Friday Findings: Fall Hats

Just driving around the Queen City in this Blush Beauty

For this edition of Friday Findings I'm sharing my love of hats!  They top off a look with style and personality.  My Mamma loves hats too and always tells me about how my great-grandma used to always wear a hat on Sundays.  I know I refer to my Mamma when it comes to the origin of my style, but who better to emulate?!

Every time I'm out and about in a hat I am stopped with a compliment or two.  They're not hard to find yet I rarely see gals wearing them.  Don't be afraid!  Find a hat you like, one that makes you feel good and strut in confidence.  I often hear 'I can't wear hats', 'Hats don't look good on me', 'I wish I looked cute in hats'.

Pity party over! You can wear them and there is a style that looks good on you.

For the spring/summer or when I'm outside running or working in my yard I'm ball cap all the way or a straw/sun hat.

Come fall/winter I bring out my favorites in wool and felt.  I adore the deep colors, texture and styles.  They can also keep you warm - although Mr says with as much hair as I have it's like wearing a permanent hat - tell me about it!  In the summer I have urges to just cut it all off.

Hat's do serve a practical purpose as they conceal those bad hair days.

Now, hats are not appropriate in an office setting. So I wouldn't invest too much into hats as you'd only be wearing them on the weekend.  It's taken several years for me to build my inventory.  Start small, one hat at a time and wear it on a Saturday out running errands or lunching with the ladies.
And since it's Fall you should be outside enjoying the rainbow of leaves and crisp cool leaves under a hat.

Here are some of my favorites ....

Floppy Wool || Felt Hat with Leather Band || Navy Wool || 

Maroon Wide Brim ||Green Felt || Bow Band || Colorblock || Red Downbrim ||

Dress Beautifully in a Wool Hat

XOXO Sarah Louise

In the Trenches

There's been a whole lot more rain than I'd like here in the South over the past month.
Rain is a good thing, it's essential for our well being here on the Earth but it's also messy and causes  major havoc on my already large curly hair.

A trench coat is classic, polished and what I like to call a 'Forever Piece'. It's a foundation garment and staple for your wardrobe.  It won't go out of style and it serves a practical purpose. The tie waist brings an element of style and shape.  Gals, if you're in an office setting a trench coast is as necessary as a blazer. But they're just as useful on the weekend with a pair of jeans, giving you an effortlessly put together look.

I must confess I have a few, in classic tan, black and even peach for the spring/summer.  My classic tan trench is made by London Fog a brand that's been making outerwear for many years.  I particularly like their products as they carry petite sizing, removable liners for all year wear, and detachable hoods.  These options allow for versatility and a fit for all.

A classic trench coat is a smart investment as you'll have it for many years and will gain lots of use.

The Classic Trench, single breasted long coat

Colored Trench - Adds brightness and Fun 

available in several colors including light pink, petite & removable liner

Moto Trench - Modern in black with asymmetrical zippers

Skirted Trench - Feminine design perfect for dressy occasions 

Wool - Perfect for keeping warm

Quilted Trench - Sleek and Shiny with a touch of moto

Utility Trench - Enough pockets for all your needs

Single Breasted Short - Classic clean lines! 

comes in black & petite

Dress Beautifully in a Classic Trench Coat

XOXO Sarah Louise

Brown, Black & That 70's Vibe

Brown and black is one of my favorite pairings, but I find gals hesitate to combine the two.  Just like I don't understand why some struggle to mix their yellow gold with white/silver, I don't understand the opposition to mixing dark neutrals (it goes for navy and black too)

Unless you live under a rock you know that the styles of the 70's are creeping back into stores... fringe, flares, thick heels, and peasant tops. Personally I'm mixed.  As I've confessed to you before, I Love the fashion from the 70's and most of you cringed! But allow me to clarify.  Like with anything there is good and bad, nothing is 100% (ok there are some things but that's another post)

I'm prefer the more polished and pretty side of things.  So you won't see me embrace the boho
'flower child' look but rather the necktie blouses, high waisted skirts/pants and long vests.

Suede was huge in the 70's.  I'm all about it's soft natural texture but I'll skip the fringe element; by all means feel free to go for it in your casual/weekend wear.

This faux suede jumper is an all occasion piece with the right styling.  I naturally gave it an office appropriate look by layering a crisp white shirt, a satin neck tie bow and heeled booties.

For a laid back look, add a chunky sweater cardigan and flat boots or layer with a denim shirt.

Gals, I know Halloween is right around the corner but you never want to look like you're wearing a costume.  Incorporate pieces from a genre in a modern way by keeping them isolated to one piece and by mixing them with current pieces. You want to allude and resemble rather than look like you came from a time warp.

Add some suede, fringe, flares and big bows to your collar in bringing that 70's vibe into your wardrobe.
I also challenge you to mix your browns and blacks - it's a beautiful color palette!

Faux Suede Jumper: Target (sold out online check stores) Similar & Here  || 

Crisp White Shirt: Brooks Brothers || Booties: Similar & Here || Neck Tie: Similar and Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Brown & Black 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Soiree: SL in the QC

Invitations designed/created by Moi

I've cropped the bottom of the invitation for privacy - No creepers/stalkers welcome

This past Saturday I hosted my first soiree in our new home.

It was a time to gather with my gal pals and a welcoming of my return to the Queen City. 

I also wanted to debut our house and it's interiors as I've been keeping it somewhat a secret.
(Posts to come)

Decorating is an ongoing process and there's always tweaking.  I find myself never quite ready or satisfied with a room but my Mamma reminded me that 'Rome wasn't built in a day'.  You can't do it all.  It takes time.  Sadly, my house didn't come with a money tree in the backyard and decorating isn't cheap!

There's no perfect house nor life, but it's ours and it's perfectly filled with Love! 

I was tickled pink to use these family heirloom crystal glasses and to serve from my antique buffet

My goal for this shindig was not only to celebrate our new home but to also show gratitude for the welcoming our friends and family have shown us.  They are our support and encouragement through our day-to-day and our milestones.  Cheers all around! 

These pink bubbles were a gift and I've been saving it just for this occasion

POP FIZZ CLINK

 And for those driving or expecting a baby some sparkling lemonade & water
Fancy Another Tray: Kate Spade || Ice Bucket: Lenox ||
Zebra Cocktail Napkins: Here ||

Bar carts are essential for serving in the formal room or away from the kitchen

I served heavy hors d'oeuvres and sweet treats

barbecue chicken sliders, orzo pasta salad, bacon wrapped dates, roasted sweet potatoes, 

hummus & veggies, pepper jelly over cream cheese & crackers

Strawberry cupcakes with cream cheese icing & sugar cookies with lemon curd

My co-host all gussied up 

Our moving announcements by Shutterfly 

I have a thing for snail mail :) 

When throwing a soiree remember, it's not all about the decor, food and how fancy the presentation is; rather the company and fellowship that fills the room!

Stay tuned for a peek into my home and design next week!

Dress Your Next Soiree Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Sweater Jacket

Sweater weather is upon us!  I'm not quite sure if I'm ready for the quickly approaching colder temps but like I shared earlier, the cozy textured fabrics get me excited.

Since Fall is all about transition and the day can range 20-30 degrees layering your looks is the way to go.

Sweater jackets are fantastic for several reasons. They have the warm cozy texture of a sweater but the structured weight of a blazer.  Since I don't wear cardigans (I may have 2) this is a nice compromise over a heavy tweed jacket.

I've loved tweed since I discovered the iconic style of Jackie O., 20 years ago. Tweed is a woven pattern of multicolored thick yarn-like threads - usually wool.  The different colors and thickness not only keep you warn but add depth and interest to a piece,  When styling, you can pull from the many colors throughout.  This sweater jacket has silver, lavender, light blue, navy, and a bright cobalt blue. The other fun detail is the navy fringe along the outer seams, sleeves and pockets.

I chose to enhance the lavender and silver threads with my orchid blouse and grey trousers.  I plan to also pair with chambray, stripes, grey, and cream tops.  Top off a basic tee and a pair of boyfriend jeans for a polished but casual look for the weekends.

Sweater Jacket: J Crew || Blouse: J Crew || Trousers: Similar & Here ||

Pumps: Nine West || Necklace: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Sweater Jacket

XOXO Sarah Louise

Lady in Red

TGIF!  I look forward to saying that all week for many reasons.  Another week comes to an end and I like to look back and reflect on the accomplishments, the laughter and the blessings.  I'm a goal oriented person with an obsession with lists (they're everywhere! purse, desk, kitchen, car etc..) I check back on my lists and see how I measured on completing what I had aimed to do that week.  I don't always get it all crossed off but I sure do make a great effort and that's what counts.  There's always another week so cheers to the weekend!!!

This weekend will be slammed full of cheers as I host my first soiree in our new home and celebrate being back home in Charlotte 'SL in the QC' - Stay tuned for a recap next week :)

P.S. The champagne emoji for iPhone is finally here! I've already used it with almost every text/post in excess!

For this edition of Friday Findings I'm sharing the color red.  I'm not sure why, but I feel very Parisian when I wear red.  I always tell Mr when I'm begging him to take me to Paris that I will need red shoes, handbag and jacket.  He laughs knowing darn well I'll make sure I really do have them when we go.

I find that some gals are intimidated by vibrant reds and I'm often asked with my red hair if I wear it, Yes!  Wearing a bold color can be empowering. Own it!

So here are some gorgeous candy apple red beauties I'm lusting over ....

Topper Coat

I love this vibrant red topper coat!  The bracelet sleeves, popped funnel collar and side slits make for gorgeous detailing. The fabric is mid weight so perfect for the mild winters in the South.

Dress

This sheath dress is perfect for office or evening.  

It's also an all year dress when you layer in the colder months.

Skirt

The gold zippers give this skirt modern shine.

Blouse

Wrap blouses are chic and very flattering

Handbag

Wear this peopled leather bag on the elbow or cross body. 

It holds all you need with it's expandable sides. 

I've got this bag on my dream list!

Shoes

Red suede pumps are sure to stop traffic 

I just recently added these bright beauties to my collection - The Salvatore Ferragamo Vara pump is iconic and are by far my most adored shoes and worth every penny.  I wear my black pair so much that I actually resole them. 

A smart investment for my feet. And who doesn't love bows on toes?!!

Scarf

Keep warm in this cashmere scarf

Lipstick

This lipstick is on my lips the most! 

P.S. Almost all of these items are currently 50% off at Ann Taylor through the weekend!

Dress Beautifully in Red

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Native

Fine fabrics get me all tickled pink.  I love the look and feel of quality textiles such as silk, wool, tweed, cashmere, embroidery and at the top of my list are woven tapestries.  Particularly a fine antique/classic rug.  I've had a thing for rugs for over 10 years and have a few eye-catchers in my own home.  Something about the handmade designs and rich colors brings beauty to a room.

I make it a mission to support local businesses and designers right here in North Carolina.  It's the American dream and also one of mine to be entrepreneurial with one's talent, bringing one of a kind goods and services to your community.
Native does just that.

This gal refurbishes tapestries into wearable accessories that add culture to your look.
Pair them over your classic pieces, like a crisp white shirt or denim, to add a pop of texture and interest or be extra fun and layer on the prints.  These unique textiles are sure to bring admiration.

With a variety of colors and patterns you're sure to find one that suits your fancy.

Check out this similar collection of clothing and accessories I'm swooning over!

Shop these wearable art pieces at Native or at a boutique near you Here

Dress Beautifully in Tapestries

XOXO Sarah Louise

Burgundy Leather Vest

Let's talk about leather and long vests.
1. Leather is a natural texture that adds depth and structure.  I dare say even a bit edgy but not in a 'where'd you park your Harley?' way.
2. Long vests are chic, elongating and a practical way to layer.

The key to styling the long vest is fit.  It needs to be tailored creating long lines that follow the natural curve of the body so that it highlights the waist.  Think of  a blazer stretched long and removing the sleeves.  If it's boxy or too big it will overwhelm.

I don't know about you but I like having my arms free for movement.  Nothing (ok some things) is more uncomfortable than a binding piece - it's almost claustrophobic.

I saw this vest on the rack and it was an instant must have.  I tried it on right there in the middle of the floor rather than taking the time to walk to a fitting room.  I checked myself out in one of those columns with mirrors and knew it was coming home.

Burgundy is one of my most favorite colors for Fall/Winter.  I paired it's masculine leather with a soft cream silk blouse, black skinny jeans & tan booties and handbag. I couldn't resist adding my new favorite hat in blush felt.  This look has somewhat of a 70's vibe and I love me some 70's fashion!

I plan to style this leather vest with navy, pinks, powder blue, and grey.

For the office add this burgundy leather vest over a printed dress or over a blouse and pencil skirt to give your office style a modern look.

Burgundy Leather Vest: Belk || Blouse: Similar & Here || Jeans: Hudson ||

Booties: Louise et Cie Similar & Here || Handbag: Tory Burch ||

Hat: J Crew || Necklace: Similar || Polish: Butter of London || 

Dress Beautifully in a Leather Long Vest

XOXO Sarah Louise