The Pink Suit

Jackie O. One of my Fashion Inspirations. She Defined the Iconic Pink Suit

And every lady knows that Pink is the ultimate feminine color!

So it's no Surprise that a Pink Suit was a Must have for my closet (I have one for winter and summer)

This particular Pink Suit I found at J Crew... I love the Schoolboy Blazer! 
Confession - I have a collection of them.

The pant is also a favorite for it's modern straight cut creating a flattering fit. 
I often separate the pieces pairing them each with denim.

This Winter Suit is made of a Wool Herringbone fabric with specs of yellow and orange for a warm tone.

I don't limit myself to pairing with neutrals (white, cream, grey, navy & brown) ... I've styled it with lavender, peach, blues and floral prints.  I've even added a printed t-shirt for a casual look.

To exaggerate the femininity I chose a Kate Spade silk blouse with a large bow at the neckline.  

For my shoes and clutch, I chose my favorite- Gold!!!  I LOVE to accessorize with Gold 

Who's Your Fashion Inspiration?

And What's a Must Have in Your Closet?

Is it Pink :)

XOXO Sarah Louise

Wednesday Words - Summer in a Southern Snow

Southern Snow!!!

It's rare but it happened 

So many Great things come with a Southern Snow....

Mr's Home!

Hot Chocolate

Snow Angels

Breaths of Crisp Cold Air

Snuggles by the Fire

Scragley did not like the cold snow on his paws

A Pop of Red was the Perfect Flair in the Blanket of White

Our Backyard Beach was Boots in the Snow vs Toes in the Sand

Even in the Snow .....

This Red Hair has Southern Flair 
&
Dreams of Backyard Soirees & Cool Down Swims

XOXO Sarah Louise

Checks & Chevron

Chevron has made a major appearance in the world of print over the past year.
But it's not "new" ... Chevron stripes have been used for military insignia for over 200 years!

Seems like every boutique is showcasing the zigzag in all different colors and styles.  You can even find it in home decor.

It's not high on my list of go-to prints as I find it to be busy and overdone.  However, I feel that by limiting it's presence in my closet and keeping the print small I'm not too overwhelmed.

This particular top instantly caught my eye last year.  

I mean it's Sparkly!! 

I like that its neutral (perfect for pairing with lots of colors) 

and can instantly contribute to a fancy look. 

Gingham however is a favorite classic print of mine.  

Mr. wears it often, and while shopping with him one afternoon 

I snagged myself a few button downs that have become all year staples.

Gingham Button Down - Brooks Brothers 

Chevron Sequin Top - J Crew 

Jeans - Seven for All Mankind  

(All from '12 & '13)

Mix Your Prints with Checks & Chevron!

XOXO Sarah Louise

Wednesday Words - Grateful Heart

Every New Day is a New Blessing! 

So...

We often loose sight of the abundance of blessings in our world

I believe it is essential to give gratitude!

I have found that my greatest blessings aren't things I can buy, but exist in my family and friends

I display pictures of my loved ones throughout my home as reflections 

Be sure not to forget the simple things too .... a warm home, clean clothes and a full plate.

Have a Grateful Heart

XOXO Sarah Louise

Fur Finishes

Fur is my Favorite Winter Accessory!

Not only is it beautiful, soft, and luxurious but its practical! It's the best way to keep warm.

Most of my fur is vintage.  I love the idea that it may have been worn to a fancy party, special celebration or to a simple afternoon tea .... Vintage Dreams!

I don't save my fur for just the fancy nights, I wear it any time I'm cold or want to add a touch of luxurious warmth to a dress or sweater.

I do have a few faux fur pieces.  It's amazing how realistic synthetic fur is today... but nothing beats the thick supple feel of real fur.

 Tahari Rabbit Fur Vest

 

Mink Cuffed Sweater Gloves (Belonged to my Grandma) 

 Calvin Klein Faux Mink Crop Jacket

           

           

My Favorite Most Fabulous Fur Piece

Blue Fox Fur Collar - Vintage

          

Mink Collar - Vintage

Falorni Italia le Borse - Mink Shoulder Bag 

Mr. Scragley Paul Kitty - My Fabulous Alive Fur 

Add the Finishing Touch to Your Winter Looks with Fur!

XOXO Sarah Louise

Wednesday Words - Wear Red Lipstick

I LOVE Red Lipstick!

My Grandma always wore red lipstick and my Mamma still does.

These Gals are Classic Beauties and my Fashion Inspiration!

Red Lips are Glamorous and yet perfect for everyday wear.

How to Wear Red Lipstick:

- Lips should be moisturized (wear Chapstick to bed)

- Prior to applying make sure lips are clean and free of product

- Lightly add face powered/foundation to create a nude canvas

- Line lips (optional)

- Starting on the inside apply lipstick in small stokes 

- Add Gloss for a Shiny look

I like lipsticks with a more orange undertone but consult your favorite make-up counter to find a shade that's right for you 

* Keep your makeup minimal when wearing Red Lipstick (less is more!).... Your Red lips will pop  

        - neutral light brown eyeshadows

        - Soft eyeliner

        - Natural light blush 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Sparkle, Spots, & Stripes

Take Two Classic Prints, Spots & Stripes...add some Sparkle and what do you get??

A recipe for Mixed Print Perfection.

For this blend of spots and stripes I chose my favorite neutrals, navy & cream.

Isn't it great that sequins aren't just for New Years and Night Time??!!

Go Mix Up Some Spots and Stripes .... but don't forget to add some Sparkle!

XOXO Sarah Louise

Wednesday Words - Be Pretty

My Mamma always taught me "Pretty is as Pretty Does"

It's your actions and behavior that really matter... not how pretty your dressing is.

On days when I don't feel so pretty, I remember what my Mamma taught me.

Be Pretty Today 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Leopard is a Neutral

Neutrals aren't limited to solids black, brown, gray, tan, navy and white

Animal prints are neutrals too .... they combine a combination of the above solids in a pattern found in nature .... so it's a natural conclusion that you can pair & style them as such.

Accent a with a Leopard Topper

Ann Taylor Jacket 

Bracelet Sleeves are a great way to accent wrist baubles 

and avoid ill-fitting sleeve lengths (too short or too long)

Leopard Pants

On Super Sale at Ann Taylor

Keep printed pants fitted as too much volume/fabric can be overwhelming 

These pants were designed in a low-rise crop length, I find a full length creates a longer line ... crazy as it may sound at 5'2" I ordered in Tall ... not only are they full length giving me options with various heel heights (I just pin the cuff under for lower heels) but the rise was a bit higher helping hold tucked blouses in and showcasing a waist line.

Leopard Top

Top Banana Republic '13 - Silk Pants Talbots (Old)

Pair with a bright skirt or pant ... balance with a solid neutral shoe & bag

Accessorize!

Calf Hair is a Luxurious Way to Add Texture and a Pop of Print

Check out these Calf Hair Belts

I increased the functionality of this Calf Hair belt by purchasing a size up and adding a couple extra holes (now I can wear on my hips & waist) ... Use tiny clear hair ties to hold the extra material down

When shopping for a Calf Hair clutch I saved lots of money using this iPad case (lots of carrying space).... Get Creative!

Brooks Brothers

Tory Burch Sally Wedge

When Wearing Calf Hair Shoes Avoid Rainy Conditions

On sale at Banana Republic

Pair these with any Coat 

Rules:
One animal print at a time - Don't mix your zebra with your cheetah
Only one piece of print per look - Don't wear leopard dress, shoes and handbag = Fashion Police!
Can be combined with all colors
Can be mixed with other prints - in moderation ... Florals, Stripes, and Dots

Bring out the Animal in your Style!!!

XOXO Sarah Louise

Colored Pencils

No. 2 Pencils are going to carry you just as far as they did in school....

Only this time they make you sharp... looking that is :)

And we all know the best type of pencils are in COLOR!

 Target 

                             J Crew                                                                                                                        J Crew

                           J Crew                                                                                                                                     J Crew

Talbots

I LOVE COLOR! 

It makes for a happy and brighter look.  And is still as easy to style.

- Add Neutrals (Black, Navy, Tan, Gray, Leopard) with a Blazer or Cardigan. And yes ladies, leopard is a neutral... Posting soon!

- Add Print & More COLOR! with a Blouse, Scarf, or Shoes

Pencil Skirts are Feminine and Flattering and help create a long tapered look if fitted correctly.

Fit:

- Should hit right above the knee - hem if you're petite or if you're one of the blessed with granddaddy-long-legs check to see if the designer carries in Tall or if there is a hem to let out.

- Size according to your largest area - then tailor down the waist and/or length.

- Lining is Necessary!  It allows for a smoother line on the body, masks undergarments and tucked in tops as well as prevents the uncomfortable "stuck-between-your-legs" look when you walk. 

Where to Buy:

I've purchased mine from the 'Big Box Stores' J. Crew, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Loft, Talbots ....

I must give kudos to Target brand 'Merona'!  They have pencil skirts with lining and pockets! (which I choose to leave sewn shut to prevent poking out at the hips = Slenderizing) 

So Sharpen your Look with a Pencil 

& 

Trade in Your Neutrals for  COLOR!

XOXO Sarah Louise