Saturday, December 31, 2016

Cheers to a New Year!!

Sweater Dress: Sold out at Zara, similar here 
Boots: Vince Camuto | Belt: Gucci
Sunglasses: Quay | Lipstick: Nars in Cruella

Happy New Year's Eve to you!! Please excuse my lack of posts over the last week, as we have been traveling from DC to Mississippi to Alabama (currently still in Alabama visiting my in-laws) for the holidays! It has been a very exciting week filled with lots of memories! We welcomed the sweetest Maltipoo puppy, Brady, into our family over Christmas, and my love for the little guy is out of this world! He is a mess, but I can't imagine my life without him now! I know you dog lovers know the feeling. He is ADORABLE, and I can't wait to share some more pictures of him on the blog soon! 

There is no doubt that this has been a big year! Looking back on 2016, I am so grateful for everything it brought to me! I turned the big 3-0 this past May, celebrated three years of marriage with my better half, said goodbye to some beloved family members, welcomed new little ones into the family, and... most of all, I took a leap of faith and followed my heart and passion in starting this blog. Thank you for all of the support over the last few months since getting this blog up and running! I have enjoyed every second of it, and I am so grateful and appreciative to you for following along! I am so excited for 2017, and I can't wait to continue this journey with you! I look forward to a new year full of some more travel, fashion, and fun! My greatest wish for the new year is for continuous health! As each year passes, I am reminded of how much sometimes that I truly take for granted my health! One thing I have found that seems to be so simple, yet it can be so hard is to take some time out for yourself. After balancing work, family, and friends - there really seems to be no time left over. It's the constant struggle, am I right?! However, over the last year, I have found that taking just a little time out to treat yourself to some personal time can make a world of difference. Whether it means, going to your favorite workout class, getting a mani/pedi, or going on a walk after a long day... it can be so very good for the soul! Cheers to you and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2017!! Much love!! XO  

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Beauty Talk


Finally, one of my favorite topics... let's talk beauty! I have a slight addiction to watching makeup tutorials on YouTube, and I have always loved trying new products. My two favorite brands (if I had to choose only two) would probably be Nars and Laura Mercier. However, it depends on what products we're talking about, because when it comes to lipstick - Tom Ford will forever have my heart in that department! So, I should probably take back the previous sentence, but you know what I mean... you love one brand for eyeshadow, one for lipstick, and another for mascara. I could keep going on and on!! I mean I should probably throw Urban Decay in there, too, as I can't live without my Naked 2 palette. And, let's not leave out my favorite drugstore foundation by L'Oreal! Recently, I have been trying some of the products from Marc Jacobs and not only is the packaging gorgeous, but I have not been disappointed at all!

Marc Jacobs Air Blush (in the shade "Night Fever & Hot Stuff"): The color may look frightening and super bold. However, if you use light strokes, this blush gives off a gorgeous slightly pink, luminous glow on your cheeks! And, the packaging is fabulous!!

Chanel Chance: Buddy's favorite scent, and my favorite scent for date night! It is a little bold for me for day time, but I am always reaching for it for a night out.

Chanel Le Volume Mascara: My co-worker talked me into getting this mascara and now I am hooked! I have had a problem with Chanel mascaras drying out too quickly in the past, but I have to say a tube of this one usually lasts me 3 months at least! I am super picky with my mascara, and this one is great at lengthening my lashes and providing volume, all without the clumps! Give it a try! I feel like with most mascaras, you know right from the start if you love it or hate it... and this one has become a staple for me.

Chloé Rollerball: Hands down, this scent will always be my favorite! I have the full size bottle on my vanity, and I always keep a travel size in my makeup case.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (in the shade "Vanilla"): I just recently purchased this, and I keep it in my purse to touch up at the end of the work day to make me look alive if I am headed somewhere straight from the office. I use my fingertips to massage it in, and it always gives me some life/makes me look awake! One of my new favorites!!

Nars Velvet Lip Glide (in "Bound"): You've heard me rave about this before, but it is truly the perfect everyday pinky/nude lip color. The consistency is what I love most about it. It's not too matte, but it's not too glossy.

Tory Burch: I got this little size as a Sephora reward, and I love how clean and fresh this scent smells. I switch between this and my Chloe bottle each day, as they both aren't too heavy for the office!

Tom Ford Lip Color: The best!! I love the gorgeous black and gold packaging, as it just feels so luxe each time I put it on. The shade "Pink Adobe" has been my favorite for years. However, they recently discontinued it, but I have found "Pink Dusk" to be similar in color. Also, I love the shade "Flamingo" for Spring!

I hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know if you have any beauty related questions! We are headed to Mississippi today, and I am SO excited! I cannot wait to see my nieces and nephews and get in lots of Auntie time... it's truly the best! Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!! XO



Monday, December 19, 2016

Golden Hour

Dress: Available here, here, and here | Boots: Vince Camuto
Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff | Sunglasses: Similar here (only $12!)

The golden hour really does give the prettiest lighting for photos! If only I could work it out to shoot during this hour every week! I hope you had a great weekend! We ended up being too tired for our dinner reservations on Friday night, so we cancelled them and decided to stay in, watch a movie, and order takeout... the best, right? However, Saturday night we were ready to get out of the apartment, so we ventured to wait in line at the restaurant, "Bad Saint." It is a Filipino style restaurant that has been open just around a year, and it has gotten rave reviews nationwide in such a short amount of time! A truly hidden gem in DC's Northwest area. They don't take reservations, and people begin lining up as early as 3:15pm to get a table. We definitely weren't those people, so when we got there around 6:00pm, the hostess put us on the list and we walked down the street to have an appetizer and a glass of wine. It was such a fun night and SO worth the wait once we got our table. The food was incredible, and the atmosphere was so unique. It is a small, 24 seater restaurant that makes you feel as if you're sharing dinner with everyone inside. My absolute favorite dish was the pork... one of those dishes that leaves you thinking about it the next day! I am no foodie at all, but in my opinion, it was totally worth the wait! I hope you all have a great Monday! 

Friday, December 16, 2016

Christmas Wish List

Current Wish List

Gucci Bag | Burgundy Sweater | Flare Jeans
Beauty Blender | Gold Cuff | Sunglasses | Beanie
Checked Coat | Brow Brush | Brow Pomade
Beige Bag | Curling Iron | Camel Sweater
Black Flares | Black Booties | Wrap Bracelet
Floppy Hat | Perfume | Blush Booties
Rose Gold Studs | Patchwork Booties | Nars Set
Grey Ruffle Dress | Blush Sweater
Nars Lip Glide in Bound | Spotted Clutch


Happy Friday!! This week has been one for the books... I got to tour the White House on Tuesday, my office moved the same day, and now we are only a little over a week out from Christmas Day! Today, I wanted to share some things on my wish list for Christmas, as well as a few items I own and love. I am dying for that curling iron, those blush velvet booties, and that Gucci bag. I am having a major moment over all things Gucci right now. To be honest, normally I am not a fan of anything chevron print, but Gucci has done this one right! Also, this Vita Fede bracelet is a classic, and it would look fabulous stacked or worn on its own. Unfortunately, this chenille feather sweater from Topshop is sold out, but I linked directly to so many sweaters from Nordstrom that I'm loving! I use a beauty blender daily, and I can't leave the house without filling in my brows in some form or fashion (also love this brow gel for a quick touch). If you are looking for a great pair of flare jeans, I can't recommend Frame denim enough. They are long, super long actually and so form fitting! Lastly, you know by now that I love all things Nars!! I am obsessed with the velvet lip glides after one of my bestie's recommended it to me, and I can't go a day without it! Buddy, if you are reading this... I really want this curling iron! Wishing you all a great weekend! We will be packing up to head home next week, finishing up some last minute Christmas shopping, and tonight we have dinner reservations at Mastro's downtown... an amazing steakhouse with such a fun atmosphere! As always, thanks for stopping by! XO

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Coat of my Dreams

Faux fur coat: Forever 21 sold out, similar herehere, and here
Dress: Target last year, similar here and here
Booties: DSW | Lips: Nars in Bound | Handbag: Chloé

Before I begin this post, please forgive me that this faux fur coat is sold out online! However, if you live near a Forever 21, check your local store! I literally just got it about two weeks ago in store, and I can't believe it's already sold out online. I linked some similar statement faux fur pieces that I'm loving though, so check those out! I ventured into Forever 21 in hopes to find some cute, affordable sweaters. I usually have the best luck in Forever 21 during the winter months with finding sweaters, capes, and faux fur coats. I either walk in there and find several things or I walk in and come out with nothing. Well, this time I scored this fabulous faux fur coat, and I didn't care if I found another thing... I felt like I had just struck gold! I am all about some fur, and I love finding statement pieces to spice up the winter months and throw in a little color! I also highly recommend Nastygal (loving this) when it comes to finding affordable, statement pieces for the winter season!

We are halfway thru the week, and it has been nonstop for me! Yesterday, I got to visit the White House to view all of the beautiful Christmas decorations, and it was truly an unforgettable experience! It wasn't my first time touring it during Christmas time, but with all that has taken place in our country this past year... there was something about it that made it feel like such a special experience! I snapchatted the tour, so be sure you're following along (@courtkowalski) from here on out! As always, thanks for stopping by! XO

Monday, December 12, 2016

Tularosa Tia

Dress: Tularosa | Handbag: Chloé
Boots: Stuart Weitzman | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

This dress!! It is different from something I would normally opt for, but I'm in love! Revolve has always been one of my favorite sites to browse along with Shopbop, which I know you've heard me spill my obsession over several times. When I spotted this dress on Revolve, I fell in love with the fall colored floral print, combined with the high slit in the skirt, and the self-tie neckline. I originally planned to style it with a short bootie, as pictured on the website; however, I love how my grey otk boots pull out the grey tones in the dress. Most of all, I adore how the tall boots show thru the slit giving this dress a little bit more of a sexier vibe. Lastly, I topped off this look with my Chloe bag to give it that boho feel that this dress automatically gives off! Also, I did end up returning the "Mini Faye" bag (as I debated here) for the "Small Faye" size, and I couldn't be happier! I have been wearing this beauty nonstop, as it fits so much more than the other one! I hope you have a great and productive Monday! I cannot believe we leave next week to head home for Christmas! Where is this month going?!

Friday, December 9, 2016

Holiday Gifts At Every Price

Gift Ideas

Black Booties | Amazon Echo | Cable Cuff
Eyeshadow Palette | Velvet Bag | Chanel Polish | Sneakers
Lace Bralette | Sunglasses | Gold Cuff | Leopard Coat
Denim | Makeup Brushes | Earrings | Lipstick
Pink Sweater | Camel Booties | Sports Bra | Camel Sweater
Necklace | Bucket Bag | NYX Lip Lingerie | Nike Top | Perfume

I hope you have had a great week! I wanted to bring you my third gift guide today (others can be found here and here), which features gifts at every price point! When I saw these sunglasses go on sale, I immediately added them to my cart and ordered them for myself! You might be seeing a similar leopard coat hit the blog soon, but I couldn't pass up sharing this one now (also LOVE this one from Zara!). On another note, who doesn't love getting workout gear?! One of my favorite things to be gifted, yet I don't always buy it for myself. And, if I'm being completely honest... I wear it the most out of anything in my closet. This set of Bobbi Brown makeup brushes would make a fabulous gift for any jetsetter in your family, and a chic pair of sneakers would as well. The Amazon Echo Dot would be a hit at any Dirty Santa party. I am not sure if you are familiar with Alexa, but Buddy is obsessed. He just ordered this one to place on our nightstand, and I'm not gonna lie... I love asking her the weather each morning before I head out the door. I hope you have a fabulous weekend! I plan to wrap up some of my Christmas shopping and put it all under the tree! Although, we will be lugging it all to Mississippi and Alabama in the next few weeks, but it can at least look pretty under the tree until then. Happy Friday, friends!! XO

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Lace-up Sweater

Sweater: Purchased from here (sold out in beige but LOVE the other colors)
Sweater is available here in beige & also love this tunic version
Ripped Denim: Levi's | Pumps: Charles by Charles David 
Hat: Rag & Bone | Crossbody: LV

How is your week going so far? We are just cruising right through December it feels like! I scored this lace-up sweater on Black Friday, and it's been one of my favorite finds this season! Although, my favorite piece from this look has to be this fedora that I snagged during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in July, because I knew I would wear it nonstop come fall! And, I am so glad I did! I think you know by now that my favorite hats come from Rag & Bone. The shape and quality are top notch, and I feel like they flatter almost everyone. If you are hesitant, order one and try it out... I don't think you will be disappointed! Lastly, I whipped out my favorite ripped denim and my staple nude pumps (that are on major sale!) to complete the look. I hope you are having a great week so far! This week has been filled with work followed by Christmas parties, and I am looking forward to another one this evening! As always, thanks for stopping by! XO

Monday, December 5, 2016

All Zipped Up

 

Top: Wayf | Skirt: Leith | Clutch: BP
Sunglasses: Sold out, similar here

I am loving this type of neckline this season (last seen here), and I knew I had to have this top when I spotted it online. I love the zipper details on this leather skirt, and I'm certain it will be a staple in my closet for years to come... and, the fact that it's under $100 made it a no-brainer. These are the last pics from my in-laws farm that we took over Thanksgiving, and I can't wait to get back in a fews weeks for Christmas! I love the city, but it was so nice to be around so much green for a few days! I hope you all had a great weekend! Ours was busy, but I just love this time of year and all of the time spent with family and friends! Did you catch the gift guide on Friday? It's one of my favorites! Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions or need help with any gifts for loved ones! I love shopping for others! Hope you have a great start to your week!

Friday, December 2, 2016

Holiday Gifts For Her, Part Two

The Ultimate Gift Guide

Nars Lip Glide Set | Striped Sweater | Velvet Clutch
Travel Perfume | Scarf | Hat | Mittens | Ring
Faux Leather Leggings | Fringe Earrings | Ruffle Sleeve Sweater
Skirt | Sunglasses | Eyeshadows | Phone Case | Lipstick
Nail Polish | Chloé Bag | Flats | Booties

It's finally Friday!!! Wahoo!!!! Ya feel me?! I am obsessed with this gift guide! You might recognize a few items in this gift guide that I've previously shared on my blog, such as this velvet clutch and these fur mittens. I used to have these fur mittens in black, but I lost one of them on the bus one morning commuting to work last winter. So, Buddy, if you're reading this, I would love another pair! Also, I am loving the Nars lip glides (last mentioned here), and I think this little set would make any beauty lover happy! This ruffle sleeved sweater for under $60 is a steal, and it would be so cute paired with this faux leather skirt! I die over the "NAPS" phone case that looks like the Nars logo... would be so perfect paired together with any of the Nars beauty items making the cutest gift! Wishing you all a fabulous weekend! Buddy we will be watching the SEC Championship on Saturday, cleaning up our apartment after being gone last week, and we are attending a friend's Christmas Open House on Sunday! Let the holiday party madness begin! Much love and happy shopping, friends!!



 

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