Pay Attention to the Signs

Dress Macy's | Shoes Jennifer Le | Bag Target 

Hey everyone, 

"It's always up to you to find beauty in the ugliest days!" This quote was right on time for me! I have been one of those people that tries their best to "pay attention to the signs" whenever possible lately. For example, I saw this quote and really decided to dig deep.

In all honesty, I was really having a hard time adjusting to everything going on in the world right now. However, seeing this quote knocked my senses right back into place! I had been turned off completely from blogging during this pandemic. I was focused too much on what I "couldn't do" instead of the paying attention to the things right in front of me. "I can't even do this!" "I can't even do that!" I focused too much on the negative things going on instead of focusing on the positive things. 

I celebrated my 29th birthday two weeks ago after coming across this quote. Since I try to pay attention to the signs, I decided that I should write down the affirmations that my friends/family surprised me with as decorations. I copied them onto sticky notes and say them daily just to make sure "I'm finding beauty in these ugly days." Doing so made me feel a little more positive than I've felt during this time. See the affirmations below:

Birthday affirmations: 

1. I am worthy.

2. I am becoming more confident every day.

3. My possibilities are endless. 

4. I am proud of myself. 

5. I believe in myself everyday.

6. I am in love with myself and my body. 

7. I am doing my best.

8. I am brave bold and beautiful. 

9. I am talented and intelligent. 

10. I chose to be happy and love myself today. 

Let me know below if you state affirmations or the things you do to find beauty in the ugliest days? 

Xoxo, 

Courtney 

‘Tis’ the Season to Slay

Happy Holidays!

Hope you’re having a great week so far! This time of year is such a lovely time. It's a reminder  to look at the good in things. I had a rough time this year, but this time of year lifts my spirits despite the loss I've had. Here’s my top favorite things about this time of year:

1. No classes! ! This is my number one reason to slay right now! I don’t have to wake up and keep the stress of staying on top of my work. You may not have school anymore, but maybe you have children or young family members that you get to spend a little extra time with, if so, slay with them with fun holiday pics. So ladies, take this break to slay (even if it's your favorite holiday PJs)!

2. Spending time with family and friends. I had sooooooo much fun spending time with my friends and family that I don't get to see as often as I like. I'm a firm believer in soaking up quality time with the people you love while you still can.

3. People are much nicer. I went to NY last week and have never met so many friendly people there! This time of year, people have no choice but to be nicer

4. The beautiful views! I love the lights and decorations that is all over! Fun Fact about me: Sometimes I take the long way home just so that I can see the beautiful lights.

5. The treats! Who doesn’t like a good excuse to eat cookies or drink eggnog?

What I Wore: 

Top: Zara | Bottoms: Target | Shoes: Lola Shoetique

Xoxo, 

Courtney :)

Things Money Can't Buy

Hi Loves!

Happy Monday! Hope you all had a great weekend.

Lately I've been trying this thing; evaluating my life and making necessary changes. This meant my the way I thought changed, my goals changed and the company I kept changed as well. I tried to stay as positive as possible since I used to always focus on the negative things in my life. Being negative takes a toll on you eventually! Change was definitely a hard thing for me to do, but soooooo necessary. The things I used to value no longer served any purpose in my life.

One of my number one priorities these days is creating memories that will last a lifetime. My grandmother is one of the 3/9 siblings that are still living. I value spending time with them so much that it's become basically a full-time job for me while going to school. I cherish these moments so much as they grow older, that I make sure that we have some sort of family outing at least once a month. Our favorite thing to do together is attend church or go to brunch.

This Sunday we made reservations to one of our favorite places. Our reservations are usually for 8:30am and we don't leave until 2:30pm! We don't usually eat the entire time, but we enjoy the memories that we are making with multiple generations. No amount of money is worth these memories that we create with the people we don't want to forget.

I figured if I can look good when I go out with my friends, I can make sure that I arrive fashionable with my family as well. Sunday I chose a cute sweater and leopard print heels, simplicity for me!

“The best things in life are free; the second best are expensive.” - Coco Chanel 

What I Wore: 

Top Zara | Pants It's Fashion | Bag Target | Shoes Jessica Simpson (Macy's)

What are your favorite things that money can't buy?? 

Xoxo, 

Courtney 

Style Crush: Emily B - Silver Sparkles

Hi loves,

I hope you all love all things sparkly as much as I do! I mean really, who can resist a sparkly sequin skirt??? I'm especially obsessed because it can be worn so versatile and cheap (only $20)! I used to think of sequins or sparkly things only for a holiday party or fancy event.

I've had this skirt for over a year, but couldn't fit it at all when I first ordered it. I decided to try it on when I had less than an hour to get ready for dinner reservations and I literally died! There was no way that I could resist the skirt! I didn't have a great shirt to wear it with so I paired it with a grey t-shirt that I tied up to give a casual look.

"Charisma is a sparkle in people that money can't buy. It's an invisible energy with visible effects." 

~ Marianne Williamson 

What I Wore: 

Top Target | Skirt eBay | Bag Aldo | Shoes Target 

I can always appreciate Emily B's effortless looks. I brought the final look together with a little help from Emily B. I remember she wore a similar look last year. Emily has the same exact skirt! She also paired her sequin skirt with a grey top. 

She added icing on the cake to her somewhat casual look. She took her look step further and adding an additional layer, a jean jacket. I'm obsessed, but would've been entirely too hot in 90 degree weather :(

Xoxo, 

Courtney 

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 

Wear it, Style it, Repeat: Superwoman

Hi loves,

 

On the journey of self-growth, I find reflecting and being 100% real with myself in order to mature to the next level. The more we lie to ourselves, the more we become stuck in that place.

 

Recently, I've put my super powers to rest in order to readjust them. At one point I did so much for EVERYONE else to the point that I didn't have enough energy to take care of myself. I would clean, take this person here, do this, do that, drive 1-2 hours to work, do homework, help others with homework, and then repeat the cycle of no sleep. I wasn't able to take care of me! I was late to work, gained weight, went broke, kept my room C R A Z Y, the list goes on! Superwoman can't properly use her powers if she isn't in good standings herself!

 

The only peace I found came from taking mini vacations. On my last flight, I traveled alone which allowed me to really pay attention with no distractions. After boarding the flight, I heard the flight attendants begin discussing emergency procedures for anyone traveling with a lap child. She said, "if you have a child on your lap, remember to put the oxygen on yourself, THEN the child." A little light went off in my head "ahhhhhhhhhh, makes sense! A lap child won't be able to save two people, while the adult can!" Like the adult, I felt like the only way I could utilize those superpowers to the fullest potential was to take care of ME first, then others!

 

To me, superwoman is constantly evolving, to be the best she can be for herself and others. She knows who she is and the things she's capable of. She makes mistakes, but she learns from them, as they are part of her growth. She thinks like a queen, never afraid to fail. Failure is just a steppingstone to her greatness.

 

I wear this shirt as a reminder...

 

Look 1:

 

 

 

What I wore:

Sunnies F21 | Shirt H&M | Sweats Target | Shoes Converses

 

Look 2:

 

 

*** I cut the slits in my jeans myself***

 

What I Wore:

Shirt H&M | Jeggings Express | Heels Zara

 

Look 3:

 

 

What I Wore:

Shirt H&M | Shorts F21 | Heels Target

 

XOXO,

 

Courtney <3



Ask Cinderella

Happy Saturday!

At one point in time, I remember myself being terribly addicted to shopping. My greatest addiction happened to be shoes. It was so bad that I wouldn't go out with hopes of saving more to buy shoes. (sounds really bad, but I'm woman enough to admit it). I literally only left my house to go to work and that was it! I had to keep great heels for days that I didn't feel my best. I can't explain the magic you feel with high heels, ask Cinderella!

My addiction isn't as bad now, but I still have a great love for shoes. The best outfits start with great shoes. I always pick out my shoes for any outfit before actually looking for any clothes or accessories.

Today, I chose to start with these Zara fringed babies! With these shoes, I know I could conquer the world. A good fringe and high heel just go together like white on rice! (Yup, I'm corny lol)

"Cinderella is proof that a pair of shoes can change your life!"

I added a grey skirt and a cream tank and blazer too. Since the outfit was so neutral, I thought it would pop more if I added a bright color bag.

What I Wore:

Shoes Zara | Skirt Target | Tank F21 | Blazer F21| Bag Target

xoxo,

Courtney

Black Fringes

Hi Loves,

I've been sticking to skirts and dresses since the weather in Maryland has been getting out of hand!

I always get the "Where are you going?" questions when I leave out. I just love to look stylish even while running errands. Being comfortable and looking stylish is a must for me lately, especially after a sprained ankle!

Fringed anything always makes a fun look. I paired the fringe top with cute fringe sandals.

 

What I Wore:

Top Target |  Bottom Target | Shoes Buckle

 

Xoxo,

 

Courtney :) 

Hourglass

Hi loves, 

How would you like to get the appearance of a smaller waist or create the illusion of a curvy figure, no matter what size or shape you are?????  Most curvy girls wouldn't mind perfecting their hourglass figures; While most slim girls wouldn't mind embracing the illusion of an hourglass figure for a day! Whether you're slim or curvy, there's one trend that adds the icing on the cake for any figure.

I fell in love with the peplum style trend! As a curvy girl they save my life in multiple ways. Not only does it accentuate my curves, but they also minimizes my (not so flattering) midsection.

I will admit, that I am guilty of abusing this trend for work. How can one resist a match-made-in-heaven outfit? The perfect look with this trend includes a great peplum top with a pencil skirt. Since I'm a huge fan of bold colors and prints/patterns, it's only right that I wear a peplum look the right way (Bold peplum top with a printed pencil skirt!)

"All woman have an hourglass figure. It's just that we tote around different amounts of sand."

 

 

What I Wore:

Top Asos | Necklace Macy's | Bottom Target | Shoes Target

 

Xoxo,

 

Courtney :)

The Stylish Plain Jane

Hi loves,

 

It's rare that you will catch me looking anything close to glamorous during the week! I always tell my friends to only look forward to those days being Thursday-Sunday. The rest of the week, call me "The Stylish Plain Jane."

 

The Stylish Plain Jane usually has her hair pulled back in a bun, no heels and minimum jewelry (if any at all). She usually has the same daily routine: gym (sometimes), shower, eat, work and sleep.

 

Today, I chose to wear a plain olive, khaki style dress from Target. To make the look pop a little more, I added an orange bag!

"Glamour is about feeling good in your own skin."

~Zoe Saldana
 

Orange added a little warmth, happiness and fun to my plain look.
 

With my birthday being 5 days away, of course I had to treat myself to my favorite summer essentials, Tory Burch Sandals. Best early bday present!

 

 

What I wore:

Dress- Target

Bag- Target

Shoes- Nordstrom

 

xoxo,

 

Courtney 

Living on the edge

Hi loves,

Last night I did something I don't normally do...I didn't plan my night! For me, that is something that I never do! Sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zone and release some of our fears to take adventures and learn new things.

I must admit that was one of the best nights I've had in a while. That taught me a great lesson: let go of fear! It showed me that when I let go of fear, a new happiness and adventure was right on the other side.

If I was going to "Live life on the edge," why not add edgy pieces to my outfit! My go-to looks are usually sexy and chic. This time I added bold red lips and black high waisted shorts, something I don't usually wear.

Edgy accessories were a must! The leather spiked purse and an edgy ring completed that look.



These trendy target heels also added a part of my go-to style with the edgy look.

What I wore:

Top-Target

Shorts-F21

Ring-Jolie Bijoux

Bag-Aldo

Shoes-Target

Take more adventures, let go of fear, think outside of the box and stop caring what other people think! P.S. take your friends with you on those adventures!

How do you live life on the edge?



Xoxo,

Courtney <3