My Favorite Fur Vest Picks

It's fall and you need a {faux} fur vest like NOW if you don't already have one hanging in your closet. It's the perfect layering piece that's cozy yet chic. Layer over dresses, sweaters, tops and more. There are just a few guidelines to follow when purchasing a fur vest ::

-Keep it subtle + simple. Don't go crazy with prints, patterns or blatantly obvious FAUX fur. You want it to look expensive, not cheap. -Make sure it is full-length. You'll see a lot of cropped fur vests out there, and I'm here to tell you to STAY AWAY. Not only is a crop length unflattering, but it's also very juvenile. While it might be great for your daughter, it's not for you.

Here's some inspiration for you, followed by a few of my current favorites in stores now. You can find my BB Dakota vest {pictured above} at Shopbop by clicking HERE.

I love the warm subtle brown of these vests. They work well with virtually every skintone and hair color, and the color doesn't cheapen the look like a more orangey-honey color might do. Here are a few of my other top picks ::

So grab your faux fur vest today and start layering it with the things in your wardrobe! It will help you maximize those pieces that are a little bit too thin to wear into fall without something over.

The Sweatshirt Made Chic

Happy Friday! Today I'm bringing you weekend {and week} wear that's both comfy and chic. We all love a good sweatshirt; you know that one you dig out of the back of your closet, the one you've had for 10 plus years? For me, it's my Noni's Camp Oneka hoodie -- not exactly the most fashionable choice if we're honest, though. So many of my clients have the same style goal :: to be comfortable and effortless with their outfits while still looking put together and like they TRIED. The sweatshirt {made chic} is the perfect is where these two meet.

Here's my current favorite, and it just so happens to be animal print. Are you surprised?

It's soft and fleecy on the inside and guess what? It's 40% off.

Perfect for throwing on during daytime errands, fall festivities and more. Also great for puppy snuggles...Glam your sweatshirt up by adding a colorful statement necklace, like this cobalt bauble.

Get it here ::

Shopbop Sale

Happy Thursday! This week is full of sales, hence my blog topics from both Monday and today. But I wouldn't want you to miss out on any fantastic deals so here's another for you. Shopbop.com is having 25% off your entire order and it ENDS TODAY! For those of you who haven't heard of Shopbop, you can thank me now. They have every designer brand in one place. So stock up for fall with some of my favorites ::

1) Clare V. Foldover Clutch. While I have this baby in leopard {currently sold out. Boo!}, I am absolutely loving this punch of cobalt for fall; it's the perfect pop of color to any outfit. Three things I love about these Clare V. foldovers? Smooth leather, great size and easily flexible for carrying around solo or popping it into your favorite tote.

My Clare V. for size and style inspiration ::

2) Tory Burch. Yes, this means that you can get Tory Burch for 25% off ::

These block-heeled booties are ultra-fab.

How about these two-toned flats? Everyone needs a ballet flat for fall.

I love rose gold and I love the Tory Burch logo studs. These are a steal!

3) Paige Denim. Paige is my favorite brand when it comes to denim. Their jeans are so super soft and comfortable, figure-flattering and classic. One thing to note? Paige jeans tend to stretch a bit with wear, so try going down a size. I'm normally a 27 and I get a 26 in Paige. Thse Verdugo Ultra-Skinny black jeans are PERFECT for taking from day to night, sophisticated to HOT!

...Psst - Nordstrom is price matching these with 25% off throughout the weekend.

4) Leather Jacket. Everyone needs the perfect jacket for fall, and this one fits the bill. It's sleek, on-trend and doesn't have that boxy or boy-ish feel that leather can sometimes have. I love the open front and the soft leather look, rather than super-shiny. I need this in my closet, STAT!

5) Sweater Vest. Another must-have for fall is the vest. This sweater vest looks ultra comfy yet still chic with it's faux sherpa material. Perfect for casual, chilly fall days. Think weekend in the mountains, or pumpkin picking. Yes, all the cliche fall things.

So start your weekend a little early with the Shopbop sale; it only lasts through today! Stay tuned tomorrow for some weekend outfit inspiration.

Cure the Monday Blues :: JCrew + LOFT SALE Fall Favorites

Happy Monday! Even though it doesn't quite feel like fall here in Atlanta, I hear the next few days will change our minds about that! To cure your Monday blues, I'm bringing you some fall sales at two of my favorite stores, J.Crew and LOFT. Here are some of my favorite fall must-haves that you need in your closet. You're welcome.

1. The Pixie Pant, JCrew. You've heard me talk about these over and over again. They are without a doubt the number one fall must-have in your wardrobe! Now 30% off with code WEEKENDPLANS

2. Camel Sweater, LOFT. This shade is great for fall and versatile enough to pair with just about anything. I love the hemline and the cut; the perfect throw-on layering piece for chilly days. 50% off with code EXPLORE

3. The Laine Bootie, J.Crew. I love this shade of cognac and a leather bootie takes you further into other seasons {i.e. spring, fall} than a wintery suede. The perfect block heel for a sleek and chic look. 30% off with code WEEKENDPLANS

4. The Leopard Cardi, LOFT. Of course I have to feature something leopard on my list. I have a healthy unhealthy obsession with all things leopard but I'm working on that... This cardigan is lightweight and airy and perfect for layering over and under for fall. Try it over a tee and then under a vest with jeans and boots. 50% off with code EXPLORE

5. The Downing Tote, JCrew. This is my go-to bag for every season. It's roomy, chic and the perfect shade for matching boots and booties and contrasting with black and navy. 30% off with code WEEKENDPLANS

6. The Chambray Shirt, LOFT. EVERYONE, I repeat, EVERYONE, needs a chambray shirt in their closet. It goes with everything and is soft and comfortable. Try it with your pixie pants, favorite pair of riding boots or booties and a long necklace. Tie it together with a cardigan, scarf or vest and you have the perfect effortless fall look. 50% off with code EXPLORE

7. The Pointed Toe Flat, JCrew. Sweet and feminine, the pointed toe is also slimming to your legs. What more could a girl ask for? I love the pop of pink in these Harper Scalloped flats by J.Crew. 30% off with code WEEKENDPLANS

So make the most of your lunch break on this dreary Monday and get prepped for fall without breaking the bank! You'll thank me later.

the mini skirt

Happy Monday! Let's kick off the week with a fall favorite of mine, the mini skirt. Wait a minute, don't stop reading now! I know what you're thinking... "I can't wear a mini skirt, I'm a mom," or, "I can't wear a mini skirt! I hate my thighs!" Maybe it's, "I'm way too old for a mini skirt!" I'm here to debunk, and confirm, some of those preconceived notions. Mini skirts get a bad rap because they are often associated with showing too much skin or juvenileness. But mini skirts can be classy and chic in the FALL with some simple tips ::

1) You CAN wear a mini skirt if you're a mom. Especially in the fall, because you have a new best friend to help you feel more comfortable. Her name is The Legging.

2) You CAN wear a mini skirt even if you hate your thighs or legs. Once again, enter leggings. And a new friend, The Boot.

3) You're probably right if you think you're too old to wear a mini skirt. Past a certain age, some things tend to look juvenile, inappropriate or like you're trying to hard. Age-appropriateness is key, whether you are 20 or 65. A rule to go by :: If you're over 50, you can safely stay away from the mini skirt, but not skirts in general! Try a skirt that hits anywhere between 1-3 inches above your knee.

A mini skirt can be TOO mini. Make sure you're never wearing a skirt that is more than 6-7 inches above the knee.

I love this leopard mini skirt by Milly, made casual by adding my favorite LOFT sweater and military vest. Notice my opaque black tights {which could easily be substituted by a sweater tight or a thicker legging} and booties {which could easily be substituted by a riding boot or block-heeled boot}.

Topped off with a half-tuck of the sweater and a pendant necklaceSo try your hand at a mini {or mini-esque} skirt with leggings or tights and boots this fall. It's a great alternative to pants without the constriction of a pencil or work-related skirt. Choose the "mini" length that works for you. It's all about personal preference and comfort when it comes to your style!

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 ultra-cheapy lbd

Happy Friday! Today we're talking about the LBD because, well, it's Friday. If you've got fun weekend plans with your girls or your man, the LBD might be in your future. And the best news for all you bargain shoppers and deal hunters? This one won't break the bank. It comes in at UNDER $20 {$17.80 to be exact}. "But Courtney," you might say, "if it's under $20, there is no way it is made well." To which I would answer, "You're probably right." Let's be honest, we all know the quality of Forever 21 doesn't rival Neiman's or Nordy's, but we also know that sometimes we need to grab that cheap little number for a certain occasion, and this fits the bill.

You can dress it up or down, layer with a cardigan, blazer or vest into the fall and add tights and boots in the winter. It's a year-round dress with a flattering cut at the shoulders and high neckline, and although it's a shift dress, it's fitted enough that you won't feel the need to belt it.

One of my favorite go-to statement pendants, the Stella & Dot Phoenix pairs perfectly with this neckline. It also transitions seamlessly from summer, to fall, to winter to spring.

Top it off with a leopard clutch and your favorite heels or booties, and you're ready to go!

 I'll be transitioning this LBD into the fall, so stay tuned for more versatile ways to wear it from season to season!

Wishing you a fun + stylish weekend ahead, whatever your plans may be!

the must-have leopard clutch

Happy Monday! I'm taking a break from house renovations to tell you about a must-have in your closet. I have been eyeing this Clare V. clutch for some time now, and it's no secret that I have a slight {okay, large} love affair with leopard. I think that every woman needs to have a pair of leopard shoes, a leopard belt and a leopard clutch in her closet. It's the new neutral, y'all! Two of my favorite worlds collided :: Athens + leopard. Athens has such a special place in my heart and Heery's is one of their most fabulous stores. They've been an Athens staple and are celebrating their 30th anniversary soon! Now Heery's is carrying Clare Vivier {among other fabulous brands}, so I had the perfect excuse to pop over to Athens for a Last Resort dinner {duh} and a new clutch.

This clutch goes with EVERYTHING. It's perfect for dressing up, down and in between and the material is SO soft.

1) Casual with pattern mixing :: leopard is perfect for dressing up a casual tee + jeans and mixing with patterns like stripes and polka dots. {striped tee from Nordstrom Rack, Forever 21 neon rhinestone bib necklace , Paige denim + MK watch}

2) Dressing up with your LBD :: the perfect pop of pattern for your simple go-to LBD. {Little black Forever 21 shift dress + Stella & Dot Phoenix pendant}

3) Everything in between :: Whether it's a night out on the town or lunch with friends, the leopard clutch can go with you wherever your heart desires; from hot pinks to neutrals, work to play. {Kendra Scott neon yellow Rayne necklace}

Have I convinced you that you need this Clare V. leopard foldover clutch yet? For all you thrifty shoppers - I promise it's worth the investment. You'll find yourself reaching for this slice of perfection every time you leave the house.

So if you're in Athens, pop over to Heery's downtown and snag one! They'll be available on Heery's website soon, and for now you can purchase HERE if you can't stand the wait.

spotlight on :: britt bass iPhone cases

Happy Hump Day! Today I'm bringing you a fun line of iPhone +iPad cases that will be sure to make your tech accessories stand out and make you happy every time you look at them. Britt Bass is not only an amazingly talented artist, but one of my very best friends. Her paintings and prints are so vibrant and cheery, they brighten up any room {or any day!} And, lucky for us, she has taken her art into the technology accessory world! With both iPhone and iPad cases available, you can amp up your accessories.

One of my favorite Britt Bass original paintings, "Rocketwoman" is on my phone case {It just so happens this actual painting will be hanging in my new dining room soon!!} Everyone knows I love me some fuchsia ::

Britt has so many fabulous cases to choose from. Here are just a few of my favorites :: Who wouldn't want a phone or iPad case with Britt Bass art on it? You can shop all her fun accessories on her site HERE. Get a little artsy with your next case and be sure to check out all of Britt Bass's amazing work.