marietta ohio

Ta-Da! Sporty to Chic in Lickety Split

fashion

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I’ve recently been incorporating my favorite athletic shoe with a lot more things to create variety in my life. You already know how I love versatility…it’s kind of my favorite word 😏. Adding this faux leather jacket to this white textured dress from the much anticipated  Emleigh and Mama B’s created the perfect sporty look.

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And then when you add this little cutey from Wit & Whimzy, it makes it the perfect errand- running wristlet❤️ The gold studs tie in wonderfully with the gold in my necklace.

 

Now for the magic! Look how elevated this look is once you switch up the shoes and take off the black jacket. I showed two ways to create a more chic look. Add a white denim jacket or simply go without a layering piece. Either way this white cotton dress number is yet another effortless way to be comfortable, yet super chic.  And check out those pockets! When you add white on white mixed with gold it creates an elegant, fresh look.

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Don’t forget how impactful a bold earring can be when completing your look. These beauties are also from Emleigh and Mama B’s. Don’t forget to watch for the opening day in early May.

Your Faithful Dreamer,

Courtney

 

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Professional Wear: How Do You Make It Your Own?

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Today I had the honor of presenting to a classroom of Marietta College students on what is appropriate to wear during an interview.  It inspired me to write about this topic for a few reasons:

1. Show an appropriate interview look.

2. Demonstrate how to transform your interview look into your own style for a later purpose.

The first image shows an appropriate outfit for an interview. Many people think you have to wear a matching suit but that’s not necessarily the case. I kept my accessories minimal and the colors more toned down. I love this Chanel-inspired tweed jacket from Talbots, but this is not my typical style. So I put together a look that is more me so that I have multi-use.

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I love this jumpsuit I acquired last summer from Peyton & Peppy. I love the mix of something classic with something edgy. I also included a warm tone with my shoe to add some interest.

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And you know how I can never get enough of Lynne and Lucille jewelry. These earrings are made of hair-on-hide and I found them at Wit & Whimzy. I love the texture it adds to the tweed jacket without competing with it.

A79B4975-BF05-41CE-AAE3-8BB5FE947839Lastly, in honor of speaking at Marietta College, I used one of their tee shirts to show a semi-professional way to show team spirit. You can tie something professional with an item that’s more casual.

If you have any questions about what to wear on interviews or how to make business wear more your style, please feel free to hit me up!

Your Faithful Dreamer,

Courtney

 

 

 

Holiday Fashion and Tradition

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Well it’s that time of year again! The holidays are quickly approaching and I’ve had some inquiries lately on how to layer to keep warm while still looking festive and not too casual. The above look is perfect for just that! I paired a flounce sleeve striped top along with my black, faux fur vest (both from Talbots). I decided to wear a festive green pant with a tone on tone burgundy and rose statement necklace. This pairing helps brighten and bring holiday cheer to the look. I couldn’t resist wearing my favorite over-the-knee boots because they’re lined and so warm!

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For an extra layer I tossed on my go-to blanket scarf. See, you can mix these two patterns without it being too over the top. It works because stripes is a neutral pattern.

Lets talk traditions for a moment. What are you in charge of when it comes to Thanksgiving and what is your favorite Christmas or other holiday tradition?  I am always in charge of the mashed potatoes and stirring the gravy (pretty easy job, huh)?.  My favorite Christmas tradition that I am now sharing with my daughter, Harper is making candy cane cookies from scratch just like my mom used to do with me. Love you, Mom!!

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Here’s a glimpse into our little home’s Christmas decor. It’s a work in progress and most of it was designed by my 5 year old daughter :). I love my pallet wood art that my Dad made to create  a warm and cozy setting…still looking for a great spot to hang some of them.

I hope all of you have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving with either your family or framily! Hope to hear from you!

Your Faithful Dreamer,

Courtney

Fall Essentials-Part Deux

fashion

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Today is game day and me and the little are sporting our OSU gear to support the man in our life’s favorite team. It’s also a great time to sport one of my go-tofall essentials, a houndstooth wrap.

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Every woman should own a wrap because they are very versatile and it’s almost like you’re carrying a blanket around with you! Who doesn’t want to be all snuggled up while looking fashionable? It’s also a very effortless look. It can turn a tee shirt and jeans into a more accessorized look.

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Here’s a more elevated, fashion-forward look. This time I paired the wrap with my side-tie wildberry top and denim all from Talbots along with my velvet over-the-knee boots. On warmer fall days you could wear a cute flat or heel to give it a different look.

So, what color wrap are you going to get this fall?

Your Faithful Dreamer,

Courtney

 

Fall Essentials-Part 1

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Fall weather has officially arrived! My favorite season of the year. I love layering and mixing things up. I will be blogging about a few fall essentials for my next couple of blog posts so stay tuned.

My first recommended fall fashion piece? A quilted vest like the one I am wearing from Talbots. This is a great alternative to wearing a jacket when you’re not really wanting to wear one or carry it around. This one is waterproof and also very warm.  I chose to pair it with my gray flounce sleeve Talbots sweater and button-fly denim. I love small details which is why I cuff the denim and appreciate the flounce sleeve.

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Next I created a richer, more edgy look with the vest. I stuck with the details for my sleeves on my other sweater from Talbots in this beautiful pine color and wore my leopard print over-the-knee boots. These boots are always conversation starters when I wear them and they really help create a different vibe for the vest. Clearly I give them two thumbs up 👍🏻👍🏻.

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So if you really like to layer make sure and get one of these wonderful, longer vests to keep you all snuggly wuggly!  And don’t forget how casual you can make this vest too. For instance, if you’re a skier this would create a fantastic snow bunny look with fitted ski pants for those warmer ski days.

So tell me, what’s YOUR favorite fall piece to wear?

Your Faithful Dreamer,

Courtney

Iconic Fashion:|| Insider Info

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If you haven’t heard of the Sparkly Ladies Night party that takes place in Marietta, Ohio the first Saturday of every December,  I’m about to share some exciting information.  You’ve heard that expression, “all dressed up and no place to go” right?  Well, here’s a fantastic opportunity to not only get all glammed up, but also enjoy an awesome night out with the ladies!  I’ve teamed up with Andi Roberts of Hot Tomato Pin-up Academy to supply a hint with this year’s theme.  Last year we took you back to the prohibition days where the dames kicked back in a smokey speakeasy.

So what’s this year’s theme you ask?  Here’s a hint from yours truly. Check out the black and white photo above.  Where do you think you would find me?

Fashion is my expertise and if I had it my way we’d be heading to The Big Apple to shop for an iconic wrap-dress by the one and only Diane von Furstenberg (just like the one I found here in the Hot Tomato wardrobe).   Did you know she invented this design?   The frock is flattering, versatile, and easy to wear, pack, and style. All I can say is that I would wear something like this to Sparkly Ladies Night for this year’s theme and add some much needed bling! Just like runway fashion, don’t be afraid to go over the top because it’d welcome at this place during it’s time.

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So where would you find me?  Send your guess to the following email:

sparklyladiesnight@gmail.com

If you guess correctly, you’ll be entered in a drawing to win a set of tickets.  Good luck to all of you and hope to see you there!

Your Faithful Dreamer,

Courtney

Dreamy Denim

fashion

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If you haven’t noticed yet, I’ve been collaborating with Peyton & Peppy Boutique lately and I just have to say I have been really impressed with the clothing I have been sharing with you.  When I dropped by to take a gander after one of their live facebook shows, I saw this jumper from across the room. This piece is part of their upcoming fall collection and I HAD to try it on.

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What’s unique about this garment is that it has more of a drop waist. This is not a common fit for most jumpers so some may feel when they try it on that it’s not the correct fit on their body.  But rest assured, this is the way it’s supposed to fit.  I adore the wide leg on this as well; another bit of uniqueness 😉  I paired my Chinese Laundry wedges from Peyton & Peppy too but there are a variety of shoes you would pair with this.  And check out the back of that jumpsuit ❤ Groowwwlll!

I also like to show pieces such as this that you might love but think you can’t wear many different ways.  Here are my two pieces of advice for that:

1.) Sometimes us ladies need a really spectacular piece in our closet for a special occasion (anniversary dinner, a night out with the ladies or your birthday party)!

2.) Be brave.  Step out of your comfort zone and experiment with your wardrobe.  Maybe you’re uncomfortable showing a little skin.  Peep the look below to show how I layered a casual white tee and wore during a day date with my husband and a backyard party at a friend’s house later that afternoon.  Had I owned a pair of white converse sneakers, I would’ve paired it with this look as well.  How fun and sporty!  And, a VERY different look and vibe to the outfit.

I wore my my open-toed sling backs for this specific look since I was going on a date 🙂  I’m sure you’ll see this jumper again so I can show you how to wear it in the cooler months.

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I hope this inspired you to dig into your closet and play with your wardrobe a little bit more.  Give yourself a chance and please stop telling yourself, “I can’t pull that off!”  Be confident in your clothing and you CAN pull ANYTHING off 🙂

Also, if you love my lip color in my first look you should chat with my cousin, Traci on facebook or instagram.  She introduced me to lipsense and I am obsessed!  This color is called Samon.

Did you enjoy this article?  If so, please feel free to share on your social media so that I might be able to inspire someone else.  Thanks for stopping by!

Your Faithful Dreamer,

Courtney

Shop Ran.dom.o.si.ty 7.4.0. <3

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I’m so stoked for the launch of my tee shirt line! For a limited time only you can pre-order these designs I created. It’s been a dream of mine to start a clothing line, so here’s to baby steps!  If you or someone you know would be interested in these designs you can get them in either a tee shirt or tank style AND they come in plus sizes. These are unisex sizes in case there are some fellas that are interested in some of the designs (my husband loves the r. tee shirt).

I’m obsessed with how soft these tees are ❤ Did I mention I’m offering FREE SHIPPING!? You have until August 10th to place your pre-order. Click here to shop and place your order today!

Your Faithful Dreamer,

Courtney

Lady in Red

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Not too long ago a good friend of mine gave me a sweet “just because” card with a gift card in it to H&M.  Talk about a nice little surprise!!  I wanted to share one of the tops I had been eyeballing on the website and got to purchase this weekend.  I liked this top because I thought it was a unique take on a mesh top.  It also came in black which is what I typically would go for because I am a sucker for black clothing.  I decided to be different and just go for it.  This shade of red is a lot of fun because it is nice and bright and has an orange undertone which I feel is a more flattering shade of red with my skin-tone.  It also matched a pair of shoes that I already had!  Typically, I don’t go for matchy-matchy but I liked it for this specific look because I paired it with the black bralette to help break up the red along with my new dark jeggings from Talbots (my new denim obsession-seriously, go try a pair on because you won’t regret it).  I would wear this look for a night out with the ladies or a date night with your significant other.

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I also liked the challenge this top gave me to style it differently.  Here, I decided to pair it with a black tank for a more casual look and my go-to leopard-print slip-ons.  I also threw on the lace kimono and black fedora to show different layering techniques.  I would wear this look multiple places such as a downtown art fair or a day of shopping (a great look that can mask a bad hair day and provide a trendy look without much effort.

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Lastly, this shows the look without the hat in case you aren’t a hat person.  Simply by taking off the hat it transforms this look.  What color would you like to wear more?

Your Faithful Dreamer,

Courtney

Classic vs. Trendy

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Recently, I’ve taken a new job where I need to create a more classic look than I typically vere towards.  Now, I love and appreciate all styles but I tend to be drawn to more edgy looks. With this new job I am shopping more purposeful. I need more versatile looks that will be appropriate for work while sticking to my true style. This first image shows how I am wearing a pant from Talbots called the Chatham pant. I adore the color red and loved that they were also on clearance! Win, win. I also LOVE this handbag that my mother bought me while I was visiting her in Florida a few years back ❤

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Can we talk about the amazing herringbone detail on this blazer?! I knew I had to have it! It’s also from Talbots and perfect for the summertime because of the 3/4 length sleeve (found in stores). I also love the button detail. I paired it with an existing striped tank I had in my closet because I wanted to show how you can mix texture with a print.

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Like I mentioned above I am always drawn to a more edgy look and even though I am in my thirties I’m not afraid to wear a graphic tank to celebrate being “female” (bodysuit is from Charlotte Russe). I never take myself too seriously when it comes to sticking to fashion labels of what is “age-appropriate.” I say if you like it, then wear it (within reason of course; for instance you probably won’t see me in a crop top at age fifty or above). I wore my glasses because I felt it was fitting for the look I was going for.

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Now, this last image I threw on my printed blazer because I adore the print and I like the look that it brings to this outfit.

I hope this post helped show how you can create two total different styles with just one vibrant colored pant!

Your Faithful Dreamer,

Courtney