The Oxford Shoe: A Memorial Day Contribution

Being that Memorial Day weekend is upon us, I have been thinking about how grateful I am to have our military personal fighting for our freedom, especially since I have THREE brothers who have or are currently serving in the armed forces. Thank you Josh, Brendon and Jarrod for all you've done for our country now and through the years- I am truly grateful!

At this point, you're probably wondering what the heck my photos of oxfords have to do with Memorial Day?! Well, let me just first state now (to not offend anyone/give the wrong idea)-- I am NO way putting the value of a brogue/oxford above or even at a close notch to our servicemen and all they do for us and our country. Besides, that would be a very offensive statement, and just plain CrAzY!!....BUTTTTTTT....continue reading for more...

Sometimes a girl's gotta give a shout out to a shoe that's earned it's own Memorial Day (so-to-speak). Here are my reasons:

1.) They've paid their dues: Did you know the Oxford shoe has been around in the US since the early 1800s and before that in Ireland and Scotland? And they are STILL going strong in all sorts of styles- vintage, modern, minimal, colorful, printed, laced and raffia.

2.) They're highly educated: They were named after Oxford University. Nothing wrong with that- both stylish AND smart. THANK you for not making us choose between brains and beauty!! Unbeatable!

3.) Timeless Elegance: These shoes have not only been around for centuries (YES, centuries), they've managed to look better and better with time. Men and women wear them with an assortment of suits, jeans, shorts, socks, no socks, dresses, skirts, tights...you name it, it's been done. The best part-- most of the people sporting these shoes are very chic and artfully dressed.

Alas, those are my reasons for giving the Oxford Shoe it's own (faux) Memorial Day.

So, will YOU join in on the thanks for Oxfords? I'd love to hear- if you're a fan, yay! If you're not, why not? Please leave me a comment below! Oh, and HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!

Peace, Love, Joy,

Courtney

CHIC STAPLE: The Trench

CHIC STAPLE: The Trench

One of the most important and highly recommended pieces of clothing to invest in for the spring and fall seasons (you can ask ANY stylist) is a lightweight trench coat. I love the idea of owning ALL these gorgeous and chic trench coats, don't you?! A girl can dream, can't she?!

So....want the secret to owning a smashing and dare we say cove-table trench coat?! I know you do, so here it is: it's in the style- which should be a classic shape & tailored fit (double or single button, or wrap style- buy according to your body type), and where the statement idea falls into place is within the color, print, pattern or texture choice. Go ahead- HAVE FUN with it! After all, clothing is a form of personal expression!

Starting from Top Left & ending at Bottom Right:

Valentino Camouflage Trench

Windsmor Citron Trench

Zara Soft Trench

House of Holland Rose Embroidered Trench

Band of Outsiders Sleeveless Trench

Paul Smith Black Label Printed Trench

Happiest Weekends my lovelies! Peace, love, joy to you & yours!

Courtney

Welcome to the NEW blog!

                                                                          

 Hey guys!! It's about time I came back, eh?! I've been many months in hiatus or hibernation...whichever you prefer is fine with me. So....how are you? And what do you think of my new blog? There are still a couple tweaks here and there I need to fix....but overall, I am happy with the minimal look. 

These photos were actually taken about a month ago (I know, can you believe it?!), when NYC weather was just starting to get warmer. The hubby and I were out & about in West Village, just wondering around and having fun. I mean, what's better than exploring with your best friend? Anywho....The jacket I am wearing is actually a men's and I am still adoring my sneakers....those laces? EPIC!! Seriously, for all you gals you live in NYC- it's all about the statement sneakers and flats! WALK-ABILITY baby!

Much love to you all! Please follow me on any and all of the links to the right. PLEASE contact me if you want to be featured on my blog. 

Peace, Love, Happiness & Color,

Courtney

Photos: TYLER HAYES

Jacket- UNIQLO (similar here)

Dress- Zara (similar here)

Sneakers- Zara (Similar here)

Necklace- Topshop (similar here) 

Fifties Flare: The Elegant Full Skirt

Out of all the different era's in fashion, one of my favorites is the fifties. What I LOVE about the fifties era is the classic look-good-on-anyone silhouette. Ya'll know what I'm talking about here...the flared, full skirt (@ a knee or tea-length cut) with a fitted button-up shirt, tucked in sweater or a more modern take- the crop top. The proportions ALWAYS work, especially on a curvier girl such as myself. I love the gorgeous green too- and the fabric is a perfect combination of not too heavy, not too light. I've had skirts that are so flimsy they blow up any chance the wind comes whipping by (HELLO underwear! EEkkss!), but I've also owned skirts so heavy it's hard to move at a quick pace (not to mention the overheating from the fabric AND trying to move quickly). I can leap and bound in this skirt with grace and ease. Lovely, no?

What do YOU think of my fifties inspired look? Would you be willing to rock something similar?

Thanks for reading, commenting & supporting me! Have a happy, happy Tuesday!

Photos: Tyler Hayes

Top- Zara, Skirt- Topshop (old), Heels- Old.

Until next time, keep styling! XOXO!!

Courtney

Plaid & Check: What's NOT to love?!

HELLO, hello, hello again my lovelies! I am SO glad to be back to blogging again! My, how I've missed all of you...... Thank you for staying true to me although I've been on hiatus for awhile. 

Truth be told, there are several reasons why I've been lagging behind on blogging....some of them include work, personal time, birthday & illness (boo-hoo, right?!). It would take me a LOONNGG time to explain it all...and rather than do that, I'd like to talk about style!!

Ok- so Fashion Week was just upon us last week (here in NYC anyway!), and now London Fashion week is starting. I must admit, I didn't follow it as much this year- and I am actually happier. I DID miss all the phenomenal streetwear (which of COURSE I'll catch up on!). What are some of your favorite fall trends (if you have any)? And now we can look forward to Spring/Summer trends too! I happen to still be caught up in the wonderful textiles of fall to notice anything else. Clearly I am sporting the plaid trend (BUT- to be FAIR, I have ALWAYS been a person to pledge the plaid!), along with a check/gingham dress. I LOVE LOVE this...so romantic, no?

Let me know what you think about my look...you know I love to hear it! Thanks, as always dears for reading, commenting & supporting! BIG HUGS & Happy Weekend to all!

Photos: Tyler Hayes

Dress- ASOS, Shoes & Scarf/Shawl- Zara.

Until next time, keep styling! XOXO!!

Courtney

Mixing Prints: Polka Dots & Tie Print

Another Wednesday is upon us....so happy Wednesday to you! :) Here is my most recent look. I was feeling very print-y (Is that even a word?!) and it shows. I have been interning at a fashion design textile studio for a couple months now and as more time elapses, I want more and more prints! They are so fun to look at, aren't they? 

One of my favorite ways to mix prints is to do opposites- as I did here. Opposites attract- and I LOVE it! What do you think of it? 

As always- thanks for visiting & reading! Please share....

Shirt- J Crew, Pants- Zara (old), Sandals- Zara, Bag- Anthropologie

Photos: Tyler Hayes

Until next time, keep styling! XOXO!!

Courtney

Silhouette Study: Modernized 50's Look

Citrus. What is more summer than citrus? I'm talking lemonade stands, limeade, lemon bars and fresh squeezed orange juice. Such a great inspiration, don't you think? I took this citrus inspiration and spun it into this look. I am totally digging this awesome (almost Hawaiian) printed skirt...and clearly I am still sporting the crop tops (I simply CAN'T resit their cool ease). 

I have newly observed something about myself style-wise. I am loving the 50's silhouette with the full skirts modernized with crop or tied tops. Talk about a classic silhouette and one that I keep going back, and back and back to. Have you given this classic shape a try? If you have...do you like it? If not, why? If you haven't taken the silhouette for a spin, let me know when you give it a try! 

Thank you for reading! I LOVE to read your comments, so please feel free to leave one!

Crop Top- Topshop, Skirt- Asos, Heels- Prabal Gurung for Target heels, Necklace- Old.

Photos: Tyler Hayes

Until next time, keep styling! XOXO!!

Courtney