Eloquii: Sparkle and Glam

Dress: Eloquii//Heels:Sam Edelman//Watch: Michael Kors//Earrings: Banana Republic

Every December I take time to reflect on what the last year has taught me. I think about the lessons I've learned and how I'm going to use that new insight for the coming year. I don't like to make resolutions because it's too easy to put them off or just not complete them at all. So, in 2018 I plan to keep pushing. Keep hustling towards my personal and professional goals. I have an expectation of how I want to live my life and I am going to keep pushing towards that goal. 

Now, lets talk about this dress! When I think of NYE I think about sparkle and glam. Anything that's filled with glitter and sequins on a regular day I love, so when you give me a day that's dedicated to sparkle, shimmer, and shine I'm in heaven! 

I found this dress as  Eloquii. This was my first time ordering from  Eloquiiso I was cautious about the purchase. I've heard great things about  Eloquii from my fellow bloggers so I took a chance and I'm glad I did. Although, I'd suggest that you size up. The fit wasn't exactly true to size, so the dress was tighter around my hips than I would prefer. However, the high quality of the fabric and stitching made up for my minor sizing issue. This dress will definitely be a piece I wear to parties and events to show off my curves and my simple glam style.

XX, 

Courtney 

Gifts for Your Special Guy

Jeans: Old Navy//Bomber Jacket: Forever21

Finding gifts for the special guy in your life can be tough, right? Unless your special guy is choosing what game to watch or what to eat, choosing a gift that he will enjoy can be rough. 

Personally I like when a man is well groomed and put together! Here are some great gift ideas that will help your man stay organized and well groomed! 

Happy Shopping! 

XX, 

Courtney 

Girlfriends Gift Exchange

Every year I struggle with what to get my girlfriends for Christmas. We've known each other for years and years, so you would think gift giving would be a breeze! NOPE! It never its. I go back and forth with decisions. Should I get something sentimental? Or should I get something fun that they could use daily? I never know. So this year I decided to share some ides of what is on my list for gift ideas for my best girlfriends.

XX,
Courtney

Sitting in my Cart

With all of the crazy Black Friday deals and the Cyber Monday deals to come, I figured I would provide you with some inspiration. Here are a few items that I have been eyeballing over the past few days. Click on each image to go directly to the item! 

Happy Shopping! 

XX, 

Courtney 

Cold Shoulder Sweater

Sweater: Sanctuary//Pants: Old Navy// Boots: Athena Alexander

Earrings: Banana Republic//Handbag: Justfab

So I've had this sweater for a while and I've been wearing it all around town. I found it at Nordstrom on an en promptu shopping trip with my aunt. I knew instantly when I saw it that I'd get a lot of wear out of it this season. Not only is the color awesome, but I've been super into anything OTS or cold shoulder this year. This is perfect! It's also not too thick. Sometimes sweaters can be a bit too heavy and with this L.A. fall heat, that will not work! 

I plan on wearing this sweater into the new year, so keep an eye out for it on all of my social media platforms! 

XX, 

Courtney 

Checkered Blazer

Jacket: H&M//Tank: August Silk//Belt: Merona//Jeans: Old Navy//Loafers: Nine West//Watch: Michael Kors//Earrings: Banana Republic

I was recently on the hunt for new work clothes and I came across this blazer from H&M. I'm no stranger to a good blazer and I've really been into the checkered print I've been seeing everywhere. 

When I look at this print it comes across a bit masculine for me, but I knew I could make it work. So here you are! Easy peasy! I've already worn it to work, church, and out on the weekend with the girls. 

XX, 

Courtney 

Fall Skincare Favs

Now that we are smack dab in the middle of fall I wanted to take a moment to tell you about some of my favorite skincare products for of the fall season. You are probably thinking, “Why would I change my skincare regimen for the fall?" Well, your skin goes through seasons just like the weather. As a matter of fact, the weather can have a dramatic effect on your skin. Also, your skin can build a tolerance to certain products so it's important to try new products or switch around your favorites.

Here are a few items I just re-stocked at the Sephora 20% sale!

• Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
• Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
• Neogen Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling
• Clinique : Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
• Murad: Environmental Shield Advanced Active Radiance Serum
• Murad: Murad Rapid Resurfacing Peel Pads
• Estee Lauder: Perfectionist [CP+R] Wrinkle Lifting/Firming Serum
• Clinique: Liquid facial Soap 
• Estee Lauder: Resilience Lift Firming/Sculpting Eye Creme

Off the Shoulder Weather

When you live in southern California you don't often get cooler temperatures. We wait all year long for the 3-4 weeks when it's 60 degrees and everyone brings out their sweaters and coats and uses the hashtag 'sweater weather'. As a native to southern California, I can freely admit that I am guilty of using the hashtag and pulling out all my sweaters.

Sweater: Express//Jeans: Old Navy//Booties: Franco Sarto//Earrings: Loren Hope

Handbag: Justfab//Necklace: Chanel

This season sweater weather came later than expected. It was literally 100 degrees until the last week of October! The rest of the country has been pulling out jackets and sweaters since late September and early October. Since 60 degrees is not truly what the rest of the country refers to as 'sweater weather', I figured I would at least meet in the middle with this Off The Shoulder sweater from Express.

There is something about anything off the shoulder that is sweet and sexy but always so chic. So, for this season of cooler temps I will definitely have my sweater off the shoulder for the fall-ish weather.

XX,
Courtney

 

New Suit...Who Dis?

Jacket: Express//Purple Mid Rise Columnist Ankle Pant: Express

T-Shirt: Forever21// Pumps: Banana Republic//Watch: Michael Kors

I've never been one to wear a suit to work. I've worked in corporate offices for years and I've always slid under the radar by wearing a great blazer (which I will continue to wear) and a dress or slacks. I recently started a new job with a different company and I was inspired to switch up my look! I figured that if I  was changing jobs I should also make some changes to my wardrobe. I thought of this as a full re-invention. So I was on a mission to look for new suits for the new corporate me.

Since I'm already an on-line shopper I took to my computer for my mission. Here is what I love about on-line shopping: Most retailers carry extended sizes in their on-line stores. When I know I'm going to need a longer inseam, it is much easier to look on-line than to deal with the crowds and dressing rooms when you're at the mall. Now, the downside of shopping on-line is that I have to wait for my packages to arrive and sometimes the sizing is not right. But, since I have most pieces tailored I see no issues!

Jacket: Express// Red Ruffle Pocket Columnist Ankle Pant: Express

Sandals: Sam Edelman//Bodysuit: Forever21//Watch: Michael Kors 

I found these suits at Express. Express recently extended their sizes so I was curious to see what they had to offer. I not only was surprised that the sizing went all the way up to an 18, but also was surprised to see long inseams! WOO HOO! That meant the ankle pants I ordered would actually go to my ankle and not my shin.

From now on I will most likely be in a suit when I am in my office. Wearing a suit makes me feel like the lady boss I know I already am. I will now be dressing for the role I already own.

XX

Courtney

Fall Favorite with GWCxDian

Dress: c/o GWCxDia//Watch: Michael Kors//Earrings: Old (similar)//Booties: Old (similar)

Often during the  fall season we see a lot of cozy sweaters, OTK boots, scarves, and hats. But, in Southern California we rarely have the weather during the fall season to rock what the rest of the country is wearing. So when I find pieces that meet fall trends and are also SoCal weather friendly I have make a move fast!

Recently Tanesha Awasthi, creator of Girl With Curves, partnered with Dia &Co to design a fall collection that is fabulously fitting for any curvy  silhouette. I couldn't have been more excited to get my hands on this dress once I saw it!

Now, if you’ve been following me for a while, you’d know that dresses are right smack dab in the middle of my wheelhouse! I am instantly drawn to anything remotely feminine. So, needless to say, from the moment I first laid eyes on this beautiful collection I could hear it SCREAMING MY NAME!! And seriously, this dress...I just can't!

The floral print and the way it moves when I walk makes me look and feel like  a fall queen. Plus, it's light weight so I am not sweating while looking fabulous in this maxi dress. The neckline has a super cute bow-tie detail that gives the dress some added softness and femininity.

As the weather starts to cool down I plan to find any excuse to wear this dress! Brunch, lunch, midday drinks with the girls, or maybe even an early dinner date with someone special.

XX,

Courtney

Still Blazin'

Blazer: Banana Republic//Tank: Old//Jeans: Old Navy//Sneakers: Mia//Watch: Michael Kors//Earrings: Banana Republic//Handbag: JustFab

What I love about going to work everyday, is getting dressed and wearing some really great blazers. I have even been told my uniform at work is a dress and a blazer. What can I say? I love the simple chic-ness of it all. Lately I have been obsessed with any blazer that Banana Republic puts out, so when I am able to wear them to work and for play I get even more excited! 

I found this grey double breasted blazer at Banana Republic (of course) and I am in love with it! I have worn it with a white dress and now with these red Rock Star Jeans from Old Navy. When I saw it, I fell in love with the gold buttons and the striped lining. And it is double breasted... EVEN BETTER. 

There is something about wearing a blazer that makes you feel like a boss. I feel like people look at me and think, "She must have somewhere to go". Little do they know it's only to happy hour...hehe...

XX, 

Courtney 

 
 
 

My Time in Amsterdam

Tunic: Eileen Fisher//Shorts: GlamEnvy//Sneakers: Dr Scholl's//Sunglasses: PERVERSE//Watch: Michael Kors//Handbag: JustFab

The last stop on my European vacation this summer was Amsterdam-the land of windmills and dairies. It is also the land amazing artwork. I had done some research prior to my trip and I found that Amsterdam has a lot street art, so I was on a mission to find some really cool pieces. I guess I should have assumed the city where the Van Gogh Museum is located would have really cool artwork. Even the architecture was funky. There was a mixture of modern with old world buildings that were beautiful. Everything in Amsterdam seemed so progressive and modern. I loved it! 

Just like we did in the previous city, we hit the town as soon as we dropped off our bags. We headed over to the 'I Amsterdam' sign to get the obligatory tourist picture and then wondered around the city. We walked up and down the streets admiring the laid back behaviors of the people. The locals were sitting in cafes drinking coffee, sitting in coffee shops having a....well you know what I mean (WINK WINK), and shopping in the local boutiques. There never seemed to be a rush. Unless, you crossed the path of someone on a bike. Bicycles are the main method of transportation in Amsterdam. When it came to the order of who ran the road, it was bicycles, cars, then pedestrians! We had to look alive and twice before we crossed the street! I was not about to loose my life or a limb because I failed to look both ways. 

I was surprised to see how international the city was. Honestly, I was expecting to see dutch people walking around in wooden shoes...LOL. There was so many different cultures and people from all over the world. Amsterdam is definitely a worldwide melting pot. 

On our second day in Amsterdam we took a bicycle tour around the city and into the countryside. It was stunning. There were open fields, cows and pigs meandering throughout the pastures, a windmill, and so many happy people. Each time we passed the locals while on our bicycle tour they all waved "Hello". Ok, so you know you're not in L.A. when locals waive at tourists! We even stopped at local countryside cafe and grabbed a bite to eat and a beer. Side note-the dutch make a Rosé beer! Umm... YES PLEASE! It was delicious! 

On our final day we took a canal tour  of the city. (I know I know another tour, but don't judge me... I love a tour!) It was beautiful. Amsterdam has so much history and to think that these canals have been there since the beginning was amazing. We also visited the Anne Frank house which was humbling. Getting to walk through the 'bookshelf' and see how these families survived was definitely a reminder of how precious life is and of how much we take granted. 

I now understand the pull Amsterdam has on the masses. The city has a an describable energy that takes over you when you're there. You feel like you're walking around in an alternate universe where everyone is so nice and open minded. This city is definitely a must see on your next European vacation. 

A Day in Bruge

Part of my time in Europe was spent in Bruge. Bruge is a small fishing city in Belgium. Its canal lined cobbled streets make it a perfect city for a spare day in Europe. My cousin and I were planning to go Amsterdam via train, so we figured "Why not stop in Belgium for lunch?" That quickly turned in to lets stay for the day, which of course meant were staying the night in Bruge. 

When we arrived to the hotel, I was so shocked by how quiet the city seemed. Maybe it was because it was mid-morning, or because it was going to rain, but as the day progressed the city grew more and more active. There was so much to see. There was a shop on every corner. 

As we set off in the city we found a bus tour for about 20 euros a person. We thought, "Why not?" and we hopped aboard. It was a 50 minute audio tour while the quirky driver navigated his way through the narrow streets and over the canals. We learned about the history of the city and its roots in chocolate, lace and its main export diamonds. Who knew so much would be packed in the this old city? What I also loved, was that there were swans everywhere! How beautiful, right? Legend has it that the swans were put there as punishment for eternity by Maximilian of Austria. Now to the people of Bruge, the idea of not having swans is considered ludicrous. 

As the day went on we met up with some friends of my cousin and they became our tour guides. We ate at wonderful restaurants, drank great beers, and of course stopped for waffles, chocolate, and candy! I was not about to leave this country without getting a waffle and chocolate! 

There was so much to see in the little city and I was a little bummed I didn't get to spend more time there. But this just means I have a totally legitimate reason to go back! 

Here is a list of the restaurants we dinned at while in Bruge. 

• Sorbetière De Medici 
• Maximiliaan van Oostenrijk 
• Tom’s Diner 

P.S. Did you know fries were created in Belgium and not France? I didn't! 

Ready for Fall

Dress: c/o ChicSoul//Boots: SMASH Shoes//Clutch: Forver21 (old) Similar Here//Watch: Michael Kors//Earrings: Banana Republic 

Now that we are officially in fall it is time to confess about the color schemes I have been eye-balling since summer. Maroon and Burgundy have been colors I saw coming from a mile away! I was trying to keep my eye out for new styles and trends, but I found myself coming right back to this color. It's sexy, chic, and can easily be paired with so many different options! For this post I wanted to  keep it simple (of course!) and pair it with these tan boots that I am absolutely obsessed with from SMASH Shoes. I plan on pairing this color with navy, army green, and even a mustard yellow. So stay tuned! 

I found this dress at ChicSoul which is another great on-line retailer. I have talked about how much I love on-line retailers before, but let me tell you why ChicSoul is especially wonderful. All of their pieces are very versatile. Which you know is a deal breaker for me. I need to dress it up and down! As I browsed through the site, I saw so many pieces that I could easily add to my closet. The pieces were right on trend. I saw florals, muted colors, in addition to all the pieces speaking to my inner bohemian child. Oh! I forgot to mention the price points! TOTALLY AFFORDABLE! 

I definitely plan on spending more time at the ChicSoul site! Head over and take a look. I can guarantee you will find something you like! AND use code GLAM20 for 20% off your order.

 

Tell them I sent you! 

XX, 

Courtney