Skortin Around

Skorts were my jam back in the 90's! 

Skorts are shorts & a skirt all in one. On the outside it looks like a skirt but underneath there's a pair of shorts.  So why should you design shorts sewn underneath a skirt??  Skorts are typically mini in length and by sewing in legs underneath it creates coverage and mobility. 

Shorts can be hard for gals, personally I've struggled with them most of my life.  My legs aren't my favorite and I felt that the leg openings in my size were always too snug.  The skirt topping offers a roomy and modest fit.

Kudos to Lilly Pulitzer for their line of skorts in bright fun prints! 

Skort: Lilly Pulitzer || Top: Similar & Here || Wedges: Kate Spade Similar & Here & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Skorts

XOXO Sarah Louise

LWD

LWD- Little White Dress

I can not have enough white in my wardrobe! It's seriously an addiction.  I would wear head-to-toe white everyday if I could, ok that's a little much and I can't just abandon color but I truly love wearing white. So, naturally between Easter and Labor Day most of my looks incorporate white. 

White is crisp and clean.  It brightens with a it's blank canvass.  It's contrast, black, is the staple neutral for most gals - for me I own very little black.  Yes, black is classic, slimming and not so fragile but white is just as essential.  Anything can be slimming in the right cut and fabric.  White is equally as classic, just a lighter version but I can't argue that it is a 'careful' color to wear. Meaning no one wants to wear visible dirt or stains and when wearing white that's something to consider.

This white dress caught my eye for it's fabric, sleeves, and waist sash!  I'm digging the trending rolled sleeve.  I've seen it a lot on dresses over the past 2 seasons and I find it adds a touch of casual. It creates a large cap sleeve giving lots of room for movement and also slims the arms with it's larger opening. 

The waist sash is the best thing you can do for any gal to create shape.  The pleated cummerbund sits right below the rib cage/above the belly button at the smallest part of a lady.  The side attached sash allows you to further pull in the waist and add extra femininity with a bow. 

The fabric is a light weight cotton perfect for the heat of Summer.  Because it is white and in a light weight fabric lining is key - no one needs to see what's underneath!

I paired this dress with nude pumps and added a pop of color and interest with a large bib necklace made of purple stones.  This necklace was a find! It's not in my usual taste of delicate and shiny baubles but it's a natural beauty. 

Wear this dress to the office or to a summer soiree!

Replace your LBD for a LWD this Summer

Dress: Anthropologie || Pumps: Nine West || Necklace: TJ Maxx ||

Bracelet: Hermes || Polish: Essie ||

Dress Beautifully in a Little White Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Stars & Stripes

Today is Memorial Day - a day to remember those so brave that sacrificed for our freedom.  We celebrate today with weekends at the beach, backyard barbecues, and the company of great friends cherishing the blessing to live in America!  For me, married to a US Naval Officer and with family members who have served, I have a greater appreciation for what that sacrifice means.  

Just recently we came to learn that Mr will not be completing his service in January but rather continuing as the battalion surgeon for a marine unit overseas for 9 months.  We will be separated almost a year -NOT our plan.  I have moments of sadness as I prepare to move into our new home (Excitement to share soon!) alone but days like today, I'm proud to sacrifice my Mr for a short time as there are others that sacrificed much more! 

So I ask you to take a moment and give gratitude for those that made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can freely enjoy this beautiful day! 

Now, this top! As soon as I saw it in the catalog fresh out of my mail box I had to have it. I instantly knew it would be perfect for summer holidays and soirees! The construction with bands of heavy elastic, create a strong shape.  The sweetheart crossing lines and peplum flair have a vintage look with a modern touch added in the exposed back zipper.   I paired it with high waisted white skinnies but plan to style with navy/denim shorts, black culottes, and perhaps a pencil skirt. 

This top is fun, flirty and forever a festive piece for your wardrobe! 

Top: Anthropologie || White Jeans: Loft || Heels: Similar || 

Earrings: Kate Spade || Polish: Essie || 

Dress Beautifully in Stripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Floral Length

Florals and Midis - they're flattering and pretty.  

This floral midi skirt is a part of the Milly for Kohl's line.  Florals are easy, there's a bloom and shade to fit every style.  Midi's are a bit trickier.  For those gals that are tall, no worries but for us petites we've lived by the rule of hemming right at or above the knee to elongate.  

The way to elongate with a skirt that hits below the knee is to keep the waist high and for the hem to fall at the top of the calf - any longer would look matronly. Also choose heels.  With this fit you still achieve a long line and the pieces hit at the smallest part creating strategic focus.  

Also keep in mind the volume.  For shorter gals stick to pencil and a-line cuts.  Full volume skirts can overwhelm. 

This midi pencil skirt is super stretchy for a shapely fit.  The floral print is flattering as it camouflages, creating a smooth line. 

Dress it up with a blouse or keep it casual and style with a tied chambray shirt. 

Skirt: Milly for Kohl's || Chambray Shirt: Target || Pumps: Nine West ||

Clutch: Similar || Bracelet : Hermes || 

Dress Beautifully in a Midi Floral Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Easy Breezy

Linen is one of my most favorite fabrics.  For summer in the South it's essential for staying cool in the humid hot temps.  These cotton linen pants are easy breezy! 

In a wide leg cut and drawstring waist they're an easy fit.  The trick with white linen is to ensure the weave of the fabric is thick enough so that it isn't transparent - your undergarments are not to be a visible aspect of your outfit!

I styled these linen pants for a weekend/resort look with a simple tank, fedora and wedges. 

Tip:  If your pant or skirt is voluminous keep your top fitted - it's the same for the reverse, if your top is voluminous keep your bottom fitted.  It's all about balance. 

These pants are too long for me, hence the wedges.  They're going in for a hem so that I can pair with simple flat sandals for ease and comfort. 

Linen Pants: Target || Tank: Similar || Fedora: J Crew I like this one too || 

Dress Beautifully in Linen Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise

Espadrilles

Flat Espadrilles are #onfleek!  - Seriously who comes up with these phrases?!! Truthfully I'm probably waaaay to old to use it but hey, the point is, they're great & you need a pair!

They're light, comfy, casual, skip worthy slip-ons!

I've rounded up some of my favorites from Nordstrom for you .....

These Embroidered Espadrilles are Cutie! 

Loving the Prints on These!

Metallic - Cap Toe - Leopard  - Blush - American - Striped

Dress Beautifully in Flat Espadrilles

XOXO Sarah Louise

Purple & Orange

I'm totally loving this color pairing!  Mixing bright colors makes me happy.  It's sunny and Springtime, so give your darks and neutrals a time out. 

When I mix my colors I make sure there's print involved to add interest.  Gingham is a favorite! Check out these gingham pants from last week.  

I kept it cool with rolled up sleeves and a collar pop.

Gingham Shirt: Brooks Brothers Similar & Here || Skirt: Skirtin Around Similar & Here ||

Shoes: Franco Sarto Similar & Here || Earrings: Tory Burch || 

Dress Beautifully in Purple & Orange

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pink & Green

Pink and green are the signature colors of a true Southern prep.  Together they are a perfect match of bright fun.  And here on the Southern coast, we are all about Summer in Lilly! 

Of my Lilly Pulitzer pieces, almost all are dresses and shorts.  So I decided I had to have a new blouse.  I knew I didn't want sleeves (too darn hot!) but I do love the Elsa.  I also wanted a top dressy enough for date nights and special occasions but that I cold pair with jeans/shorts for casual wear too.

This blouse sold me with it's gold chain at the neckline, silk fabric and bold print.  It's like wearing a silk scarf!  I'd even tuck this into a pencil skirt (navy, taupe or ivory) for an office look.  

Lilly Pulitzer is surely the go-to for all thing bright & preppy and of course lots of pink & green!

Blouse: Lilly Pulitzer || Jeans: Loft || Wedges: Kate Spade Similar Here & Here || 

Earrings: Tory Burch || Cuff: Ann Taylor Similar || Clutch: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Pink & Green

XOXO Sarah Louise