Wednesday, May 13, 2015

...Did Someone Say HAUL?!

Hi there lovelies!

I hope you all follow me on Instagram and Facebook, if you do then you know I've been traveling! I went to Washington D.C. for the weekend for my cousin's graduation from American University (Go AJ)! While there, I did quite a bit of shopping (duh). One of my favorite aspects of traveling is shopping and getting the chance to purchase new items from a different city!

Today, is my very first "haul". I often watch hauls on YouTube, so I hope I can supply the same effect with a blog and pictures versus a video! Let's get started!

Loft:

Chambray Jacket
Sunnies
Mini Skirt
Forever 21:

Sunnies (Similar Linked)
Plaid Dress (Similar Linked)
Black and White Culottes


Gingham Skirt
Peasant Top
H&M:

Tunic Dress
Fitted Pencil Skirt
One Shouldered Bathing Suit Top (Not Online)
DSW:

Pineapple Backpack (Similar Linked)
Gladiator Sandal 
Top Shop at Nordstrom:

Black Boyfriend Jeans
White Crop Top
 Free People:

Denim Frayed Skirt


What do you think of my new purchases? Come back and see how I style them throughout my travels this summer!


Love & Kisses, 
 photo courtney-signature-1.png

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

...Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!!




Yesterday, I shared with ya'll how to throw a Cinco de Mayo party! However, I understand throwing parties is not everybody's thing...some of us like to just attend parties. Today I'm listing a few places around the city that you can grab your margarita and chow down on some super yummy food all while celebrating in an over-sized Sombrero (if that's your thing, lol)!

1. Superior Grill: They always have a block party in honor of everyone's favorite Mexican holiday. The margaritas are super yummy (and specially priced), the beer is cold, and the food always hits the spot. If they still have the crawfish quesadillas...GO FOR IT.
Added bonus...they always have a stage with live talent playing!!
3636 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, LA 70115

2. Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar: Okay guys...I LOVE Lucy's. I always have a grand ole time while I'm there and I think the DJ is always super fun. Go ahead, judge me...but it's the truth! Anyhoo, they have $5 Margaritas all day, $3 Mexican Beer, $1 Tacos starting after 4pm and a Kick-Ass DJ. This is guaranteed good time!
701 Tchoupitoulas St. New Orleans, LA

3. La Casita: The stuff Margarita dreams are made of! This place is definitely bit moodier than the others, but the food and drink specials will make up for it. Happy Hour is TODAY 3-7pm...$4 Margaritas, $5 Mojitos/Sangria, $2 Beers, Food Specials. Warning: It's dark in there so you may end up feasting and drinking more than you originally intended to!
634 Julia St, New Orleans, LA 70130

4. Felipes Taqueria: Another favorite place of mine! The food is fast and delicious, the bartenders are SO nice, and you can always count on running into a friend there. This Cinco de Mayo is Taco Tuesday so they'll have those at discounted prices as well as margaritas. Each location has entertainment and all proceeds are going to charity! Double win!
Mid-City, Uptown, Downtown, and Slidell

5. Eiffel Society: I've actually never been to their Margarita Mayhem...but I have had stellar times in Eiffel. Today they are featuring tequila shots, cheap margs, and a food truck from 5-10. Everything I've ever been to in Eiffel is always amazing so I'm sure this won't disappoint! 
2040 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, LA 70130


Always remember to drink responsibly, designate a driver for the night or call UBER...but never drink and drive!
 What are your Cinco de Mayo plans?!



Love and Kisses, 
 photo courtney-signature-1.png

P.S. Make sure you're following me on Facebook and Instagram so you can see what I'm doing and more importantly...what I'm wearing! 
Instagram: CoCoCoCourtney
Facebook: Femininely Free

Monday, May 4, 2015

...Cinco De Mayo is Holiday Time!

Hola Amigos!



Tomorrow is one of my absolute favorite holidays...Cinco de Mayo! It's such a fun holiday complete with margaritas, taco bars, and delicious deserts! However, let's not forget there is also a very important history behind the celebration of Cinco de Mayo...demonstrated by Joan Clayton (Tracee Ellis Ross) in one of my favorite clips from the show Girlfriends:

                        

Isn't that hilarious?! Anyhoo...along with being a fabulous socialite, in my own mind, I like to consider myself an Event Connoisseur aka I can throw a dope party! So today I'll be teaching ya'll how to throw the Best Damn Cinco De Mayo Celebration EVER. After all, with all the tequila you'll be consuming...you'll want to be at home!

Tequila Tasting Table! I only had 2 cute little bottles of tequila for people to taste...you may want to get more depending on how many guests you have. Don't forget the Salt and Limes...CHEERS!
Pinata Stick...because what's Cinco De Mayo without a Pinata!
Pinata! I suggest this game BEFORE everyone tastes all the tequila, lol!
Cacti make fun, themed centerpieces!
Can't forget sombrero beads, mustaches, and big colorful lollipops to add to the table!
Jarritos make for a yummy, non-alcoholic choice! Plus...they're made in Mexico!
Flowers cut and placed in Refried Bean cans are a fun and inexpensive way to stay within the theme!
The flowers were placed around the margarita bar...the crew and I drank most of it before the shoot started, haha!

Don't forget to assign a #Hashtag to use so everyone can look at the fun pictures on social media later!
Top: Chloe Oliver, Bell Bottom Jeans: BDG via Urban Outfitters (old, similar linked)
Earrings: Kendra Scott, Necklace: Kendra Scott, Bracelet: Lenny & Eva
Posing with the pinata!
Come back tomorrow and check out even MORE Cinco De Mayo fun! What do you have planned to do to celebrate?!


Love and Kisses, 
 photo courtney-signature-1.png

Friday, May 1, 2015

...It's Festival Time!

Hey ya'll!

It's my favorite time of year...NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL time! Last weekend was the first weekend and yesterday kicked off the first day of the second weekend. Jazz Fest is one of my favorite festivals for many reasons...the food is fantastic, the music is always amazing, and there's always a magical spirit of fun in the air! 

I have attached photos of my Friday from last weekend's festivities along with a small checklist of things to remember I wrote years ago for a another blog!


Hat: Forever 21, Harness: Forever 21, Earrings: Francesca's Collections, Tunic: Aristocracy NOLA
Overalls: Thrifted (brand LEI, similar linked), Chambray Top: Dad's (lol, similar linked), Sunnies: Sunglass Hut 
Bracelets: Hemline Lafayette, Pandora, Trendz, Things Remembered, Porter Lyons
Bag: Gift from Mom (similar linked), Shoes: Chuck Taylor Classics



        






      1- Make sure you have a great, durable cross body bag or backpack: A cross body bag/ backpack holds everything you could possible need: water bottles, lip gloss, wet wipes, sun screen, a poncho and more…all while keeping your hands free. 
2- Check the weather: Living in southern Louisiana, we all know how unpredictable this weather can be!! It is SO important to check the weather and make sure you are not stuck in sandals in the mud… which brings me to my next tip!
3- Wear the correct shoes: Your favorite sandals may be your most obvious choice, but think again! Boots are always a good choice…whether they are combat boots, steel toe boots, or regular rain boots…. they are perfect for sloshing through mud or if it unexpectedly rains or even if it get a little chilly outside! You always want to keep your toesies warm!
4- Wear an outfit you can be free and comfortable in: We've all seen the pictures of Kate Moss, Chanel Iman, and Vanessa Hudgens nearly naked at festival, but that doesn't mean you have to be! Wear something you feel completely comfortable in, like your favorite denim shorts and tee or a maxi and crop top! After all, we all know being comfortable in your own skin is the hottest thing you could ever wear!
5- Pick your accessories with care: Even if you decide to play it safe with your outfit, festivals are the time you can go absolutely insane with your jewelry and accessories! It’s all about the accents! Paint each nail a funky color, layer your arm in bracelets, break out your bohemian headband, and hand and ear cuffs! Be creative with your accessories, after all we only really go to festivals to see what others are wearing…right?!
6- Plan your day: Most festivals have maps and itinerary’s on their website that you can download ahead of time. Printing one out and planning the day ahead of time with friends can ensure you make time to do everything during your day. You want to see one performer at 2pm and your friend wants to see another at 3pm across the park? Done and done…as long as you guys are prepared!
7- Most importantly…have fun all while being SAFE: This probably should have been number one! Remember all the rules your parents instilled in you when you were little…stay with the group, don’t drink from strangers, be aware of your surroundings. We all want to have a crazy, unforgettable time…but make sure you are safe so you can tell others about your wild time later.



       How do you festival?!


Love and Kisses, 
 photo courtney-signature-1.png