Fancy Transition

With the holidays comes holiday outfits. I'm talking sparkles, metallics, beading, sheer inlays, and lace.  Personally I find it hard to resist those fancy garments in the store. They just draw you in.  However, they also tend to be expensive and how often are you really going to wear it?

The trick to embracing those cocktail pieces is to go moderate.  Avoid the extreme gaudy embellishment and go for something that's equally as shiny and interesting but in a subdued way.
Try and purchase these 'holiday' pieces on sale before and after Christmas.  Because we all know once you've taken lots of pictures in it, it's going back in the closet to collect dust.

Another way to to maximize the investment and avoid the one time wear is to style those fancy garments in a casual way.  Like this lace top (my favorite purchase this season!), pair it with distressed denim and heels and you have a very chic look. And it's comfortable!

For those metallic or lace dresses, pair with boots and/or a denim jacket.

One of the most dreadful crimes gals make is spending too much on a piece that's a 'one-hit-wear'.  Embrace those fancy holiday pieces but bring it down a notch with moderate details and don't limit yourself to cocktail styling.  Trade those fancy accessories in for casual accouterments.

Lace Blouse: J Crew Similar and Here || Jeans: J Crew Similar || Pumps: Nine West || 

 Handbag: Prada Similar & Here || 

Dress Beautifully by Mixing Fancy & Casual Garments

XOXO Sarah Louise

Little Black Leather Dress

Technically it's supposed to be leather weather. Although the past week here in the Queen City has felt more like a mild Summer.  It makes it difficult to get into the Christmas spirit when instead  of sweaters and coats you're bare legged and sleeveless. We're definitely not having a white Christmas! (not that I ever have living in the South my whole life)

Along with wool, cashmere and fur I love colder temps so I can bust out the rich textured leathers.  Now, I constantly tell you gals that I insist on natural fibers: cotton, silk, wool, fur, leather etc..  Although I'm warming to a good 'faux' fur and leather; make no mistake real are always preferred.

But luckily the faux textiles have come along way in their quality and 'real' appearance. I've noticed that faux leather has been advertised as 'vegan' in most stores.  I guess it sounds more organic/natural but let me clarify for you gals - it's all synthetic/polyurethane!

Side Note: I used to be a chemist for a few years after college before entering the business world and you wouldn't believe the knowledge I've acquired on synthetic textiles - You may not realize it but science plays a huge impact in your wardrobe think of all the stretch garments in your closet (amen for Spanx) it's all synthetic/polymer chemistry  #nerd

A 'LBD' (Little Black Dress) is a wardrobe staple but I'm digging a leather version.  Layered with a dress shirt or blazer it's chic for the office.  I also find it to be a nice alternative to sequins and lace for the holiday soirees. It's more of an edgy look and you can always add statement baubles and shiny shoes to gussy it up.
This one is faux or shall I say 'vegan' and I like that it adds variety and a modern touch to my typically classic closet.

Faux leather dress: Saks 5th Ave Similar & Here || Booties: Similar & Here || 

Clutch: Kate Spade Similar & here || Necklace: Madewell || Earrings: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in a Leather Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Crisp White Lace

This lace blouse is by far one of the loveliest pieces in my closet.  I was scrolling online and came to a halt when I saw it.  It's even more gorgeous in person!  It arrived and I basically ripped open the package to try it on.  Instantly I knew I'd be wearing it to church that next Sunday.
I couldn't wait to show it to my Mamma too - she of course loved it! We share in our ladylike style.

Oddly enough I'm not a 'lace' person.  I'm extremely prissy and feminine but even when shopping for my wedding gown, lace just didn't tickle my fancy.  I believe that this lace blouse works for me because it's design is that of a dress shirt with it's crisp collar and cuffs.  And y'all know I love a crisp white shirt!!!
It also has the black trim on the delicate scallops, defining the pattern.  I also love that the body of the blouse is completely lined.  I'm not a fan of shear lace because you have to layer a camisole and/or strapless bra and I don't find it to be appropriate for the office, therefore limiting it's wear.
 I like to invest in pieces that can be worn as much as possible.

I've tucked this blouse into a high waisted black pencil skirt so you are missing the scalloped hem. (stay tuned for a casual styling post with this blouse)
I believe that this lace blouse will be fun to wear all year round with endless styling options.  Think of it like a crisp white shirt but a little fancier.  It pairs with everything from skirts to trousers and even jeans. Or layer it underneath a sleeveless dress.

I'm coming around on lace.  It's not just for formal wear or your grandma's table top.  Constructed well and with lining (essential) it can add a whole lot of feminine detail to a look.

Lace Blouse: J Crew Similar and Here || Black Pencil Skirt: Ann Taylor || Pumps: Nine West ||

Handbag: Prada || Sunglasses: Kate Spade || Earrings: Kate Spade Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Lace

XOXO Sarah Louise

Red Hot

In red again.  It's just so fitting this time of year.  I love the look of a sharp red suit, but let's not go stepping on Santa's toes.  Split the pieces up.  I've shown you how to transition a red blazer into the weekend here and how to pair red with unexpected colors here.

Today, it's all about the flaming red pants.  Like I shared in Monday's post, let the bright red shine and be the focus. So I kept my pairings simple but by no means boring!

I couldn't wait to style this crop jacket this season. It's a favorite!  Glen plaid is a classic print and almost always done in the timeless black and ivory wool weave.  Houndstooth is my most favorite print - did ya'll know that?  It's been too long since I've styled houdstooth. Glen plaid is in the houndstooth family, it takes the print into a check/plaid pattern and varies the size of the checks.
This jacket reminds me of something Jackie O would wear and gals, you can't go wrong with the classics! Invest, they will last forever.
And just because they are polished pieces doesn't mean you're stuck wearing them in the office or church.  I top off a blouse, sweater or even denim shirt with this jacket along with my jeans and boots for the weekend.

Even though I added contrasting light and dark neutrals, by also having print in the jacket and pleats in the blouse the look has more interest and texture.  Color blocking is strong and showcases the color pairings, by adding subtle prints and textures your look is softer and the pieces are more complimentary to each other.

So in styling red pants, the sky is the limit. I chose glen plaid. Top them with a plaid button down, denim, or a sweater for a casual look.  Or, opt for a silk, lace or embellished top for a night out. Paired with neutrals or other bright colors, red is going to shine bright in your look.

Don't be intimidates by red pants, they're hot! And with your head held high, strut with confidence knowing you are and look fabulous!

My pieces are from several seasons ago - here are their current versions or similar 

Red Pants: Ann Taylor, Similar and Here || Glen Plaid Jacket: Brooks Brothers, Similar Here and Here || Ivory Shell: Trina Turk Similar and Here || Pumps: Nine West || 

Handbag: Prada Similar and Here || Sunglasses: Kate Spade ||

Dress Beautifully in Red Hot Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise

Thrifty

It's that time gals - end of year closet clean out.

I did a Major purge this summer prior to our move home to the Queen City but as the new year approaches and as I attempt to get our closets organized I decided to go through and pull items that were not being worn.

I started listing pieces a few days ago and have sold several already - even in the past few hours!

I plan to use my earnings for something good, stay tuned :)

I use eBay for selling as I have had great history and security with this service.

If you don't have an eBay account and would like a piece that I have listed, feel free to send me an email dressbeautifully@gmail.com and I can send you an invoice via PayPal :)

Shop my closet HERE

Dress Beautifully from my Closet to Yours

XOXO Sarah Louise

Red + Camel

December is all about Christmas, and when I think of Christmas the color red is bright and center.  Look around gals, red ribbons, wreaths, trees and even holiday outfits.  Oh yes and there's Santa (I'm too old and have no kids - I also focus on the reason for Christmas!)

Funny enough, I get asked often if I wear red. Uh Yes.  It's always followed with the 'well you have red hair'.  I have 'red' hair but that doesn't hold me back on color.  The only colors I avoid are neons and that's because they are harsh and completely unnatural.  They should remain locked away in the 80's never to come out again.

Red is know for it's boldness. It's an attention getter.  Because it's so prominent, it doesn't need extra sparkle or show.  When wearing red, let the color speak for itself.  Stick with simple designs and natural fabrics.

This red suit dress is professional for the office but with a unique cut out neckline design and fitted silhouette it's perfect for evening with added statement jewelry, strappy heels and a clutch.

I paired this dress with a camel topper coat, nude pumps and my favorite accessory for winter, fur.  Your wardrobe should be an expression of your personality and this fur tote is signature SL!
Note: I understand fur isn't for everyone - please don't report me I'm not wearing a panda for crying out loud!

If you've been reading along for a while you already know I gravitate to the lighter neutrals: ivory, tan and grey.  Of the darker neutrals I prefer navy, charcoal, & brown before I go to black.  Choose the neutrals that speak to you but don't be afraid to go outside your comfort zone.

I like how the lightness of the camel let's the bright red shine!

Add some red to your looks this Christmas season.

Red Dress: J Crew Factory || Camel Topper: Similar & here || Pumps: Nine West || 

Earrings: Towne & Reese || Fur Handbag: Similar & Here || Sunglasses: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in a Red Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Roar

Animal prints, natural and organic.  God created these markings on animals, so why not strut on this earth looking just as beautiful in these unrefined prints.

Animal prints are neutral so I like to pair them with saturated colors to enhance their unique design.

Tip:  Trade in your pumps for a pair of boots for warmth and comfort in the colder months. 

Leopard Sweater: J Crew || Skirt: J Crew || Boots: Tory Burch || 

Dress Beautifully in Leopard

XOXO Sarah Louise