made in america :: part one

tassel necklacesHappy 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.

calypso-18This  beaded necklace with hints of coral and lavender paired perfectly with a basic navy + white striped tee.calypso-20

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.calypso-57 {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}Screen shot 2014-07-07 at 9.09.15 AM

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!

friday feature :: the romper

Happy Friday, y'all! It's the weekend and I'm giving you the perfect weekend piece :: the romper. It's like a dress with shorts. What could be better? No worrying about showing anyone your *panties,* it's figure-flattering and fashion-forward. I especially love how you can take a romper from day to night and make it more versatile. Throw it on with a pair of flats and a long necklace during the day, then amp it up with some wedges, a statement necklace & clutch at night!

Many of you think you can't pull it off. I promise, you can. Being able to rock a romper is all about finding the perfect one. You have to make sure you will be COMFORTABLE in it, or you'll never wear it. Find one that accentuates your waist and has shorts that are long enough for your body and age. If this is your first go at a romper,  go with a black. It's slimming and you won't feel as much out of your comfort zone.

I've sported the romper a few times this season so far, with many more to come {my apologies for the poor photo quality... Instagram pictures somehow aren't as pretty & arsty when you blow them up ;)}!

I love this chambray romper from the LOFT. Be careful, you may have to go a size down!

Some chambray options. A more casual approach to the romper ::

My chambray romper, from the LOFT

Spaghetti strap option

Shopbop Chambray Romper

You can never go wrong with an LBR {Little Black Romper} Here I paired it with a blazer

Some LBR options for you. Some prefer a sleeveless, while many of you may prefer to keep your arms more covered if you're showing off your legs ::

Topshop Strappy Playsuit

Bar III Sleeveless Romper, Macy's

Velvet by Graham & Spencer 3/4 length sleeve Romper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So rock your romper this weekend! You'll be looking effortlessly chic, fashion-forward and a little bit sexy all at once!

Have a stylish & fabulous weekend. Until Monday!

my FAVORITE go-to necklace

Happy Friday, y'all! Today let's talk about my favorite necklace. This necklace screams my name every time I open my jewelry box, and it's no wonder why. It's versatile, neutral, fun and sophisticated. Enter, the fabulous, timeless and perfect PEGASUS.

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I'm not kidding when I say I wear this several times a week. And with a not-so-cheap pricetag, I have TOTALLY gotten my money's worth. It goes with everything, from day to night, from casual to formal.

See? I told you I wear it all the time ::

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...the Pegasus really has it all! If you're looking for the perfect neutral and versatile addition to your jewelry wardrobe, look no further. I can promise you WON'T regret it!

Wishing you all a happy, stylish weekend ahead! Until next week...

the summer sweater

Okay - it's officially summer here in Atlanta. The hot temps are here to stay! Today I'm sharing the "summer sweater;" a way to rock the sweater look while still keeping cool. I love this 7 For All Mankind cap sleeve metallic sweater. It is airy and breezy, has a metallic sheen and can be dressed up or down. Here I've paired it with my 7FAM army green denim {blog post on these to come soon!}

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What I love most about this summer sweater is that it gives you another top option other than your standard summer silky top. It is just as lightweight and breathable, yet allows you an alternative to those go-to's in your closet! In fact, it just may become one.

Here are some other fab summer sweaters that you can add to your wardrobe ::

Tina Sweater by Walter Baker, Lord & Taylor

Fine Gauge Cut-Out Sweater Shell, Express

Andrea Fenzi Sweater, yoox.com

So rock the {summer} sweater this season! If you would like to receive a 30% off discount card towards your 7 For All Mankind purchase, simply follow @lifestyledatlanta on Instagram and like + comment on today's blog post photo. The first 5 commenters will receive the cards!

Coming up tomorrow... my birthday wish list! TGIAF {Thank goodness it's almost FRIDAY!}

courtney

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!

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

Peter Pilotto Red Iris Tank, $8.74

I own the top, too! {via Instagram}

Peter Pilotto Floral Beach Tote, $13.98

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,

courtney

 

 

flirty shorts for all styles

It's almost Friday! Today, we're talking about flirty shorts that can add some "fun to your buns" {I'm so cheesy, right?!} Shorts don't have to be boring -- khaki, jean, black, navy, etc are great basics, but shorts can also be fashionable and bold. I am personally loving patterns and bright colors for this summer season; so easy to pair with a solid top or tee, and take from day to night by adding a pair of wedges. Here are a few of my favorite shorts to dress up or down this summer ::

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Zara Printed Shorts. Flirty Florals in a breezy fabric.

 

These GAP Sunkissed multi-stripe shorts offer a preppier look.

 

I am loving these Gardenside shorts from Anthropologie. Easy colors to pair up top are black, neon citrine or white.

 

Classic and chic stripe, from LOFT

 

Last but not least, a fun tweed option from LOFT.

So rock those summer shorts! Whether you dare to bare your legs in short shorts, or choose a longer inseam like a 6", you can add some flair to your average summer look.

{hint, hint :: wear a mid-wedge sandal during the day or a high wedge at night to give the illusion of a slimmer leg!}

Stay tuned tomorrow for a Friday treat!

xoxo,

Courtney

working girl wednesday :: breathable summer tops

It's Working Girl Wednesday! You'll have to pardon my little hiatus from this topic the past few weeks. But nevertheless, we're back and ready to give you some breathable summer top tips as the temperatures rise! Many of you work in office environments where they crank up the AC to arctic levels in the summer. You want to dress for that, but then you are drenched by the time you get to your {also hot} car. Wearing a breathable fabric can make all the difference. Try a sleeveless or short-sleeved top like the ones below, then throw on a cardigan or a blazer once you get inside the office.

This Anthropologie Archivist tee is the perfect short-sleeved option; made from super light, silky breathable fabric. The pattern is perfect to pair with a white slack or a colorful skirt/pant

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I love this Lush Roll Tab Sleeve from Nordstrom; a classic & timeless stripe with a drapey and flowy fit, perfect for a breathable, comfortable and stylish work look

A sleeveless option, this wrap front blouse from Nordstrom is both drapey and light. Pair with a white blazer or patterned cardigan when you get chilly inside the office. The drapey style also helps after a big lunch!

Another sleeveless option, this elephant print blouse from Anthro is perfect for those of you in a more laid-back, casual work environment.

this lightweight GAP fitted boyfriend shirt is the perfect long-sleeved option. Add a touch of femininity with a statement necklace

Another trick? A peep toe, although only exposing a slight bit of your feet, is WAY more breathable than a closed-toe pump.

Always look for a silky fabric that doesn't wrinkle when picking out work tops. A heavy cotton or anything that hugs and clings to you is only going to eliminate breathability and make you.  hotter. Linen looks great, but be careful when you wear it! The car ride to work could leave you wrinkled and unpolished for the rest of the day.

Hope these workwear tips help you during this hot summer ahead!

Stylishly Yours,

Courtney

the maxi dress {& painted earth giveaway winner!}

Everyone needs a maxi dress in their summer wardrobe. This easy-to-throw-on, chic & put-together look is so versatile; dress it up or down, take it from day to night, and accessorize in all sorts of different ways. Here are a few tips to go by when choosing a maxi ::

  • Find one that hits you between the ankle and the top of the foot. That gives you the ability to pair both flats/sandals as well as wedges/heels with the dress. You don't want to buy a dress that is so long that you have to wear a heel with it every time.
  • On that note, be sure to stay away from dresses that hit you mid-calf. This cuts your legs in half and gives you the illusion of wider and shorter legs; a look no one wants to achieve!
  • A defined waist is the way to go. Don't choose a maxi that hangs and doesn't accentuate your shape. Find one that defines the small of your waist and hits under the bust line for the ultimate figure-flattery. This goes for all shapes, especially larger busted ladies and petites.

 Here are some of my favorite maxi dresses for all your summer occasions ::

Splurge :: Anthropologie

Save :: Old Navy

Mid-price :: Jessica Simpson. Vertical stripes lead the eye up and down, creating a slimming effect.

Mid-Price Range :: Eliza J. Flattering neckline, and wide dark band around waistline gives illusion of a smaller waist.

Save :: Old Navy, the LBMD {Little Black Maxi Dress}

A strapless option with a flattering chevron pattern, Nordstrom.

You can never go wrong with a red. Perfect for a night out, Topshop.

And now, the winner of last week's Painted Earth Baked Mineral Blush giveaway! Drumroll please... Ashley O'Dea! Congratulations, you are the new owner of Painted  Earth Apricot Swirl Mineral Blush {a $36 value}! Simply email courtney@lifestyledatlanta.com with your address and we'll get it in the mail to you. Thank you to everyone who entered, and stay tuned for another giveaway coming soon!

Stylishly Yours,

Courtney

 

 

fashionable flip flops

Happy Friday! I'm coming to you from the beach, which makes today's post extra appropriate. Flip flops are great for summer; they are easy to throw on, breathable and comfortable. But let's be honest -- {most} flip flops are just not cute! Whether they are boring and bland, or maybe you are rocking the crocs or reef flip flops on the regular. Whatever your situation, if you are a flip flop lover you can do it fashionably! Here are some of our favorite fashionable flip flops for summer... combining comfort, effortlessness and style ::

You can never go wrong with a classic gold, skinny flip flop; the metallic tone goes from day to night effortlessly and gives you a chic look even with shorts & a tee.

Ready to splurge on a great go-to pair of flip flops? These camel Tory Burch emblem sandals are the perfect choice. AND, 25% off through Monday!

If you know me, you know I love a good leopard print! Use it as a neutral and add some flair to solids & other neutrals. Leopard pairs great with black & white stripes, too! These Lands End flops are sure to provide maximum comfort, and they also come in coral! {25% off these as well}

You can't go wrong with a glossy black. These side bow flops from Ted Baker are no exception. I'm loving the gold hardware accent as well.

Looking to add some height with your flops? Try a wedge. This classic look adds height and gives you the ability to really dress your look up. I love the soft nude color of this Sam Edelman wedge, and they also come in black.

So add some flair to your flop selection this summer. There is no reason to sacrifice style to achieve comfort & effortlessness. From stay-at-home moms who need comfort & ease, to those of you who just don't like to bother with straps and buckles, you can have it all!

Wishing you a happy & stylish weekend ahead!

Courtney

working girl wednesday :: the nude shoe

Happy Hump Day! Today I'm talking to all you working women about the perfect spring/summer shoe for the workplace. A nude shoe is the perfect color for warmer months, goes with everything and is classically chic. Whether you prefer a wedge, a pump or a flat, go nude this spring! Don't darken and dull your outfit with a black or brown shoe; brighten it up with a nude hue.

Here's what I mean when I say "nude" ::

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Here are a few of my favorite nude shoes for all tastes & styles ::

For a more comfortable heel, try the wedge. In the spring & summer, go for a peeptoe rather than closed-toe, unless your work environment does not permit it. I'm loving the flirty bow on these, by Vince Camuto.

You can never go wrong with a nude pump. Wear it to work, to weddings, to cocktail parties & more. This blush-toned peeptoe by Ted Baker is perfection.

And of course, there is the ever-classic pointed toe nude heel. A bit lower for those who can't do the sky-high pump, this is a traditional nude shade by Isaac Mizrahi

For those that say "comfort is key" and are on their feet a lot, try a chic flat. A pointed-toe gives the illusion of longer legs and smaller feet. This one by BP doesn't break the bank, either!

And, for those of you who are more daring, add some flair to your flat by trying a neutral snakeskin. I love the yellow trim on these ones, by Sole Society.

Last but not least, the mid-heel. This Sole Society best-seller is perfect for those of you who want some added height but want the comfort, too. The ankle strap adds some flair for those office environments that are a little more lenient.

I don't know about you, but my nude wedges will be my go-to shoe for the spring and summer when I need a neutral.

Stay tuned tomorrow for an exclusive Spring Giveaway featuring Painted Earth Cosmetics! You won't want to miss out.

Until then,

Courtney