Chambray All Day

The chambray trend isn’t new, and I see it hanging around for a while, so if you haven’t hopped on the chambray train, now’s the time. A few weeks ago I did a post about some of my favorite things, and a chambray top was on the list. I have a good little chunk in my closet of different shades & shapes & styles. This color-blocked guy is another fave of mine.

Now, don’t be afraid to rock a little denim on denim (aka the Canadian Tuxedo aka ultra all-day comfort). I aimed for total comfort & casualness with my red tennies & a turban. Perfect little pops of color & comfort. I love a good turban (ladies, aren’t there days when your hair just isn’t cooperating…or, ya know, maybe you just don’t feel like doing a darn thing to it?). This headband turban is super easy to do & this tutorial does a pretty good job of explaining the steps. There are a ton of ways to wear and tie a turban, so have fun trying them out and finding your favorites!

XO – Courtney

PS – I’ll be taking next week off because I’m taking a little trip out to LA! Super excited for the little getaway, but BOLO (that’s “be on the look out”…a few of my friends are trying to make that phrase a thing…maybe it will catch on?!) for some good food & fashion posts to come outta that trip!

top [madewell] // pants [the limited] // scarf [shawlsmithlondon] // shoes [target]

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[photo credit: zack hardy]

Cupcakes for Two

Cupcakes are great, aren’t they? And everyone loves them. If you don’t, you’re crazy. I think I’ve only met one person in my life that didn’t like cupcakes…that’s just weird.

But there is one thing I don’t like about them. You have to make a ton just to enjoy one (or two). If you don’t have a reason or occasion to make them, then you end up eating the whole plate all by yourself. And yes…too much of a good thing CAN be a bad thing.

Until now…

This little Pinterest find might be the greatest one yet: Cupcakes for Two! One for you and one for your SO or your BFF…or two for you.

This recipe is just a basic vanilla cupcake, but I think I’ll be experimenting with new flavors all the time.  It’s easy and practically effortless…I’ve already made it a couple times. I tried recreating the Funfetti Cupcake by adding sprinkles to the batter and topped it with cream cheese frosting. Seriously yummy.

So after you try this little number (recipe below), let me hear how much you loved them (because you will) AND if you attempted any new flavors!

XO – Courtney

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Spring Flings & Fashion Things

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring!

I know most of us have been over this cold weather for a while, but now we can officially be upset if another round of winter hits us because it is officially spring. I can already tell you my go-to outfit this spring/summer is going to consist of cut-off shorts and kimonos. Now, it’s not quite shorts-weather yet (sure, we’ve had some warm days make an appearance, but my ghost legs aren’t quite ready for their debut yet). Now kimonos are another story. I rocked them through the winter with a fitted long sleeve tee underneath, but they make me wish for warm weather and sunshine (and have you checked the forecast for the next few days?!).

Now I’m gonna brag a little for a second, but I actually made the kimono I’m wearing in this blog (and a few others that you will see soon enough, I’m sure).  I love the fabric…it feels like the softest t-shirt material you can imagine, and I dip dyed it too. It was originally all white with the subtle burnout print. And I love that the dye didn’t take to the burnout areas. Ok, moving on now. :) I hope everyone can enjoy the warm weather this weekend, AND let’s all say a little prayer that it hangs around.

XO – Courtney

PS – In case you missed my last post, I designed some smartphone and tablet cases that are now for sale! You should check out my last post HERE and the designs can be purchased HERE (and, YES, they are still 30% off…read all about it).

kimono [handmade] // tank [h&m] // pants [the limited] // shoes [target – similar here] // 

clutch [the limited – similar here] // jewelry [pearl -- gift from my mom from Beijing Pearl Market, glass – find during my trip to Murano]

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[photo credit: zack hardy]

Jackpot o' Gold

Happy St. Patty’s Day kids. Hope you wore your green, gave out all necessary pinches, and found your pot of gold. If you’re still working on the last one, then you should try out today’s recipe: Shepherd’s Pie. Festive, easy, and delicious. Your taste buds will feel like they hit the jackpot.

This is definitely a great comfort food, and what I really love is how flexible the recipe is. You can use ground beef or turkey, switch up the veggies depending on what you prefer (I like to add extra corn and carrots!), and add as little or as much cheese as you want (more cheese is always better). Cook it up, serve it, and enjoy the cheesy little pot of gold on your plate.

XO - Courtney

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This Just In!

Whoaa three posts this week…

Well this is some big news, and I'm soo excited to share it with you! I've recently been doing some freelance work with a company (Keka by Solid Lines Products) to design smartphone and tablet cases, and my designs are finally available to purchase! You can check out the designs below, and purchase them here! AND you can get them for 30% off with the code 30NOW! They are available for both the iPhone, iPad, and Samsung Galaxy (various models). I'm working on some new projects with them as well (moving in the home accessories direction), so stay tuned for that in the future! 

XO - Courtney

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Going Green

Green is my favorite color, so I don’t hate that there’s a day set aside where everyone is supposed to wear green. Okay, so I guess that’s not what St. Patrick’s day is really for…it’s the eating & drinking & Irish shenanigans, right? 

Unfortunately, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Monday this year when most of us will be at work, so we can only pile on so much green. Go for a green focal piece like a statement necklace or some green pants (like I did). People will definitely see the green, and you will stay pinch free all day. Then maybe add a few simple green touches like a pair of studs or some green nail polish…festive but not over the top.

And if for some reason you hate green, hate wearing green, or think you cant pull off the color green, maybe you can convince people not to pinch you by wearing some type of eco-friendly fashion; afterall, everything and everyone seems to be going green these days.

How will you go green this St. Patty’s Day?

XO – Courtney

jacket [the limited] // sweater [madewell - old but this one is fun] // 

pants [the limited] // scarf [shawlsmith london] // shoes [urban outfitters] //

bracelet [vintage christian dior]

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[photo credit: zack hardy]

Food Mashup: Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Pizza is a magical food. First of all, it involves bread and cheese. Then you can top it with about a million different things. I’m generally just a pepperoni and cheese girl, BUT I’ve been trying some new pizza variations, and I’m sharing one of those with you today! Chicken Alfredo Pizza. This is cheesy (and easy) to the extreme, and you will love every bite of it! 

XO – Courtney

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A Few of My Favorite Things

These are some of my favorite pieces, and I can guarantee you will see them pop up again and again in different looks. Chambray top – no brainer. I mean, I probably wear a chambray top at least once a week. At least. I’ve already lectured you on the fur vest. This one isn’t fur (or faux) but it’s fuzzy and comfortable and it has pockets. And who isn’t a sucker for anything with pockets? Burgundy Denim. Don’t have a pair? Stop what you're doing and go get a pair! You can wear them with practically anything! One of my more recent additions that found their way onto my favorites list: leopard loafers. These are going to be perfect all year long with so many different outfits; afterall, leopard is a neutral. And what outfit is complete without a little arm party? The more the merrier so stack ‘em on! What are some of your favorite go-to pieces?

I also had a lovely lady join me in my blog shoot. Meet Zack’s family dog, Lucy, in her modeling debut. She is working it.

XO – Courtney

top [the limited – loving this] // vest [the loft – similar here] // pants [the limited – similar here] // shoes [talbots – similar here] // jewelry [assorted]

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[photo credit: zack hardy]