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Smile Darling

Lifestyle and Fashion Blog

Archives for September 2022

Fashion, Lifestyle

Fall Trends: Featuring Revolve

September 30, 2022

*This post contains affiliate links through Revolve. By using my links I have potenial to make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Hello Angels! I am finally accepting that Fall is here, even though Charleston doesn’t reciprocate the weather.

I haven’t written a fashion post in a while, so I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite fall trends! For this post, I am collaborating with Revolve! You will be able to shop some of my favorite pieces directly from this post.

The first fall trend I am loving is sweater vests. I knowww, you are probably thinking frumpy grandma vibes. Just trust me!

This sweater set adds a stylish twist, and the varsity look makes it so versatile. Also, the cropped style of the top and shorter length of the skirt gives it the right kind of sexy & chic moment. I love the tan & white neutral tones together.

I chose to pair this look with cute patent leather loafers. I would also wear this set with a white, or neutral sneaker! I am wearing a size Medium.

Shop: Varsity Skirt Set; Neutral Sneaker

This second look is my absolute fave! I don’t even know where to begin. These vegan leather pants are a MUST! It combines the cargo pant trend & leather pant trend into one. I love the wider leg, and the inside is a super soft fleece material. The cargo style allows you to dress it up, or wear more casual. For a going out look, I would wear these pants with a corset top/a bodysuit. I would wear heels, or a pointed toe bootie. If you want a more casual look, you can easily pair these pants with a graphic tee, or a simple top. Sneakers, high-tops, or combat boots would definitely complete your daytime OOTD. I am wearing a size 28.


We have to talk about this bodysuit. The color is simply GORGEOUS! It adds a major twist to your traditional turtle neck style. It is stretchy and really comfortable. It does have a thong back. I am wearing a size Medium, it’s TTS.

Shop: Vegan Leather Cargos Black; Vegan Leather Cargos Camel; Bodysuit


A color I am really gravitating towards this season is purple/magenta. This mini dress from All The Ways is a show stopper! The off the shoulder cut-out really elevates what would be a simple dress. This dress is so comfortable & stretchy. It is a pull-on style. I am wearing a size Medium, it’s TTS. This dress runs short, so it may not be suitable for taller gals. I am 5’7.

Shop: Mini Dress


Lastly, we have to talk about denim! These jeans from GRLFRND are sooo cute. I love the distressing and wider leg opening. They are a high-waisted slim straight style. Material is that stiff denim with very little stretch. I am wearing a 28, but I could have done a 29. If you are in between sizes, size up!


Black bodysuits are a wardrobe staple of mine. I have so many! I love the unique twisted shoulder on this one. It has a thong back and has some stretch. It is a soft jersey material. I found the arm sleeves to be really tight. I am wearing a Medium.

Shop: Jeans; Black Bodysuit

xx Courtney

Beauty, Lifestyle, Skincare

Lip Filler: Charleston Laser & Aesthetics

September 21, 2022

A smile is your best accessory!

I had the opportunity to partner with Charleston Laser & Aesthetics (@charlestonlaser) and received lip filler from the lip goddess herself Sarah Roe (@sarahroe.np)! Sarah did an amazing job with subtly enhancing my lips & balancing them out. I love how my lips look! I have been going to Sarah for 3 years now with all my injectable needs. This is the second time I received lip filler from her at Charleston Laser.

Charleston Laser & Aesthetics is one of my favorite places to go for injectables! They are located in West Ashley (Charleston, SC). Their facility offers a bunch of fabulous services such as laser treatments, skincare services, teeth whitening, and injectables. I highly recommend them for your next treatment.

xx Courtney

Lifestyle, Real Talk, Uncategorized

Pride Month- My ”Coming Out” Story

September 21, 2022

“The only choice I made was to be myself”


I told myself I would never publicly announce my “coming out”. While I share a lot online, I wanted to keep this part of my identity safe from the opinions and judgement of others.

But, here I am for the first time screaming from the rooftops (Or, an online social media post- pretty much the same thing) that I’m queer!

For 28 years of my life I identified as ”straight”. Then, 4 years ago I started to notice this attraction I had towards women. It was definitely more than an, “Oh, I think that girl is really pretty”. It was actually more like an, “Oh, I think that girl is really attractive and I want to hook-up with her”.

When I was still living in Charlotte, NC I would dabble on the “woman seeking women” side of the dating apps. I would always swipe left and tell myself I was just looking. Once I knew I was moving to Charleston, I promised myself I would truly give it a chance. I dated my first girl in April 2020 and the rest is history! I am super attracted to women and I have been exclusively dating women for over 3 years.

How I personally identify is still a gray area for me. For a while, I was identifying as bisexual. While I do find men to be sexually attractive, I really have zero desire to hook-up with them at this point in time. I have not been intimate with a man in almost 4 years. I do refer to myself as being a lesbian, but ultimately I feel identifying as queer is more suitable. I feel the definition of being “queer” is an all encompassing umbrella term that describes sexual and gender identities other than straight and cisgender.


After 3 years of identifying as queer, in March of this year I decided to “come out” to my brother, Mom & Dad. My sister already knew for a few years because we live together in Charleston. I was reallyyy apprehensive to tell my parents. I knew their love for me wouldn’t change, but I was unsure if they would truly understand. I was concerned they would cut me off for a while, or need space away from me. The conversation was brief, but my parents immediately supported me. My Dad even said he could tell and knew from stuff on social media. They told me that they only want me to be happy and live life to the fullest!

I’ve been extremely fortunate with my “coming out” journey. My relationship with my parents and siblings didn’t alter – they still love me unconditionally. My friends are some of my biggest supporters! They cheer me on and constantly ask for dating life updates. I know for a lot of LGBTQ+ that is not necessarily the case. Which is why I didn’t feel the need to draw any sort of attention outwardly for a long time.

I have always been an ally of this beautiful community. To be a part of it now for 3 years has been an impactful journey. There’s been a lot of self- growth, discovery, and reflection. I can truly say I love the person I am. I am proud of my ability to love in all capacity’s. I have gone through such a transformational phase, and I’m finally comfortable enough to share it with all of you. HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!

xx Courtney

About Me

HELLO

I'm Courtney! I'm just a girl who loves clothes, skincare and trying new things. With this blog, I hope to share a blend of topics that interest & excite me. Let's get inspired! And remember, Smile Darling!

Recent Posts

  • Luxury Hair- The Beacon Salon
  • Fall Trends: Featuring Revolve
  • Lip Filler: Charleston Laser & Aesthetics
  • Pride Month- My ”Coming Out” Story
  • AVRE- Sustainable Sneakers

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