Bubble Gum

This isn't just any pink sweater.  It's a bubble gum pink sweater.  The pink that's bright, fun and brings you back to those carefree younger years of blowing big sugary bubbles and smashing them on your face.  It's not as common to find this shade of pink outside of Spring/Summer but I'm so glad I did.  Sure the rich darker shades of burgundy, forest green and plum are great but with the temps dropping and the lack of sunshine, I could sure use a bit of bright. 

You gal's know I'm all about color.  The way to bring these 'typical' warm weather shades into the colder months is fabric.  No you wouldn't wear a bubble gum linen blouse or sundress but in a sweater or scarf, absolutely! There are certain fabrics that are specific to seasons as they serve a function.  Linen to keep you cool and wool/cashmere to keep you warm.

Sure you can pair this sweater with black, taupe, grey or navy in a pair of trousers or skirt for the office but I wanted to go all out on color.  I've already worn it with jeans and some OTK suede boots, but these cobalt skinny pants were the show stopper.  Because the two shades are so fun I kept every thing else simple with minimal jewelry and a neutral ballet flat. This allows to the color block look to take full attention.

This sweater is one of my more casual ones as it is a more looser/relaxed fit.  But the fit compliments the fun pink color as I feel this sweater was meant to be worn snuggled and laughed in.  

Pink Sweater: J Crew || Cobalt Skinny Pants: J Crew || 

Ballet Flats: Chanel Similar & Here & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Bubble Gum Pink

XOXO Sarah Louise

So 'Coco'

Pearls, tweed, fringe, and black/white color palettes are what come to mind when I think of the iconic Coco Chanel. This black tweed dress is light weight ideal for all year wear and because it's not too thick it lays nicely on the body rather than adding bulk or restrictive movement which is common of thicker weaves.

I adore the cross body fringe layers!  They elongate the body and add beautiful detailing. Because it's sleeveless you can easily layer or wear alone with sandals in warmer weather.

I honored Coco in my styling with pearls and a pop of red in my forever favorite shoes. I say 'forever favorite' because Salvatore Ferragamo is my most loved shoe designer of all time.  The 'Vara' shoe is a classic and oh so comfortable.  I wear them all year long with everything.  They are a go-to for work and a life saver for my crazy travel schedule. The Vara shoe has been around for decades and I see myself wearing them for the next several decades of my own strutting years.  They come in all sizes and a large range of widths (essential for accommodating those painful foot issues).
I wear them so much that I've had to resole my black patent pair twice!

Channel your inner Coco with fringe, tweed and pearls.

Fringe Tweed Dress: Ann Taylor ||  Dress Shirt: Brooks Brothers || 

Red Shoes:  Salvatore Ferragamo || Pearls: Similar & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Fringe Tweed

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Friday Findings - Fur Vest

I LOVE fur!  Not to step on any toes but I almost exclusively wear real fur... beaver, rabbit, mink and even fox.  I must say with the exception of two pieces my real fur was purchased vintage/used.  It truly is the warmest garment you can wear and the most durable - think about it, it's survival for animals out in the elements.

For many years, fur coats were a luxury statement piece that women lusted after; along with a classic string of pearls.  Today's gal is all about handbags and shoes.
Personally, I still love the classics. I feel that they are misrepresented as an mature old-school way of dressing.  There's a way to wear those string of pearls, tweed suits, broaches and ladylike handbags that don't make you look like you raided your grandma's closet.  (that's another post - 'Mixing the old with the new')

Real fur has been and still is pricey.  For several years now faux fur has stepped up it's game.  10 years ago, you wouldn't catch me touching the fake stuff.  It looked like a matted worn out stuffed animal.  Today the synthetic textile is engineered so well you sometimes can't tell the difference.

The modern way to wear fur is in a vest or along the hood, collar and/or sleeves of a coat.
It's a less overwhelming way to wear the thick textured textile. Your arms are free yet you're body is warm.  It also adds a natural element to your look.

I confess, I have both real and faux fur vests.  The key to wearing faux is the quality and construction.  You want a fur that appears to be real and that is designed to fit the body to avoid added volume and looking like a big bear.
This will also allow you to pair with your office wardrobe without looking too trendy or unprofessional.

You can top off almost any look with a fur vest; dresses, jeans, and evening wear for warmth and style.

Here are some faux fur vest's I've found that are sure to add fashionable warmth to your look...

Light Brown  ||  Cream  ||  Black  ||  Grey  ||  Green  ||  Multi colored  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Fur Vest

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tunic Turtleneck

I gravitate to sleeveless garments.  For me, it's functional.  Sleeveless dresses and tops allow for layering under with dress shirts/blouses or over with blazers or jackets without having the hassle of stuffing sleeves.

For fall, when the temperatures can vary sometimes a span of 30 degrees in a day, layering pieces are key.  This sleeveless sweater is warm and cozy yet your arms are free and as the day warms with sunshine you won't melt. You can easily add a long sleeve tee as we get closer to winter weather.
Note:  You will need to wear a camisole/tank underneath as the side arm holes are long.

I originally styled this with a pair of jeans and suede booties - but that's just so typical, although I have worn it that way on the weekend. But you gals know that dressing for the office is more my inspirational mission.

I paired this with one of my favorite skirts - I call it the 'Flippy Mini'
Confession: I have it in 3 colors

Add a pair of dress boots and not only are you office appropriate but with the high/low hem design of the sweater you're right on trend.
I kept this look neutral but the heather gray would pop next to dark neutrals or bright colors - think burgundy,  hunter green, cobalt blue and pink.
Perfect for a pair of skinny trousers too.

P.S. Life is better when you're laughing :)

Sleeveless Turtleneck: Banana Republic || Skirt: J Crew & Similar  ||

Boots: Nine West || Camisole: Target (the adjustable straps are essential) || 

Dress Beautifully in a Sleeveless Turtleneck

XOXO Sarah Louise

Over It

Let's go high. Up high on the leg. I'm talking over the knee high.  Not too high.
This is not the part of 'Pretty Woman' we want to imitate.  Boots gals, buttery leather goodness all the way.

Over the knee boots have really been trending for the past few seasons. But in a tasteful way.  In rich leathers and suedes and modest heels, these OTK boots are appropriate for day and evening.
Like a lot of designs, boots have improved over the seasons.  The struggle to find boots that accommodate wider calves is not as difficult.

It's no secret I'm petite. Whether it's the stool in my kitchen or the constant up on my tippy toes there's no hiding it.  But I'm ok with it - you can always hem and honestly it's the way God made me. I don't let it hold me back. Especially when it comes to fashion.  Yes, shorter gals can wear OTK boots.

How to wear OTK boots:
- With a dress/skirt the hem of the garment should hit above the top of the boot showing an inch or two of leg (not too much let's keep it classy) Opt for tights for warmth and modesty

- With pants they should be form fitting skinny pants.  Your top garment should not hit below your hip as that would create too much volume and your body would be lost.

- When it comes to heel height I'm more of a flat/low heel for comfort kind of gal however if you do opt for a dressy boot, thicker heels are more supportive than a stiletto.

- Some boots have the option to fold over the front giving you a knee high boot

Here are some OTK boots I've scouted for you ...

Most of these come in additional colors

Suede Block Heel  ||  Fitted Suede Boot   ||  Heeled Pump Boot   ||  Grey Suede  ||

Block Heel with Lace Up  ||  Camel Boot  ||  Riding Boot  ||  Brown Suede

Dress Beautifully in Over the Knee Boots

XOXO Sarah Louise

Polished Python

Of all the beautiful animal prints, snake is my favorite.  Which is a bit ironic seeing that I fear that creature more than any other.  I like that the print is small and abstract as opposed to the graphic large scale of say zebra, giraffe or tiger.  Snakes have a natural ombre coloring and when used on clothing in a strategic design the fading from dark to light can be very sliming!

Python prints are fierce!  I like to feel fierce especially for those times in life that you may need the extra boost in confidence.  Dressing is more than just fabric on your body, it can be empowering.  Adding a piece that makes you feel pretty sometimes is the added strength you need to tackle whatever comes your way.

The streamlined wrap design creates a sophisticated silhouette perfect for office or evening.  The luster of the soft neutrals comes from the silk/wool blend fabric.  It's a piece you can wear all year round paired with dress shirts, blouses and sweaters for the office or a simple camisole on a night out.

Remember shoes can dictate a look.  Opt for boots when going casual, pumps for professional settings and strappy heels for those gussied up nights.

The soft browns compliment pastels to bright jewel tones. So pairing options are unlimited.
I went a little edgy and finished this outfit with a brown leather jacket.

Polish your look with some python prints!

Python Skirt: Tory Burch || Dress Shirt: Brooks Brothers || Pumps: Tory Burch ||

Leather Jacket: Cole Haan || 

Dress Beautifully in Python 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Stripes are for Sweaters

Classic, clean lines.  I crave the simplicity and sharpness a good stripe brings to a look.

This sweater is constructed in a tunic design in a longer fit with side slits & a heavy knit, allowing it to lay flat.  In navy and ivory colors with shoulder button details it has a nautical feel.
I tend to wear fitted sweaters but I'm embracing the relaxed modern designs and find that they are quite comfortable.

I paired it with ivory trousers and nude pumps for a lighter look.  Navy and taupe trousers would be equally as nice.  Because of it's longer length I would stick to pants.

For weekends black or blue skinny jeans, or a grey/olive pair of chinos for a casual pairing.

Striped Tunic Sweater: Loft || Trousers: Similar || Pumps: Tory Burch || Bangle: Hermes ||

Dress Beautifully in a Striped Sweater 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Shift Skirt

This skirt is the perfect piece to shift on into the Fall season. The soft wool fabric and warm caramel color are the ideal fall essentials.

My favorite part is it's mod design.  High waisted, front pockets and straight, slightly mini design are a modern take on the midcentury icon.  I have so many pencil skirts it's nice to add some variety.

Wear it in the office with a secretary blouse, blue striped dress shirt or jewel toned sweater with heeled boots/booties.

For a casual look pair with a denim shirt and riding boots or if your blessed with long enough legs over the knee boots would be fabulous.
Tip:  There should be a couple of inches between the hem of your skirt and the top of your boots.

Shift Skirt: Loft || Sweater: Similar & Here & Here ||

Booties: Similar & Here || Necklace: Similar || Polish: Butter ||

Dress Beautifully in a Shift Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise