Mail Time

I don't know about you, but I am feeling the "Winter blues" like crazyyyyyy. Last week, I enjoyed a 60  and sunny day of shopping. Today, I have yet another snow day. What gives? I am as indecisive as the rest of them, but seriously Mother Nature, your indecisiveness is a little TOO MUCH. I'm not asking for summer weather, I'll be complaining about that soon enough (am I right?), but could you please cut the snow and cue the sun? I need some fresh air and some sunglasses, that's all. Please and thank you!

But, I'm pretty sure Mother Nature doesn't listen to little old me, and the ground hog called for a longer winter so, in the meantime, online shopping is my "weathery" blues bandaid. 

 Let me start off by sharing that I am not usually an online shopping fan. I live for the instant gratification of finding an item at a great price and wearing it the next day like a trophy (literally..."Oh you like my shirt? I got it for like $17 at J Crew Factory!"). Online shopping seems like torture sometimes! I saw it, liked it, bought it, saw the money exit my bank account, but now I'm stalking the mail man for it (also...literally). But, when the package arrives, it seriously feels like Christmas. That in itself makes online shopping a cure (in my opinion) to the "Winter blues." Feeling down? Here is a package filled with pretty things! Fine by me!

Like store shopping, I have some online shopping rules and guidelines.

1.) Beware of shipping costs.

Do you really want to spend $10 on shipping? To me, that's a few lipsticks. If you can get this item in store, do it. If not, online is the way to get sizes you can't find elseware. Check shipping rules. Sometimes stores offer free ship to store shipping or have special offers for free shipping when you spend a certain amount of money. But, just like with coupons...DON'T spend extra money just to get free shipping! See how that doesn't really make any sense (but it's soooo tempting). 

2.) Check size guidelines.

I like to buy items online that I'm pretty confident will fit. i.e. accessories and shoes. I will purchase items of clothing from stores that I buy from often, so I know the fit. I strongly dislike returning online purchases!

3.) Don't keep it if you don't like it.

Speaking of my dislike of returning items...just because you don't like it, doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. You wouldn't buy something in the store that doesn't fit you or that you didn't like at all. So don't fall into the online trap of keeping things you will NEVER wear. Most stores have free returns anyway...it's the hike to the post office that gets me every time...

Here are some items I am patiently waiting for/stalking the mail man for. 

So Olivia Pope! H&M

H&M...already sold out! Similar here

H&M...already sold out! Similar here (on serious clearance!)

The Limited...my favorite work pants...on sale now!

If it has to be nasty outside, might as well have a cute umbrella from J Crew Factory! 

Been lusting over this Zara jacket since October. It's now over $100 off!

Printed tights and a scarf...perfect for work! I love shopping Old Navy online because they have so many Tall options! Old Navy

Love this color/fabric...so interesting! Old Navy

My favorite t-shirt from Old Navy now comes in Tall!

Can't wait to wear this to work! Old Navy

What is your favorite way to fight the "Winter blues"?

XOXO-Courtney

Instagram: Courtney_m_b & KelseyMKipp

Candy Crush

Okayyyyy...what is with me and pink lately? I swear to you I have NEVER been a pink girl. I did have a hot pink room once because it matched my dark denim bed set that I copied from some Disney Channel star (probably Lizzie McGuire). Anyway, for some reason I have been giving pink a chance lately. It started with lipstick (thank you, Pink Pearl Pop) and has been spreading into my wardrobe! I mean, why fight it?

I snagged this pink sweater from J Crew Factory for less than $20. The bubble gum pink color is seriously PINK, but for some reason I had to have it. Each time I have worn it, I have gotten so many compliments. Apparently, pink compliments my skin tone. Who would have thought?

Not to mention, hellooooo, how perfect does it look with the Candy Crush necklace from Kute N' Klever? I put this necklace on hold for spring/summer. But, you know what, this necklace is such a refreshing pop of color in this dreary winter we've been having (wah, wah, wahhhh). So, on the first 60 and sunny day we've had in 2847829085 weeks, I thought, what a perfect time to rock this necklace and enjoy the sunshine. (I wore this around Old Town, Alexandria and I was seriously the brightest thing around town...ha).

Outfit Details: Necklace-Kute N' Klever (c/o) // Sweater-J Crew Factory // Sunglasses - Charming Charlie (similar here) // Booties-Target (Love these)

So, the motto of my story is....give PINK a chance (or whatever trend you thought you didn't like)!

XOXO-Courtney

Instagram: @Courtney_m_b & KelseyMKipp

A trip to Old Town just wouldn't be complete without some s-h-o-p-p-i-n-g (outside shopping=windblown hair, okay).

Ar(gan)e You Using Argan Oil?

Find this spray here

Get your shine on.

Hi Polished ladies! It's no secret to those who know me that I LOVE my hair. Like, L-O-V-E, cupid shot his arrow, kind of love. Let me back up...

Once upon a time, an 18 year old high-school senior named Courtney cut her long, blonde (Laguna Beach highlights were in, okay), hair in an attempt to make a change before going away to college. In true Polished fashion, she collected her research and determined that an inverted bob (think Posh Spice circa 2007), would be the most fashionable choice. She loved her new hair cut for about 2 weeks. One day, she realized that her styling options were now SO limited. And with her naturally wavy and thick hair cut this way, gone were the days when she could rock the "beach wave" look. She got real sick of her straight iron after a while and decided it was time to do the hardest thing EVER...grow it out.

AH! Growing your hair out it THE WORST. The awkward stages, split ends, uneven growth, spur of the moment cuts because it is such as awkward length and the ever so dreaded "just a trim" that turns into 3 inches. Wah. 

My journey to "grow it out" took about 3 years. Why? Because I tried to do it without killing my hair. Hair health is important to growth and to styling and I decided to suck it up and make it a priority. Why bother with long hair if it is dry and brittle? I had regular "trims," used heat products and stopped highlighting it for about 2 years (I got a little bored and dyed it burgundy during the process, oops). 

While doing this I became a little obsessed with finding products that would contribute to the overall health of my hair. I spent so much time growing it, I wanted to protect it. I like using products, but not too many. I don't like the feeling of too much product in my hair, yuck. I love to use CHI Silk Therapy. I swear by putting it on damp hair before drying. Like any product, it stopped being as effective after repeated use (like, for years, haha). So, my best friend Tiff gave me this oil spray she got but didn't want (thanks, Tiffy!). We were both hesitant to use the spray because of it's "oil" namesake. To both of us, that screamed "greasy hair by the end of the day." I wash my hair every 3-5 days (also for health), so greasing it up unnecessarily and causing the need to wash more frequently was not on my agenda. But I did a little research on One and Only Argan Oil Spray Treatment and decided to give it a try.

I am SO GLAD that I did. I have been spraying this on damp hair (do not spray the roots) and have seen a huge improvement in the shine of my hair. So much so that I have been wearing it straight a lot more! And in all honesty it does not leave my hair feeling oily or greasy...which is a huge positive in my book.

I would suggest that everyone give it a try and don't let the "oil" term freak you out!

What shine/health products are you obsessing over?

XOXO-Courtney

P.S. As for my story above, Courtney and her newly grown hair are living happily ever after.

Instagram: Courtney_m_b & KelseyMKipp

Are You Sure That Isn't MAC?

Between shoes, clothing, accessories and makeup, being a Polished lady can cost a lot of money, even for the most savvy of shoppers. But, because I'm a teacher and make millions, I don't even have to look at price tags. L-O-L. Between 6 years of college life and now being a new teacher, I have had to learn ways to stretch my money to purchase items that I love. I mentioned in a previous post about smart spending, that I typically don't spend over $30 on clothing and most accessories. So when it comes to makeup, that number goes wayyyy down. I have a really hard time spending a lot of money on cosmetics. I am all about drug store products. I love the products that I use and I definitely love the price. 

But, I like a great lipstick as much as the rest of them! And let's just all admit that MAC has THE BEST selection of lipstick colors, both classic and trendy. But, at $15 or more a tube, I can't buy all of the colors that I want to own. I mean, I don't even spend $15 on most shirts that I buy! I did splurge on two MAC colors because I was in NYC and I put the money aside just to buy these colors in the Times Square store (tourist alerttttt). Rebel and Pink Pearl Pop are amazingggg and I LOVE them. Which made me become obsessed with other MAC shades. I must have put 25 colors on my list and quite a few of them in an online shopping bag that has yet to be checked out. I trust my instincts and if I really thought buying all of those $15 lipsticks was a good idea, I would have done it. But, something told me not to.

While surfing the web amidst my MAC lipstick obsession craze, I came across MAC "dupes." A MAC dupe being a lipstick that looks very similar to a MAC shade. So, I researched lipstick brands and suprisingly, Wet N' Wild and Revlon seemed to have the most similar colors and positive customer reviews! I mean, really, Wet N' Wild?! I used to shop in that section when I was 10! But, hey, I listen to my fellow makeup lovers. So, off I went to Rite Aid (they had a sale on Revlon that day!) to find my dupes! 

I am literally AMAZED at the colors I found. I bought 7 lipsticks for $25! 7 MAC lipsticks would have run me over $100! That in itself is a WIN in my book!

Left (top to bottom)
 Dollhouse Pink 967-Wet N' Wild
 Think Pink 901b-Wet N' Wild
Pinkerbell 968-Wet N' Wild

Right (top to bottom)Don't Blink Pink 966-Wet N' Wild
Stoplight Red 911d Wet N' Wild
Va Va Violet 663-Revlon
Fuchsia Shock 815-Revlon

 Disclaimer: I purposely wore a neutral cheek and mascara ONLY in order to spotlight the lipsticks. 

MAC Cream Cup

Dupe: Wet N' Wild Think Pink 901b ($1.99)

**FINALLY, the perfect nude/pink for everyday wear

MAC Pink Nouveau 

Dupe: Wet N' Wild Dollhouse Pink 967 ($1.99)
**I love the way that the Wet N' Wild lipsticks applied! A perfect, smooth, matte look.

MAC Girl About Town

Dupe: Wet N' Wild Don't Blink Pink 966 ($1.99)
**This color does not photograph as bright as it actually is! It turned out to be one of my favorite shades!

MAC Girl About Town

Dupe: Revlon Fuchsia Shock 815 ($8)

**I love this color...pretty similar to Don't Blink Pink by Wet N' Wild but is glossier and a little more muted.

MAC Viva Glam Nicki

Dupe: Wet N' Wild Pinkerbell 968 ($1.99)
**This is a fun color for a fun occasion!

MAC Russian Red

Dupe: Wet N' Wild Stoplight Red 911d ($1.99)

**I am SHOCKED how long lasting this red is!

  
MAC Cyber

Dupe: Revlon Va Va Violet 663 ($8)
**This is a little more glossy than I usually choose, but I seriously LOVE this shade!

What are your favorite makeup "dupes"?

XOXO-Courtney

For more beauty tips and tricks, check us out on Instagram at @Courtney_m_b & KelseyMKipp

Style Envy: Olivia Pope

Being the style obsessed person that I am (no shame in my obsession, BTW), I pull ideas and inspiration from so many sources. Instagram, Pinterest, street style, magazines, TV, movies, etc. Every once in a while I come across a person whose style seems so effortless, so chic, so classic, so PERFECT, that it amazes me. 

Following a Netflix marathon (I had too many snow days...) of Scandal, I found myself equally drawn to Olivia Pope's style as I was to the crazy plot (I mean...CRAAAAZY). Holy chic, simple, classic and gorgeous, is all I have to say! So, let's just bask in the glory that is...Olivia Pope (as portrayed by Kerry Washington). 

(By the way...I certainly can't buy the clothes that she wears, so I have found similar items at a reasonable price!)

Why do I love her and her clothing so much? Let me spell it out for you...

White on Neutrals

Olivia Pope knows what she wants and likes and she owns it 100%. Her white and neutral clothing could look a little blah hanging on a rack. But, when she wears it strutting around DC like a rockstar, it is more eye-catching than any pop of color could ever be. She reminds us that clean, cool, light colors, when worn the right way, ARE the most eye-catching colors. Wearing these hues in a sea of rainbow colors exudes confidence and power. Something about a crisp, white outfit says, "I have my stuff together, my clothing does not define me, white after Labor Day does not apply to me, and I never spill coffee or food on myself." (lol...but really)

She has perfected the white suit!
Similar here

Neutrals are not boring.
Similar blouse
Similar pants

Excuse me while I stare at these gloves...forever!
Similar pair here

Simplicity

Olivia Pope never wears big, statement jewelry (I still LOVE my statement jewelry, don't worry). She doesn't do crazy layering (I still LOVE this, too). She always looks perfectly tailored and chic. And can we talk about her PERFECT outerwear. There are no words for how much I love her coats! Her neutral colored coats with clean, tailored lines, speak for themselves. In terms of less is more, Olivia Pope has it "handled" (sorry for the cheesy Scandal reference...actually no I'm not).

THIS Burberry jacket is everything.
Similar here

Love this look.
Similar here

Perfect white trench.
Similar here

Love this cape jacket with long gloves.
Similar without a belt here and here

Beauty

Like her clothing, Olivia Pope's makeup is simple, classic, and neutral. I happen to like a little makeup variety. I am all for a bright lip with a simple eye one day, and a great smokey eye with a neutral lip the next. Like everything in her life (except for her love life, like most of us), Olivia knows exactly what she likes and wants when it comes to her makeup. A clean, simple eye, highlighted cheek, and a neutral lip is all she needs. 

PJ Party

I love Olivia Pope for a million reasons. But, the perfection that is her pajamas is in the top ten, for sure. I mean, who wears silk pants to bed every night. I'm lucky if my PJ's even match (don't judge unless you wear PJ's like Olivia, okay?). 

Silk PJs.
Similar here

Wine 

Enough said. 

Long stem wine glasses here

Now I want to buy all of similar looks! Uh oh!Whose style has inspired you lately?

XOXO-Courtney

Check us out in Instagram at @ Courtney_m_b & KelseyMKipp

Walk a Mile in My (Geo-Print) Shoes

I've alluded to the fact that I do not wear heels frequently. It's not because I'm tall (fellas, if you can't handle a tall girl in heels then you gotta go). But mostly because they don't have a solid place in my lifestyle. As a teacher, wearing stilettos around all day is not really practical...I mean I run around all day...with little children...around paint and other supplies...and I have lunch duty. You get the point. 

But, as a true Polished lady at heart, I have a soft spot for heels. There is nothing that makes a women feel more sexy, beautiful, and confident than a great pair of heels! You get a few inches, stand more proudly, and let's face it, they do your back side and legs good! 

Because I don't wear heels a lot, I am hesitant to drop a lot of money on them. So I am always on the hunt for a unique, stylish, classic, or trendy pair of heels at a price I can live with. I recently found out about Express Last Hurrah. It is a true Express outlet, and one just opened down the street from my place...I'm in trouble. Anyhow if you have access to this store, check it out ASAP! I snagged these babies for $15!!!! Happy, happy, joy, joy!

Black and white, printed, pointed toe, pump, sign me up! These add an instant sense of trend to an outfit, yet because of the shape and color scheme, are still classic and can be worn for many years and with many passing trends. Right now, they are getting along very well with emerald jewelry and a pair of boyfriend jeans.

Outfit details: Shoes-Express (Similar in color, style, print), Necklace-Purple Peridot // Lip Color-Mac Pink Pearl Pop // Emerald earrings-Charming Charlie (Similar earrings) // Sunglasses-Ray Ban // Jeans-American Eagle

What is your favorite place to shop for shoes?

XOXO-Courtney

Check Polished out on Instagram at @Courtney_m_b & @KelseyMKipp

Neck Candy

Ultimate hair flip. 

Outfit details: Necklace-Kute N' Klever  c/o // Shoes-Target Clearance (Similar online...love these...I think I need them in black) // Bag-Coach (Love this with a red detail or this one)// Pants-H&M // Sunglasses-Ray Ban // Chambray-Target // Lip Color-Mac Rebel // Watch-Fossil

Something that Kelsey and I have truly built Polished around, is the idea that not every outfit has to be rich looking, or dressed up, or fancy, or expensive, or PERFECT. We choose things we love, and we Polish them with things we love even more. In reality, an outfit is an outward expression of a personality, of a mood, of a feeling. So if you want to pair a sparkling necklace with a chambray shirt and jeans, then you go girllll! What I really love about clothing and accessories is that there really are no rules. I love the part in Grease when they say "rules are, there ain't no rules."Clearly, the writers of Grease were also talking about style and fashion! :)

Anyhow (I couldn't resist the Grease tangent), the "not a rule" that I am loving breaking lately is mixing a casual outfit with total, in your face, blinged out, look at me, hi I'm here, statement jewelry. I wasn't going to get dressed up to visit the National Harbor with my sister, but in typical Courtney fashion (pun totally intended), I had to add a little somethin' somethin'. 

THIS NECKLACE. Talk about an in your face, blinged out, look at me, hi I'm here, piece of jewelry! Kute N' Klever has really outdone themselves here. This piece has so many positive qualities. It's large, great quality, multi-colored, sparkly, and can be worn so many different ways. In this case, my very casual outfit got the perfect finishing touch.

Or, as I put it, my outfit is wearing a tiara. 

Since moving to Maryland, the National Harbor waterfront has become my favorite place to be!

I was so thankful to share this day with my sister. So much love here.

XOXO-Courtney

For more style and trend posts, check us out on Instagram at @Courtney_m_b & @KelseyMKipp

<3

Like sister, like sister.

How about her studded sweater with a jean vest...so cute!