swing Dress

We hope you have a Happy Heart Day! Wishing you lots of love & style!

XOXO,

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