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!

Sports Style With a CAPITAL S!

I, like many of you, I'm sure, am a HUGE sports fan. I enjoy attending sporting events just as much as the next person. Football (NY Football Giants alllll the way), baseball (Proud to be a YANKEE fan), and college basketball (CUSE) are my favorite. However, I will pretty much attend any sporting event and will 100% have a fabulous time (which usually always includes me cheering louder than everyone else, even if I am not a die hard fan...good times). Not to mention, I seriously enjoy putting a game day outfit together (come on, you knew I had to bring it back to fashion somehow). I have said it before, and I will always live by this mantra, everything is a fashion event, including sporting events!

I know that people think it is...well...prissy...to care so much about what to wear to a sporting event. But, you all know, I don't really pay mind to people like that. I wear what I want, and I love every second of putting an outfit together. I mean, clothes, accessories, and SPORTS? Sign me up! Not to mention...what is so wrong about wanting to look Polished (and cute) in the presence of so many sport-loving men? I say, nothing.

My sister visited me last weekend and we caught the Washington Capitals game (helloooo sudden death overtime win...GO CAPS GO!). This was the perfect opportunity for me to share my tips and tricks for a Polished game day outfit!

1.) Colors-Even if you don't have a team shirt/jersey, go for the colors. It is really easy to pair team colors together, and 9/10 you have these pieces in your closet already!

2.) Fit-Just because you love a certain athlete, doesn't mean you have to wear a jersey their size to the game! Don't hide what you've got, ladies!

3.) Function-Don't forget to check the weather! There is nothing worse than being at a tailgate and having to stay by the grill because you forgot gloves in the midst of putting together a cute outfit. 

4.) Accessories-Use this opportunity to wear your favorite accessories to Polish the look! 

5.) Smile. Sports are meant for entertainment, so, JUST HAVE FUN!

Purse-The Limited (Similar at Target) // Watch-Charming Charlie (Love this one!) // Bracelet-Charming Charlie (Love these from Brina Box!)  // Sweater-J Crew // Monogram Necklace-Etsy // Boots-Guess // Sunglasses-Ray Ban

Say hi to my gorgeous baby sister, Alexis!

The weather was so beautiful! Perfect cardigan weather!

I LOVE having my beautiful sister around!

Thank you for stopping by! You all are the best! 

XOXO-Courtney

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

 

Love, Love, Love It.

 I find myself channeling my inner Teresa Guidice (circa early, no court appearance days, of course) every time I find a product or see something that I reallyyyyyyyy like. "I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!" Courtney, do you like that? "YES! Love, love, love it!" Courtney, have you seen those tan booties at Target? "YES! I love, love, love them!"

You get the point. When I love something, I love something, a lot, and I love sharing it with people even more! No shame in my game. I have found so many amazing new ideas and products on Pinterest and Instagram because people have shared the LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.

Now, it's my turn. :)

I need to start doing this more!

Found this tangle tamer at Marshalls and am now OBSESSED! This brush detangles my hair, fits in my bag, and has some secret magical powers to add serious volume to my curls! Order yours here!

See what I'm saying, hello voluminous curls!

This outfit. (Necklace-Purple Peridot // Jeans-American Eagle // Booties-Target // Shirt-Express)

Gold sparkle journal (JCrew, sold out, but I LOVE this one, too), gold pen, and new coffee table books, LOVE x 3.

This phone case (Forever 21 and OMG, look at this one!).

I mean, this necklace is seriously beautiful, I can't get enough (Kute N Klever, c/o).

This accessory combo (Ray Ban, Shamelessly Sparkly, c/o)

way·far·er

noun

1. A person who travels on foot.

(P.S...I didn't make this connection to the name of these sunglasses, shame on me.)

Have you read this book? Holy LOL. I mean an actual LOL, not like a quick giggle.  (Jen Lancaster)

Monogram everything. (Home Goods)

If you follow me on Instagram (Courtney_m_b) you know that I just scored tons of new books at a book sale (B.I.G. Book Sale). How could I not buy a book with this title? Plus, it goes with my shoe mug, given to me by an amazingggg co-worker, who knows me so well! 

These booties. So much love. (Target-clearance, heyyyy! Check in store for more sizes)

As always, I can't thank you enough for reading and supporting our blog. We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE you! 

XO-Courtney

Check us out on Instagram for more lovable posts...Courtney_m_b & KelseyMKipp

Insta Life

I found this picture on the mothership of quotes...Pinterest...and had to share it! As 2014 continues to keep on rolling (like slow down already will you?). I thought it was important for myself to establish some goals for the year. I am never one to create a New Years resolution, I mean talk about setting ones self up for failure. Let's face it, life happens, and I see no reason to feel discouraged that I missed a gym session because my best friend needed some good, old fashion, girl talk. Instead, I think it's important to figure out what will ground you, what will keep you going, a personal mantra, if you will. Something to look at when you are feeling like 2014 is letting you down, or vice versa! So, this is mine, simplify, be inspired, be original, work hard, and enjoy.

Can we just talk about how much Instagram is inspiring me lately. Some people probably think it's odd that I want a bunch a strangers, or even people I know, look at my clothes, face, makeup, accessories, or whatever I choose to share. But, I don't. I think there is something to be said about allowing people an outlet to communicate with others who share the same interests. I, for one, am totally loving meeting new people and having conversations about life, clothing, and pretty things. Props to the women who are complimenting each other and supporting each other. I am truly enjoying this moment. So BAM, I am already living by two of my 2014 mantras! 

Here is my recent Insta life.

I saw this on Instagram and had to repost it!

Wearing my favorite red lip out and about!

Enjoyed an amazing brunch with good people at Zenga in DC. 

I finally found the perfect tassel necklace!

Got reacquainted with these sunnies!

Selfie :)

Appreciating the sunshine during this frigid week!

Saying hi to 2014 with my best friend!

Being the worst patient ever...yes that is MY BABY SISTER...I am SO PROUD!

I am so greatful that I was able to spend the holidays at home with the people and pups that I love!

Thank you for your support of our blog! We love having you!

XOXO Courtney

Check out our Instagrams for more Polished looks all week long! Courtney_m_b & Kelseymkipp