May 31, 2016

Marigold


Marigolds are small scented flowers that bloom annually in a golden orange yellow color.  Their bright saturated color is so unique that it’s responsible for the color’s name.  It truly is golden orange yellow because it’s equal parts all 3.  It’s rich which is why I love it so!  And because I love things that can’t quite fit into the ‘box’. 

I find that gals are weary of wearing orange and yellow, hence Marigold is just right. 

My favorite pairings are navy, plum, burgundy and forest green for darker looks, and Carolina blue, lavender and pink for lighter looks.

Like I’ve shared with you here & here, Gingham is the print of the season.  So this top with its sash tied in a sweet bow is perfection!


I went with a lighter neutral palette and styled this top with ivory trousers, perfect for the office.  But how cute would it be with white jeans or shorts?!!  Think about going outside the neutral box and choose a complimentary color from my list above, I’m thinking baby pink shorts will be my pick for this weekend. 








Gingham Bow Top || Ivory Trousers || Sandals || 


Find more Marigold options Here.

Dress Beautifully in Marigold


XOXO Sarah Louise

May 27, 2016

Friday 5: Memorial Day

TGIF!!!! … the excitement never fades!

It’s another edition of my Friday 5 favorites.  This one is all about what I’ll be wearing this Memorial Day weekend.  This year is special because I rarely get to spend it with Mr and it’s our first long weekend in the 2 months he’s been back from deployment! Cheers to that!

We will be spending it on the coast of NC with our dear friends.  Our goal was ‘toes in the sand’ and our ‘buns in the sun’ but the weather has a different plan #BOO L  But we won’t let rain ruin our party. My bikini is packed and I’m keepin the faith for some sunshine!

This look is what I typically wear on Saturday’s running errands, brunching with my gal pals or just chillin at home.
Distressed jeans, tank top, sandals and a baseball hat (essential when it’s day 4, or let’s be real 5, of not washing my hair).
Side Note: Distressed jeans are just the best! They’re soft and already broken in.  Something about those ripped up holes make me feel super cool – Mr “Whatever you need to tell yourself”  Bless him, I AM cool! J

Also, tank tops are not all created equal.  It must conceal ALL of my bra straps, not be too clingy and not too loose that I look like a sac either.  These tanks in linen are the perfect balance of softness and shape.

Since it’s summer, I ditch the blues and am almost exclusively wearing white denim.  I found these distressed boyfriends a few days ago and am thoroughly excited to wear them this weekend.  They have just the right about of rips, loose but not too big of a fit, and super soft fabric. 

The tote.  It’s a must in your handbag inventory.  Currently I’m a fraud.  I don’t have one. I want one but I’m having commitment issues! My elbow bags have been great over the years but I need variety. I’m finding them a bit cumbersome when I’m shopping or traveling.  A tote is a NEED!  But how do I chose?  It’s basically coming down to price. I have so many designer bags on my wish list that a compromise is going to have to happen.  Stay tuned.
This tote is on my list of options and the price is right!

This hat is my #1 go-to for hats.  The needlepoint flag says it all. Check out Smathers and Branson’s other needlepoint items including belts and gifts for the menfolk.  
Tip:  Opt for darker ball caps, they hide the inevitable make up stains from your forehead.  Oh and it’s a given for your  ball caps to have the hole for your pony tail.

Whatever you’re doing this Memorial Day weekend, whether it’s vacationing, grilling out, partying with friends or just relaxing at home, please take time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, for our country and freedom!  It’s a strong reminder of just how grateful I am that Mr returned home safely to me!




Flag Hat  -  Tank  -  Distressed White Jeans  -  Sandals  -  Tote 

Dress Beautifully this Memorial Day Weekend

XOXO Sarah Louise

May 26, 2016

Shoulders & Seersucker


Every year just before Easter I get all excited about bringing my favorite light weight fabrics in their fresh light colors out of storage. I smile as I hang each piece back in my closet remembering the occasion and memories I made in it the year before.  My seersucker suit is one of those special and  distinct pieces that I treasure.

Seersucker is the Southerner’s signature summer swag. The seersucker suit is a staple for church and weddings in the warmer months, not only for keeping cool in cotton vs wool but for its pastel stripes.

I think that most think of the seersucker suit is for the menfolk and a sundress for the gals.  I mean let’s be honest I do have a seersucker sundress but I also love a good set.
The key to embracing the suit as a lady is to opt for a dress and/or skirt as opposed to pants.  Yes, you must have pant suits but embrace the feminine side and add variety.  Especially in the summer, we are made of sweet sugar that melts!

I like to get the most out of my investments and the key to doing so is to separate the pieces for endless outfit options.

For this look I took the skirt from my seersucker suit and paired it with THE hottest trend right now, an off the shoulder top. 
An instant weekend look that’s casual yet very polished.  I swapped out the heels I would normally wear with my suit for wedges. 

I love this blouse for its short sleeves and the option to not show your shoulders by pulling the neckline up for those occasions where you might want more coverage or ease of movement.


Gals, get creative and mix up your classic and trendy pieces! 










Off the Shoulder Top: J Crew || Seersucker Skirt: Brooks Brothers - Similar & Here || 
Wedges: Similar & Here || Sunglasses: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in an Off the Shoulder Top & Seersucker

XOXO Sarah Louise

May 23, 2016

Blue & White


Blue and white, what a classic color pairing!  It’s saturated the interior design world with fabrics and the oh so popular ginger jars.  My master bedroom is decorated in blue and white as well as one of our living rooms. Well, now that I think about it, there are blue and white elements in almost every room of our home.  I refuse to confess how many ginger jars I have displayed.  Let’s put it this way, Mr has banned me from any more additions!

But as for my wardrobe, there are no limits to how much blue and white.  They are the two most common colors that I wear. It all started with my Grandma and Mamma so naturally I followed suit. 

This dress encompasses the beautiful color pairing with an intricate lace design.  It almost has a graphic appeal to it.  I love the detail, symmetry and shear sleeves.  It’s formal enough to wear to a wedding but causal enough for the office and weekends with simple accessory changes.
That’s the kind of dress you want to have; one that’s versatile enough to go anywhere.


So I guess you could say I skirted the rules and brought home the ginger jar in my dress J







Dress: J Crew || Sandals: Tory Burch || Sunglasses: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in Blue & White

XOXO Sarah Louise

May 20, 2016

Friday 5: Pretty in Pink

So I thought I'd start something new and share with you 5 favorites and/or crushes of the week.  It might get a little miscellaneous each Friday but hey, I can be miscellaneous sometimes.  I say crushes because I'm a normal gal in an over indulgent world so not everything I 'crush' on will make it into my closet.  Sometimes it's a matter of waiting for a sale and sometimes you just keep on crushing.


Plaid Top: J Crew || Crop Jeans: Banana Republic || Pink Sandals: Louise Et Cie ||
Earrings: Kendra Scott || Bucket bag: Mansur Gavriel ||


Top:
It's not a secret I love pink, Mamma can testify I always have and always will!  So this pink gingham top with the bow - need I say more??  

Shoes:
These pink shoes have actually been on my feet.  I was walking through Nordstrom and my eye went straight to them, and no wonder, they're bright and made by one of my most favorite shoes designers 'Louise Et Cie'.  I L.O.V. E. her designs of quality and comfort. They haven't come home 'yet' because I've already brought home shoes this month. 
And for the record I like mixing all these shades of pink.  Sure you could have gone with a neutral shoe but in mixing several shades of a color it makes for an interesting and fun palette.

Earrings:
Now these are cool! 

Bucket Bag:
Bucket bags are a bit outside of my style zone. However, this up and coming designer, Mansur Gavriel has me taking a second look!  Bucket bags were the jam back in the 90's and for a while now they've popped back up in the handbag scene but my style is more classic than trendy.  My gal pal just got this bag in black and loves it.  I like the idea of a 'trendy' bag just not sure I'm willing to commit.  I always say, you have to stick to what 'YOU' like not what the world or your gal pals are liking.  Perhaps at a lower price point I'll bite the bucket bag trend.

Note:  this bag comes in multiple lining colors - how cool is that?!
Also if you're local to Charlotte you can purchase at Capitol

Jeans:
And the jeans, I'm totally digging the crop jeans.  They're flattering on the leg, slightly hip with the selvage hem and they show off your cute summer shoes :)

Note: There are tutorials online to DIY your own crop jeans with a distressed hem.  I haven't decided if I'm going to purchase or take a pair I haven't worn in a while and give them a new look. Stay Tuned! 

Dress Beautifully in My Friday Finds

XOXO Sarah Louise

May 19, 2016

Flat Forms

Espadrilles are an essential part of my summer shoe game, along with flip flops and wedges.  The natural twine sole takes me to a place of hot sunny days and easy breezy fun.

This season the 'flat form' has squeezed it's way between the flats and the wedges.  A platform that gives you the height without the heel.   These flat forms aren't as heavy as your typical 70's platform because they're wrapped in jute to keep you light on your feet all through Summer's heat.

I've rounded up several styles ...


White  -  Red  -  Gold  -  Black  -  Lace Up  -  Stripe  -  Snake  -  Denim  -  Brown
Note: Each pair comes in several different colors!!

Dress Beautifully in a Pair of Flat Forms

XOXO Sarah Louise

May 18, 2016

All Flared Up


Flares are firing up in the denim world.  High waists and big bottoms are all the rage.  Take this 70’s trend and the bright whites of Summer and you have a perfect blend of chic.
I can’t get enough of white jeans from Easter to Labor day.  Well let’s be honest, I can’t get enough white in my wardrobe all year round but in being a good Southern rule follower I only strut in them during Spring & Summer.  It’s safe to say that white jeans are almost a ‘uniform’ for my weekends.

White is just so light and fresh and not to mention cool.  Summer isn’t just for being outside in the sun, it’s also about surviving the heat!
White jeans go with everything!  You can even go monochromatic and pair with a white top – I love an all-white look!
And is it just me, aren’t white jeans so much softer than the blues??

If you’re worried about transparency, looser cuts like boyfriend and straight leg are more flattering that the skin hugging skinnies. 

I went with a classic pairing and topped these white flares with a chambray top. Chambray shirts are at the top of my list of classics because like jeans they go with everything!  This one is a favorite for it’s flattering and comfortable cuffed sleeves.

I wanted to embrace the 70’s vibe so I highlighted the waist with a textured leather belt.  There are other ways like adding leather fringe, rose colored glasses or a headband but I’m more about inspiration that exact mimicking. It’s not Halloween.  Also note, wedges are essential for us petite gals when it comes to getting the bells off the ground.  They’re great for obtaining height while still maintaining the ability to walk comfortably.





Sometimes you just gotta 'Throw Caution to the Wind'

Chambray Shirt: Banana Republic || White Flare Jeans: Loft || Belt: Michael Kors || 
Wedges: Similar - Here - Here || Earrings: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Flares

XOXO Sarah Louise

May 12, 2016

Orchid


Orchid is one of my favorite colors and plants for that matter. It’s not too dark and not too light, not too pink and not too purple … it’s just the right shade.

I shared with you my love of maxi dresses here and how when designed in a dressier fabric can really be versatile from day to night.

This dress particularly caught my eye first for its orchid color and then for its slim silhouette, and strappy top. 

With a denim jacket, long printed scarf and sandals it’s perfect for casual weekends. 
With a silk shawl, statement jewelry and a pulled back hairdo it’s perfect for date night or weddings.


I kept my styling simple with a dainty long necklace and tan strappy sandals.  








Orchid Dress: J Crew || Sandals: Similar & Here || Necklace: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in an Orchid Maxi Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

May 11, 2016

Lace Up

Lace up shoes have stormed the scene over the past few seasons and now this criss cross tie-it-up trend has hit apparel. Necklines of tops and dresses are adorned with grommets and ties creating a peek through low cut design.

The only hesitation I have is that if constructed too low or not laced up appropriately it may call for exposure or elimination of a bra.  Gals, it is not ok to expose your bra. And VERY rarely is it appropriate to ditch the boulder holder. 

So check yourself before you wreck yourself - choose a lace up top that is classy not trashy!

Here's a multitude of options ...




I wore this lace-up blouse from the Target Who What Wear collection last week to work.  I couldn't find it online but have seen it in the stores as of yesterday and it comes in black. I did roll up the cuffs (petite problems).  My floral pencil skirt is a few years old from J Crew but here, here, and here are similar options. My shoes are Tory Burch. I can't say enough about how comfortable they are - I even have them in Red.

Dress Beautifully in a Lace Up Neckline

XOXO Sarah Louise

May 10, 2016

Textured


You can have the prettiest of colors and prints but it’s the fabric that brings them to life.

Fabric literally makes the garment. It determines the weight, luster and structure. 

I love a good peplum for its waist defining design and feminine ruffle hem but add an Aztec woven print in a tapestry fabric and fringed raw edge and you have a unique and worldly looking piece!
I feel as though this fabric could have originated from the other side of the world.  The thick woven composition gives it an expensive & substantial look.

I wanted to add color but rather than go with a bold compliment, I’m really feeling pastels alongside the stark ‘black & white’ combination.  It’s unexpected and softens the palette.

You could pair this top with pencil skirts, trousers, jeans of any color!
And if you want to go the neutral route go for white jeans or ivory suiting.


Look beyond the garment and add textured fabrics to bring interest in your wardrobe. 








Textured Peplum Top: Banana Republic || Pants:  J Crew ||
Shoes: Nine West || Handbag: Prada || 

Dress Beautifully in Textured Fabrics

XOXO Sarah Louise