Street Style Interview by Arash Mazinani

Good morning readers! (I had to actually make sure it still WAS morning! Ten minutes left of it....so enjoy while it lasts!) I wanted to share an exciting and amazing endeavour I've had with you this week. I was recently interviewed by Arash Mazinani for his street style feature on his blog. He is such a charming and likeable guy, plus this guy can WRITE! I really enjoyed his post recently about Celebrating our Bodies and I suggest you get readin' it ASAP! Please show him some love and support and check out his posts.....it's all about supporting each other, no?

Below is a glimpse of the interview, as you can read the full post on his blog!

Street Style Icons: Courtney Hayes

by Arash Mazinani on April 20, 2013

There were a couple of my Twitter followers discussing Courtney’s fabulous style a couple of weeks back. Naturally, I had to click through and see what all the fuss was about. On my first viewing there were a couple of things that struck me about her style: she certainly wasn’t shy about wearing bright colours and her shoe game was tight! Any blog that mixes bold colours and great shoes instantly wins me over and I knew straight away that I wanted her to feature as a street style icon. She had agreed to allow me to interview her and feature on my blog within a few days of discovering her site ‘CupcakeObsessions‘. You should definitely check her out, especially if you’re a bit shy about using colour and need some ideas for combining colour palettes. So let’s see where she get’s her inspiration from… (FOR FULL INTERVIEW, CLICK HERE :)

As usual- thanks for reading lovelies!

Until next time, keep styling! XOXO!!

Courtney

Be Bold: BE YOURSELF!!

Is today really Wednesday? WOW! This week seems to be flying right past me and I feel I'm loosing grasp on catching up....Oh well, I suppose I can let it slide this week, right? If we all tried to be perfect and on-point with everything ALL the time, (which, let's just STOP right there...it's IMPOSSIBLE folks!) we'd never even have the strength to roll out of bed, let alone tackle one event in our day. I am taking it easy today....had a wonderful long walk outside and enjoyed some much needed sunshine. So yeah for slow & relaxing days! Anywho....on to my look! :)

This photo was taken last night and I just couldn't get enough of this look! Seriously....this outfit is possibly my favorite so far. However, that being said, have any of you noticed that you state something like that, then in a couple weeks are like, "yeah, it's ok" and have moved on? Yep, that is the effect of style growth....something we all must have, or we will fail. I have learned to embrace failing rather than appalling it. 

When I first started styling myself, I thought I was really great (now don't get me wrong, I know I have talent in this area! :)) but was ignorant about ever making a mistake and ever thinking I'd look silly. I think y'all know what I'm talking about here....ever look back to a couple years ago, thumb through pictures and think "what WAS I wearing?". Yeah, that! Maybe part of it is that I'm getting older (READ: (hopefully) more mature) and accepting failure in life because it is unavoidable (this is a BIG one to remember, so mentally note it!). I am actually getting to the point where I am now seeing the positive effects of those first negative (silly, awkward, unbalanced) looks. I hope this makes sense....I think it has to do with being fearless, accepting who you are NOW & being bold and just DOING what you feel. I want to keep these things in mind and keep on being who I am. 

Thanks for reading lovelies! Love to hear your thoughts, comments, etc! :)

Jumper- Topshop, Shirt- Zara, Skirt- Zara, Tights- HUE, Heels- Zara. 

Photos: Tyler Hayes

Until next time, keep styling! XOXO!!

Courtney

Floral Bodycon Dress

Happiest Tuesday to everyone! Remember my last ON MY MIND post? It was all about bodycon dresses. I STILL have bodycon dresses on my mind so I decided to wear one of mine this week. The print & colors of this bodycon are divine, aren't they? The fit is pretty good...I have lost some weight since I last wore it (like 5lbs), but it makes a big difference in the way it fits as the waist is too big. I still wore it anyway although I do need to get my sewing machine out and fix it!! I will, I will (at least, that's what I keep telling myself....I have about 10 other clothing related "I will's" sitting in my closet...I need to change them to " I DID's!"). 

Texture, prints & colors were my main focus. I loved the cardigan playing off the printed dress, whilst the sheer polka dot tights against the brown suede and leather sandals gave it a playful feel. For some true "me" in the mix, I added this gorgeous necklace & awesome purple riding hat for some funk and 'tude. Tell me, what do you think? 

As always- thanks for spending time with me....I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Hat- Locally Made (Tag removed), Necklace- Old, Dress- ASOS, Cardigan- Topshop, Belt (worn backwards)- Zara, Tights- HUE, Sandals- Steve Madden.

Photos: Tyler Hayes

Until next time, keep styling! XOXO!!

Courtney

The Knotted Skirt

HAPPY TUESDAY!! WOW! It is an absolutely incredible day here! The weather is just GORGEOUS! Today is supposed to get up to the lower 80s. Can you see I am finally able to wear an outfit without a coat AND without tights? I seriously feel like I am in California right now! PARTY!! (Currently doing a slight groove on the couch while typing this :)). No joking around though, I do feel as though summer just got dumped on my lap! It's a good thing that I keep all my maxi skirts in my closet year-round (most of my tank tops, shorts, summer linens- get stored up for protection against sun, heat and bug damage),and here I am sporting this comfy jersey one. I love to knot this maxi as the fabric is perfect for it (jersey is known to be a highly sought after fabric for fashion designers who love to drape on the form/body). 

In case any of you are getting tired of the BLUE hues....I hope I'm not boring you! I just love, love, LOVE them!! And, when I look good in them- its a win-win!! 

The most important thing about this look is I have managed high style and gave up no comfort. The cropped top is a sweatshirt in a cotton/poly blend, the maxi skirt is rayon jersey (it feels SO yummy on the skin!) and the heels aren't very tall. This is what I call a SLAM DUNK!! 

As always...I love hearing any and ALL of your thoughts, comments, questions, tips! Thanks for reading!!!

Cropped Top- Topshop, Skirt- Nordstrom (old), Heels- Aldo (old).

Photos: Tyler Hayes

Until next time, keep styling! XOXO!!

Courtney

Striking Red Blazer

Red is known to be a conversation starter, shows (& boosts) confidence, powerful, exotic, and the color of passion, among other things. It is no longer a mystery why I continually choose red often in my clothing- whether that be when I'm out shopping, styling, or kicking it at home. With the vastness of emotions tied to the hue, it makes a lot of sense! I am such a fan and believer of emotional dressing.....talk about "wearing your emotions on your sleeve"! (ok, I just couldn't resist! :)) 

When I was deliberating a title for this look, I kept thinking how striking the blazer was and how it really shaped the overall look. Clearly, I decided on a simple title I felt said it all :). With help from the sensational flamingo print top (this is going to be a GO-TO top this coming summer, I can just feel it in my bones now!) and lively yellow-green sandals, they get the job DONE! (I am literally smiling and saying DONE with an authoritativeness and slightly gangsta vibe right now). Hope you all liked this bright and energetic look....thanks for making a stop here and reading! ENJOY the remainder of the weekend! BIG SMILES! :)

Blazer- Zara, Sunglasses- 80s Purple, Tank Top- Zara, Jeans- Zara, Heels- Prabal Gurung for Target.

Photos: Tyler Hayes

Until next time, keep styling! XOXO!!

Courtney

Pink Polka Dot Princess

Hello again lovelies! Here is my 2nd and final post today, I promise! It is so nice out today- I actually didn't have to wear one of my heavy winter coats. Quite a nice change from the usual bulky layers. I was feeling a bit like a princess after styling my hair today too (besides, the wind today is not the roaring 20-30 mph it normally is). Funny story for you (honestly it's not really humorous :)).....I used to be all about styling my hair in high school, into college, dating and early marriage. You name it, I did it (curl, wavy, straight, buns, braids, french twists, messy up-do's, all sorts of ponytails, etc). Now, I rarely really "style" my hair. I actually took the time to curl my hair (well, not truly curled, but wavy) and was super satisfied. With make-up on I look.....GOOD (All y'all know what I'm talking about too...don't deny it. You know, the once-twice-three time checking yourself out in the mirror. Then taking the next step and glancing at yourself off any shiny object the entire day!). I hope that in the days to come, possibly weeks & months to come, I can keep up with this look. I love it and it takes about 15 min. BOO-YA! Any of you have hair styles you'd like to share?

Sweater- Forever 21, Dress (worn as skirt)- Zara, Tights- HUE, Sandals- Steve Madden.

Photos: Tyler Hayes

Until next time, keep styling! XOXO!!

Courtney

Neon Orange Skirt

Remember a couple posts back when I was discussing my obsession about neon? Well, I think it's obvious now! I have been seeking to obtain more oranges in my wardrobe (as I have such a strong affection for the HUE and it's not always easy to find!) and came across this skirt in Topshop the other day and just had to own it. (There are actually TWO optional lengths- one here and one here ). Seriously, the skirt was begging me to buy it. Naturally, I gave in. 

I will point out the obvious. Not too many people would want to wear this much bold color at once. That is were I am different. When putting this outfit together, my starting point was my striped wedges. Although they are not the same shade of orange as the skirt, I think they're brilliant and marvelous. Besides I don't like matchy-matchy looks all the time. As mentioned previously, I am a sucker for tone-on-tone styling. Here I have managed that with the blues. Notice the cobalt blue against the navy suede wedge, and on top, notice the sky blue jumper against the cobalt/royal-ish blue snood. 

I am already thinking about how to style this skirt next time. I would love to pair it with black & white to give it a crisp look with either a patterned tight (this idea came from my hubs- THANKS babe- positively genius!) or lace hosiery. 

So, what do you all think? Too much color for you? How would you style this fantastically bright orange skirt differently?

Scarf- J Crew, Jumper- Topshop, Skirt- Topshop, Tights- HUE, Wedges- Jessica Simpson (old)

Photos: Tyler Hayes

Until next time, keep styling! XOXO!!

Courtney

Leather & Lace Skirt

Yellow, black and pink. I have been thinking about putting together these amazing hot pink color-blocked heels with yellow for awhile...and I am FINALLY getting around to it! YAY! (This may not seem like a big deal to any of you lovelies- but for me to put something I've been thinking about for awhile into action IS a big deal, as most often I forget!). What inspired me was the idea of a crisp and clean "middle" (in this photo, my black skirt & white shirt) surrounded and balancing the bold colors (my heels & coat :)). This skirt is on it's way to becoming one of my favorite skirts in my wardrobe...it is so textural, shiny, sophisticated & chic, not to mention it can either be tough or feminine. I would most definitely wear this look to a museum (MOMA, Whitney Museum or Gallery jumping in Soho anyone?). I love the idea of going to a museum and looking like a piece of art. After all, fashion is art. Hope you all liked the look as much as I did! Please feel free to share..... :) 

Coat- J Crew, Necklace- H&M, Top- Zara, Skirt- Zara, Tights- HUE, Heels- Topshop.

Photos: Tyler Hayes

Until next time, keep styling! XOXO!!

Courtney