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

When Pants Become an Accessory

Don't get me wrong, I am a total jeans girl. I would wear jeans everyday if it were allowed. However it is reallyyyyyyy easy to get stuck in an outfit rut with that mentality. So, I like to find jean-like pants with a little edge. This could mean a great pencil trouser, a colored jean, a patterned jean, and my personal favorite, a textured pant! I mean, come one, these pants speak for themselves. They say, "Hey, look at me, I am confident, cool, edgy, comfortable, chic, and classic." Well, the pants don't say that, but my inner voice does when I am wearing them. Good enough for me! 

So, I challenge you...step out of your normal jeans/pants box. You'll be surprised how Polished and trendy you will feel! Start small, try a colored jean first. Once you feel the magic in those, try a patterned jean. I have seen some beautiful understated patterned denim in stores like Target and American Eagle. When you are trying out a new trend or challenging yourself to step out of your comfort zone, I suggest checking out these stores first for affodable, guilt free options...in case you don't like your new look, but I don't think that will happen :). Once the patterned jeans are your new thing, take it a step further and try a textured pant. These things are accessories in their own right. I love a piece of clothing with personality, especially a fearless and confident one!

Outfit Details: Pants-American Eagle (Similar here and here in wine) // Blouse-Loft (Similar here) //  Shoes-Zara // Clutch-H&M (LOVE this bag) // Bracelet-Charming Charlie // Watch-Michael Kors // Sunglasses-Ray Ban  // Necklace-NY& Co (Similar here)

As always-thank you for stopping by! 

Let me know your favorite type of statement clothing!

XO-Courtney

Instagram: Courtney_m_b & KelseyMKipp

                                        

Quick Change

So here's the thing, I don't know about you all, but I tend to think/insist that everything I do requires an outfit. And by everything, I mean EVERYthing. So if I go for a workout, then grocery shopping, then to dinner, that's three outfits. I make no apologies for my need to do this, not a single one. However, a gal can run out of options really quick doing this. And although I LOVE to shop, I couldn't possibly sustain 3 outfits a day. This is where accessories and beauty options come into play! Yay-my favorite! :)

Accessories, makeup and hair Polish an outfit. These pieces give a look it's "feel," if you will. A soft eye and dainty jewelry says something much different than brushed out curls and a red lip. A heeled boot was made for a different kind of walking than a riding boot. Changing these pieces of an outfit can make such a difference and the best part is...they are easily carried from place to place!

Let's take happy hour or an after work event, for example. I am sorry, but I am not even trying to wear exactly what I wore for 7 hours. I like to separate work and play, outfits included. But seriously, who has enough time to pack up an entirely new outfit? Or haul it from point A to point B? Not to mention, who wants to change in a bathroom stall if it's not necessary? 

Shoes, a brush, a belt, and red lipstick are all I had to carry to change this look in 5 minutes without having to actually change. A make up touch up is necessary, especially your lipstick! We all know how a red lip can make us feel-HELLO happy hour-here I come! Brushing out my hair was a preference, I like to wear it both ways, but when you want to change a look, changing your hair makes a huge difference! This is why I always, ALWAYS have a tease comb on hand (check out my tease tutorial). Adding a belt cinches in the waist and changes the silhouette of this dress, making it look and feel like a totally different dress! Changing my boots from a flat to a heel adds just another Polishing touch to the outfit, not to mention I love a high heeled boot alllll the time! My laptop bag can double as a purse that matches the outfit and voila! I am ready in under 5 minutes to take on my next event!

 Outfit Details: Dress-Target // Boots-Nine West (Similar here) // Link bracelet-Target // Belt-Marshalls (Similar here) // Earrings-Charming Charlie (LOVE these from Shamelessly Sparkly) // Lipstick-Covergirl Tempt 355 // Computer bag-Target // Sunglasses-RayBan // Ring-Forever 21 (Similar here)

Happy, happy hour my lovelies! 

--Courtney

Check out our Instagram pages for more styling tips and tricks! Courtney_m_b & Kelseymkipp