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

Monochromatic

Monochromatic. To some, this simply means a black & white combo. To me it means starting with one base hue, then including varying tones & shades of that hue in the look . In this specific look, I chose a base hue of green and worked in different shades and tones, including lime green, teal, blue-green, olive, and even an aqua green. It was so much fun to create.....I LOVE color theory and complex color combinations. I have often thought I would be happy working as a textile designer or color theorist if my styling or designing clothing career doesn't pan out. What do you think about this color combo? How would you style a monochromatic look? Thanks for reading lovelies! 

Leather Jacket- Husbands, Sweater- Husbands, Skirt- Joe Fresh, Tights- HUE, Heels- Prabal Gurung, Bag- Zara.

Photos: Tyler Hayes

Until next time, keep styling! XOXO!!

Courtney

THE Cape

TA-DA!!! I felt that I had to make a grand entrance. It has been so long since my last look post!!! I am doing loads better (yes, thank you for asking! :) and was so pumped to take some pics. I was so pumped, not even snow flakes & cold weather could de-rail my photo shoot!! You can actually see some of the snowflakes in the pics, and I think it looks neeaaatt! It has been surprisingly freezing with some bouts of snow here and there. SNOW in the middle part of March?! I am ready for SPRING and it's warm weather (it is official I am VERY jealous of all you CALI bloggers!!). A girl has the right to want sunshine! 

Enter my gorgeous "faux" sunshine coat. Yes, Cali girls, this is HOW it's done here in NYC. Here are some things you (or anyone wanting to move where there are long & cold winters) lovelies should know. Take note, a serious PUNCH (yep, in the face- it's that bright :)) of color is not only necessary, but VITAL. (Please do notice there is a reason I have CAPED, BOLDED & UNDERLINED these words....it is SURVIVAL! :)) Also, layering is a MUST for looking cool & stylish, without being overly bulky....and please, let's not forget the most important part....the WARMTH factor! I love how my outfit is representing everything I've just stated. My coat is bright & seriously punchy, I've added some prints & another bold color with the cool shoes for eye appeal. Lastly, the cape is a great layering piece, both stylish & warm. How do you stay warm, dry or cool in your climate? What are the tough styling challenges in certain weather conditions? I'm all ears! 

Hat- Anthropologie, Coat- J Crew, Cape- Zara, Printed Jeans- Zara, Boots- Ego & Greed.

Photos: Tyler Hayes

Until next time, keep styling! XOXO!!

Courtney