Dainty Jewells X Courtney Toliver: The Interview

Something exciting is coming soon! We are delighted to partner with our friend, Courtney Toliver Guthrie, for a stunning collection of modest dresses. These timeless pieces are classics that will be a staple in your closet for years to come!

Today, we are meeting the lady behind the designs, the inspiration for the dresses, styling tips, and more! 

DJ: Tell us about yourself. What are some of your interests and hobbies? What does a typical day look like for you?

CT: I am a homebody at heart, although I do love to travel. I spend most of my day doing the mundane everyday things one does when they are a stay-at-home mom, but I try to make those things as beautiful as possible. I love spending quality time with family and friends, and the way to my heart is a deep conversation about anything and everything. I am an avid reader now (beginning in 2022) and I try to fit reading into my day whenever I can.

I absolutely love antiquing and finding treasures that are completely unique. There’s something very addictive about it. My favorite part is knowing that my home decor is made up of things that are tied to memories and I can tell the story of where each piece was found. It has become one of my favorite things to do and it’s even better with friends!

DJ: You have become a momma since the last time we collaborated for a collection - congratulations! We love to see the life updates for Miss Ivy online. How has motherhood changed you, and what are some of the things you love most about being a mom?

CT: Oh, where to begin! I have always wondered how motherhood would be for me and I can honestly say it is better than I could have imagined. It has made me look inward and really focus on the kind of mom I want to be. It has taught me so much patience, yet has opened me up to more love than I thought was possible to feel. I love that I have a little best friend that I can spend my days with. It’s so fun to see the ways they grow, learn, and change every single day!

DJ: How would you describe your personal style?

CT: I have a very simple, comfortable, yet elevated style that’s frequently changing in small ways. I find that my personal clothing style tends to go with my home decor and as I elevate my home decor, my clothing usually follows.

DJ: How would you describe this collection? What inspired you to pick the styles, prints, fabrics, colors, etc. that you did?

CT: I love dresses that feel effortless while making me feel the best version of myself. These designs are classic and feminine, but they’re also comfortable which is the most important thing to me. It’s definitely possible to be both!

DJ: Which dress from the collection is your favorite and why? 

CT: I would say there is something so special about the Colette dress. The Sienna is one of my favorite pieces in my closet and the updated fabric and color is just stunning. I’m a sucker for a beige stripe (e.g. see living room). It is one that will be timeless for years and years to come.

DJ: We all love your pictures and following you for style and lifestyle inspo! Outside of clothes, what are some items you’re loving right now?

CT: Number one would have to be books. I go through reading phases and I have been on a major one lately! I think the new year and a newly set reading goal has contributed to that!

If you follow my Instagram stories, you know that I am unashamedly obsessed with coffee. I have perfected my daily iced maple cinnamon oatmilk latte and I literally go to bed thinking about it (embarrassing, I know). I also have been really focusing on my skincare routine and I have really been loving trying new products.

DJ: We are so excited for spring weather to arrive! What are some of your favorite things to do in the spring and summer? Do you have any exciting trips coming up?

CT: Spring is, hands down, my favorite season! I spend most of my time outside gardening and getting my outdoor space ready to enjoy again. I can’t wait to go on lots of picnics and spend time with Ivy on her little bicycle. I think she would live outside if I let her!

We have a couple of exciting trips that are in the beginning phase of planning (we are SO last minute)! We are planning one international trip which I am so very excited about. We haven’t been out of the country since our honeymoon and I truly can’t wait to visit new places and make lasting memories.

The Courtney Toliver collection will release April 9th at noon EST. Be sure to shop early! These styles will sell out quickly!