Let's Get Loud

I walked into my 50s with a mandate. I’m not here to blend in.

In this moment, I’m here to live boldly.  I’m determined to walk down the street like I own it.

This dress is a lot. It’s loud, playful, and a little wild. And I don’t care.  Being an adult is realizing that Mrs. Roper was an OG baddie who fully embraced her divine femininity and gave not a single damn what other people thought of her. She deserved better than Mr. Roper but that’s another conversation for another day.

Is there an age when I’ll start to tone it all down?
Neutrals. Classics. Something more… expected.
Maybe. But, that day isn’t today. Right now I’m not here to tone it down. I’m determined to turn it all the way up.

This dress, with its leopard print and blocks of vibrant pink and orange, doesn’t whisper. It roars.
And not in a way that demands attention.
It simply refuses to apologize for its presence.

Just like I’m learning to do.

This season isn’t about dimming your light; it’s about living and embracing joy. Being unapologetic in being who you are and redefining the expectations of what middleage is supposed to be. Because midlife isn’t about fading into the background.

🛍️ Style Breakdown:

• Dress: Leopard + color-block maxi (Shein)

• Shoes: Wedges (Amazon)

• Accessories: Oversized sunnies, gold bangles

With Love and Whimsy,

Courtnee 🩷

Very Demure, Very Mindful, Very Main Character

There’s something great about growing old and becoming a new version of yourself. You realize what matters and learn to release what doesn’t. Feeling good about who I am as a woman, a wife, a mom…important. The opinions people may have about what I’m doing or how I’m dressing…not important.

And there’s something undeniably powerful about a woman who knows her style, especially when she steps out in denim shorts and lace like she owns the world.

This look is one of my favorites‌: flirty yet polished, casual with a kick. I paired distressed denim shorts with a romantic lace blouse and finished it off with my favorite cream knee-high boots. The result? A modern boho-meets-bombshell vibe that feels like summer and grown ass woman confidence rolled into one.

What I love most about this outfit isn’t just how good it looks (though hello, yes), it’s how it makes me feel. Feminine. Bold. Effortlessly cool.

As women in midlife, we often hear about what we "shouldn’t" wear anymore. But I’m here to say: wear what makes you feel radiant. Whether it’s lace and leather, florals and sneakers, or sequins with sweatpants, your style should reflect you. Don’t be afraid to show up as the main character in your own story! 

Let this be your reminder: you don’t have to shrink to fit into someone else’s age-appropriate version. You’re allowed to be seen, to be stylish, to be a little extra, and love every second.

Style Breakdown:

• Top: Cream lace with ruffle detail — the perfect balance of soft and structured.

• Shorts: Mid-rise distressed denim that’s both casual and flattering.

• Boots: Cream suede knee-highs because who says boots are just for fall?

• Confidence: 100% non-negotiable.

What’s one outfit that makes you feel unstoppable?

Work of Art

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending Art In Bloom After Dark, a stunning event where art and florals make magic. Art In Bloom at The Cincinnati Art Museum allows the city to experience artwork in a fresh, vibrant way.

The concept was as lovely as it was creative, local florists selected pieces of art as their inspiration and then crafted floral arrangements to reflect their chosen works. Walking through the gallery, you could feel the dialogue between the paintings and their artists and the blooms and their artists.

One of my favorite moments was standing in front of Two Sisters, a painting by Kehinde Wiley, also known for her amazing portrait of President Barak Obama. The riot of color and textures of the tulips, snapdragons, and proteas bring the drama of the piece to life.

I couldn’t resist dressing up for the occasion. This skirt is one of the things I chose from my mom’s closet to remember her after her death in January 2020. I couldn’t think of a more perfect occasion to wear it. My love of flowers, fashion, and big, bold prints were inherited from her. I paired it with bright fuchsia heels that I know she would have loved!

Art In Bloom reminded me how powerfully art in all its forms — painting, sculpture, floristry, fashion — wakes you up and feeds your soul. It is one of my favorite spring events in the city. I’m already looking forward to it next year!

With Joy and Whimsy-

xo

Courtnee

And, We're Back...

Oh, hey! Long time no blog. I wondered if I'd ever fire this thing up again and despite the push towards short-form video content nothing grabs me like words on a page (or screen) and photos. I'm old-fashioned that way. 

Not much has changed in my life since my last post. I haven't been busy. Life isn't too challenging right now. There haven't been any unexpected plot twists. I've just been trying to stay present. Enjoying the moments as they happen. That small shift has been great for my mental health.

Anyway, here I am. A girl. Standing in front of a brick wall. Asking you to read this blog post and follow along as I attempt to navigate this new season of life.