Kate Spade NY

A Fashion Mid-Year Crisis…

I think I’m having a fashion mid-year crisis. Or is it a mid-year fashion crisis. Or is it even a crisis at all?

Jacket: Crown & Ivy/Belk Skirt: NY & Co Bag: Kate Spade NY Heels: Kate Spade NY — **Jacket: Crown & Ivy/Belk Skirt: NY & Co Bag: Kate Spade NY**
**Heels: Kate Spade NY**

I didn’t post last week and it’s due to my inability to ground myself – fashion-wise. I’m all over the place!

Pinks and polyester-silk blends one day and understated black dresses with large hoop earrings the next.

I’ve been wearing a lot of stripes lately too. Does that mean I want to change my own, figuratively speaking?

Blame it on the weather or the season. Or the simple fact that I can wear fleece lined black tights every day and be very, very happy (and warm).

I do think it’s more than just the weather or the need for warmth. I’ve been feeling the need to reinvent myself and to adopt a new look.

I do like to dress on trend and find myself caught up in the whirlwind of ever-changing fashion “what’s hot now” fads.

While I’m not giving that up, I’m thinking about evolving from a world of bows, pinks, polka dots and midi-skirts to one filled with bold colors and sleek lines. I’m thinking of cutting my hair. Images of a chic, Vidal Sassoon-esque (circa 1960) bob flash before my eyes. No more buns or pony tails. Gone are the days of the good girl. Hello modern art maven!

I might take it a step further and lean towards a more gender neutral look. Tailored black suits with Italian made loafers and just the right bold bag. Ok…maybe some ruffles.

Who knows where I’ll land. I do still love my polka dots, midi-skirts and cardigans. Perhaps, until I figure out just who I’m becoming, I’ll just take it day by day. For now…stripes are the answer.

Have a great week! xx…

February 12, 2015

Cortneybre4 Comments

Layering…Stripes on Stripes…on Cortneybre…

I love this dress. It’s comfortable and very versatile. I’ve worn this dress as a.. uh.. dress.. but also as a skirt and a shirt – during winter and summer. It dresses up nicely but also looks great with a jean jacket or sandals.

Dress: ELLE (Kohl's) Blouse: Bisou, Bisou (JCP) Shoes: Mossimo (Target) Necklace: Bealles Sunnies - ColeHaan Bag: Kate Spade NY — Dress: ELLE (Kohl’s) Blouse: Bisou, Bisou (JCP) Shoes: Mossimo (Target) Necklace: Bealles
Sunnies – ColeHaan Bag: Kate Spade NY

I had a friend approach me the other day about wearing patterns together. “Is that too much of a good thing?” and all that jazz. I think anything’s possible when it comes to fashion. I’ve had outfits that should have worked but didn’t and I’ve had outfits that seemed like crazy visions in my mind until I pulled them together and reaped complimentary rewards.

So, my answer to her was “I dunno…I’d just have to see it”. Probably not the most helpful, but my greater message was to take the chance, throw caution to the wind and try it on!

I decided to take my own advice on today’s outfit. I love stripes. I could wear stripes every day and feel blissfully myself. Perhaps it’s the duality of the colors, the contrast of the hues which reflects my own inner conflicts and duality. Quite deep thoughts for my shallow mind! Regardless of my adoration, I do so love stripes of all combinations and hues.

I took my beloved striped dress and added another equally fancied striped shirt (by Bisou Bisou and on sale at JCP right now…in case you’re interested) and combined the two. Voila! A completely new look from and old favorite!

I’m now contemplating other pattern on pattern looks. Florals on florals, polka dots on polka dots, plaid on plaid. The possibilities are endless. That’s a nice thought too. I like endless possibilities.

Have a great day my lovely readers, one and all!..xoxo…Cortneybre…

January 28, 2015

Cortneybre5 Comments

Belk Style…and Shopping Tips from Cortneybre…

How to not spend all of one’s money on one’s self while Holiday shopping………

Sweater and Skirt: Grace Elements at BELK Bag: Kate Spade NY Sunnies: Franco Sarto Heels: Nine West Watch/Bangle: Kate Spade NY — Sweater and Skirt: Grace Elements at BELK
Bag: Kate Spade NY Sunnies: Franco Sarto Heels: Nine West Watch/Bangle: Kate Spade NY

I’m a slow and steady shopper. I need time. Time to take it all in, time to walk about and often re-visit items I’ve spent time inspecting before. I also need space.

You will find none of these are available between Thanksgiving and Christmas. And so, one would think I would abstain from any frivolous shopping this mad, frenzied season….the only problem is…I also need sales.

Sales really get my blood pumping. The thought of buying with an added discount of X% off…tantalizing.

Buy one & get one free?! I must!

But, here is one of the biggest questions of the season…at least for me, “How do you immerse yourself in the shopping experience and not shop for yourself”?

Obviously, I know that it is better to give than to receive and I do derive a wealth of happiness in finding just the perfect gift for a friend or loved one as well as donating to charities and the needy.

However, when my distracted eye catches glimpses of colorful ladies wear…its just too much to bear. And so, here is my survival guide:

Give in – but just a little
Don’t deprive yourself of any and all shopping, especially if there are items you are currently craving and you can find them on sale. You’d be buying them anyway in the future, right? So go ahead…feed that monster…but just a snack!

Avoidance
I’m embarrassed to admit this – but I avoid the women’s clothing, jewelry, makeup and shoe aisles AT ALL COSTS! Why tempt yourself (this is after you’ve given in just a little)? You’re serious now, you got presents to buy and they ain’t for you!

Shop on an empty stomach

If you’re hungry you won’t linger and you won’t try things on! You’ll be too focused on getting in, grabbing the present for your loved one or friend and getting out!

Shop ugly

You know what I mean. This is for those of us who don’t venture out without full makeup and garb. Don’t wash your hair, don’t dare style it and leave the makeup sitting on the vanity. Throw on some sweats and sneakers and get to work shopping for those presents! You won’t dare be caught in the ladies boutique section or (egads!) the makeup aisle! Trust me…it works every time.

Go shopping in the morning and SKIP caffeine

Similar to shopping hungry but taking it to another level. No item is as appealing though a caffeine-free veil. Get that mandatory present shopping done and then head on over to Starbucks. Job well done. Mission accomplished.

I hope these tips will prove useful when shopping this Holiday season. Of course, I did not heed my own advice while shopping at Belk earlier this week and this FABULOUS outfit is the result! But really….it was on sale and I woulda bought it anyway so I’m just following tip #1!

Against my advice and your better judgment…if you’d like to shop my outfit…the links are below!