Easter Dressing

Easter Sunday is my MOST FAVORITE day of the year!!

The reason: 'He is Risen!" is the most important.  To celebrate the sacrifice so that we can be free is the greatest blessing! Can I get an Amen?!!!!

So, let's chat about the other reasons this day is my all time favorite.  It comes down to tradition.  For me, the memories of Easter are my most cherished so I cling to them caring them on every year.

Shopping for my Easter dress is the most fun shopping I do all year.  My mamma alway got me and my sisters pretty new dresses every year for Easter (and Christmas) and almost always they were matching ... I wasn't so crazy about twining back then, but I sure do miss it now!  The ruffles, lace, pastels, florals and twirling round and round are essential!  We didn't always get new shoes, purses and a hat but they were included in every Easter ensemble.

Our Easter dresses were always purchased at Belk, another tradition I continue.  It's the department store my family goes to for all our stylish needs.  They're customer service and great merchandise keeps me loyal.

And then there's the basket of pretty presents on Easter morning, Sunday supper, egg hunts, and cute little candied treats to fill the day with joy.

PSA: You can official begin wearing white! ... until Labor Day.  That's the rule for us Southern Gals.

When choosing your Easter look keep your colors light, jewelry classic (pearls), heels dainty and your hat big!

Shop these pretty Easter Dresses from Belk ...

White   -  French Blue  - Lavender  -  Peach  -  Mint

                Striped  -  Pink  -  Yellow  -  Watercolor   -   Polka Dot               

Dress Beautifully this Easter

XOXO Sarah Louise

Carolina

Carolina Girls are the Best in the World!

I'm a North Carolinian born and raised.  I've never lived in another state (except for when Mr studied medicine in DC our first 3 years of marriage - I considered that my second home since I only flew up for weekend visits).  I love my state. So much that I've spent years advocating for various public policies, aided campaigns and served on the leadership level of two PAC's.  Mr loves NC too.  He was born and raised here & went to UNC - Chapel Hill - Obsessed with the Tar Heels.

I've spent all my life in the Charlotte area with the exception of undergrad on the coast.  I adore the Queen City and have big plans to return this summer (house hunting is soooo hard ... and Expensive!)   It's the perfect location: southern, moderate size city, 3 hours from the coast & 2 from the mountains, international airport, and the shopping is just fabulous! Mr and I are have lived on the NC coast for the past 2 years but our time here is up.  We've never considered living in another state - It's those gorgeous Carolina blue skies!

So Carolina blue is a specific shade of blue - light and airy.  It's Mr's favorite - a 'tar heel' thing.  Some may call it powder blue or sky blue but to us it's 'Carolina Blue'. I don't have as much of it as I'd like in my closet, so when I saw this dress I had two thoughts - Easter & Mr will love it! 

Mr does love it - although he doesn't understand my massive collection of dresses ... I don't understand his collection of golf clubs so we're even in my mind.

I'm still not sure which dress I'm going to wear on Easter Sunday - we'll discuss tomorrow.  Decisions! Decisions!  It's my most favorite day of the year so it's a big deal! 

This dress is versatile by pairing a blazer and pumps for work and wedges/sandals for weekend.

Whether you're a Carolina girl or not - I definitely suggest a visit to our beautiful state, this pastel blue is a perfect shade for spring! 

Carolina Blue Dress: Vince Camuto (cobalt) Similar & Here & Here || 

Floral Pumps: Nine West || Necklace: Towne & Reese || Polish: Clambake || 

Dress Beautifully in Carolina Blue

XOXO Sarah Louise

On Track

This week I've been all about getting back 'on track'.  Mr and I traveled to Charlotte last week/weekend (my home with the exception of undergrad and fingers crossed our soon to be home!!) to see our family & friends before he's gone for the next several months with very tiny breaks - duty calls! 

I have a horrible habit of not unpacking for several days - confession: sometimes a week.  It drives us both crazy to bring home clutter and disarray.  My sleep and routine are always off when I travel. I live on a fairly strict routine - type A for sure! So needless to say I love going away but happy to be back to the same old schedule.  

Mondays are getting back into the swing of things but Fridays, those are all about the finish.  You spend all week trying to stay on track with tasks and responsibilities, and then it's time to wrap it all up and cheers to the weekend!  

What better way to get weekend ready then in a comfy pair of track pants.  They're an in-between trouser and yoga pant.  Please don't wear yoga pants outside of the gym ... it's a HUGE pet peeve of mine! I could elaborate but it just makes me cringe. Just Don't Do It!!

Ok back on topic, track pants, I like pairing them with a stiletto heel - contrasting the comfy with the dressy.  They're drapey so plenty of room but have a fitted waist and ankle cuffs to create shape. 

Truth: I kinda feel like a bad-a when I wear these.

I kept the look simple with a soft tee and denim jacket.  And this bag! Seriously one of my new favs and totally unlike my go-to purse style.  All my bags are structured and ladylike but this one brings sass with it's zippered hardware and fringe details.  The leather, woah it's like butter! 

I'm back on the road this weekend to Raleigh to celebrate one of my dear friends/bridesmaid as she shops for her wedding dress ... Cheers to the Weekend - Celebrate Cheerfully!

Basic Tee: Target || Track Pants: Marshall's Similar & Here, Here, & Here || Denim Jacket: Gap ||

Black Pumps: Nine West || Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff || 

Dress Beautifully in Track Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pastel Purses

Spring is my most favorite season for several reasons: Easter (best holiday ever 'He is Risen'!!), my birthday, blooming flowers, warm sunshine and the return of wearing white & pastels!

Pastels are feminine, light and just so pretty.
But don't limit pastels to just your garments. Incorporate these lovely shades in a handbag.  These leather bags pair beautifully with neutrals (white, tan, navy grey), bold colors (teal, fuchsia, kelly green) and all prints!

I added 2 new pastel purses to my collection below.  It was refreshing to pack up my winter bags and adorn my selves with brighter more colorful bags.
Thanks to all who shopped my ebay closet, you helped support my purchases :)

Black: Prada || Light Blue: Rebecca Minkoff || Pink: Tory Burch ||

White: Michael Kors || Tan: Tory Burch || 

Here are some pastel pretties to shop ....

Blue Moto  -  Mint Elbow  -  Lavender Crossbody  

Pink Bowling  -  Bucket Bag  -  Blue Satchel  -  Yellow Tote  

Yellow Clutch  -  Lavender Satchel  -  Pink Quilted  -  Mint Hobo 

Dress Beautifully with a Pastel Purse

XOXO Sarah Louise

Culottes

Culottes are Back!!

I called my Mamma while shopping to inform her that I was about to buy my first pair of culottes.  Her reaction: 'don't do it!' See, my Mamma wore culottes a lot when I was younger and is appalled at the turnover of trends.  I'm starting to understand as I see the 80's & 90's fashion return, bringing back the memories of 'not-so-cool' styles.  Is this a sign I'm aging?!!! 

I believe that recycling trends from decades past can be a good thing.  It's like a do-over, a chance to get it right.  The key is to keep it modern, and flattering.  

Culottes are garments that hang like a skirt but are actually pants - creating functionality and comfort.    The hem should hit right below the knee to avoid shortening the line of the body.  The wide flowy leg is chic but you don't want too much volume so keep the fabric light and the fit on the hips tailored. 

Here's the BEST part about these culottes ... I scored these for a whopping $5 on the clearance rack at Marshalls!! #winning ... Now I understand their slogan/hashtag "FabFound".  

I kept this look clean in classic black and white and added a pop of hot-pink with shiny patent pumps. 

Bow Blouse: Similar & Here || Culottes: Similar & here & here || 

Pink Pumps: Nine West || Sunglasses: Target || 

Dress Beautifully in Culottes

XOXO Sarah Louise

CO-ORD

Look twice as nice in a two piece or 'Co-Ord'! 

Coordinate sets are a top and bottom designed in the same fabric and print.  Matchy-matchy sets make choosing an outfit stress-free, while the ability to mix and match the separates creates opportunity for a variety of outfits.   Embrace DIY dressing and put your own spin on co-ordinating by mixing the pieces with tops and bottoms from your wardrobe. 

I'm really loving the 'twosie' trend. It's a fun spin on suiting but with prints and colors. I do however believe, as a woman over 30, that the two pieces should over lap.  Leave the crop top sets and exposed mid section to the younger gals or for a night out with your gal pals. 

I love this co-ord set for it's textured tweed in a springy peach color.  I plan to pair the top with ivory trousers & white jeans and the skirt with a navy or grey blouse. 

Top & Skirt: TJ Maxx Similar Top & Skirt & Here: Top & Skirt Matching Set Another Top & Skirt 

& Here Top & Skirt ||  Cork Heels: Similar & Here || 

Jewelry: Stella & Dot (Stylist Brittany Dransfield) Necklace - Earrings - Bracelet || 

Sunglasses: Target || Polish: Essie || 

Dress Beautifully in a Co-Ord Set

XOXO Sarah Louise

Peonies & Pinstripes

This Blouse Reads: 'Ready for Spring'

Today is the first official day of Spring! I'm full of glee for some sunshine, warmer temps and to adorn myself with lots of white, florals and pastels!  

This eye-catching blouse is a double win with mixed prints of peony blooms and pinstripes as well as a fab color combo with navy & mint.  It's drapey and cut in a tunic shape - effortlessly cool.  

My first instinct was to slide a pair of white jeans on with it; My white jeans (I own several pairs - I love them that much!) are in constant rotation from Easter to Labor Day - I can't get enough of the clean brightness they bring to a look. 

Tuck this blouse into a grey, ivory or taupe pencil skirt/trousers for easy work wear. 

Photos: BMD

Peony & Pinstripe Blouse: J Crew || White Jeans: Old Navy || Shoes: French Connection ||

Earrings: Stella & Dot || Bracelet: Stella & Dot || Polish: Essie ||

Dress Beautifully in a Peonies & Pinstripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Foldover

Foldover Clutches are simple and yet so sophisticated.  Constructed in quality leather the material speaks for itself rather that with fussy hardware.  They're spacious and practical; throw it all in and go.

There was a time, when I thought of 'clutches' it was in the formal wear sense.  These clutches are for all occasions: office, weekend errands or a night out.  I love that I can forgo the large handbag to clutching a leather pouch under my arm.

Here are some of my favorites to shop ...

Leopard Clutch (Comes in lots of colors & prints) || Black Calf Hair (also in lots of colors) || 
Blush Pink || Grey || Bronze || Cognac || Blue Python || Red ||

I scored this beauty several years ago and love it for it's navy and black python print/texture.  It even comes with a chain strap but I almost always wear it clutched!

Dress Beautifully in a Foldover Clutch

XOXO Sarah Louise

Minted

I know Spring isn't officially here until Friday but I just couldn't wait to bust out the pastels! 

I first spotted this mint mini skirt the day the catalog arrived in my mail box - I even shared it with you in an Instagram post.  I had ordered the skirt the next day and sizes were already sold out! 

I love the thick ribbed fabric giving the skirt lots of structure.  I also like that it has an inverted front pleat and straight backing. It presents a slight flare shape without too much volume.  I don't like my skirts & dresses too full (I have enough curve of my own).  The front pockets are a functional and fun detail.  

I wanted to embrace the soft pastel shades of Spring so I paired it with a pale yellow striped french cuffed dress shirt. This one had extra details with double layered cuffs & collar.  I can't adequately express my love for Brooks Brothers' dress shirts (I have A TON!!!)  They are sharp, comfortable and travel nicely.  Speaking of Brooks Brothers, these shoes are at the top of my favorites to strut in.  Navy and white is one of my most adored color combinations and in the perforated spectator heel,  be still my heart!  

Ladies, don't leave the french cuffs for just the menfolk, I have my own collection of cufflinks.  They come in almost any design you could imagine nowadays.  Add a professional accessory to your look for the office. 

This mint mini is polished enough for work and playful enough for the weekend. 

For outside the workplace I plan to top this mint skirt with a floral blouse & wedges for day time shindigs or a striped tee and flats for causal errands.

I transition most of my pieces for multiple occasions making the most out of my wardrobe.

Photos BMD

Mint Mini Skirt: J Crew - Similar || French Cuff Dress Shirt: Brooks Brothers - Similar || 

Spectator Pumps: Brooks Brothers Similar || Sunglasses: Target || 

Necklace: Stella & Dot || Earrings: Stella & Dot || Polish: Essie || 

Dress Beautifully in a Mint Mini 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Floral Affair

Hello Lover!  I'm currently in shoe lust over these bright floral pumps! They're the perfect pop of spring to my step.  The eye catching colors add the perfect detail to any look.

Add them to sundresses, solid or even striped, or just a simple pair of jeans and a crisp white shirt. 

Floral Pumps: Nine West || Crisp White Shirt: Brooks Brothers || Dark Jeans: Paige ||

More Floral Pumps:

Clockwise: Pastel Floral || Pink Floral with Bow || Orange Floral || 
Black Floral || Peach Floral || Dark Floral || Bright Floral || 

Dress Beautifully in Floral Pumps

XOXO Sarah Louise