We Can Do It!

Happy Halloween!!!

I'm All about the DIY Costume.  
Growing Up We Always got Creative with What We had. 

Being a Gal Married to a Military Officer, I Find it Fascinating to Learn of the Strength Women Had During War Times.  These Gals Stepped Up to the Plate and Said "We Can Do It!"  
This Year I'm Dressing Up as the Amazing Rosie the Riveter who was the Icon Representing American Women Who Worked in Factories During World War II. 

 

All You Need is a Chambray Shirt - Jeans - And a Bandana

Just Pull Your Hair Back in a Messy Bun and Tie the Scarf like a Headband

Add some Red Lipstick & Polish ! 

Dress Beautifully as an All American Woman

XOXO Sarah Louise

Love & Labels

Silk Scarves were a Glamorous Accessory Back in the Day.   Over the Past 10 years we've Moved to Longer Wider Scarves made of Knits.   But I Still Swoon Over the Hand Rolled Hem, Bright Prints and Luster of a Silk Square Around my Neck. 

My Entire Silk Scarf Collection is Vintage, Purchased in Thrift Stores.  (I call it Treasure Hunting - One of my Favorite Ways to Spend my Saturdays).   This 1970's Fendi Scarf was a Present from Mr.  I Saw it in a Thrift Store Window One Saturday while Visiting Him in DC a Few Years Ago.   It was my Next Visit a Couple Weeks Later to DC that I Found a Gift Box in the Passenger Seat of the Car when Mr Picked me up from the Airport.   
Sometimes it's the Sweet Story Behind the Gift that Makes it Ever so Sweet! 

The Popular Orange and Brown Colors are Signature of the 70's - One of my Favorite Decades of Fashion (No Judgement but I Just Love Flared Jeans, Feathered Hair and Silk Blouses!)
And the Ombre Label Reminds me of a Sunburst.  

 When Choosing Silk Scarves, Keep they Following in Mind:
- 100% Silk
- Hand Sewn Rolled Hem
- Woven Print (Both Sides Saturated vs Printed)
- Fun Colors & Prints that Reflect Your Style

Styling:
- Head Wraps/Bands
- Neck Tie
- Tied on Handbag Strap

Although Mid-Century Gals had Classic Style - No Modern Gal wants to Look Like their Grandma.
Bring the Scarf Up to Date by Pairing with Casual Pieces - Striped Tees, Jeans, Moto Jackets, etc..

Printed Silk Scarves are a Great Way to Add Print, Color and Shine!

For a Wear to Work Look I Paired it with a Sheath Dress in Plum - Embracing the Darker Fall Colors.
Tip: Scarves are a Great for V-Neck Dresses Providing Décolletage Coverage.

Silk Scarf: Vintage Fendi Similar || Plum Sheath Dress: Tahari Similar also Here || 

Pumps: Nine West - Love These ||

Earrings: Kate Spade Similar || Polish: Butter London || 

Dress Beautifully in a Silk Scarf

XOXO Sarah Louise

Navy Necessity

A Navy Blazer is a Classic for Your Closet.  

My Navy Wool Blazer was the First for my Collection.  It's a Piece that will Stand the Test of Time and an Investment in Creating an Abundance of Looks both for Work and Weekend Wear.

The Brass Buttons were a Must for Me.  In my Opinion, the Shine Adds a Sophisticated Pop of Luxury.  My Blazer Standards are High so I Insist that the Cuff Buttons be Functional, and to Showcase this Detail I Unbutton the Last One (Makes for Easy Cuffing Too).  

For the Blazer Buttons Remember this Rule: 
"Always - Sometimes - Never"
For a 2 Button Blazer you can Always or Sometimes Button the Top Button But Never the Bottom.

For a Working Gal, a Navy Blazer Creates a Foundation for a Versatile Professional Wardrobe. Pair with ALL Shades of Blouses and Button Downs. As Well as ALL Shades of Skirts and Trousers ... Even Black!  Blue and Black are a Sharp Pair, but Add Jewelry, a Scarf, or Belt for a Pop of Color and/or Print to Contrast the Dark Shades. Don't Forget Dresses ... Navy Blazers are a Fabulous Topper to Solids, Stripes, Geometric and Floral Dresses.  

Take Your Navy Blazer through the Weekend with a Basic Tee and Jeans or a Simple Cotton Dress.

Gals, there are No Limits to Dressing Beautifully in a Navy Blazer!

For this Look I Kept it Classic with a Crisp White Shirt and Heather Gray Trousers. 

Navy Blazer: J Crew || Crisp White Shirt: Brooks Brothers ||

Gray Trousers: Ann Taylor || Black Pumps: Nine West ||

Dress Beautifully in a Navy Blazer

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mad Plaid

I'm Truly Mad about this Blazer.  It's my Favorite for Fall!!  It's Even Mr's Favorite, Every Time I Wear it he says 'I Love that Jacket'. 

It's Truly a Unique Statement Piece of Exceptional Quality. 

This Jacket is Constructed with Form Fitting Panels (Love the Curved Hem!) and of Fine Wool but it's the Colorful Tartan Plaid and Detailed Embellishments that Makes You Stop and Stare.  
The Plaid is Big and Warm with Mustard Yellows, Brick Reds and Pumpkin Oranges - but the Surprise is in the Touch of Cool with Squares of Cobalt Blue and Cream Lines to Calm the Fiery Palette. 
But Wait there's more - The Functional Buttons on the Back and Suede Elbow Patches are the Finishing Touches that Take it to Fabulous! 

It's in the Details!  From Fabric, Construction, Shape, Color, Pattern, Texture and the Embellishments.  Overwhelm your Look with a Piece that Encompasses it All!

I Purchased this Blazer from Brooks Brothers 2 Years Ago and have Styled it Many Ways for the Office:
Pink Button Down + Ivory Trousers
Striped Green Button Down + Navy Trousers
Light Blue Button Down + Tan Pencil Skirt

For an Afternoon of Pumpkin Pickin' I went with a Weekend Casual Look:
Since the Afternoon Temps had Risen to the 70's with Plenty of Sunshine I Choose a Sleeveless Silk Ruffle Blouse from my Top Favorite Boutique Designer Elizabeth McKay 
(It also adds a touch of feminine to the menswear blazer). 
And I went with Jeans and Riding Boots to Keep it Comfortable.

I Convinced Mr to Brave the Public in Capturing this Blazer at the Pumpkin Patch.  The Scenery Complimented Perfectly! He was less than Thrilled but He Loves & I'm Grateful :)

I Left the Last Button Undone to Showcase the Detailed Functionality and for Added Movement

Plaid Blazer: Brooks Bothers (old) Similar || Blouse (long sleeve version): Elizabeth McKay ||

Jeans: 7 for All Mankind || Boots: Tory Burch Similar ||

Polish: Butter London || Sunglasses: Target ||

Dress Beautifully in a Plaid Blazer

XOXO Sarah Louise

{Virtual} Champagne Cheers

Today is Champagne Day!

I Believe in Celebrating Cheerfully with a Tall Glass of Bubbles!

All Who Know me in 'Real Life' know it's my Signature Spirit

My Favorite Flute 'Mrs' Kate Spade

So if we were to 'Cheers' ....

I'd Cheers to ... Fall's Cooler Temps!  I Love Running, but running in Southern Summer Heat, well I'm afraid Mr would find me in a ditch suffering from heat stroke!  I'm really looking forward to running a 5 mile Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning back home with my Queen City Gal Pals :)
P.S. Target has Glow in the Dark Gym Clothes! I just Brought Home Highlighter Yellow & Pink Long Sleeved Tops - and Super Affordable

I'd Cheers to ... the start of my second sewing class!  Watching Project Runway makes me think I can 'Make it Work'!.  My first class was learning how to operate a sewing machine and I was able to make a glen plaid houndstooth skirt (most favorite print) in a cashmere wool blend.  It turned out great (on the blog next week) but now I want to expand on my new found skills and make dresses! My 1st Dress is in construction with my fabric cut and ready to pin!

I'd Cheers to ... Fall Fashion! The addition of darker, richer hues, thick textured fabrics (tweed, wool, boucle, leather, denim), darker nail polish, booties, topper jackets, and hats!  Fall fashion is about adding just a bit of warmth without having to pile on the heavy layers.

I'd Cheers to ... the start of another amazing year serving nonprofits!  I've been a Junior Leaguer for 6 years now and am in my second league.  I'm also serving on the board of a local military nonprofit for  a second year ... And This year I'm Madam President!   It's a lot of work but the members have become dear friends and we serve an amazing community of Military Service Members! Love America.

I'd Cheers to ... Bible Study!  I'm in a ladies bible study by Beth Moore.  Sister, if you haven't done one - You Must!  Mr and I are also in a small group on Sunday evenings.  I'm learning and growing everyday - God is Good!!

I'd Cheers to ... Le Blog!  This is my 10th month sharing my style and I Love it!  There've been lots of ups & downs but Dressing Beautifully is my Passion and my hopes to inspire others.  Coming soon I am going to be sharing beauty and home styling!

Celebrate Cheerfully with Champagne!

XOXO Sarah Louise

Fall Florals

Wearing Florals in a Not-So-Flowering Season Adds a Bit of Warm & Cheer.

The Key to Fall Florals is a Dark Base Color & Rich Jewel Tone Petals.  For the Fabric & Design, the Garment should be Constructed of a Heavier Weight Textile and Conservative Cut (Save the Skin Showing Styles for the Heat of Spring & Summer).

To Give Your Florals Appropriate Styling for Cooler Weather, Pair with Blazers, Sweaters and Boots.  

I've had my Eye on this Floral Dress from Anthropologie Since August.  I Adore the Royal Blue Base Color and Purple Petaled Blooms.  The Cap Sleeves and Pockets were the Extra Touches that Sent this Dress from the Store to my Wardrobe. 

Keep the Spring in Your Step with Fall Florals!

Floral Dress: Anthropologie || Riding Boots: Tory Burch Similar ||

More Fall Floral Dresses: Here Here & Here 

Dress Beautifully in Fall Florals 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Coated Jeans

Coated Denim is your Basic Denim Jeans, that are Coated with Pigment to give it a Wax-Like Finish - Creating a Not-So-Basic Jean! 

The Pigment is Most Often Painted or Machine-Applied. Coated Denim Offers the Appearance of Leather Pants with the Comfort of Denim. While Leather Pants may not be in your Everyday Wardrobe, with Coated Denim You can Get the Leather Look Affordably (and animal-free!). 

If You Haven't Stepped into a Pair Yet - Go Now Sister!  They aren't Hard to Find. Seems Like Every Store I've been into Lately has Inventory in Many Shades, Fits and Price Points. 

I was Slightly Apprehensive Putting 'Shine' on my Legs (They are Not my Favorite Feature) but in the Dark Hues & Right Fit,  I Found them to be Slimming and Oh So Chic.

Coated Jeans have a Unique Edgy Look to them.  These Particular Coated Jeans Add Interest with the Moto Zippers. The Slant Placement of the Zippers is a Flattering Line on the Hip.  

Because of the Shine they can Truly be Dressed Up for a Night Out with a Pretty Blouse or for Day, Styled with a Sweater and Flats or Booties.

For this Look I Choose a Dusty Rose Colored Blouse (a Flat Tone to Contrast the Luster of the Pant) and a Python Pump for Extra Texture and Some Print.  I Kept my Jewelry Minimal with Just Earrings to Keep the Focus on the Detail of the Moto Zippered Pants.

Shake Up Your Denim Collection with a Pair of Coated Jeans!

Coated Moto Jeans: Loft || Blouse: Loft || Python Pumps: Nine West Similar || 

Earrings: Kate Spade ||

More Coated Jeans: Here, Here and Here

Dress Beautifully In Coated Jeans

XOXO Sarah Louise

Long Cardi

This Long Drapey Asymmetrical Cardigan is Another Piece from The Limited Scandal Line. 

We Saw Olivia Pope Wrap Herself in a Long Cream Colored Cardigan with a Big Glass of Red Wine on the Screen and We All Wanted One for Ourselves. 

Confession:  I Only Own 2 Cardigans! Shocking I know as they are Classic Wardrobe Staples.  I Choose Blazers Over Cardigans and am Almost Afraid to Admit the Number I have ...   Close to 20 ekkk!

I was Nervous about the Length of this Cardigan as I'm a Shorty ... 5'2" if I Tease My Mane Just So :) but the Cascading Front Hem Creates a Long Flowing Line on the Body.  

I wanted to Show Off the Pretty Lines of this Ribbed Cardigan and the Soft Ivory Color so I paired it with Contrasting Oxblood Trousers and an Abstract Leopard Shell in Neutral Tones.

Long Cardigan: The Limited ||  Oxblood Trousers: Loft Similar || 

Leopard Shell: Ann Taylor Similar || Blush Pumps:  Nine West Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Long Cardi

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mod

"Soooo SL" says my Gal Pal a Couple Weekends Ago as I held Up this Top Beaming with Delight as I Couldn't Get into the Dressing Room Fast Enough!

We were Shopping at Anthropologie, a Fairly New Store to Me.  I've Always been Intrigued by the Abundance of Unique Clothing & Prints and Over-the-Top Store Front Decor.  One of my Favorite things about Anthro is that they Carry Pieces with Vintage Designs.  

The Challenge with Styling my Authentic Vintage Pieces is that You don't want to Look like You're in Costume (or Smell like Moth Balls ... this has Happened!)  New Garments with Vintage Design Elements is a Sure Way to have a Mid-Century Style in a Modern Way.

This Top Screams "Mod" with it's Folded Boatneck Collar, Boxy Cropped Cut, and Bold Print.  I'm a Fabric Snob and Adore the Luster and Slight Stiffness that Creates a Great Shape and Shine.  And What About this Print??!!  It's a Blend of Floral & Graphic Swirled Together.

I Feel that it's Important to have Pieces of Interest in Your Wardrobe.  You Definitely Stock Your Closet with the Basics First but it's the Details that Set Your Style.  Incorporate a Few Garments that Speak to Your Personality... this Top is a Great Representation of my Style: Classic, Southern with a Hint of Fancy!

For this Look I Paired this Mod Top with Black Skinny Pants and Pumps.  I Kept my Makeup Fairly Simple but Added Drama with Bold Black Liquid Liner.  To Highlight the Neckline of this Top I Coiffed my Mane in a Big Ballerina Bun. 

Mod Blouse: Anthropologie || Black Pants: BCBG || Pumps: Nine West ||

Oxblood Polish: Butter London || Cateye Sunglasses: Target Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Mod

XOXO Sarah Louise