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How To Be Fabulous In 2018

Most people, whether consciously or not, desire to be fabulous.

While fabulousness can mean one hundred different things, the universal misconception is that it is centered around one’s looks, social demographics or wardrobe. Sorry to disappoint, but you can buy all the Louboutins and Birkins your credit limit will allow and never, ever be fabulous.

Being fabulous is an intangible quality that exudes all others. This is not about redecorating your living room or what to serve at your next party, this is about being a fabulous person from within. So, instead of making some flimsy New Year’s resolution that has about a 10% chance of success, why not focus on just being a better person and if you have what it takes, become a fabulous person. So, how do you do it? Dig deep, for starters.

Love Yourself 

All fabulous people love themselves. It is only when you learn to love yourself, that you can begin to change the world around you. No one is going to think you’re fabulous if you don’t think you’re fabulous. Start by paying more attention to self-critical thoughts and focus on your qualities. Know that you have infinite greatness within. You cannot take care of your family if you don’t take care of yourself first. Hang around likeminded people and steer clear of jealous, gossipy, phony people. They most certainly do not love themselves and that energy is like a boomerang.

Have Compassion

Having compassion for others means you are kind, thoughtful and probably an overall nice person. Doing something for others when it is self serving means you’re an asshole, not compassionate. Sadly, kindness and compassion are not teachable. Showing kindness to someone who can do nothing for you is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. Give when there is no public glory. Sometimes, all it takes is a smile to change the direction of the day.

Keep It Real

Fabulous people don’t pretend much. Honesty and sincerity should be used often but with a light touch. Telling your friend she’s fat and dropping your kids at school in pajama pants and a horrific bun are not “keeping it real”. Being honest about your narrative is. See the difference? Bad manners are the antitheses of fabulousness.

Take Risks

If you really want to live a fabulous life,  you’re going to have to take some risks. The greatest things in life always happen when the outcome could fail. You have to try new things, meet new people and get comfortable with discomfort. Have faith in your risks. Prepare yourself that most people will not support your risks. Do it anyway.

Harness Your Fears

Fear is the biggest obstacle to achieving everything you desire-hello, that is fabulous! There is no such thing as someone who is “fearless”. Rather, those who appear fearless (and fabulous) have mastered the skill of harnessing their fears and breaking through them. This takes time, but will change your life immeasurably.

Don’t Hide Your Magic

Everyone has something interesting about them. But if you never socialize, nobody will lever know how fabulous you might be. You have to talk to people, listen to people and not look over their shoulder while they speak. Those people are awful and should be eliminated from your orbit. Engage people, even strangers. They have magic, too.

Confidence, Confidence, Confidence

All the traits that make a person fabulous are confidence based. Contrary to common belief, we are not born confident. Rather, it is a quality that is acquired through developing your mind, body and soul. If you are not confident, ask yourself why and improve that part of your life. It’s not easy, but it is very simple. Stay informed, healthy and grateful. Cockiness and arrogance are not examples of confidence, know thew difference.

Be Spontaneous 

Someone who can never vary from their rigid schedule will never be fabulous. Uptight people, time to lighten up! Some of life’s best moments are when you do something unexpected. Take a last minute trip, skip the gym for an impromptu shopping session, go out for a drink on a Tuesday night. Just chill, for God’s sake. The ever-increasing world of Scheduled Lives is so not fabulous.

Have Some Substance

Well dressed, beautiful people are boring AF unless there is something of substance under all that Chanel. Hobbies don’t really make you fabulous, neither do your abs-even if they are fabulous. Helping others, having a passion, an interesting skill and being a part of a cause are examples of substance. If you don’t have any, find something that drives you and start there.

Live Enthusiastically

Is there any other way? Seriously, if you’re not living enthusiastically what the hell are you doing with your life? If you’re NOT excited about your life then you are not living your dream. Understand that you were meant to live a great life, you deserve to live a great life. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Like most matters of the heart, you’ll know what it is when you find it. Keep searching.

Now go have a fabulous 2018.

XO,

Courtney

Cachet du Jour (Seven Glamourous Finds)

Cachet du Jour. You only live once, you might as well live well.

#CachetduJour

XO,

Courtney

5 Piece Mirage Flatware Place Setting $140

Natori Sophia Floral Print Robe $126

Lalique Cabochon Ring $160

L’Objet Elephant Noir Candle $135

Givenchy Cotton Piqué Polo Dress $680

Miu Miu Eau de Parfum $94

Marc Fisher Zack Pumps $169.95

 

How To Throw A Chic Memorial Day Party Without Cooking A Thing (Yeah, Really)

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer season, grilling season, bikini season and my all time favorite — no-cook summer recipes! If you’re slaving away in the kitchen or standing at a grill all day, you’re not enjoying the party so what’s the point?

My super easy tips will have you spending more time having fun and less time cooking. I like parties that are simple and focused on the guests. Yes, you have to serve food. But, you don’t have to spend the next three days in the kitchen like some Pioneer Woman Wannabe-although, you might want to check out her Dr. Pepper Ribs because they’re really worth the extra workouts.

First things first, Food!
Go food shopping. Just because you’re not really cooking doesn’t mean your family and friends aren’t hungry. One of my fave little tricks is to buy a bunch of fried chicken from the supermarket and lay it out on pretty platters and watch them go to town! Unless you’re from the deep south or your name is Paula Deen, chances are their fried chicken is better than yours. Personally, I think Publix Supermarkets have awesome fried chicken, but just use your judgement depending on your location. You can grab some sliders, buns and tons of fixin’s like cole slaw, potato salad, three bean salad, etc. Then, make your own green salad and there you go! Small plates and single serving food are always popular, too. It looks modern and cute and doesn’t do too much damage on the waistline… especially if there are bathing suits involved. Supermarkets nowadays have have everything you need!

Cocktails!
I confess, I like getting people drunk. Parties are just better when the guests have a little buzz on. Make your life easy and get beer, wine, champagne and make one signature drink. That’s it. You can make a special cocktail in some fruity color and you’re done, red usually does the trick. When you use pretty glasses and cute garnishes, it helps. As always, no red plastic cups. It’s not a frat party and I don’t care if “its easier”. There are too many drink recipes to list, but if you Google “party drink recipes”  watch what you find..I think champagne and anything is kind of fabulous. But, make sure you have plenty of soft drinks and water for the non-drinkers. (My friends are not these people)

You can pick up this cool steel tub at Home Depot for just over $13.00! It’s a steel tub, there’s not a big difference in quality that requires spending more than that. I also thought this idea was genius..make ahead cocktails! I’m not really into Mason Jars, but you could use bottles instead. LOVE.

Music is Key
You can serve all the fab food and beverages galore, but with no kickin’ tunes, your party sucks. Get a good playlist going and pump it up loud. For my parties, I like to keep it sort of upbeat neutral with a mix of pop, hip hop, dance, salsa and some classic bar music which is a big crowd pleaser..Hello, Brown Eyed Girl! No jazz, classical or easy listening. Ugh, they’ll be out the door after the first drumstick. The best wireless speakers for the price these days are hands down coming from JBL. Trust me, they’re AMAZING and start at under $50. Is it unpatriotic if I just play the Justin Bieber remix of Despacito on a loop ALL DAY?? I know he’s Canadian but Puerto Ricans are our people and well, I’m OBSESSED. Ok, suave suavecito the f-ck down, Cachet. 😉

Decor 

When it comes to decor for Memorial Day, I say tread lightly. Your home doesn’t have to look like 4th Of July threw up on an American flag. You can go with one color like red, or clean and simple white with a few red or blue touches. Fresh flowers go a long way. And remember, you can reuse a lot of these items for July 4th, so keep that in mind if you buy seasonal decor. Simple is stylish, overkill is tacky. And foil decorations are a horror show.



One Little Detail
Do something your guests will remember. An activity, a cool favor, a fun extra something. You don’t have to spend a lot of money. I love the simplicity of a paper bag of chocolates or potato chips, a jar of BBQ sauce that you used. The simpler, the more chic it is. I also like taking a photo of each person upon entering the party and then sending it along with a thank you. It’s a nice touch and everyone loves photos of themselves, unless they look bad and/or wasted. And don’t post photos of people if they look bad just because you look good, it’s so obnoxious and it’s a really quick way to piss off your friends. Don’t be that person.

Say Thank You
I might be partial because I have a–wait for the shameless self promotion here–>stationery collection, but I’m a stickler for this. Something so small and so inexpensive screams volumes about a person. Emails and texts are okay, but  a real card is better, thankyouverymuch. Make the effort, you’re not that busy. As the host, you can make a short video using any number of apps and then email the link to your guests. Fabulous, right? And practically free! Details like that are never about money and always about character.

 

Most of us have special ways of celebrating the holiday and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving their country. In turbulent times there is a special meaning to this holiday, so take a moment to remember those who have given their lives so we can live freely. Be proud to be an American, fly that flag high and party like a rock star.

Happy Memorial Day and God Bless The U.S.A.

XO
Courtney

Five Ways To Add Chic Tropical Style To Your Home

Unless you’ve been living under a rock lately, you’ve seen tropical themed everything..from Dolce & Gabbana to paper plates, it’s everywhere! The tropical trend is hotter than ever. I’ve been a fan of it for quite some time and don’t think of it as a trend, but rather a classic and very chic look in both home and fashion. When some people hear “tropical”, they immediately think of Jimmy Buffet and  piña coladas, which makes me cringe. But when done right, the tropical decor look can be luxurious, chic and very sophisticated.

So, how do you do it? The key is unless you are a professional, it’s best to stick with a “less is more” approach since it can be a pretty bold look. That said, one of the best ways to start is with lighting and accessories for the right balance with the rest of your home.

Just remember, It’s not about making your home feel like a luau. It’s about adding natural elements, rich color, texture and a laid back vibe that can work in several decor styles.

Here are some of my suggestions from Bellacor that I love:

Gold Leaf + White Lamp

Say hello to the your new favorite table lamp..It has a chinoiserie vibe, which is also somewhat tropical. So, you get two fabulous looks for one! Remember, you can always switch out the lampshades down the road and change up the look entirely. I have a pair of these in my Miami home. They came with navy blue shades and I used white instead in my very tropical bedroom.

Veraluz One Light Sconce

 

The Veraluz Banana Leaf One Light Sconce is subtle, sustainable and sophisticated. This sconce is perfection. The milky white hue is so elegant. A pair of these would look amazing in a bathroom, a hallway, a bedroom or even an office.

Banana Leaf Pillows

No tropical look is complete without a few of these iconic banana leaf pillows from Surya. You really can’t go wrong. You can pair them with a white chair or a black and white stripe and they look chic. I like the 20” x 20” for the drama.

Abaca Accent Table

Tropical decor is really all about natural elements and this piece is called the East at Main Merriam Brown Abaca Round Accent Table and adds that perfect island touch to an awkward corner or even as a side table. And at a little over $100 it’s a no-brainer buy!

Veraluz Banana Leaf Mini Pendant Light

This Veraluz Banana Leaf Mini Pendant is the perfect touch for an all white kitchen. It adds a freshness, color, just enough of that fabulous tropical vibe and you don’t have to water it. Score!

Whether you live in Miami or Montana, a tropical decor look can work for you. Get out of your comfort zone, have fun, take chances and be sure to share your experiences with us. I would love to see how you made this enticing and stylish look work for you!

 

Three Chic Steals You Should Buy Right Now

Style is about details, not about price tags or labels-dont get me wrong, those help-but not necessary. See below.

Flamingos are chic and fabulous and add a little je ne sais quoi to any room. Your kitchen will look cooler. Or, throw it on your desk or use it for cotton balls in your bathroom. Trust.

Flamingo Cookie Jar, World Market $14.99

 

Chic Cookie Jar

Yellow, when it’s the right shade, is so perfect. This is that perfect shade. You can use these up until the Chriatmas tree goes up. Pair with wood, pink, blue, whatevs. You are golden. Oh yeah, dont forget your 20% coupon, I know you have a stash of them. 😉

Bermioli Rocco Sorgente 15.5 oz. Cooler Glass, Bed Bath & Beyond $6.99 

There are a lot of greens that I LOVE. Then, there are a lot that gross me out. Plus, cheap velvet is the WORST. If you buy cheap velvet, you look cheap. This is the perfect rich, emerald/kellyish green.

Watercress Pillow Cover, by Williams-Sonoma $99

Best Green For Spring/Summer

Happy Shopping.

XO,

Courtney

10 Chic Ways To Use Books As Decor

Photo Credit www.BoothandWilliams.com Photo Credit http://www.BoothandWilliams.com[/caption%5D

 
We’re always talking about how your home is your sanctuary, so why not make it a place that reflects your unique style? Using books as décor can be a fun, easy and creative way to personalize your home. Books—vintage or contemporary, oversized or small—add individuality and pizzazz to any room. Whether you want to add a pop of color, make a striking statement or create a theme, books speak volumes. (No pun intended)

“We encourage homeowners to ‘think beyond the bookcase’ when it comes to books,” said Justin Krewatch, founding partner of http://www.BoothandWilliams.com, an online portal and resource for designers and homeowners interested in vintage and modern book décor. “Books are a great way for homeowners to creatively express themselves through the colors, eras, topics and textures…and we’ve made that process incredibly easy and affordable.”

Indeed.

Here are a few tips on how you can use books to take your space to the next level in your home, office, or any cherished space you call your own:

1. Inspire early readers
Vintage children’s books add charm and style to a nursery. Choose traditional fairy tales or your favorite stories from when you were a child. From Nancy Drew to the Hardy Boys to Beatrix Potter, you can pass down your love of literature by surrounding your little one with books.

2. Clearly literary
Take advantage of a Lucite or glass-topped table to showcase books stored on top or underneath. It maximizes unused space and creates a visually striking tableau.

3. Chic page-turners
Weall know, chic is my jam..Books on style and beauty are a natural for a dressing table, boudoir or powder room. Select biographies of fashion icons, photo books of jewelry or gowns, or coordinate by color.

4. Let it grow
Pair your love of gardening or flowers with books that complement the décor of a sunroom or balcony.  Create a pedestal for a vase of fresh cut flowers with a stack of books with botanic prints or show off your sunflowers next to books on Van Gogh.

5. Add sophistication to a man-cave
A man’s room is a place to relax and enjoy himself, and what better way to relax than with a library of well curated books. Besides, man-caves can be so much more than oil cans and footballs..You can stock them with volumes about vintage automobiles, classic sports or history. The right books can enhance the masculine appeal of the man’s retreat and add elegance at the same time.

6.  Fuel the fire
Create a cozy library-like nook for a collection of books on top of a working fireplace or even within a non-working fireplace. Stacked vertically or horizontally, it’s a creative way to store books, adds a nice design element to the room, and best of all, all the books are easily accessible should you want to cuddle up to one on a stormy night.

7.  Table it
Stacked high next to your sofa, or atop your favorite suitcase or other prized possession, books can serve as an enticing focal point or double as a functional end table or place to display your favorite lamp or other objet d’art.

8.  Tell your color story
Just like paint to make an accent wall pop with color, books can have the same effect. Vibrantly hued books will stand out against a white or taupe wall, and a soothing palette of neutral books can do the same in a brightly colored space. You can even buy books “by the foot” in the exact color that complements your décor!

9.  The luxury of leather
Leather-bound books, with their gold-embossed spines and cloth bindings, are the epitome of old world elegance, and add an air of sophistication to any library, study or home office.

10. Coffee Table Books
Are you an art history buff? A gourmet baker? A world traveler? Assemble a group of books on subjects that hold a special place in your heart and make them the focal point of your coffee table. Not only do they look great as living room décor, but they can also be great icebreakers with your guests. I only like coffee table books if they lend some authenticity to who you are, so keep it true.

For an easy one-stop-shop, try http://www.boothandwilliams.com where they have basically systematized the book as a decorative medium.  Books are carefully arranged by color, subject and style, giving homeowners a simple and gorgeous way to customize, enhance and create excitement in any space.

Give it a try and be sure to let us know how it works out!

XO,

Courtney

 

Spring Cleaning, Fresh Starts And Loving What You Do

As we enter into Spring, we almost always think about fresh starts, the proverbial “cleaning house” in its various forms and dusting off what we deem as old and unneeded. That said, I decided to freshen up my demo reel. I’d like to think that a quick Google search brings up whatever anyone needs to know about me. But, the reality is that you have to do it yourself. In a funny way, all things in our lives involve a certain element of DIY, right? It’s always about doing things for yourself. So, thanks to my very talented and Emmy Award winning friend, Frank, here’s my new demo reel. It’s just a snippet of what I do, but an important snippet. When I look at these images I am reminded of how hard I work and how that work is rewarded with doing some really cool things with amazing people. And that I am proud that I have created a life where I can inspire people to try a little harder, know that anything is possible if you just try and that in the process we can have SO MUCH FUN.

Before you tackle any type of Spring Cleaning in your closet or your garage or your makeup bag, clean your mind, your thoughts and reset your goals. Rid yourself of what you don’t need, pay more attention to what you brings you joy and to what brings joy to others around you. It’s only then when the other stuff really starts to matter.

This Spring, I am tackling new projects, exploring some things that I’ve really wanted to do but been fearful of (yes, even I get fearful!) and letting go of what hasn’t proved to be productive to myself or my family. I thought it would be exhausting, but it’s really quite energizing and I encourage you to do the same. Chasing what you love is a journey you will never regret. You can clean out the basement later. 😉

I heard a great quote on YouTube the other day I’dlike to share with you:

“The only way you can do good work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Listen to your heart and your gut, hey almost intuitively know exactly what you need.”

And that my friends, is the ball game.

XO,

Courtney

What To Buy: Blush

While “blush” has been somewhat buzzy the last few years, it’s actually a timeless classic. it works in any season and always looks elegant. No Easter Egg vibe anywhere, because ew.

Here’s what I’m coveting in blush:

Blush Velvet Sofa Talisman London Bespoke Low Backed French Style Sofa About $4000. Don’t even think about eating tacos on this, please.

. Bauble Bar Earrings $36 On trend without trying too hard.

 

Pink Alabaster Glass Dinner Plates $7.95 each Pier One  A “Rose All Day” kinda vibe.

Sam Edelman Leya Shoes  In anything darker they’d be a horror show.

Yves Dolorme Prestige Bath Mat  $135 at Harrod’s. Luxe details are important, that’s why.

Dior Vernis Gel Shine Incognito $27 at Nordstrom   It’s time to say goodbye to Hello Baby

Abalone Shell from Sherwin Williams. A little deeper but looks lighter on walls.

Have a fabulous day. Crush the blush. XO

Courtney

Drybar + Blueprint Just Saved NYFW

Fashion Week Must Haves

Fashion week is finally here..are you ready?! I heard about acouple of cool things from BluePrint Juice and Drybar that will make sure you don’t miss a beat this Fashion Week.
So, Drybar hasupped their game this Fashion Week. Basically, they’ve gone all Uber on us and anyone in NYC is better off.

Offered in NYC only (to start), you can now call a Drybar stylist right to your door with the tap of a button on your smartphone. The appointment is booked and paid for directly through the app and clients are able to track the ETA of their stylist on a map, just like Uber! They have over 500+ experienced stylists in Manhattan and priced at $75 for a blowout (including gratuity), it’s the perfect option for a special occasion, or if no in-shop appointments are available. Download the app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/drybar/id464998465?mt=8

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Once you get that blowout, you need to keep up the look. BluePrint Juices are your ultimate survival companion this NYFW. Early wake up calls can be a breeze, with BluePrint’s Coffee Cashew Cinnamon Vanilla Juice. This healthy alternative to your favorite coffee drink has 130mg of caffeine, ensuring you’ll stay alert and energized (er, jacked up) throughout the day. As well, BluePrint’s Cashew Vanilla is the answer to a snack or a boost of protein to hold you over between shows. Need something to quench your thirst? The summer heat hasn’t escaped us quite yet, Watermelon Apple Mint will keep you hydrated and refreshed— perfect for the craziness of Fashion Week. Or if you need your green juice fix on the go – try BluePrint’s Green Juice, packed with kale, apple, ginger and more. All products are available online at http://www.blueprint.com or can be found in local Whole Foods and Fresh Direct in NY.

If you’re inspired to cleanse following fashion week – you can use their fall cleanse discount code CLEANSE35 to receive 35% your cleanse order! Uh, yeah!

XO,
Courtney

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