Paisley

Paisley is a print I've had an off and on relationship with.  It can be very reminiscent of the 80's and 90's and let's be honest that's not my favorite era to embrace stylistically.  But in the right colors and pattern it can be very pretty.  

I have to giggle a little because Mr says paisley prints look like amebas; it's not his favorite.

This blouse is a bit on the boho side of style, but I like branching outside my typical ladylike box.  Although, it does have lace detailing and pastel coloring mixed with the rust so I'm not totally abandoning my girly preferences.

I paired with skinny jeans, over the knee suede boots and a long necklace handmade of natural beads by a local NC designer for a casual weekend look.

Paisley Blouse: Anthropologie - Similar ||  Jeans: AG - Similar || 

Over the Knee Boots: Tory Burch || Beaded Necklace: Allie Beads || 

Dress Beautifully in Paisley

XOXO Sarah Louise

Ruffles

This look incorporates the essentials color, femininity, and sophistication.

There is no need for us women in the corporate world to dress like a man to look professional.  Sure I love a crisp dress shirt and blazer but I feel just as confident and more ladylike in a blouse and some color.

The ruffles on this blouse were irresistible.  They add interest and movement in a soft delicate way.  Ruffles can be tricky, you often see them on little girl's garments and when it comes to women's wear sometimes designers go overboard.  Ruffles should add a feminine touch and detail, not distract. Keep them small and understated around the neckline, cuffs or hems.
I paired this blouse with jeans and a blazer a couple weekends ago for a casual look.
Tip: Since this blouse is ivory not white layer an ivory or nude camisole underneath. It's more subtle.

I often pair ivory with taupe as it's super soft and low contrast, a perfect canvas for a pop of color.
Emerald is my go-to and a red head's best friend. It's rich and makes our locks shine. If I had to pick a color to wear that wasn't white/ivory it would always be emerald green.  It's not the most common color to find on the racks so when I do and it's a nice piece, I bring it home to my closet :)

Note: I just painted my formal dining room emerald green this past weekend ... sharing soon! 

Add a feminine touch with ruffles and color.

Ruffle Blouse: Banana Republic || Taupe Suit Skirt: Similar -Here & Here ||

Pumps: Nine West || Emerald Topper: Similar and Here || Earrings: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Ruffles 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Camel + Black

Camel and Black, a traditional, neutral and contrastingly sharp pairing. This isn't basic nor is it plain.  I detest those words.  It's classic and timeless.

I find there is great beauty and elegance in a clean and uncomplicated look.

I love prints, embellishments and all the color I can get but it's nice to reset with a clean slate.

I believe that when you are wearing a neutral look that you should add some shine with jewelry and a soft print like animal in a belt, handbag or shoes.  Python is one of my favorites! Keep your jewelry and print in a minimalistic size.

Add some sophistication with camel & black.

Black Turtleneck: Banana Republic - Similar - Similar & Here || Camel Coat: Similar - Similar & Here ||  Jeans: AG - Similar ||  Snake Wedges: Tory Burch || Earrings: Trina Turk ||

Dress Beautifully in Camel & Black

XOXO Sarah Louise

Botanical Gallery Wall

My breakfast room is one of my favorites in our home.  To some it may be just that area off the kitchen that you eat quick meals at but don't give much attention to.  It's open to the kitchen, casual and lacks defined walls; but that doesn't mean you can't decorate it and make it a space that reflects you and your style. For me it's one of the most important rooms.

Breakfast is my most favorite meal and the only one I really care about.  I'm not a foodie (I feel like a unicorn when I say that) so being near the kitchen isn't a big deal to me.  But I am a morning bird.  I have been since I was tee tiny.  I wake up at 5 like a pop tart happy, energized and excited to start a new day (most of you are probably rolling your eyes) but my gal pals know that come 8pm I'm done for the day, drained and worthless.
I enjoy the quiet and freshness of the morning.  Listening to the birds and watching the sun rays slowly fill the sky reminds me of how great God is and just how blessed I am to have the gift of another day.
Here lately I'm thrilled to be another day closer to Mr coming home to me!

And let's not forget the fresh ground beans that go into my big cup of piping hot black coffee - it's the icing to my morning!

The breakfast room was the very first room I ever decorated. In fact, I purchased the table prior to moving in.  I lust over Henkel Harris furniture and was able to find this one in pristine condition at an antique shop.  Those brass claw feet and solid construction is pure beauty.

I knew immediately what I was going to do in this room when we first toured our now home.  An oval table to align with the bay window, a banquette settee, and a gallery wall of botanical prints. I find that incorporating natural elements like plants and wood brings texture and life to a room.

I found the vintage mahogany ribbon back chairs on one of my thrifting trips I shared with you here and simply cleaned them up and recovered the cushions (post coming soon!) The banquette settee I was able to find a mere week after moving in at Homegoods.

When it came time create the botanical wall gallery I struggled.  I wanted smaller prints and I wanted six.  After using my resources, Google, Pinterest and every thrift/vintage shop I went into, I just couldn't find what I was looking for, and in budget.

I was visiting one of my top 5 shops, Paper Source (I'm obsessed with all things paper) and I saw this beautiful botanical large calendar and the idea came to me; I'd cut up the prints and frame them to create my gallery wall. Genius!
And very cost effective!

Tip: Quality is key! Choose a calendar made of thick matte paper 

I bought a paper cutter and frames at Michaels.  It was a bit more tedious than I anticipated cutting the prints to size, as I'm not crafty at all, but after cutting 2, I decided I didn't want them to be absolutely perfect, I wanted to embrace their vintage aesthetic and it was ok if they were a little off and crooked. It lends more to an authentic older look.

And then I had to hang them.  Now this part had to be perfectly straight and evenly spaced.  I wanted to pull my hair out as there are more little holes in my wall than I'd like to admit but I eventually got it right.

I loved picking out which prints I wanted to hang and arranging them just so.  I strive to make each piece of my home intentional and a reflection of us. It takes time and patience but slowly and surely it's all coming together!

And when you're done give the remaining prints to a friend - My Mamma took mine to frame in her home.

Get creative and use a calendar to make your next gallery wall!
Since it's after the new year take advantage of the calendar and planner sales :)

PS Our dining room is getting a glamorous makeover this weekend Ekkkkkkk stay tuned!

Botanical Calendar: Paper Source - More Options || Table: Henkel Harris - Similar || 

Banquette Settee: Homegoods - Similar & Here || Ribbon Back Chairs: Vintage - Similar || 

Dress your Home Beautifully with a Calendar Gallery Wall  

XOXO Sarah Louise

Cobalt and Cabernet

Bordeaux, burgundy, maroon, or what I prefer to call it merlot, cabernet, or pinot, either way this deep dark red is one of my favorite colors for the colder months of Fall/Winter.  It's rich and warm and plays well with other colors.  When styling I treat it as a neutral like navy, brown, grey and black.

Since it is a darker shade adding a bright color that isn't a neutral makes for a fun mix.

I love all shades of blue and green but it's the jewel tones that really strike my fancy!
Cobalt is saturated and bright and is great all year round. The ruffles are an added bonus on this top.  It may be freezing cold outside today but come Spring it's going to pop with a pair of white skinnies.

Adding a bold print is the best way to add style when wearing solids.  I love light weight topper jackets and have quite the collection (heavy coats are a rare essential down here in the South).  In a longer length plus a fun print equals chic!  Adding a printed scarf is another option.

I kept my shoes and handbag neutral so that the pretty colors shine.

Add cobalt and red wine to your next outfit and maybe don't limit yourself to the color, go ahead a pour a big glass! Cheers :)

Cobalt Ruffle Top: Banana Republic - Similar here || Trousers: Here and Here || 

Pumps: Tory Burch || Printed Jacket: Anthropologie (Sold out) Similar & Here & Here ||

Handbag: Tory Burch || Earrings: Towne & Reese || 

Dress Beautifully in Cobalt & Cabernet

XOXO Sarah Louise

Southern Belle

This dress is the epitome of my southern style; ladylike and feminine.

Let me explain....
A Southern Belle is a 'Princess' of the South.  My Mamma didn't have to raise me to be a southern belle, it came natural. She did teach me proper manners and ladylike behavior but it was up to me to to uphold standards as I grew up.  I wasn't born royalty by any means but that doesn't mean you can't be a princess.  It's all about carrying yourself modestly.

I feel that our society and culture has lost it's value on modesty and manners, but I strive to maintain appropriate boundaries.  Like Mamma says 'You catch more flies with honey'.  Sweetness and pleasantries go a long way!

Mr is intrigued with my collection of Emily Post's books of etiquette.  To me it's to focus on being respectful in all situations and with the most recent edition you'll find answers to more modern circumstances. Go get yourself Emily Post's Etiquette.

As I have more gal pals that aren't southern, the distinct characteristics of my culture become more apparent. I really try and embrace my southern style as much as I can, more so outside of work wear, with florals, boots and feminine silhouettes. In my home it's all about natural textures including a deer head and cowhide rug to name a couple.

Now that I've shared with you my feelings on being a southern belle, this dress to me, exemplifies the southern characteristics of my style.  It's floral, bright and fun with bell sleeves. I paired it with my grey suede boots but make no mistake my cowboy boots are a perfect pairing come spring!

The fabric is soft and design is a comfortable fit.  Dress it up with heels or down with boots.
It's definitely one of my favorite pieces I've purchased.

Even if you weren't raised in the south or your style is more sporty or edgy, embrace a bit of southern sweetness in your wardrobe.

Bell Sleeve Dress: Anthropoloigie || Boots: Sole Society || Handbag: Similar & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in a Bell Sleeve Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise  

Lady Gladiators

The lace-up pointy toed flat is trending huge! To me they are ladylike, resembling ballerina shoes.
I miss my ballerina days when I was young and regret it constantly that I quit.  but we all know as a teenager we think we know best and the quest for cool trumps. Oh to guide our younger selves!

The luxury lace-up flat from Aquazzura was at the forefront of this shoe trend and as beautiful as they are they also come with an unaffordable price tag.  Slowly more affordable options are becoming available.

One of the highlights of my weekend was bringing home this pair from Monkee's, a local Charlotte boutique.  I personally love these because they're nude matching my skin which is elongating on the leg. Also, I loved that the ties didn't wrap around the ankle.

So here's what I've found for you .....

  Black   Taupe Suede   Floral   Snake   Red   Studded   Blue Suede   Leopard   Nude (mine)

Note: Almost all of these come in several colors!!! 

Dress Beautifully in Lace Up Flats

XOXO Sarah Louise

Graphite

The colors of winter are cool and neutral.  I'm digging a break from the bright and bold.
I've noticed that industrial decor and colors, like dark grey, are huge in the interior design world when it comes to lighting, fixtures and decorative items.  I have light grey walls & fireplace in our family room, grey slate tiles in our sunroom and a dark grey slate in our master bathroom. Years ago it was all about the warm browns so even neutral shades and styles change with the times.
I'm excited to be trying dark grey in my wardrobe.

For neutrals I prefer white/ivory and navy but I do like grey and taupe especially before I'll opt for black.  Most of my grey pieces are in wool (suits and sweaters) but I was intrigued with this grey silk dress.  I adore silk for it's luster, feel and movement.  This dress has a flattering cross over front and elastic waist for definition and shape.  In being honest, it is a bit on the shorter side for me but I'm making strides in burring my insecurities and a few inches above the knee is ok but no more!

This graphite silk dress is a blank canvas for styling.  Of course pairing with black is complimentary, but you could combine any color or neutral.  I topped it off with my bright red coat yesterday for church.

I encourage you to try a color or shade that isn't your typical go-to and maybe stretch it a little further with a different silhouette or design.

Grey Silk Dress: Madewell || Pumps: Nine West || 

Dress Beautifully in Graphite

XOXO Sarah Louise