Smile Darling

Be One of A Kind

May 31, 2018

Happy Thursday, lovelies! Thank goodness for a short week! Today I wanted to showcase DDSLL Girls!

The vision behind my blog is to bring you trendy fashion options at an affordable price, and to shop small when I can. I love DDSLL Girls because it covers both!

So, what is this company all about?! DDSLL stands for Dress. Dance. Sing. Love. Live. They sell super cute accessories that are handmade, one-of-a-kind, pieces of art! You can expect rich colors and vegan leathers! Some items are even hand dyed! Each piece is always made with high quality materials.

The designers behind this brand are Alise and Liene! They started their company in 2012 and have been killing it ever since! Their studio is located in Riga, Latvia (that’s Europe). They ship worldwide and sell on Etsy!

I was first introduced to this company from my best friend, and designer Nick Pini! The tassel earrings above were a gift.

I cannot wait to get my hands on a DDSLL bag! The crossbody is next on my list!

So, here’s to being one of a kind!

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Etsy Store

*Photographer: David Lutz

Places, Travel & Adventure

Sip, Sip, Hooray! National Wine Day

May 25, 2018

Happy Friday! Today couldn’t be anymore perfect. Not only is it the start of a long weekend (hellooo Memorial Day), but today is National Wine Day! I’ve actually decided it’s my new favorite holiday.

To celebrate, I will be drinking lots of Vino (not that I needed an excuse). Preferably, Rosé! Speaking of Rosé, it is my wine of choice! Be sure to let me know what your favorite wine is on my Instagram post!

National Wine Day To get us in the spirit, I am sharing a list of the top wine bars in Charlotte! As always, my outfit details will be at the end of this post!

Southend

Foxcroft Wine- Dilworth: When you walk in, you are greeted by walls of wine. Did I die and go to heaven? They have a small patio, but it doesn’t disappoint. It has little string lights that twinkle in the night, and it is surrounded by these beautiful trees. They have a menu that offers seasonal and local food options to pair with their extensive wine list.

Dilworth Tasting Room: This place is amazing! It is located in the heart of Dilworth. Their outdoor patio is like a little garden, it is so cute! Their wine list is great, and they have a delicious food menu to match. We got the Small Charcuterie Board with prosciutto and the sottocenere cheese! It is a great place to go with galpals or even a date.

Vin Master: This is definitely more of a casual place. It looks like a little market. It is located right behind Atherton Mills, tucked away behind Luna’s Living Kitchen . They offer organic and sustainable wines. The environment offers a relaxed vibe, which is great for after work or after you walk the rail trail.

Wine Loft: This is an upscale wine bar, so expect more of an intimate setting. It is great for a date night. I actually went here on a first date before. They have a small little patio area, and I mean small. The inside is filled with dim lighting for a relaxed environment. They offer over 70 selections of wine by glass and over 100 by bottle.

Fidelli Kitchen: This may not be a wine bar, but they have wine on tap! It is an easy self-serve system. You get a reloadable card and you go up to the wine of your choice and simply tap your card! Bam! Vino is in your glass. They have a nice outdoor patio, and yummy food!

Cotswold

Napa on Providence: This cute restaurant offers bold wines and vineyard style decor. They pride themselves on bringing the comfortable style of Napa Valley to the dining table. They have patio seating available, which definitely adds to the atmosphere. The wine is everything I thought it would be, and the food is excellent.

SouthPark

Corkbuzz: This restaurant and wine bar is a fan favorite. They offer wine profiles by appointment, and all Champagne bottles are half priced on Saturdays & Sundays! This is a nice place to unwind after a long work week, which makes it perfect for National Wine Day!

Uptown

Wooden Vine (Dunhill Hotel Bar): The Wooden Vine offers 50 wines by glass and over 300 by bottle! Clearly this is a selection that is hard to beat. I know that may seem overwhelming, but they offer flights so you can try different wines at once! The ambiance of this place makes it great for really any occasion. The staff is also known for being very knowledgeable about wine.

Cork Screw – The Vue Uptown: This wine and coffee bar offers an upscale but cozy atmosphere in the heart of Uptown. They currently have 42 wines by the glass and 389 by bottle. Talk about a selection! Not in the mood for wine (you should be since it’s National Wine Day)? They have 30 beers on rotation.

There you have it! A full list of recommended wine bars throughout the Queen City. It’s about that time for me to uncork and fill my glass. Sip, sip hooray! Have a fabulous Memorial Day weekend and Happy National Wine Day!

xx Courtney

Shop The Look

Striped Flounce Dress (Low Stock) – 3 Color Options

Pinstriped Flounce Dress

Pinstriped Flounce High-Low Dress

Striped Tube Top Dress

Blue Striped Cold Should Dress

Blue Striped Off The Shoulder Dress

Sipping Seaside Off The Should Dress

Make It Fab Dress Off The Shoulder

The Tayler Dress Blue & White (Back by Demand)

Fashion

Star Spangled Fashion-Memorial Day Edit

May 21, 2018

Front Knot Romper Happy Monday, darlings! Memorial Day is officially a week away! To get you in the spirit, I will be posting a series of Red, White and Blue outfits throughout the week.

Today’s look features one of my favorite wardrobe must-haves, the romper! I got this precious, seersucker romper last summer from Red Dress Boutique. The front knot style is definitely still trending, so I have found some very similar options for you to shop!

Shop The Look

Seersucker Romper Bow Front Tie (Almost Exact Item)

Knot Tank Romper Denim & White

Front Knot Romper Light Blue Stripe-Abercrombie

Lush Knot Front Romper

Lovey Dovey Stripe Romper

Fashion

All In The Details

May 18, 2018

Yellow top Bow top Happy Friday, dolls! Ye’know, sometimes the details really make a top. This little tank would not be nearly as adorable without the double straps, side cut out, and bow tie back. Details are everywhere in fashion this season. I have seen them through embroidery (see Wednesday’s post), ruffles, tassels, buttons, scallop edges, and bows.

I immediately gravitated to the low sides and the tie back of this top. It adds a little sexy in a modest way. And I know what you’re thinking, it’s YELLOW! That’s right, another yellow outfit to add to my growing collection this season! I think it is such a beautiful and cheerful hue. It is the color of sunshine, after all.

I understand yellow isn’t for everyone, so you’re in luck. This cute little tank come in blue stripes too. Stock is low in this tank, so you better hurry. It does run on the larger side, but is meant to be a loose fitting shirt. I am wearing a small and the straps fall down, they are not adjustable. I feel like an XS would be too tight around the tie part.

Let me just warn you though, this is not a bra friendly top. In fact, it is a sheerer material so I suggest sticky boobs over nipple pasties.

Shop The Look

ADRIFT MUSTARD STRIPED TANK TOP

Peplum Yellow Striped Tank

Fashion

Elegant Embroidery

May 16, 2018

It’s Wednesday, yay! The middle of the week is upon us, leading us one step closer to those weekend feels.

Today’s look is all about that boho, embroidery vibe. I’m not going to lie, it took me a little bit of time to become on-board with the embroidery trend. I loved it on everyone else, but on me I thought it may look grandma. Boy, was I mistaken! A lot of the embroidery patterns trending this season are full of bright and rich colors! The details are impeccable too.

Side note, can we just take a moment and talk about this crossbody bag?! I ordered this bag online from Etsy through StArmandsDesigns on pre-order in February, and I finally got it last week. Talk about patiently waiting, lol! This bag came all the way from Indonesia, and I’m obsessed. Kristina was so communicative through the whole process, so I will definitely purchase from her again! My bag is currently sold out, so I will link similar ones.

But back to my look! I love how embroidery looks great on a dress and even tops, y’all! The dress I am currently wearing does run big and wide. As much as I loved the color pallet in the design, it didn’t work for me. This dress does have two layers, so it’s not see through! It is super light weight and really great for the summer time. The length is wonderful too! I’m 5’5 and it was a few inches above my knee.

Shop The Look

My Dress

Top Version of Dress

My Heaven White Embroidered Dress

Embroidered Cold-Shoulder Top

Calling you Baby Embroidered Dress

Capri Crossbody

Bali Woven Crossbody-Dillards

Bali Harvest Round Bag-Amazon Prime

Handwoven Rattan Bag-Amazon

Circle Straw Crossbody

Small Circle Straw Crossbody

Real Talk, Uncategorized

A Note to Mom- Happy Mother’s Day

May 13, 2018

Mother's Day Happy Mother’s day to all the selfless, strong and beautiful women out there.

Some are mothers to one or are pros with many. Some are grandmothers, temporary guardians or relatives that are playing the role as mom. Some are birth moms and others are adoptive moms. No matter how your title came about, this day is for you.

I also find it very important to note that even though some moms are no longer on earth with us, this day is still about them too. It should be celebrated. For no ones roles as a mother is ever insignificant.

I love that we set aside a whole day to honor you, and frankly a whole day isn’t even enough.

Today, I want to give a special Mother’s Day shout out to the woman who created me, raised me and put up with me for 28 years.

My mother, Darlene is one of a kind. From the minute I was born, I did not make your life easy (I was premature, surprise! And I had Jaundice). Thank you for raising me to be kind, strong, and for teaching me the definition of hardworking. You have been selfless all these years, I honestly don’t know how you did it. We may not live the same state, but today I am celebrating you. Love you mom!

xx Courtney

Fashion

Gallivanting in Gingham

May 10, 2018

Gingham Shorts Y’all I am obsessed with gingham (and yellow hues) this season. I’ve had to contain myself with purchasing this fabric because I definitely could go overboard. It is just such a fun, preppy, and cute design. No matter how you wear it, it’s definitely something I like to call statement piece.

Gingham I came across these precious gingham shorts a month ago during the Shopbop sale. Without hesitation, I knew I had to have them! I am so glad I didn’t think twice and made the purchase. I love the idea of gingham shorts because I can really do a lot with them. I can create a day time look easily, as well as make it a great outfit for going out to dinner in the city.

The shorts I am wearing are by The Fifth Label. Everywhere I looked, they were pretty much sold out. But don’t you worry babes, I gotchu! I found a few places with some single sizes left. I also found some great dup options for ya! I will say, that The Fifth Label is an Australian brand, which I was unaware of when purchasing. I say this because sizing is a little different. I got a medium in these shorts and I found them to be really tight. I strongly recommend sizing up, especially if you want to tuck a shirt in like I did.

Shop The Look

The Fifth Label (Only Small left)

The Fifth Label Shorts (Only X-Large left)

The Fifth Label Dress

Yellow Glynn Gingham Shorts $28.97

Face the Sun Yellow Gingham Set $50

MINKPINK Gingham Paperbag Shorts

White Tank

Skincare

Skin Revival- Curology

May 7, 2018

Happy Monday! The start of a new week calls for some skin revival. If I told you that you could order a custom skincare product online that is made just for you, would you believe me?

Well, this product does exist and it’s called Curology. So, what is Curology exactly? This company designs a custom topical cream for your skin’s unique needs. This is not a one-size fits all product.

Curology Here’s the skinny! You’re matched with a licensed dermatology provider who gets to know your skin. You send in photos of your face, list what you want to correct or improve, and the derm will ask you questions along the way. With the information you provide, a treatment plan is then created for you. As your skin changes, so may your mixture!

Your prescription includes: Custom superbottle with your combination, personal charts with your provider’s info, and a 90-day money back guarantee.

I have been using this product for a month now, and I am in love. I have been experiencing hormonal breakouts on my chin that just won’t quit. I am also at that age where wrinkles are starting to appear on my forehead, and my skin needs a little boost in the firmness department. I sent in a few no make-up selfies of my face, then I highlighted my problem areas in the description box. My awesome virtual dermatologist Ryan, created my plan!

My mixture is a nightly topical cream, so I only need to use it at night! I was made a mixture that contains Tretinoin, Clindamycin and Azelaic Acid. A description of each formula is provided for you on your online account, along with guides with tips for a successful journey.

I really want to emphasize, I would not and do not share products that I am not into, or feel don’t work. I waited for the month mark to hit before I wrote this post because our skin can take time to show results. I also purchased this product on my own.

I have seen changes in my skin since using my custom mixture, and I also notice a difference when I don’t use it . The breakouts on my chin and jawline have drastically decreased. I have incorporated a Vitamin C serum during the day and this product at night, and my wrinkles are slowly diminishing.

This is a monthly subscription and you are in control of how often you receive it. I ordered the 2-month supply bottle for $19.95 a month around $39 upfront.

You can try this product for FREE! All you have to do is pay for shipping. You are treated exactly as if you paid full price. You get assigned a dermatologist and you send in your photos. You are created a sample size mixture. My sample has lasted me over a month! Hurry, while you have the opportunity to grab this and try it out!

xx Courtney

Fashion

Cinco de Mayo Outfit- Shop The Look

May 6, 2018

Cinco de Mayo was such a blast. If you’re wondering where I ended up, I was at Southbound (see last post)!

I got this adoptable top and red tassel earrings from Julie Boutique on Park Road. The ladies who work there are always so sweet and helpful! You can shop my look below! The top does run a little big. I am usually a Small or Medium and I took a x-small in this, but the small fit too.

Shop The Look

BUDDY LOVE Blue Birdie Off The Shoulder Top

Red Tassel Earrings

Places, Travel & Adventure

Sippin’ My Way Through Cinco De Mayo

May 4, 2018

ASOS dress Happy Friday, sweet things! In the spirit of tomorrow being Cinco de Mayo, I thought it would be fun to share some of the best places to get great margs and Mexican food in the Queen City (that’s Charlotte, NC for those of you who don’t know). And by best places, I really mean these are my favorite places so this post maybe a little biased.

Color block dress First, let’s tackle margaritas (because it’s the most important, duh). I’ll share my top 3 spots, in no particular order!

One of my favorite places to grab a good marg is Bakersfield. Their margarita mix is hands down some of the best I’ve ever had. Like, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. They offer pitchers to share, which is fabulous. If you prefer to have them all to yourself, then you can get your single serving margarita in a cute mason jar (which makes for a great instagram photo opt).

My favorite place to get a spicy margarita is RuRu’s. My drink of choice is called “You Talkin to Me”. It’s made with a jalapeño infused tequila, yummy! I love RuRu’s because they have a large out door patio. It is typically crowded in the warmer months, so I suggest you arrive early this Saturday.

If you want a classy margarita, then head to SouthBound. They have a great cocktail list in general, so you have the opportunity to switch it up if margaritas are not your thing. They have lots of outdoor seating, which is hard to find at most Mexican joints. The only negative, is that their margaritas come in small glasses (lol).

Moving onto food! Because what is Cinco de Mayo without a big bowl of queso and some tacos, am I right?!

If you want some authentic Mexican cuisine, then I highly suggest Three Amigos. It is a cozy little Mexican eatery, some may say hole-in-the-wall. The food though is delicious, and their portions are large. Their margaritas are the size of my head, but that’s besides the point. If I want “real” Mexican food, then this is where I go!

Colorful Dress Another great joint to grab a bite to eat at is Paco’s Tacos and Tequila. Their queso is soo yummy! I typically get the dilla (quesadilla), but a lot of people I know get the enchiladas. I suggest making a reservation, if possible. They tend to have a wait.

Other honorable mentions are Cabo Fish Taco and Cantina 1511!

I hope everyone has a fun and safe Cinco de Mayo! You can find me at one of these locations, sippin’ my way through the day one spicy margarita at a time.