Shifting Gears

The shift: A loose, straight and unwaisted dress.

Personally, I almost always wear 'sheath' dresses - a more fitted dress with a waist seam.  The reason being, I carry my weight in my legs/lower body rather than my torso, therefore in following my rule of 'dressing your body' I choose to highlight my upper body with waist defining garments.

That being said, you can't limit yourself to one style.  The key is finding the right cuts for you.  I often hear gals say that they can't wear certain items ... breaks my heart!  It's a crime to limit yourself, you  most certainly can wear a variety of styles (within reason - hot pants aren't good on anyone!) it's all about the right fabric and design!

My fear with shift dresses, was that my petite frame would be lost in the fabric.  Key things to look for when shopping for a shift:  The fabric should skim the body not cling or swallow, the hem should hit above the knee (proportions make or break a look), and there should be interest (detailed neckline, print, embellishment etc...)

This dress is in a crepe fabric and lined, it skims the body with a longer hem in the back (love this feature as I don't feel so boxy and exposed when moving), and it has a unique neckline with a deep V (elongating) and mock collar. I also adore that it has sleeves - helps conceal undergarments and great for transitioning into cooler temps.

Speaking of transitioning - this is the last unofficial week of summer Noooooo! I'm not ready! Gals, wear your whites because after Labor day those brights are off to storage til Easter.
FYI - this dress is Ivory so appropriate for all year wear.

My personal world is also embarking on a new season.  I'm back to city living in Charlotte, hunting for a new career, joining back up with my church & Junior League and braving life without Mr til next Summer.  Change is scary but it's great for helping us grow.
I've learned over the past 2 years as a military wife, that new adventures bring learnings and blessings you just can't imagine - so I'm diving in with arms wide open to God's perfect plan.

Maybe you need to shift gears in your wardrobe or in your life or maybe even both :) Do so beautifully!

Shift Dress: Nordstrom || Booties: Louise et Cie Similar  Here & Here ||

Earrings: Towne & Reese || Bracelet: Hermes || Gold Cuff: J Crew ||   

Dress Beautifully in a Shift Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Flare

TGIF! Most weeks I'm super excited for the end.  This week is unique, Mr and I have been enjoying our 2 week vacation in our new home - we've slept in (anything past 5:30am is late to us). We've shopped for our home, enjoyed meals in our sunroom and even hosted lots of friends and family.  I thrive on routine and structure in my world but I must admit it's refreshing to just slow down and enjoy the moments that matter.

Now that the weekend is ahead, we look forward to lots of cheers with each other and our friends but a part of me is broken hearted as these are the last days having Mr in our home until next summer.  I know he's needed overseas to practice medicine, serving marines and sailors and I'm proud of his sacrifice but I honestly can't comprehend not seeing his face or hearing his voice for 9 months :(

Oh a brighter note, lets talk about this Friday's Findings - Flare Jeans! I can honestly say I can now sympathize with the disappointment my mamma had when trends from her past would resurface - the 90's are coming back gals .. sigh There are some things I wore I simply must forget (like big clunky shoes!)
But Flares, I'm ok with. Because 70's fashion - the origin of flares, is my favorite!  I'm probably the only gal besides Rachel Zoe that loves the 70's but I don't care.

Since skinnies have been the go-to for several years now, I'm sure like me, most of you have donated your old-school flares.
I'm not saying we should prepare for switching our skinnies for bigger legs - but adding a pair of flares can be a fun break in your denim collection.

If you're apprehensive to embrace the trend I have a solution.  I hit up my favorite thrift/consignment shops to scout out a pair of flares. There are a lot of benefits to buying used: it's green, economically savvy, and they're already broken in  for a perfectly comfortable fit!  I scored these 'Citizens of Humanity' flare jeans for less than $20!  #winning

Tips for for finding the right flares:
Mid to high waist rise
Flare should begin right above the knee
Hem should come all the way to the ground
If pairing with a loose top, tuck in to balance

Broken in Flares - Citizens of Humanity

Shop these Flares I Found ..... 

High Waisted Flare

Dark Wash Flare - More Here 

Vintage Wash Flare 

Black Flare

Distressed Flare

Shop more Flare washes and fits HERE

Dress Beautifully in Flares

XOXO Sarah Louise

Patio Pant

Gals, these are what I like to call 'power pants'.  J Crew calls them 'Patio' pants.  Basically, these are sharp, comfortable and flattering pants, making them essential.

They are constructed in a stretch cotton allowing for movement but yet retain their shape and fit.  Designed in a straight/wide leg and cropped length they slim the leg and hip.  What makes them unique in my opinion is the length.  Sure, ankle pants have been out for a long time but not in a wide leg.  It's been all about the skinny leg.  Keep in mind I'm petite reaching 5'2" with a little teasing of my hair, so these fall right at my ankles.

One of my favorite things about a cropped length is that you don't have to hem or if you're tall, can embrace the intentional shorter length.
These pants also align with the shoe trends - show off your ankle strap shoes and booties without having to roll up your pants.

I mimicked the streamlined design with a boxy blouse on top.  I chose navy as it's my favorite dark neutral but I have my eye on the bordeaux shade for fall/winter. The sky's the limit when it comes to pairing options with these pants.  From dress shirts to sweaters and fancy sparkle tops, these pants can go from day to night and office to weekend.  And if that's not enough you have an array of colors to choose from!

Tip: These pants have side seam pockets - I keep mine sewn down. Do it yourself or by your local tailor.  Personally I feel that it slims the hips and since we have purses to store our necessities they have no functional purpose. 

Patio Pant: J Crew || Cropped Blouse:  J Crew Factory || Lace Up Pump: Similar & Here || 

Necklace: Similar & Here || Earrings: Tory Burch || 

Dress Beautifully in a Pair of Patio Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pinstripe

Pinstripes are very very thin stripes running vertically in fabric; primarily in suiting.  These subtle stripes create a long and lean look and I'll take all the help I can get to appear taller than I am.  A high waist and wide leg design also aid in creating a longer leg.  By tucking in the blouse the waist line is emphasized and gives the illusion that your legs begin much higher.

The brightness of the pant contrasted with the black is clean and crisp.  Sometimes the subtle details, though minimal, are just as enhancing as the bold accents but with more versatility.

I wouldn't consider pinstripes a 'print' but more as detailed solid.  Meaning, style as though they are solid but your look certainly won't be plain!

Pinstripe Trousers:  Similar & Here || Black Blouse: Similar & Here ||

Peep Toe Pumps: Here || Clutch: Similar || Bangle: J Crew || 

Dress Beautifully in Pinstripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Findings ....

Bringing a little bit of the Emerald City to your wardrobe is sure to create some envy!

Green is the most complimentary shade for me and my red hair  but I find that it's just as lovely on blondes and brunettes.  Green is just pretty and personally I can't get enough.

This is your lucky Friday, Ann Taylor is having their 'Friends & Family' 40% off sale and there's lots of gorgeous green items included.  Ann Taylor is one of my favorites for classic pieces, especially for the office.  Stop by the store or browse online but don't miss out on this sale - it's a good one!

Go Green ....

Faux Leather Moto Jacket  -  Paisley Scarf  -  Trapeze Top  -  Green Pendant Necklace    

Malachite Cuff  -  Lace Dress  -  Suede Shoulder bag  -  Ankle Pants   

Green Suede Kitten Heels  -  Faux Leather Pencil Skirt

Dress Beautifully in Green

XOXO Sarah Louise

Red + Leopard

Bright red and a pop of leopard are two components for style greatness.  They're bright and bold yet classic.  Making a statement doesn't have to be funky.  Saturated color and striking prints are all you need to have an eye-catching look.  With vibrant accents you must balance with soft neutrals.

For the office I would pair this red blazer and calf hair leopard pumps with a neutral sheath dress or blouse/pencil skirt combo but to carry these investment pieces through the weekend/evening I chose a basic white tank and loose skinny jeans.

What makes investment pieces an investment is not only the quality of the garments but the ability to transcend.  I'm obsessed with blazers and pair them with everything!  They add instant sophistication.  Simply roll/push up the sleeves and pair with comfy casual pieces to remove the 'office' vibe.

Red Blazer: J Crew || Jeans: Loft || Calf Hair Pumps: Brooks Brothers & Similar || 

Tank: Target || Handbag: Tory Burch || Earrings: Towne & Reese || 

Dress Beautifully in Red & Leopard

XOXO Sarah Louise

Chambray & Chiffon

I shared this pleated shirt with you earlier this year. Not only is it pretty, it's so much fun to twirl in!
I wanted to dress it down and get more use out of it.  Pairing dressy pieces with denim is a greta way to transition to casual.

I like chambray shirts because they are a lighter weight and literally go with everything.  The button tab on the sleeves is not only functional for rolling and creating shorter sleeves but for petite gals with shorter arms like myself it's essential!

Try pairing your dressy bottoms with a denim shirt to create a causal chic look.

Chambray Shirt: J Crew || Pleated Skirt: Kohl's & Similar || 
Pumps: Similar & Here ||  

Dress Beautifully in Casual Chambray  

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Caramel + Rose

I'm an enthusiast for all neutrals other than black and believe that professional wear doesn't have to always be dark.  Don't get me wrong, deep colors are sharp and classic and highlight the skin, eyes and hair ... and let's not forget slimming!  But the softer shades are light and ladylike.

This palette of rose, ivory and caramel is a balance of soft and saturated shades.  

Please invest in an ivory silk shell and a caramel wool blazer!  They are investment pieces that will be in constant rotation. 

Shell: Similar Here Here & Here || Rose Trousers: Similar & Here || 

Blazer: J Crew & Factory || Pumps: Nine West || 

Dress Beautifully in Caramel & Rose

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Findings ...

August is like the Sunday of Summer ... Not ready for it to end!  There are still a few weeks left and that means squeezing in your whites because after Labor day they are no longer, until next Easter.  At least for us traditional Southerners.

Since Summer is coming to a end *sniff *sniff you can score some pretty white pieces on major sale! It's my most favorite color to wear so I'll be strutting in my bright Summer whites as much as possible over the next few weeks.

Here are some lovely looks in White ...

Office

White Sheath Dress -  Crossover Strap Pump -  Orange Satchel  

Casual

Botanical Blouse  -  White Skinny Jeans  -  Perforated Pump  -  Cognac Satchel

Evening

Culotte Jumpsuit  -  Chrome Heels  -  Chevron Quilted Clutch/Crossbody

Dress Beautifully in Summer Whites

XOXO Sarah Louise