Just. Love. Fashion.

Behind the Scenes: Jason Wu for Target VIP party

2012-01-29T20:55:00.000-06:00

This past week Target launched it's next exciting designer partnership with Jason Wu. I've followed this fashion genius since he created the jaw-dropping white chiffon one shoulder dress that Michelle Obama wore for the inaugural dinner. So when I had the opportunity to attend the VIP party launching this new Target designer partnership, I was a bit excited to say the least. Not only did I get to shop the collection first, but the party was buzzing with celebrity sightings, including Emmy Rossum, Blake Lively, Jamie King and of course, Jason Wu. Check out the party and the amazing fashion!

Blake Lively, Jason Wu, Chloe Moretz

Emmy Rossum in Jason Wu for Target

Jamie King

Kate Young

Golden Globes 2012!

2012-01-15T20:22:00.000-06:00

It's Golden Globes night! And I, like you, have been glued to the red carpet coverage all night. While I am left a bit underwhelmed by the fashion this evening, a few gowns were breathless and simply stunning. My favorites are below. What did you think? Exciting fashion night or just so-so?

Nicole Richie

Sophia Vergara

Heidi Klum

Stacey Kiebler

Charlize Theron

Burberry Provides the Perfect Spring Accents

2012-01-10T22:16:00.000-06:00

Burberry Prorsum has launched its spring/summer 2012 campaign featuring British actor Eddie Redmayne and model Cara Delevingne. The collection boasts of stylish overcoats that are chalked full of Burberry’s impeccable sensibilities. Not veery from the quintessential Burberry aesthetic, the spring/summer 2012 line features dashes of color sprinkled amongst other neutral pieces. But just because this is typical Burberry doesn’t mean it's same old, same old. There’s enough counteractive elements to keep the collection fresh and surprising. What do you think? Is it exciting and noteworthy or just so-so?

Rebound With Comforting Classics

2012-01-03T22:38:00.000-06:00

After the last Christmas cookies have been eaten, the last gift has been opened and the last family member has departed, many of us are left with mixed emotions. Some are grieving that the joyous season has come to an end while others are looking forward to life that is back to normal and frankly some peace and quiet.

For me, it's a little bitter sweet. Christmas was a time to reconnect with my family that now lives across the nation, including Florida, Illinois, North Carolina and Wisconsin. There is nothing quite like having my husband, two sisters, mom and brother-in-law all in one house. We resort back to our youth and play video games in our pajamas while the aromatic kitchen teases us with sweet smells of warm chocolate chip cookies and freshly baked bread.

I miss that time dearly but I accept it as a moment that will come again in some shape or form. And for now, back to "life as usual" is good and somewhat comforting and exciting in it's own right. Whatever post-holiday looks like for you, I think we can all use some comfort for the soul which can be found in an oversized sweater, a chunky infinity scarf, or frankly, just a warm pair of wool socks!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T19:09:00.001-06:00

Although I'm one day late, it's still a very new year and I hope you've all had wonderful start to 2012. My husband Andy and I were ringing in the new year with some great friends, good food and yummy drinks. But what really toped off the night was watching the snow fall while huddled indoors. It was a beautiful sight and I've captured it for you all below.

I'm not big on new year's resolutions but a small one for me is to love more, worry less and always preservere. I look forward to another year of sharing my love of fashion in hopes of inspiring you and me.

~Court

For the Glitter and Gold Obsessed

2011-12-12T21:30:00.001-06:00

Happy holiday party season! While I break out the glitz all year long - morning, noon or night - the holiday season certainly lends itself to embracing glitter and glam. I always recommend starting slow, perhaps a great pair of glitter earrings or a shiny clutch. Then work your way up to a gold enhanced top or glitter pumps. But no matter how much of an expert you are with the gold, never, ever, ever overdo it. It will only end tacky.

Here are a few of my favorite glitter items that I call my own, as well as a few snapshots of those who do it right. Enjoy the shiny season!

Courtney's Closet:

Nine West pumps (a gift from my momma!)

At the theatre in a Michael Kors blouse: found here

J. Crew clutch (2010)

Photos that inspire:

Kate Moss

Yves Saint Laurent

Help Others Dress For Success

2011-12-11T09:17:00.000-06:00

I want to take a moment to break away from fashion - well, kind of - to tell you about a cause that's near and dear to my heart: Dress for Success. DFS is an organization that provides disadvantaged women who are applying for a job the option to come to DFS and get a job interview outfit. When the women arrive, they get their own personal shopper or fitting coach - that's me! and could be you! - who helps them find the perfect outfit, including a suit, top, shoes, bag, jewelry, etc. Whatever they need, they can pretty much get at DFS.

Plus, as a fitting coach, you have the privilege of not only helping them look their best but training them how to prepare for their interviews. Once they land the job, they get to come back and get fitted for work clothes that will last them at least one week! I love DFS because you get to impact an immediate transformation: women walk in without confidence and their head hanging low, but leave with a new belief in their ability and hope for their future. If you love fashion and love helping women in need, I encourage you to check out Dress for Success and find a chapter in your location - or start one yourself!

I found them!

2011-12-03T15:37:00.000-06:00

I've been on the hunt for a pair of suede powder gray pumps for the past few months and I finally found the perfect pair on Gilt Groupe! They are Pour La Victoire, one of my FAVORITE shoe designers. They work with jeans - light or dark - and pants of nearly any color.

And now ... drumroll, please! ... feast your eyes on the beauties. :-)

Colder Weather Isn't All That Bad, Right?

2011-11-15T21:50:00.000-06:00

A change in seasons brings out a flurry of emotions in me. (Pun intended.) I often find myself starting the day cursing the colder air and brisk wind but ending the day - as long as traffic isn't gridlock - blissfully gazing at the soft snowflakes in the air and inhaling the smells of hearty meals cooking from the homes as I head home from work.

Another perk of colder weather? A change in wardrobe! I love reinventing looks for the new season and seeking out new purchases that will refresh an old look. (Right now I'm on the hunt for a great pair of grey suede pumps and chunky gold link necklace.) Here are a few statement items that put a little spring back in my step as I pile on the layers.

Michael Kors

J. Crew

Lauren Elan

Michael Kors

J. Crew

It's the Spirit of Apple Picking that Counts

2011-11-01T21:10:00.000-05:00

For the past three years, my hubby Andy and I have ventured out of the city to pick our own apples. Since it's just the two of us, we always pick way more than we can eat. And so Andy somehow convinces me every year to try and make an apple treat. Now, we both know that the only thing I can bake are chocolate chip cookies - and they are darn good cookies if I do say so myself! But that's it. That's all I got. I tell him I have other talents but he insists...

SO, the first year I attempted an apple pie that just went horribly wrong. Period. Year two, I tried apple pie's kinder sister apple crisp. Still, it tasted like cardboard which I didn't think was possible. And this year, while I insisted that I don't make anything, Andy's relentless persuasion resulted into me caving in and attempt what I thought would be the easiest apple project of all - caramel apples. But as my luck goes, I burnt my hand and the caramel and candies just melted off the apple, leaving a pool of candies swimming in caramel on the plate. After I let a few tears of frustration drop, we decided that even though I will never be the fabulous baker, it's OK! We'll just do it our own way and lick the caramel off the plate. :-)

My outfit: stripped shirt, Target; white tank, Express; gray jeans, Paige; boots, Etienne Aigner; sunglasses, Ray Ban

Fashionably Touring Wine Country

2011-10-24T21:48:00.000-05:00

This past week my hubby and I took a much needed vacation to San Francisco and wine country. Being our first time to the region, we had to hit up all the touristy activities: union square, riding the cable cars, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate bridge and Muir Woods. It was amazing. But my absolute favorite moments were in the beautiful countryside tasting amazing wines! Since this isn't just any occasion, you need to dress the part!

My outfit: skirt, Free People; white T-shirt, Bobi; sunglasses, Ray Ban; watch, Burberry; bracelets, Stella & Dot; boots, Enzo Angiolini; bag, Missoni for Target

Reem Acra

2011-10-02T20:55:00.000-05:00

Reem Acra will always be one of my first loves. It was one of the first designer wedding dresses I tried on and I remember thinking, wow. She brings a simply elegance to clothes that elicits a stunning reaction. I was also wowed by her spring 2012 collection and how she embraces the idea that luxurious clothing can be worn during the day as well as at night.

Saturday mornings are bliss

2011-10-01T09:42:00.000-05:00

Love Saturday mornings! It's a quiet time to relax and indulge in activities that I don't have time for during the week. One of those activities this Saturday morning included catching up on the spring 2012 fashion week collections! From Missoni to Dior, Jason Wu to Burberry, the collections have been whimsical, edgy, bold and luring.

One of my favorites was Burberry because the bright and bold contrasting patterns drew me in and I wanted every look. Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!

On the Red Carpet

2011-09-18T16:41:00.000-05:00

In my last post I shared that I was in Cali for work. Not only did I have the opportunity to attend an amazingly stylish dinner party, but I also worked at the red carpet for the ALMA Awards. On the red carpet, I would help escort celebrities to pose with the adorably cute Bullseye, who sat on his podium in all his glory. While some might argue that Bullseye was one of the most stylish on that carpet, I was blown away some of the amazing fashion from stars like Eva Longoria, Jessica Alba and Demi Lovato. Here are a few of my favorites.

Eva Longoria

Mario Lopez

Jessica Alba

Demi Lovato

Antonio Banderas

Cheech

Gloria Estefan

Bullseye!

Dinner in Malibu

2011-09-14T21:44:00.000-05:00

These past few weeks have been a whirlwind between travel and exciting work projects that I haven't been able to find a minute to blog until now! I have so much to share so I'll start with my amazing weekend in Santa Monica. I was there with Target to work on the red carpet of the ALMA Awards (I will blog about that in my next post!) and had the amazing opportunity to attend a private dinner at Cheech's house in Malibu! Yes, the Cheech from Cheech and Chong.

Target hosted the fabulous party that was of course decked out in style. From the beautiful bouquets to the creative cocktails (cricket sprinkles, anyone?) to the chandeliers, this party was a sight. And I'm so excited to share some photos with all of you! It was a simply magical evening.

It was the perfect evening.

Stunning bouquets adorned the tables

The cricket drink!

Irma and Enrique Martinez and me

My boss, the host and me

NYFW ... 'Nuf Said.

2011-09-08T21:15:00.000-05:00

It's here. Go ahead, have a moment. And what better way to kick off NYFW than with the Missoni for Target Pop-Up store?! But at Target we don't just open up a store and say that's that. No, we invite only the best in the business to celebrate with us. And they show up. From Rachel Zoe and Nina Garcia to Emma Roberts and Alessandra Ambrosio to THE Angela and Margharita Missoni, it was clearly a star-studded event. Check out the photos below to see who was at the VIP event the night before opening or view the video footage here.

It's September Issue Season!

2011-08-28T20:26:00.001-05:00

Last week, I had such joy going to the mailbox and getting the September issues. We know that Vogue is the icon of the September issue so you can only imagine my excitement when I got my hands on my very own copy. (I had a sneak peak of it at work but was dying to start marking up my own!)

I love how Vogue's September issue this year throws it back to putting models, not celebrities, on the cover with Kate Moss. When I made it through the pages to Kate's wedding, I was just blown away. The details ... from the intricate John Galliano dress, to the guests' bohemian chic attire, to the elegant yet rugged outdoor venue .... were exquisite and so glamorous. Go ahead, indulge in Kate's fantasy.

Making My Debut with Courtney's Closet

2011-08-23T21:02:00.000-05:00

As a fashion blogger, it only seems appropriate to share more about how I incorporate fashion into my everyday look. This may be a "duh" but I will let you know that while I enjoy sharing what inspires me, I am more private when it comes to my personal dreams, fashion and accomplishments. Plus my husband and I don't have any serious photography skills! So I ask you to join me in this new journey of sharing more of what makes me, me ... in the hopes of inspiring you.

Let's start with what I hope to be a weekly post called "Courtney's Closet." This week, I was inspired by the sunny skies over the weekend and slightly cooler nights with fall starting to feel closer. And so, I captured warm fall colors and golden skies by pairing a high-waist khaki Zara skirt with simple white T-shirt from Target, silk scarf from Zara and Ray Ban sunglasses. But what really topped off my golden look was layers of gold jewelry. Taking more fall color combinations and adding them into a still summer appropriate outfit is a great way to begin transitioning from summer to fall.

Kim and Vera - Enough Said

2011-08-21T09:52:00.000-05:00

If it wasn't for the royal wedding this past spring, Kim. K's wedding would probably go down as the biggest, most elaborate, most anticipated wedding of the year. After all, Kim and Chris are estimated to make a whopping $20 million just from wedding publicity! Oh to be a Kardashian. I don't know about you but I'm a total Kardashian fan. Their lack of filter, love for and dedication to each other, and unbelievably lavish lifestyles make them easy to love to watch.

And so, I'm so excited to see the first photos of the wedding and of course, "the dress." Knowing that it was be a Vera Wang makes me even more excited since Vera's bridal collection has always taken my breath away. The dresses are airy, intricate and simply high-fashion. I'm envisioning Kim to be in something like this first Vera dress but while we're on the topic of Vera Wang bridal, I can't help but share a few other breath-taking numbers.

Missoni Look Book Is Here!

2011-08-15T21:47:00.000-05:00

Hi loves! Ready for more Missoni? The Missoni for Target look book is now here! Go ahead ... print it out, mark it up, and map your route for when it hits stores on September 13. On my "must have" list include the skirt on look 4, look 9, silky cami on look 23, and basically ALL the accessories and home items. Trust me, when you see them in store you won't be disappointed!!

LOOK 4
Space-Dye Knit Cardigan $44.99
Space-Dye Sleeveless Sweater $29.99
Striped Sweater Skirt $39.99

LOOK 9
Chiffon Sweater* $44.99
Available at Target.com only
Knit Shorts $39.99
Available at Target.com only

LOOK 23
Silky Robe $39.99
Silky Cami $19.99
Silky Pajama Shorts $24.99

Ballet Flats $29.99

Umbrella $19.99

Rugs $29.99 each

Glass Serving Bowl $29.99

Ceramic Large Vase $39.99
Ceramic Medium Vase $29.99

Sneak Peek! Missoni for Target

2011-08-11T22:22:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, I work in PR at Target. And with my job, I get the privilege to see product lines way before they come out. I have been drooling over the Missoni for Target look book for months! And finally, I can show you a sneak peek of the more than 400 products to come storewide, from household and home to women's and men's clothing to accessories! If you are like me, you will also be waiting outside a Target store at 8 a.m. on September 13 just ready to load up your shopping cart.

Ladies Who Lunch

2011-08-07T22:06:00.000-05:00

We're all familiar with the saying "ladies who lunch." It instantly conjures up images of women who are decked out in pearls, hats and high heals while enjoying the company of one another. Maybe this type of lunching was popular in the 50s and 60s, I see it coming back full swing. And why not!

While I was in Philadelphia this week for work, I often spent my lunch hour in cafes with co-workers and entertaining business partners. As I observed my lunching partners and others in the restaurants, I noticed many fabulous outfits with sophistication and flare. But let's not leave our "lunching best" for the work meetings. I think dressing yourself up for lunch with your girlfriends, sisters or mom is a perfect way to show that you care about looking great for them and that you value your time together. Plus, it's another great reason to make a fashionable statement ... and who doesn't love a reason for that? :-) So throw out those dingy shorts and unimpressive tennis shoes, and make it a lunch to remember.

Perfection.

2011-07-24T17:10:00.000-05:00

Bet you haven't heard of Amber Heard. (Yes, pun intended.) Neither had I but dang does this girl know how to work a red carpet. At the ESPY Awards she was total perfection in a sweetheart neckline Vivenne Westwood dress, a slightly tousled updo and a naked neck.

My Favs This Week

2011-07-21T20:56:00.000-05:00

Today was the most beautiful day here in Minnesota! And after the agonizing heat and humidity, you can't help but be obsessed with the 80s and no humidity. To take it all in, I enjoyed a leisurely lunch outside at an Irish restaurant, a walk at the Farmer's Market, a run in the evening and dinner on the patio. Just can't get enough.

And now, looking forward to the weekend! Here are a few of my favorite looks from this past week.

Mary Kate and Ashley

Zoe Saldana

Emma Stone

I Love You, NYC

2011-07-17T09:45:00.001-05:00

I must apologize for my absence on my fashion blog but let me tell you what I've been up to! You may or may not know this but I work in Public Relations at Target. With a pretty fun job comes some exciting adventures!

This past week I was in NYC at the Target Studio on Fashion Ave/7th Ave for our Holiday Editor Preview event. Internationally renowned fashion stylist Irma Martinez attended the event to meet with Hispanic magazine editors and add her stylish flare.

In case you aren't familiar with Irma, she has styled the likes of Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull and others. She is one of the BEST in the business and it was an honor to have her attend. Following the event, Irma and I enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Bryant Park Grill which was followed by shopping in Soho. Since Irma was currently styling for an award show, she left Top Shop with three huge shopping bags!

Other NYC activities included dining at Dos Caminos and Piccolo Cafe (an AMAZING authentic Italian cafe), shopping on 5th Avenue and drinks in the Fashion district. Every time I am in NYC, I feel the magic and endless possibilities all around me. I am in love.

Bryant Park Grill

Top Shop

Dos Caminos in Midtown

New York City Skyline