Camo Chic {yes, there is such a thing}

Happy Tuesday, y'all! Sorry I missed you yesterday. Mondays can sometimes take on a life of their own with playing catch up and that's exactly how I felt yesterday. Today, I'm here to tell you that camouflage isn't just for rednecks anymore {my apologies in advance if you are in fact a redneck and you take offense}. You've seen it around town and in the magazines and you might have wondered, "Is camouflage REALLY in?" I was on the fence for quite awhile before I stumbled across two things that changed my mind. Today I'm sharing them with you! There are, of course, exceptions to this, as there are to any rule. Here are a few guidelines to go by when jumping on the camo train.

Camouflage can be chic IF...

...it is used as an accent or accessory. Don't make it your main focus and DON'T double up on your camo in the same outfit. Try it in the form of a belt, pants, shoes or another accent piece.

...it is the RIGHT kind of camo. By right, I mean you did not purchase it at Bass Pro Shops. It cannot contain leaves, y'all. I know many of you are in the south and this might have been okay in high school. Not now! Try stores like J.Crew, LOFT, Anthropologie, Banana Republic and Nordstrom. They know what they're doing.

...it is subtle and neutral. Don't choose a loud, bright green but rather a soft and subtle camouflage.

...it's combined with classic and chic pieces. Don't combine it with a light wash jean, but try it instead with a black pant, or silk shirt.

I like to stick to accessories when it comes to camo. This printed haircalf belt from LOFT caught my attention and I decided to give it a try. I've now found myself using it ALMOST {key word almost} as much as my skinny leopard belt.I paired it with an ultra-dark wash jean and cranberry silk shirt up top. The camouflage belt adds a little pop of pattern without being overbearing.My faux-fur vest made its way into the picture, the perfect accessory for chilly nights and the perfect brown to accent the belt.I added in my favorite simple + subtle Kendra Scott necklace up top

And, I snagged these Camo Haircalf Slipper Flats on SUPER sale. You can, too!

So follow these guidelines if a camouflage purchase is in your future. You can pull it off with a few rules!

the vest :: your #1 layering piece

TGIF and Happy Halloween! The weekend will close out October and bring in the colder temps... I'll be ready for the temperature change with my absolute favorite layering piece for this time of year :: the vest. The vest is an absolute NECESSITY in your fall wardrobe, and I can promise you'll find yourself reaching for it on a daily basis.

Another favorite thing of mine? Chartreuse. Y'all, I'm pretty sure that chartreuse is the new black these days. At least it is in my book. It's such a pretty color; adding a pop without being too bright, a tone that can air on both the warm and cool ends of the spectrum. If you think you can't do chartreuse, at least give it a try. You might be surprised. This J.Crew vest is my new go-to; layering over everything from dresses, to tops, to tees and more. Today I'm bringing you two looks featuring this new favorite of mine. In stores and online now, so you can snag it for yourself!Try it with an all black outfit, like this LOFT lace sleeve tee and J.Crew pixies. My violet Loren Hope 'Blythe' bauble compliments the chartreuse pretty perfectly, if I do say so myself.

OR, make it a little more casual with your favorite chambray.

I created a jeweled collar effect here by simply buttoning my chambray all the way up and adding a crystal statement necklace under the collar. I'm LOVING this similar necklace HERE, currently 25% off!

Vest it up this weekend! Experiment with different ways to maximize the things in your wardrobe by adding a vest. You'll soon be finding you can't live without it.

Happy Weekend!

Flirty Fall Mini Dress

Y'all... I cannot believe that October has come and gone so quickly! I'm wondering what the heck this Georgia weather is doing and why I haven't been able to break out my tights and jackets yet. Today I'm bringing you the perfect dress for transitioning between warm and cold weather. It's flirty, it's fun and it's feminine. I had been eyeing this LOFT abstract animal print mini dress {among other things... I'm really loving LOFT's fall line this year -- can you tell?!} from the minute I saw it on the website and last week's 50% off sale was the perfect excuse to get it. {PSA - It's 50% off NOW too!}Paired with the perfect camel bootie and you're good to go! Take it into the winter by adding opaque tights and riding boots. You can even add a blazer or vest over top when the temperatures get really chilly.

I love the flutter bottom of this dress and the fact that you're able to do it unbelted, or add a belt at the small of your waist like so :: I also love this LOFT knotted belt {40% OFF!}, which makes the knotted look a whole lot easier when you don't have to do it yourself!

One last great thing about this dress is the fabric. The material is like a sweatshirt {hence why I own THIS} and it's not too thin, not too thick. The perfect transitional dress to add to your wardrobe at this time of year.

Take it from work to play, week day to weekend. I'm even thinking this is the perfect dress for any of you planning to dress up as cats or cheetahs for Halloween.... just sayin'.

So cheers to Thursday! Until tomorrow, stay stylish.

Makeup Monday :: Part One

Happy Monday! Lately it seems like I've gotten a lot of requests about my makeup routine. So today I'm sharing part one :: my everyday facial routine. Soon, I'll share part two :: some of my favorite eye makeup looks.

1) I start everyday with Painted Earth's BRIGHTENING CC CREAM. It goes under your makeup like a moisturizer and it's one of the best things that's ever happened to me {okay... dramatic much?} But seriously. It evens your skin tone before you even start applying makeup. It brightens your face all over and blends to your unique skin tone. What starts as a white liquid slowly turns to color as you blend it with your skin.

2) After the CC Cream, I address my dark spots and blemishes. Because we've all got them, right? I used to use a concealer stick but found it would sometimes lose coverage throughout the day. Now I use this yellow POWDER MINERAL CAMOUFLAGE CONCEALER to neutralize any dark or red tones in my skin. Applied with a foundation brush, I use it under my eyes, around my nose and mouth and on any imperfections that day might bring. It provides a fuller coverage than a liquid or stick concealer and really brightens the areas you use it on.

3) Foundation - I've never really been a fan of liquid foundation. They often feel greasy, heavy and look terrible by the end of the day. I much prefer a pressed powder that provides the same amount of coverage. Enter, PERFECT EVERY THYME POWDER BAKED MINERAL FOUNDATION {Antique Beige is my color} Hence the name, this powder is made with thyme. It won't fall into your fine lines, provides an insanely even tone and gives you the coverage of a liquid foundation without the greasy effect.

4) Now that I'm thoroughly evened out, it's time to add some color. Bronzer is one of my makeup must-haves all year long. It brings necessary color to your face and helps you to "look alive." If you don't have bronzer as part of your makeup routine, you need to. This SUNKISSED MINERAL SHEER MATTE BRONZER gives you a sunkissed effect without being shiny, orange or fake looking. It's the perfect amount of subtle warmth that we all need, especially in the winter. Use this lightly all over your face and neck.

5) Last but not least on the face makeup train, blush. Many people don't include blush in their makeup routine because they are afraid of it. But you should ALWAYS use blush; whether it's a pink, berry, nude or pastel. Find the color that you love and apply it on your cheek bones, the tip of your nose and chin. I love this  BAKED MINERAL BLUSH in APRICOT SWIRL. It's not too pink or overpowering, and adds a slight sheen for a finished effect.

So there you have it, my everyday beauty routine part one :: the face. Stay tuned for part two :: the eyes, coming up later this week!

AND - a SPECIAL for my blog followers :: If you would like to purchase any of Painted Earth's skincare or cosmetics, enter COURT into the promo code spot at checkout to receive a free gift, courtesy of LIFEstyled! 

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!

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.