New Blog Layout!

As you might have noticed (and if not, stop using a reader and come check it out!), the blog got a complete overhaul today! Well, it's actually been underway for a few weeks now, but today is the debut of the new design. The amazing designer is Mary Plautz who has done designs for a bunch of great blogs, including one of my favorites Already Pretty, which is where I first saw her work. If you are in the market for a new blog design, check her out. Her prices are more than reasonable, and she will work until you are totally satisfied down to the most minute detail. Working with her was an absolute pleasure! Thanks again Mary!

Style Show & Tell - Monochromatic Look

So I only got two photos for the Bear Your Threads post this time, but they are great!

Up first is Becca from Fashionflirt's Blog.

I love the purple monochromatic look that she put together. Many more great outfits are to be found on her blog. Check it you!

Next up is Kameel from Mrs Hall In Training.

How cute is she?! I love seeing all the great pieces she puts together, and I bet you will too. Head on over to her blog and see for yourself!

And here is my contribution:

Outfit Details:

Skirt - Old Navy (on sale right now!)

Ruffle shirt - Fashion Bug

Navy cardi - Old Navy

Teal flats - Target

Bracelet - Avenue

Earrings - "Art in the Park" Festival last summer

I will be doing another "Bear Your Threads" post in the near future, and I would love to have a ton of submissions. So send me your photos! (please!)

Sorry!

I am having trouble uploading photos to Blogger at the moment (not sure if it's Blogger's fault or my computer), but I wanted to let you all know that I will be trying to post "Bear Your Threads" and a new feature later this afternoon! Check back later. : )

365 Things I Love

I saw one of my facebook friends posting weekly about 7 things they love each week. I thought this was a great idea, and I was inspired to make this a new feature. So to get started, here are seven things I love:

#1. My FamilyMy dad, sister, mom, and I at my sister's high school graduation last year.

#2. My Husband

I know he counts as family, but I think he deserves ranking all on his own.

#3. My Pets

Our puppy Trixie was a Christmas gift from my hubby last year. When we got her she was about the size of Jimmy's hand and weighed only two lbs. She's been my girl ever since! Jinx (the black cat on the right) was my cat when I was single and living alone, and Capers was my hubby's cat when he was single. Jinx is super loving and affectionate, and competes with the dog for who gets to sit in my lap. Capers is more of a loner, but when the mood strikes her she demands attention!

#4. Chocolate!

Do I even need to explain this one?

#5. The Philadelphia Story

One of my favorite movies. Three of my all time favorite actors (Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, and Cary Grant) are the stars, and they are fabulous together!

#6. Reading

Isabel Allende is one of my favorite authors, and I am looking forward to reading her latest novel Island Beneath the Sea. I have always enjoyed reading, as far back as I can remember. I used to be the little girl in the corner with a book at all the family functions.

#7. Thunderstorms

I love thunderstorms, especially at night. I like curling up in bed with my husband, the dog, and a good book and listening to the wind and the thunder outside.

What are your favorite things? I would love to hear about them in the comments!

Awesome Customer Service Experience

While Jimmy and I were on vacation we stopped at a huge outlet mall to do some browsing. They happened to have a Catherine's outlet, so I popped in (I had made some online orders previously, but had never actually been in a store) to check it out. They were having a sale, and I found one top that I had to make mine, but it was slightly too small in the hips. The sales associate told me that she could place an order for the top in one size larger to be shipped to my home at no charge. Yippee!

Jimmy and I got home the next afternoon, and lo and behold, the shirt arrived home less than an hour after we did!

I know Catherine's has a reputation as being a little pricey and catering to an older crowd, but they have some good sales, and sometimes their selection will surprise you. I will occasionally find a really nice piece amongst the "lounge dresses" and embroidered tees.

This is the top I purchased:

Jimmy told me I looked like "a hawt professional" in it. Whatever that means.

Here are a few things that I am really liking from their website right now:

My favorite pair of pj pants is from Catherine's. They are so, so soft!

I would so wear this outfit.

Catherine's is also great for things like slips and pettipants that are difficult to find in larger sizes.

And just to be clear, Catherine's is not affiliated with this blog in any way, I just have had very good experiences with their company and wanted to spread the word.

Have you had any experiences with Catherines? Either good or bad?

Stealing From the Stars

I love reading fashion magazines, but I hate how most of the clothing is either; A) super expensive, or B) only made up to a size 10/12. So I decided to take some of the outfits that caught my eye and try to recreate them using clothing that I can actually wear and afford!

Today's outfit is inspired by Hillary Duff's pencil skirt and denim shirt. Here's her outfit:

Image Source: People.com

Here is the version I've created using items available in plus sizes:

H.D. by * Courtney * featuring Forever21 jewelry

Women's Blouses at Lands' End, $45
Macy's | Plus Size Skirts, Plus Size Denim Skirts, Plus Size Black..., $0.99
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - 1077658397, $6.80
Plus Size Satin Strap Cami at Avenue.com and JessicaLondon.com, $5.90
JCPenney : women : handbags : evening, $15
Round-toe - Pumps - Shoes - Macy's, $0.99
Welcome to the City of Providence, The Richard Benjamin Collection

Are there any outfits you've seen that you'd like me to try to recreate? Email me photos at courtney.6708@gmail.com!

Bear Your Threads! - Style Show & Tell

For the second installment of the "Bear Your Threads" feature, I thought I would ask my wonderful readers to send me photos of your favorite monochromatic look. I would love to feature your photos and a link to your page on the blog! Here are some of the looks that have inspired me:

Ecochromatic :) by alter ego (busy) featuring Laura Ashley

Monochromatic 3 by Bubika (back again) featuring Cynthia Vincent shoes

Hey There, Sunshine! by Crystal85 featuring Forever21 dresses

Are you up for the challenge? Send me your outfit photos by July 17th (Saturday)!