Mod for Pink

Oh Wednesdays we wear pink - ok let's be honest even the most non-girlie of girls can embrace this feminine color.  There's hot pink, fuchsia, pastel pink and the most lightest of lights blush pink.  Pink is a fun color and there's no reason it can't be embraced in a professional setting.  The key is styling.

You want your pink pieces to be polished when wearing to the office.  Tailored structured pieces are best or pair with such. I feel that most gals go dark when it comes to looking professional.  That stigma drives me crazy!  The truth is that lighter shades are equally as powerful and give a clean fresh appearance.

This pink skirt is very structured in a mod design.  I love a good retro vibe! It's higher waisted and flairs just a touch. In this boxy cut and shorter length it's very reminiscent of the '60's (without the go-go boots of course).

For a less playful look I styled this skirt with a crisp sleeveless dress shirt (perfect for this crazy hot weather that seems to be never ending) and topped it off with a camel blazer; grey or navy would look nice too.  This dress shirt actually has purple and pink pin dots throughout but is difficult to see in these pics. Even a subtle pattern adds interest.

For the weekend pair with sandals/wedges and a tank or tee.  Whenever Fall does decide to grace us with it's cooler temps pair with boots/booties and a cardigan/denim jacket.

Note:  I found these large pockets flattering on my hips/thighs.

Sleeveless Dress Shirt: Banana Republic || Pink Skirt: Loft || Blazer: J Crew ||

Pumps: Tory Burch & Similar || Gold Cuff: J Crew || 

Dress Beautifully in Pink

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Black & Blue

Black and Blue - there are no battle wounds in this look.  In fact it's a very smooth confrontation between Summer and Fall.

This time of year can be tough.  All the cool weather designs are hitting the store floors with sweaters, jackets, jeans and boots. But the temps outside are still blazing.  This leather skirt is light weight and in flirty pleats and a shorter hem line you're not going to be a puddle when you step outside.  I paired it with a bright blue silk blouse to lighten the look.  I kept my heels open and a tad edgy to go with the leather vibe.

Now in the upcoming months I plan to pair with dress shirts, sweaters and for a the weekends a simple tee and denim jacket.

Tip:  When I go to purchase a garment, while in the dressing room once I've confirmed the fit is good, I go through pairing options that I already have in my closet.  This method ensures it will get the wear for the money.

Blue Top: Madewell & Similar || Pleated Leather Skirt: J Crew ||

Strappy Heels: Similar & Here || Earrings: Kendra Scott || Gold Cuff: J Crew || 

Handbag: Prada & Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Black & Blue

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Ready Set Reds

Red is a powerful color.  It's bold and bright and grabs attention.  According to the old song 'Lady in Red' men love a gal in red.  I have to say I agree, it's my red hair that grabbed Mr's attention :)

I want to talk about pops vs continuity.  There's the concept of styling where one element of color is added to a neutral look.  It showcases that one element of color such as shoes, statement jewelry or handbag.

I prefer continuity, where the elements flow throughout the entire look.  Today's look is all about a stream of red.  Now, the shades of red are not all the same which creates depth and interest.  I'm not a matchy matchy gal.

I also like to mix my casual and dressy pieces.  It's more unexpected and a great way to balance out your wardrobe.  This tweed jacket with it's gold buttons is very ladylike while the striped muscle tank  in stripes is very casual.  The jeans are polished in a dark wash while still casual in nature paired with my super shiny shoes in bright patent leather create a nice mix.  These shoes are my MOST FAVORITE shoe design!!! I have this shoe in patent black and brown croc (these shoes are a post all in themselves - stay tuned).

The reds, textures and prints in this look all compliment each other creating a continuity of reds amongst themselves.

Rather than one element of color in your next look, try going more cohesive tying in a color throughout.

Striped Muscle Tank: Madewell & Similar & Here || Jacket: Similar & Here ||

Jeans: Banana Republic || Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo || Earrings: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Reds

XOXO Sarah Louise

Stripes and Surplus

Surplus green is often referred to as olive green, or army green after the fruit and the uniform/gear worn my military members.  It's a dark and dusty green.  It's a neutral and practically goes with everything.

Mr calls this shade of green olive drab but personally I don't think there's anything drab about it.  I love green, it flatters my red hair and I'm always game for alternate neutrals to brown and black.

I paired this textured skirt with a striped dress shirt and a blush pink bag for added femininity.

This skirt is going to be on major repeat paired with blouses in a multitude of colors and prints. When the temps start to fall with sweaters and booties/boots.

Note: these perforated lace up shoes are epically comfortable!

Just because :)

Striped Dress Shirt: Similar Here & Here || Olive Skirt: Ann Taylor & Similar & Here || 

Lace Up Heels: Vince Camuto || Handbag: Tory Burch || Bangle: J Crew || 

Dress Beautifully in Stripes & Surplus 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Signature Color

"Pink is my Signature Color" - Shelby Eatenton Latcherie 

'Steel Magnolias' is my 2nd favorite movie (after 'Gone with the Wind' of course) and if you're not familiar shame on you!  I mean you can't go wrong with the colors blush and bashful :)

Oh and let's not forget Jackie O. and her iconic pink suit.  Swoon!

I've loved the color pink my whole entire life.  While I don't wear it as much or in the same way as I did in my younger years I still incorporate it frequently.  In fact, my formal living room is decorated in blush pink.

Pink makes me feel pretty and feminine.

When the latest J Crew catalog came in the mail this week I was giddy to see all the pink pieces!

Here are 5 of my favorites ....

Truth: At least 1 of these is going to make its way into my closet :)

Bow Blouse:  In 100% silk and the most precious shade of carnation pink it's a piece you'll wear forever!  With suiting or layered under a sheath dress to a pair of jeans, this blouse is a classic.

Houndstooth Jacket & Skirt:  Houndstooth is my most favorite print so duh I love this matching set in pink.  A modern and sophisticated version of the trend Jackie set back in the 60's. Timeless.
You don't have to have the coordinating look.  Split them up for endless outfit pairings.

Coat:  How ladylike is this coat?!!  Fresh and feminine it won't just keep you warm, it'll keep you smiling a pretty smile.

Bangle:  For when you just need a subtle touch of happy.

  Coat     Blouse     Bangle     Blazer     Skirt 

Dress Beautifully in Pink

XOXO Sarah Louise

Licorice & Whiskey

When it comes to brown I'm all about the lighter and richer shades, most often referred to as cognac or whiskey.  They're warm and smooth as Mr likes to say.

I find it common to pair neutrals with colors but how refreshing to go all neutral.  Typically I style my neutrals on the lighter side with ivory and tan but with Fall right around the corner I'm craving darker hues and cooler temps!

I eyed this skirt for a few weeks in the store and when a sale promotion rolled around I scooped it up!  I love the color and touch of luster in the fabric.  While the length is slightly longer, hitting right below the knee the vertical buttons down the front create a long line on the body.
Note: These buttons are 'faux' / nonfunctioning so no worries on puckering or pulling when you sit!
Midi lengths can evoke a fear of shortening for most gals.  Keep the hem no longer than the top of your calf and the waist high and you'll find your lower body will actually appear longer.

I challenged myself to incorporate more black into my wardrobe.  That's a big stretch outside my comfort zone as it's the color I wear the very least. This skirt was the perfect piece to pair with black.

Take a break from the rainbow and style your next look with browns and black.

Top: Brooks Brothers & Similar || Skirt: Ann Taylor & Similar & Here || Pumps: Nine West ||

Gold Bangle: J Crew || Handbag: Prada & Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Black & Brown

XOXO Sarah Louise

Peek a Boo

Tis the season of shoulders.  I shared this trend with you in this post, here and again here.

And today it's all about this trendy button up.  I believe in crisp dress shirts as evidence by the large inventory hanging in my closet.  They're sharp, classic and pair, layer and coordinate with everything.

All of my off-the-shoulder tops are clearly appropriate outside of business hours.  I leave a small percentage of my wardrobe for that category because those occasions are so few.

This top marries the off-the-shoulder trend with the dress shirt beautifully. The crisp collar and pinstripes bring sophistication while the ruffles and peek through shoulders give it sass.

While this top is trendy I do believe paired with trousers or as I did with a pencil skirt it could be worn to the office if your work place is fairly casual, non customer facing and for those days with no meetings.

Note: this top does run small and with the ruffle seam across the chest buttoning up all the way was restricting.  Although I don't believe I would any way as it's a bit stuffy.

Tip: A raceback bra is ideal, more like necessary, for tops like this one that cut in.

This top is also perfect for transitioning in to Fall with its long sleeves.  Pair with dark skinny jeans and booties and you're all set for the weekend.

Cold Shoulder Top: Nordstrom & Here ||  Pencil Skirt: J Crew & Similar || Pumps: Nine West  ||

Gold Bangle: J Crew || Earrings: Similar || 

More Cold Shoulder Tops: Here - Here - Here - Here  

Dress Beautifully in a Cold Shoulder Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Resort Dresses

I LOVE vacation!!!

The ironic thing is that vacations aren't the normal for me.  Sure I squeeze in some long weekend getaways a few times a year but a whole week? somewhere far far away? it just hasn't happened.

This past week being away with Mr has been nothing short of AMAZING!!!

We may not be world travelers but I've found there's great things to see right here in America!

I always love flipping through the Spring/Summer catalogs with all the 'Resort' wear fashions. Floral prints, bright colors and long flowing dresses make me dream of visiting somewhere exotic. I have several long dresses that I absolutely adore.  They make me feel pretty and feminine while also keeping me cool.  It's refreshing to wear these lovely pieces as they are so far from the daily work styles of dress shirts, pencil skirts and pumps. 

These long dresses aren't just for traveling - they're beautiful for church, showers, parties and date nights.

Here are some of my favorite floral long dresses that are sure to make you feel lovely and lost from life's reality ...

Bold Floral  -  Blue Floral  -  White Embroidered  -  Rose Garden  -  Tropical Palms

Dress Beautifully in a Long Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tom Boy Chic

I am sooooo far from a ‘Tom Boy’ it’s not even funny.  I never played a sport but I was a twirling ballerina. I never wanted to get dirty but I did love to play dress up and Barbie dolls – some things never change!

The closest I get to being rugged or outdoorsy is my love of running, hiking, and shooting.  As for my wardrobe, ball caps and distress denim is as casual as it gets.  And even still I have to polish up my holey jeans.

I paired these distressed denim shorts with a crisp cotton popover shirt and a belt for a more put together look.  Add simple jewelry and a pair of espadrilles and I call this ‘Tom Boy Chic’. 

Mixing the ultra-casual with pieces that have a bit more structure or design is a great way to step up your weekend style game.

Crisp Cotton Shirt: J Crew || Distress Denim Shorts: Here Here & Here || 

Belt: Madewell || Espadrilles: Tory Burch || Earrings: Nordstrom || 

Dress Beautifully in Distressed Denim Shorts

XOXO Sarah Louise