Tag Archives: OOTD

Designed around a bag…Olivia Miller on Cortneybre…

Posted in What I Wore Today by

This entire outfit was planned to coordinate with this fantastic Olivia Miller bag I found on sale at Bealles.  

On sale as in $14.99.  What a steal!  

Bag: Olivia Miller Blouse: Bisou Bisou @JCPenney Pants: Worthington Sunnies: Franco Sarto Bow: Hobby Lobby

Bag: Olivia Miller
Blouse: Bisou Bisou @JCPenney  Pants: Worthington
Sunnies: Franco Sarto  Bow: Hobby Lobby

I also bought its counterpart which is very similar but in color and another Olivia Miller bag as well.  

I might need ALL of them so why take the chance, right?

You’ll be seeing both bags in a future post!

If you have a Bealles in your area, go check it out!  They have great (and very inexpensive) jewelry and cute bags like this one!  

If not, you can purchase the bag HERE also!  

Hope you’re having a great week!  


 

 

 

 

Olivia Miller bag

 

 

wide leg

 

 

 

 

vest

*Bow made by me using red satin ribbon from Hobby Lobby and adding a pin via hot glue gun.  🙂

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Frigid Fashion

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Staying warm in this frigid winter weather can be difficult.  Especially when one is taking outfit pictures outside in the elements!  Today’s post is short and sweet and I must admit that I was trying really hard not to grimace while taking these shots.

Jacket: Carole Little Turtleneck: Under Armour Skirt: ASOS Bag: Kate Spade NY Boots: Nine West

Jacket: Carole Little  Turtleneck: Under Armour
Skirt: ASOS  Bag: Kate Spade NY
Boots: Nine West

One thing I’ve realized is that scuba material (neoprene) is quite warm, especially if its thick.  Today’s post features one of my favorite ASOS purchases – a bright pink neoprene skirt. Similar here!

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When paired with fleece lined tights, the wind was somewhat bearable as I posed.  I also layered a turtleneck under my tweed jacket.

My biggest secret for keeping warm is layering.

Layering 1WHAT you are layering makes a HUGE difference though.  I’ve been layering my athletic workout wear – think dark fitted tops and leggings – under my everyday outfits – even jeans!  These types of fabrics were designed to hold in heat and provide an extra layer of protection against the cold.  They are also totally unnoticeable!

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Under this fab jacket, I have on a Qualifier Turtleneck by Under Armour.  It looks great and keeps me warmer without the bulk!

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Hope you all have a GREAT weekend!  Yay!  It’s Friday!

 

Happy in Boden Blue and Polka Dots!

Posted in What I Wore Today by

Hello my friends!  Hope you’re faring well during this cold winter!  The holidays are behind us…if only for a few months and I’m excited my schedule has calmed a bit.

I’m now fighting the battle to stay warm and stylish, especially when its much easier and more comfortable to bundle up in thick, shapeless attire.  However…I refuse to succumb and on this particular day, I chose a polka dotted shirt by Boden to brighten up this drab climate!   

I am absolutely in love with Boden’s new Spring line.  I have several items in my cart now just awaiting purchase.  Check out their new Spring line here!  The Grace Skirt and Alice High Heels are a must have! 

Until Spring arrives, my new winter staple, and one which I cannot believe I didn’t come upon before, is fleece lined tights!

I stumbled upon a treasure trove of them at Marshall’s a few weeks ago and I’ve worn them almost every single day since that time.  

I actually find tights more comfortable than jeans or pants so I’m enjoying the comfort they bring as well as the warmth!  As with today’s outfit, don’t forget to add color!  I love these fleece lined navy blue tights by Steve Madden.  Buy them here or check out your local Marshalls!  

Another way of adding color is with a bright bag!  I think this tomato red bag by Olivia + Joy does the trick nicely.  Similar here!

Additionally, the collar and sleeves of this Boden shirt are pink and white gingham, which adds a little punch of unexpected color also!  

I hope you have a fantastic weekend!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shop the look!:             Tory Burch Amy pump

Belk Style…and Shopping Tips from Cortneybre…

Posted in What I Wore Today, Wish List! by

Cortneybre holiday 1

 

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!

Shirt:  JCREW Factory – find it here!

Sweater:  Grace Elements at Belk – find it here! Also, Belk is offering a 25% off sale now too!!

Skirt:  Grace Elements at Belk – shop it here!

Also love this one and this one!

Pearl Necklace: Old but similar here at Belk!

Shoes:  Nine West (old) but very similar here!

Hope you’re having a great December…happy shopping!

Cortneybre holiday 1

A Crowd Pleaser…in Kate Spade Saturday

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Dress: Kate Spade Saturday Bag: Kate Spade New York Heels: Mossimo Sunnies: Franco Sarto

Dress: Kate Spade Saturday  Bag: Kate Spade New York  Heels: Mossimo  Sunnies: Franco Sarto

Fall has descended upon my little town like a wet, soggy blanket of gloom.  It’s hard to be upbeat with day after day of cloudy, rainy skies and dreary winds.  Plus, it makes taking a good outfit post almost impossible.

It was on one of these gloomy days last week that I shot this look.  I’m in LOVE with the dress btw…although it was a love/hate relationship at first.  It’s Kate Spade Saturday and I found it heavily discounted at Marshall’s.  (I’ve basically bought all of their KS Saturday wear that I could squeeze into).

So.  This dress…oh this dress!  I will be honest that I put it on…took it off…put it on again….found my Spanx…took it off.  Thought about it for a couple of hours.  Put on my tights …put it back on….and finally decided, “what the hell”, I’m wearing it tomorrow.

Why the hesitation, you may ask?  Well…it’s short…and shorter than I’d typically wear to work which, for me, is where I am most of the time.  So…if it won’t “work” for work, then it won’t work at all.  Aside from the fact that it’s short…it’s also very fitted and getting past the shortness of the skirt was further complicated by the fitted look of the dress.

Obviously…after all of my indecisiveness, I chose to wear the dress anyway. The result:  happily, the dress was a success and I’m happy I kept it!  (I won’t be indulging in any sweets anytime soon if I wish to continue wearing it but that’s a battle best fought later).

Back to my gloomy, no good, very bad day.  (This all ties together I promise).

Picture me…standing on a busy corner, my photographer snapping away and me trying to look posh, long and lean while internally praying it doesn’t rain and/or we don’t get accosted by homeless people.  As I’m switching up my pose, I hear whoops and hollers in the distance and as the noise gets closer…guess who it is??

That’s right.  A bus load (and I mean…every seat is filled) of convicts.  (I’m sure that was your first guess…).  

I’d like to think they weren’t violent criminals…perhaps just day traders caught for embezzling or something but I’m sure a mixture of the general prison population was contained in this little capsule of delight.

So..they cat called and yelled although I didn’t hear anything profane or inappropriate.  After one of them started to yell “werk it, girl” (remember…that’s the same thing the drag queen told me the other night..coincidence..perhaps)..I just lost it.  

Hence the picture below.  

When they finally pulled away from the red light, I waved and they all cheered and thankfully drove on their merry way…back to jail, I’m sure.  

So…I guess this dress was a hit?  With the incarcerated crowd at least! 

******Outfit Details******

Dress: Kate Spade Saturday – go to Marshall’s and buy it before it’s too late!  

Bag: Kate Spade NY…while you’re at Marshall’s looking for the dress search for this bag also!  I found it at half its original price!  Love this one too!

Heels: Mossimo for Target but similar here by Tory Burch!

Earrings:  Tahari but love these at Tory Burch also!

******     ******   ******

Hope you’re having a great week!  xx…

 

Fall Style…From The Limited

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Yesterday was the first day of Fall and I couldn’t be happier!  

I must admit that I prefer tights to bare legs and long sleeves to tank tops.  Blame it on my constant state of cold..even in the warmest settings or just that I love how slimming tights can be under a fitted dress.

Today’s look was long awaited…I recently ordered several Fall-like pieces from The Limited and was extremely happy when I finally received the order and everything fit properly.  One of my fave pieces is the dress I’m wearing in today’s post.  Buy it here and its 30% off!

Tip – if you’re looking for another Fall staple, check out this faux leather fit and flare dress.  I almost bought it…and now regret that I didn’t.  That means I might be making another purchase soon!

I digress…today’s look is comprised of this cute v-neck skater dress from the Limited, my fave Nine West leather boots (similar here), and a beautiful pashmina scarf I received last year as a present (similar here and on sale!).

Hope you enjoy the post!  Start pulling out those scarves and tights..it’s officially Fall!

 

Drag Showpalace Chic…

Posted in What I Wore Today by
Me and one of the lovely ladies of Lips!

Me and one of the lovely ladies of Lips!

Ohh…I had such a GREAT weekend!  Saturday night I took a group of friends out to a local drag show.  It’s actually a drag showpalace….filled with opulence, glitter, LOTS of mirrors and all of the camp décor you’d expect from a night club called Lips.  In one word…fabulous! 

Lips Atlanta Drag Showpalace
Wall Decor at Lips!

Maybe it was all of the glitter…the 6+ feet tall women sauntering about in serious stage makeup and hair…the multiple suspended disco balls reflecting the glitz and glam..I don’t know….but I seriously LOVED it!    

Stage Decor!

Stage Decor!

During dinner we were serenaded by lip-synching ladies who traveled around the floor taking pictures with guests and giving the audience quite the show. 

By my second drink…aptly named Kick the Bit*h to the Curb, I was out of my seat and turning in circles Abba “Dancing Queen” style to Adele’s “We Could Have Had It All”. 

Mr. Charlie Brown was our host and she brought the house down with her rendition of Oleta Adams’ “Get Here”.  It was campy, kitschy and risqué…and the audience loved it.   

Lovely decor above the bar!
Picture in the club!
Disco Lights!

One of the takeaways from the night was how confident and comfortable these men were as women.  They were more confident in platform heels and corsets than many of the women I know are in heels and skirts. 

They showed their figures and weren’t afraid to flaunt.  It made me stand a little straighter and appreciate my “assets” a little more.  I’ve always enjoyed being a girl and now a woman.  I don’t think I revel in it enough though.  We women are special creatures.  How ironic that going to a drag show made me appreciate my femininity.   

Me being silly with one of the ladies!

Me being silly with one of the ladies!  I had a few too many drinks so hence..the silly face!

So…now to what I wore.  Sadly, most of the audience dressed down for the show.  I intended to take this opportunity to dress up because if you can’t dress flamboyantly for a drag show..well when can you!? 

I took the pics below the day after the show so that the lighting was better.  I also toned down the look a bit (less bling) and hair up.  This altered the look slightly but made it more work appropriate.  I love the versatility of this dress! 

Dress: Kate Spade Saturday Shoes and Clutch: Kate Spade NY Tights: Merona Glasses: Franco Sarto Bracelet/earrings: Bealles

Dress: Kate Spade Saturday  Shoes and Clutch: Kate Spade NY  Tights: Merona  Glasses: Franco Sarto
Bracelet/earrings: Bealles

The dress I’m wearing is by Kate Spade Saturday.  It’s subtle but flashy…a strong and structured neoprene.  I adore the cut of this dress.  It’s structured in all the right places and fits like a glove.  I recently bought it for a very discounted price at Marshall’s so if you’re interested…check out your local store!

I actually was accidentally Kate Spade branded in head to toe..the shoes and the clutch are also Kate Spade NY.   I thought “Great Expectations” was an appropriate message for the night and ours were certainly fulfilled!  

Add a statement necklace and a polka-dotted bangle and I was set for the night!  

This dress is a lesson that you don’t have to dress loudly to dress well and be noticed.  One of the ladies at the show even told me to “werk it, girl!”.  That made my night!  

If you’re looking for a great night out and are in the Atlanta, Georgia area, I highly recommend Lips!!  I plan on heading back there for my birthday in a few months!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend too!  xoxo….