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

                                        

Do the Polka

 

Outfit Details: Blouse-Express (Similar here) // Skirt-Express (Love this one from the Limited) // Tights-JC Penney // Shoes-Loft (Similar here) // Link bracelet-Target // Gold bangle-Macy's (Similar here) // Pearl bracelet-Burlington (Similar here) // Gold link necklace- Charming Charlie // Bag-Francesca's (Love this one)

I know that mixing prints and layering is all over the place right now. I mean, just walk into J Crew, and check out the mannequins. I guarantee you, each once is wearing at least three prints (all perfectly styled, by the way). 

Sometimes I think that mixing prints like this is intimidating to some people, including myself. I mean, if I have on plaid with a leather belt and shoe, I do about 50 mirror checks just to make sure I can pull it off. The thing about wearing trends is that there is such a thing as too much. Often times, I think that people don't try a trend because they aren't sure how much is too much. I get it. Taking risks with clothing is kind of scary. Let's face it, what you wear is sometimes all people know about you or notice about you. 

So, if you're feeling timid about mixing bold prints, try mixing same prints. I am really loving mixing same prints right now! In this case, mixing the different size and color polka dots creates cohesion in an outfit, while still adding style and trend. Mixing trends and classic pieces instantly Polishes a look. In this case, a pencil skirt, blouse, and heels are all classic pieces that have a trendy edge because of the infusion of polka dots. And come on people, who doesn't love polka dots?

What prints are you mixing?

Enjoy!

--Courtney

Instagram: Courtney_m_b & Kelseymkipp

Plus Leather

Cooper wanted to make his blog debut!

Outfit Details: Coat-Michael Kors // Necklace-Express // Shoes- Guess (Similar here) // Link bracelet-Target // Gold bangle-Macy's (Similar here) // Pearl bracelet-Burlington (Similar here)

I happen to love the winter. I suppose I have fond memories of snowy winters from my childhood. But, I would feel prettyyyy confident saying that I love winter mostly because I love outerwear. Now, I would wear a great leather moto jacket all year round if I could (and sometimes I try). But, I also love to Polish my winter looks with an actual, made for cold weather, supposed to wear in the snow, actually keeps you warm, functional but stylish, coat. 

When I saw this jacket on Black Friday, I knew that I HAD to have it. And with the deal I got, I basically stole it from the mall (cha-ching!). I loved this coat because it met all of my requirements.

First:

Color. I love a colored coat (I own a red coat that has been a staple for a few years). However, I do believe that a black winter coat is a closet essential.

Second:

Detail. I won't buy or wear a coat, unless it has an unusual detail. Everyone is wearing a coat and I want mine to be noticed! Think about it, you put all of this effort into creating an outfit, just to cover it with a coat. You might as well pick a coat that is an outfit in itself. The leather sleeves and gold details in this coat had me at hello! 

Third:

Fit. I am a tall girl (5'8") and how a coat fits me is important. I have to pay attention to the length, but also the sleeves. This jacket fit perfectly, with enough room for clothing underneath.

Fourth:

Style. I like to choose a coat that can be worn with most of my wardrobe. As I said before, a coat covers up an outfit, but can also stand on it's own as an outfit. In this case I am wearing the coat over a dress with a pair of booties. But I can also picture it over a pair of jeans and riding boots, or dress pants and leopard flats. Functionality, style, and use is important when making a more expensive purchase such as a winter coat.

Enjoy!

-Courtney

Instagram: Courtney_m_b & Kelseymkipp

Well Hello There, 2014

Cheers to a NEW YEAR!

 

 Outfit Details: Skirt-Express (GET IT NOW FOR $15) // Shirt-Express (Similar here) // Bag-H&M (Love this one from Francesca's) // Necklaces-Target (here & here) // Watch-Michael Kors // Bracelet-TJ-Maxx (Similar here) // Shoes-Loft (Similar here) // Link bracelet-Target // Sunglasses-Ray Ban // Lipstick-Cover Girl Tempt 355

  Dressing for New Year's Eve is always a challenge. Wear am I going? Who am I going with? What's the weather going to be like? Is there a dress code? Do I have a date? Do I need to match him? Do I go casual or fancy? Am I trying to not to slip on ice or am I trying to wear heels? The questions go on and on!

Here's my take on it. New Year's Eve is a night to reflect on the past year and welcome in the new one. Whether you like a quiet night at home with people you love, or a crazy night out celebrating with strangers, what you wear should make you happy and feel great. The perfect outfit will simply make you smile. When you smile, the people around you will, too. So girls, if a tiered silver skirt paired with a plain white t-shirt makes you happy like it does me, then rock it! Oh, and by the way, Polish it off with some extra jewelry and a little something new to your hair. For goodness sake, it will be the first time that 2014 sees you, might as well dress to impress!

Wishing you a happy and healthy new year. 

--Courtney