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

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.

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 leopard sandal

Happy Hump Day! Today we're talking a summertime must-have :: the leopard sandal. You've heard me say it before that you can absolutely use leopard as a neutral. It's true! And leopard doesn't have to be "fancy." It can be casual, understated and the perfect pop of chic. I love these simple ankle wrap-arounds by Seychelles. The best part? You don't even know you are wearing shoes, they're so comfortable!Pair your leopard with a simple short, your favorite maxi or sundress

You can score my Seychelles leopard sandals from Modcloth for a steal!

Here are some other fun options to satisfy your leopard craving ::

So add some pep to your step with a leopard sandal this summer! Don't be afraid to use it as a neutral and mix with simple patterns like stripes and polka dots. A step outside your comfort zone will yield a multitude of compliments and new outfit options in your wardrobe!

nordstrom anni sale :: my favorite picks

It's that time of year again... the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale {Early Access} is here! For those of you who know about this sale, you know why there is a line forming outside of the doors at 10am on the first day. And for those of you who don't know about it, that should pretty much sum it up. During the Anniversary Sale, Nordstrom marks down TONS of fall {and more} clothing, shoes, and accessories before the fall season starts; great deals and huge savings! I shopped this sale with three clients yesterday and came up with a list of my favorite items. So today you're in luck; I'm sharing it with you!

Keep in mind, you must have a Nordstrom Card {credit or debit} to begin shopping the sale early access now, both online & in stores. It does not open to the public until July 18 {yes, they actually have all of the merchandise into a secret tent that you may not enter without a card}, so you still have a week! You also earn double points when you shop this sale early access. But hurry - things go fast. If you find something you like in stores or online, buy it...YESTERDAY!

Keep in mind: these items are all things that I have seen in person and tried on myself, or had clients try on. So without further ado, here are my Nordstrom Anni Sale faves ::

So run on over to Nordstrom or access the sale online; you will be glad you did. And remember, the sale opens to the public on July 18th. Happy shopping + happy weekend!

spotlight on :: calypso st. barth

Happy Wednesday, style lovers! Today is my Friday  and my hubby and I are flying down to the beach for some much-needed R&R this Fourth of July weekend. So today I'm bringing you some of my favorite looks from the beachy Calypso St. Barth. This line is ritzy  + unique + dreamy. It comes with a bit of a heftier price tag, but brings you lots of looks that you won't find elsewhere.

• the silk dress

This bright teal silk dress is so light and airy; perfect for both day and night. It has the most intricate stitchings around the neckline in bright golds, pinks and blues to compliment.

•  the morrocan maxi

Y'all... this dress is everything. The pattern, the colors and the detailing are nothing short of fabulous. Perfect for dressing up and down, summer outings and taking into the fall with a jacket.

• casual stretch pant I've always been a little iffy about this type of pants. I still won't say they are my go-to for flattery purposes, but man are they comfortable!! I would throw these babies on around the house or to run some errands. So lightweight and already pre-wrinkled for you moms. **A post on this cute tassel necklace coming up tomorrow!**

• the metallic tee

This has to be one of my favorite pieces. I love everything gold and metallic, and this simple tee is no exception. Easy for throwing on, layering and dressing up. Not to mention the perfect amount of metallic. Not too flashy, not too soft.

• the embellished teeThis light peachy linen tee has gold sequins. Need I say more?

 And for all you Atlantans, be sure to check out Calypso St. Barth and their dreamy store at Westside Provisions District. We'll be back in a few days to kick off a new blog series, "Made in America," where I'll feature some of my favorite locally made products & companies. Wishing you a Happy Fourth of July and God Bless the U.S.A!

stay cool in studded sandals & laser cut heels

Happy Monday! Today, I'm sharing a summer favorite :: I am loving the studded sandals and laser cuts this season. These are edgy and chic, fashion-forward and classic. The stud or laser cut pattern adds a little something extra to an otherwise simple sandal and is a way to instantly add some pep to your step! {literally...}

I love the Julianne Hough for Sole Society Collection, and these studded block heels are no exception. If you haven't checked out Sole Society, you NEED to!

These laser-cut heels are comfortable and perfect for dressing up and down. The best part? I scored them at Steinmart {I know, I only shop there with my mother-in-law...!} where you can sometimes stumble across some fab shoe finds. I'm listing more options below.

Here are some other current favorites ::

For all you lucky ones who are traveling to tropical destinations, cruising, or resort-ing this summer, stay tuned tomorrow for a blog post featuring nothing but :: resortwear!

Until tomorrow, stay stylish!