30 October 2015

Simplicity ~ Less is more

Happy Friday,
 
I've been on a really positive journey lately. I wake up with a happiness that I can't explain. I just wish that everyone could feel the way I feel about myself and my life lately. There are many  life lessons that I went through that helped me reach this level of peace. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that in life, "less is more."
 
I'm still learning that it's the little things that actually make life big. I laugh at the fact that I originally caked make-up on too early for self esteem issues. I wore make-up (like a lot) to cover acne. I was working so hard to cover it that I made it look even more noticeable! All that hard work for absolutely nothing. Now, I'm the total opposite; only on special occasions! I want people to know the REAL me, not my facade that I put on. Something so small was HUGE to me. I realize that my big heart, strong mind and huge personality will take me further than a cake face anyday!
 
When I was younger, I thought MORE meant better. More friends, more drinks, more partying, more E V E R Y T H I N G. Quality is far more valuable than quantity. Now I have less friends, but the ones I have mean the world to me; I'm drinking and partying less to get the old me back (including size). I work less. At one point I literally had NO life! I worked so much that I didn't see my gram!
 
I  started carrying that "less is more" thinking into all aspects of my life including my closet. My closet diet consisted of decluttering shoes, jewelry and other accessories. It's so much easier to buy simple pieces and put them together well.
 
Below, I wore a simple outfit. I just made sure my shoes were cute. To add the icing on the cake for this look, I wore a fun, red lip (OMG it looks so good with black hair!)



"Simplicity is the key note of all true elegance."
 
~ Coco Chanel
 
 

For this outfit, I tried to wear less accessories. The shoes and purse did enough! I usually wear the same gold accesories now. A watch and a few Alex and Ani bracelets makes a simple, yet cute arm candy look.

 

What I Wore:
Top Nordstrom | Pants Burlington Coat Factory | Shoes Jessica Simpson | Bag Tory Burch

When we look at the things that really mean the most to us, we truly grow. "A tree is big, but when we look back, it actually started from a seed."

Try following these to carry out "less is more" in your life:


Xoxo,

Courtney =)


23 October 2015

Style Crush: Kim K - Red Pencil Skirt

Hi loves,
 
Of course I had to borrow another simple outfit from my style crush, Kim K.
 
She never fails to slay a sexy, yet simple look. When you see someone wearing something red or a pencil skirt, it justs screams sexy! It's hard for most women in this generation to show their curvy silhouette, without showing skin, but Kim made it look easy.
 
Kim paired a grey bodysuit with a red pencil skirt (over $300!) and Christian Louboutin pumps ($795).


What Kim Wore:
Skirt Alexander Wang ($317) | Shoes Christian Louboutin Bis Un Bout
 


I, on the other hand, opted for something similar and MUCH cheaper. I chose a taupe-color shirt because this color is very similar to grey. Taupe is a brownish-grey color. Not only was this color similar to Kim's grey top, but it was on sale for only $6! (winning!)
 
I paired the taupe top with a red pencil skirt and red strappy, cap toe heels similar to Kim's for only $28!


What I Wore:
Shirt GoJane.com | Skirt Express | Shoes LolaShoetique

Don't forget ladies, "When life gives you curves, flaunt them!"

XOXO,

Courtney :)
21 October 2015

Wear it, Style it, Repeat: Grey is the New Black

Hi ladies :)

In case you haven't noticed, I'm a HUGE fan of neutral/soft tones right now, especially grey! I feel like I've been having a love affair with my love for colors or black.

If I could wear some form of grey every S I N G L E day, I soooooo would! Instead of reaching in my closet for something black, I'm usally grabbing something grey! I'm currently obsessing over this trend, especially because most of my grey pieces were $6-$15! (can you say winning!)

I can't lie, I wear this grey t-shirt literally as soon as it comes out of the dryer! I promise you'll catch me wearing it once a week.

My favorite way happens to be all grey. Something about monochrome grey that I just can't resist!

Below you will find my favorite outfit from my favorite store, Target! I paired a grey t-shirt with grey leggings. I literally wear this outfit like once a week but in a different way.

Look #1: Grey and Black




What I Wore:
Shoes LolaShoetique | Bag Michael Khors | Hat Aldo

Look #2: Grey and Red




What I Wore:
Shoes LolaShoetique | Hat American Apparel

Look #3: Grey and Camel




What I Wore:
Shoes Christian Louboutin | Bag Thrifted | Jacket ASOS

Look #4: Grey and Olive
 




What I Wore:
Shoes Jessica Simpson | Bag Louis Vuitton | Necklace Macy's | Jacket Macy's 
13 October 2015

Good Character and Efforless Looks

Happy Monday! 

In my early twenties, I still find myself juggling time. I happen to be the busiest person I know! Even on a day off, I have a day filled with EVERYTHING to do.

One thing I struggled with after staying so busy is: being on time. We all hear the saying that "You are what you do, not what you say you'll do." Sometimes we just don't really understand how deep it actually  goes; you're being dishonest. You said one thing and did another. How can someone take you serious? How can someone rely/depend on you? How can someone trust you? Although our intentions were good, we didn't actually keep our word.

Since I long to stand for good character, I prayed that I could become someone that people could depend on in times of need. I started by going to church on time. Next, I'll demonstrate this change by trying to arrive to work early daily.

I also tried to keep my word with my family. For example, I went to sleep at 4am, woke up at 7am and told others I would meet them by 7:30am yesterday morning. That means I was crunched for time! Not only did I not have my things packed, but I had to drive 15mins away. When I drove onto that parking lot like it was a racetrack around 7:30am, I really shocked myself!

I'm still questioning how I managed to pull off an effortless look, with no sleep and still continuing to keep good character at the same time.



I went for my current go-to favorites: a grey skirt, white button-up blouse and a hat.

 
 
"Commitment means staying loyal to what you said you were going to do long after the mood you said it in has left you."
 
 

What I Wore:
Top New York & Co. | Bottom Target | Hat Express | Shoes Lolashoetique.com | Bag Celine
 
How do you practice staying true to your word??????
 
Xoxo,
 
Courtney :)
05 October 2015

From Summer to Fall in Style

Happy Monday!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

I got to spend it with some of my favorite people. My favorite part of this weekend was going to STK in DC! It was such a beautiful place with great food and drinks! If you know me, you know my real favorite part was picking out something to wear to such a classy atmosphere.

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of transitioning/maximizing my wardrobe. I will wear any season dress, ANY time! For this look, I transitioned this cute little olive colored dress. I paired a simple dress with my fall season favorites: black boots, a black leather jacket and bold red lips! (Black boots or leather jackets can do wonders on any outfit!)

Sorry in advance, but my favorite way to top off my outfits at the moment is to add a fedora hat! I have hats for dayyyyyyyysss right now! I added an olive and black hat to match the dress and boots.

 
 
"Playing dress-up begins at 5 and never truly ends." 
 
 
I picked up this dress from a mall boutique for only $25!
 

I feel sorry for you if you aren't hip to Jessica Simpson shoes! They are so bomb! Most comfortable shoes EVER!

 
What I Wore:
Jacket BCBG | Hat H&M | Boots Nordstrom/Jesscia Simpson
 
How do you transition from summer to fall in style???
 
XOXO,
 
Courtney