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}.

IMG_6377IMG_6371Topped off with a half-tuck of the sweater and a pendant necklaceIMG_6350So 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!

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.

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 ::

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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.-228 -250

Forever 21 Funnel Neck Swing Dress, $17.80

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.

Stella & Dot Phoenix

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

Clare Vivier Leopard Foldover Clutch

 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!