Hey guys! This cute romper was restocked on Red Dress Boutique and sold out again! But…guess what!? I found it fully stocked at another great boutique! I love shopping small and introducing y’all to new places to shop. I am wearing a size medium. FYI it runs a little small.
Archives for June 2018
Greensboro Fashion Week Influencer Event- The Preview
Hi lovelies! As you have probably seen by now, over the weekend I attended an influencer event for Greensboro Fashion Week sponsored by Flow Mazda Greensboro. I seriously had such an amazing time meeting so many beautiful women!
Our day started off at Flow Mazda, where we met our drivers. We road around in new Mazdas for the day! Talk about the royal treatment! Our first stop was EyeSalons. There, we got pampered and beautified. We were given a variety of treatments to choose from! There were things like manicures, blowouts, pedicures, and eyelash extension. I chose to get eyelash extensions and my hair done! I had never gotten my eyelashes done before, so I was a little nervous. The women at EyeSalons made me feel comfortable and prepared me with all the facts.
While at the salon, I really started to get to know the other girls. I noticed how effortlessly we clicked. Conversation flowed and came naturally. I honestly was my real, honest self. It felt incredible! We always talk about how women should support women, and it was so refreshing to see the real thing right in front of me. The authenticity was definitely there. Meeting new people can be intimidating, especially in the blogging world. Not once did anyone make me feel inferior. We entered the room as strangers, and left as friends. And I’m not just saying that, we are currently all in a group chat planning our next meet-up! You need to check these babes out! Here are their Instagram handles, definitely follow them: Kennedy @kennedypetitfils, Ifeoluwa @Ifesstyleroom, Shauntel @beautiqued, Savannah @theperfectedmess, Kristin @a_southern_confession, and Kristen @bb.phoenix.
After getting pampered, we went to a delicious lunch at LaRue Elm. We sipped mimosas, stuffed our faces (at least I did), and talked tricks of the trade/all things blogging. I seriously learned so much from our conversations. For example, I learned I probably need to invest in a real camera (and also the hefty price tag that comes with it, gasp!).
After lunch, we took pictures on the roof top of LaRue Elm, and then we went to a beautiful sunflower mural (for you guessed it…more pictures).
The rest of our day was spent at The Mill Entertainment Complex for The Preview show. The Preview sets the perfect stage for the utmost fashion forward October show. There were so many talented designers that showcased, and one was only 19 years old!! You can definitely say these designers are slowly but surly making a name for themselves in the fashion industry. Designs features intricate details, incorporated everyday items like playing cards, used feminine silhouettes, and were outside the box (playsuits made just for men). I gravitated toward the designs that were incredibly wearable.
The Preview, which thrives as a sold out event, has me anxiously awaiting what is to come this October! Greensboro Fashion Week is scheduled to run from October 2nd-7th! I will be there for the Friday and Saturday showing, so get your tickets and come say hi!
xx Courtney
Rainbow Striped Maxi- Shop The Look
How CUTE is this rainbow dress?! I knew as soon as I posted it on Instagram stories, I would be flooded with questions! My official blog post for the Greensboro Fashion Week Influencer Event will be posted tomorrow, but I wanted to link this look for you now! The boutique I originally purchased this from (Hazel and Olive) is currently out of stock in all sizes. Jump on their emailing list because they have the best price for this dress! I found other stores with this dress fully stocked, and in different styles but same print!! Make sure you check all the links! I am wearing a size small. Happy shopping!
Shop The Look
Tropical Tango Dress- Hazel and Olive
Lucky Star Rainbow Stripe Dress- Red Dress Boutique
Happy Place Striped Dress- VICI
Infinity Love Stripe Dress- Pineapple Collection
Bright Notion Multi Stripe Dress-Red Dress Boutique
Follow The Rainbow Striped Dress- Pineapple Collection
Taste The Rainbow Dress-VICI
McGraw Round Cross-body Tory Burch
McGraw Fold-over Cross-body Tory Burch
Satin Gold Earring Hoops 2.25″
Greensboro Fashion Week Event- Shop My Look
Yesterday, I spent my day with an amazing group of blogger babes! These women were strangers to me when I arrived, and became my friends by the time I had left. We attended The Preview for Greensboro Fashion Week, which takes place October 2nd-7th. This event was sponsored by Flow Mazda Greensboro. Our day was filled with relaxation, beauty, an abundance of laughter, quality conversation, and a fantastic show. A full blog post will be up in the next few days! I love this romper and it matched everything! I am wearing a size medium.
Shop The Look
Red, White & NEW at StyleBooth by Blake
HAPPY FRIDAY! I feel like the 4th of July is right around the corner. As my plans fall into place, I am already picking out my wardrobe. When StyleBooth by Blake sent me this dress, I knew I had to share it with all of you! This adorable dress screams 4th of July! I love this smock dress for many reasons. I am a big fan of the adjustable straps! I cannot tell you how many times I buy dresses or tops and the straps are not adjustable. I usually have to return it if the straps won’t stay up on their own. This dress has a liner underneath, which is a major plus.
I chose to knot it in the front, but you could also do a cute bow for a preppy look. The dress is light enough for hot summer days and has the perfect amount of flow. I am 5’5 and this dress hits me right at the knee. If you are a shorter girl this dress may not be for you, but you tall ladies are in the clear. I also feel this dress runs on the bigger side. I am a size 4 and I am wearing a Small. You can adjust the straps like I mentioned and tie the knot as tight as you want, but I would not recommend it for someone smaller than a size 2.
StyleBooth by Blake is seriously a great boutique! I will be working with the owner to bring you more great, affordable fashion! Stayed tuned for more darling looks. In the meantime, feel free to shop online, follow them on Instagram and “like” on Facebook!
I will be sharing a few more 4th of July looks with you guys next week!
xx Courtney
Shop This Dress
First Day of Summer-Shop the Look
Happy first day of Summer! Also known as the summer solstice, or midsummer. Even though it’s been extremely hot in Charlotte, I am still excited for my favorite season to begin!
This adorable tee from Lizard Thicket is perfect for the occasion! I love the saying “I kissed the sun”. The material is super soft and comfortable! I love these navy shorts, which would be great for the 4th of July as well! The shorts are actually apart of a set, but you buy each piece individually. I could not find these cute ruffle shorts online, but they are available in their store at Blakeney. I did link a similar pair for those of you who are not local.
I am wearing a size small in this tee and a medium in the shorts.
Shop The Look
Kissed the Sun Top
Navy Similar Shorts
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
Happy Monday! This week is going to be rather toasty in Charlotte. We are seeing temperatures close to 100 degrees! It is important to stay hydrated on these days, and sometimes water doesn’t give me that quench.
My new go-to beverage is Evolution Fresh Organic Strawberry Lemonade! It’s the perfect amount of sweet and tart! I love how refreshing it tastes, it’s like liquid magic! The ingredients are simple and easy to read. The best part about this beverage is that it is cold-pressed! So, what is cold-pressed? It is a process where high pressure is used. This keeps fruits and vegetables chilled from the moment they enter the juicery to the moment you take your first sip. It also keeps all the vitamins and nutrients in!
I purchase these at Target, but I have also come across them at Whole Foods, Fresh Market and my local grocery store! My only complaint is the price point. They are around $3 for 11oz. That’s typically what I spend on a 1/2 gallon of orange juice. They really taste amazing and fresh, so for me it is worth it! I can totally see this being my summer non-alcoholic beverage of choice!
In other news, my outfit is on sale! Use the code: DAD (ends 6/18 11:59pm Est)!
Shop The Look
Flutter-front T-shirt (I’m wearing a small)
Sidewalk Mini Skirt in Pink Stripe (I’m wearing a 2)
Sidewalk Skirt Solid
Popaholic- Your New Favorite Treat
Happy Thursday friends! The warm weather has officially ramped up, and that means my favorite treat will be in hand! I don’t know why I have a thing for popsicles, but I do! Something about them is so nostalgic. I love how refreshing they are, and they are way better for you than ice cream (at least in my mind). But don’t, worry I have definitely upgraded from my go-to Karnival Kids assorted pack.
I have found a pop that is not only tasty, but it is also gluten free! This pop is customizable and you can choose from gelato, sorbet & yogurt! Vegan or lactose free? They got you!
Are you wondering what I am talking about yet?! Well, I won’t keep you in suspense any longer! My favorite popsicle shop is Popbar! I mean, you might as well call me a popaholic! I frequent their store every couple of months!
They have a variety of flavors to choose from, which are always on rotation. I got passion fruit last night (featured here) and it was fabulous! Their ingredients are simple and the pops are made in only batches of 26 at a time. No mass production here! The best part: you can add toppings to your pop! Yup, how cool is that?! Things be poppin’ up in hurrr! (Did I take it too far?) Choose from dips, coconut flakes, nuts and sprinkles. I typically always go for a half-dip in dark chocolate and I toy between the sprinkles or waffle cone pieces. I usually will finish it off with a white chocolate drizzle.
Popbar pretty much cater’s to everyone. It makes for a great family outing, or a place to grab dessert with friends. They have multiple locations and more coming soon! Find out if one is near you! There you have it! Now sit back, bask in the sun and enjoy your new favorite (almost) guilt-free treat.
Why I Started Blogging
Today, I am here to address the #1 question I get. A lot of you have been asking me this question, and I know some of you probably have been wondering. What made me want to start a blog ?
This post is long, may be all over the place, but will be filled with real and honest answers. If you’re ready for it, then dive in!
I started my blog for a number of reasons. It is not something I thought of out of thin air, and it was an idea I was toying with for a while, but never implemented.
Ever since I was younger I enjoyed being in front of the camera in some shape or form. I used to force my cousins to put on shows that I would choreograph and film on my Grammy’s camera (sorry guys), I did musical theater (god knows why because I cannot sing at all), I went to a modeling and acting school where I had a two year contract and took classes, and I freelance modeled until 2016. I guess I kind of missed “modeling”. Now, I am not saying I have this natural ability in front of the camera because you can asked my friends, and they will beg to differ. I take hundreds of shots to get a handful of good ones. But it was definitely something I missed and enjoyed. Being an influencer allows me to be back in front of the camera, all while giving me the opportunity to bring great content to you all!
Another reason I started my blog was because I saw a need for affordable fashion. I love all the bloggers I follow, but I cannot drop $70 on a top. And when I do, it is because I used a gift card (like for my cute Lilly Pulitzer top featured here). If I do pay out of pocket for an expensive top, I typically try to hide the fact I spent that much haha.
I have always gotten compliments on my clothes from my friends, and I always seemed to be the go-to when they needed new places to shop. I wanted to extend that and bring it to a wider audience, and help others achieve their fashion goals! That is why I try to focus on affordable fashion and shopping small when I can!
The last and main reason I started my blog was because I knew it was the right timing, and I had the time to do so.
Look, I am not perfect. I struggle in many aspects of my life. I suffer from anxiety, just as an example. I wanted to be able to share my imperfections with the hopes it could help someone else.
I had left my previous employer before Christmas. I had gotten in trouble at my previous job for online shopping too much (are we really surprised?) and for being on my phone. I was in this stage where I really hated my job and I didn’t even care anymore. I knew I was over qualified for what I was doing, so I would hit my quota then be on my phone. I was intrigued with blogging and LIKEtoKNOW.it and would spend hours reading posts and finding new bloggers to follow. During this time, I was a completely different person because of all these medications I was on. It literally changed who I was. So I was a brat and got myself written up for online shopping at work. I came in late the next day after that and didn’t tell anyone, because I felt frustrated. I knew this job wasn’t for me. I was honestly debating on never going back, but I did.
Well, I got myself into a meeting with HR because of that. They were worried about how this medication was effecting me, and my how I felt about the role I was in as a whole. They asked me what it would take for things to turn around. My response, was at that point nothing. After that, we all decided I would never truly find happiness in that role and it was in my best interest if I parted ways. So, they let me go. Although it was a mutual decision, I basically got fired. That was definitely a learning experience for me. This is where it all turned around for the best.
With this new found free time on my hands, I needed something to keep me busy while I was interviewing and searching for new jobs. I knew this was my chance. My blog could not have come at a better time.
I have never been someone who knew what they wanted to do “when they grew up”. I never had the desire to be a teacher, doctor or lawyer. I never felt like I was gravitating toward any path in school. I chose Advertising as my major because I thought it sounded cool and it gave me some interest. It was always very frustrating for me to never do anything with my degree. I always felt so lost when it came to my career path.
I feel like a disappointment sometimes. It sucks to be 28 years old and to feel so lost. It’s difficult watching all your friends have these amazing careers, traveling to exotic places and buying homes.
I do work full-time and blog as a hobby. And don’t get me wrong, I love my current job right now and I work for a great corporate company. But when it comes to the topics of lifestyle and fashion it just comes naturally. My degree gets to be put to use too! Blogging is the only thing I really enjoy whole-heartedly, and it has given me a purpose.
I started my blog to build what I hope is my brand, Smile Darling Blog. My ultimate goal if the stars align, is to be able to blog full-time one day. I see this down the road when I have kids.
They say you should never start a blog to make money. And I 100% agree. They say it takes at least 3 years for a blog to start making any sort of income. I can absolutely see that. I don’t blog to make money, because I literally make pocket change. If the opportunity presents itself, then great! If not, I can at least be at peace knowing I did find my purpose through all my wandering.
So, there you have! If you’re still with me, you’re an angel! I truly value my readers and everyone who makes this blog possible!
If you are wondering about my blog name, check out my post on why I named my blog “Smile Darling”!
Xx Court
National Donut Day
Happy National Donut Day! Trust me, you donut want to miss this! (See what I did there?!)
To kick off this momentous “holiday”, I was on the hunt to find the best donut in Charlotte to share with my amazing followers. It was a tough challenge, but somebody had to take it on. Thank goodness for my fabulous friend Morgan, aka the donut connoisseur.
Good news, I found a winner! And let me tell you, this donut will NOT disappoint.
Let me start by saying, I am not a fan of the cake donuts that seem to be taking over CLT. A donut for me, should be soft and have that melt-in-your-mouth texture. It should embody the fried dough confection that it is! That is exactly what I was looking for and found.
The best donut in Charlotte is at Big View Diner! They have an amazing pastry chef named Hannah Neikirk. Hannah is super sweet and incredibly talented at what she does. I wanted every dessert in their glass case!
You’re probably wondering how donuts became a staple treat at a diner. Well, one day Hannah decided to make them just for fun, and they were a huge hit! Ever since then, they have become a fan favorite.
The donuts are served every Saturday and Sunday! They start selling them at 8am until they sell out.
Each month, the donuts have a theme. This past month, Hannah did drinks!
So what do these little rings of heaven taste like? Think Krispy Kreme, but thicker. Comparable to Dunkin Donuts, but better and homemade! The flavors are incredible! Hannah made me a variety pack of 4 flavors! I got to try Peanut Butter Cookie, Strawberry Shortcake, Cookie Monster and Cake Batter. Sooo good!
Hannah even makes donut holes with the extra dough, because no food should go to waste! The donut hole comes included with your donut, so two treats in one! Yay!
You can find these fried sugar confections at both Big View Diner/ Big View Bakery and Rush Espresso in Ballantyne!