Pinstripe

A pinstripe is a very narrow stripe typically found in suiting.  Sometimes the stripe is subtle and sometimes, like in this dress shirt, it's nice a bold.  This high contrasting stripe makes a sharp statement , but balanced with the femininity of a bow.

I'm all about dressing polished for the office and staying true to yourself as a woman.  There's no reason that professional has to be boring.  This isn't my only dress shirt with a bow tie neck sash.  I featured this same dress shirt in white on this post.  The great thing about these tailored crisp dress shirts, is that the sash is buttoned underneath the collar allowing you to have style options with or without it.  Sometimes you may want to embrace the secretary vibe and others you may want to play it cool. Either way the stripe will steal attention!

I paired this navy dress shirt with ivory trousers, complimenting the stripe and a camel blazer to warm it up.  This time of year the excitement of cooler temps and changing colors of the leaves has me craving rich warm tones and textures.

And if the bow wasn't enough for your girlish liking, I added a pop of color with a pair of magenta suede heels.

Tip:  Don't limit your dress shirts to the work week, go open collar and pair with jeans for a casual chic look.  Also, if you're one of those gals that struggles pairing navy with blue jeans, try with grey or black denim.

Pinstripe Bow Shirt & Similar || Trousers & Similar || Blazer || Shoes || 

Dress Beautifully in Pinstripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pinot & Pleats

Back in the 80's and 90's a dress or skirt that fell below the knee and above the ankle was referred to as 'Tea' length.  Today it's referred to as 'Midi'.  I've see this longer hem line trend grow over the past few seasons but as a petite gal at 5'2" I shied away as I was fearful that the extra fabric would overwhelm.  But it's something that's been tugging at me to try.

I found the perfect skirt!  It has all the right elements.  High waist, light fabric and flattering fit.
In a delicate chiffon fabric and accordion pleats it has ladylike movement (I have to try really hard not to twirl).  The front and back panels are flat, preventing too much volume.  I believe that one of the most important design components is the higher waist.  It creates shape and long lines.

What made this skirt even more beautiful and ideal for me was the ivory color.  It's truly my favorite and the most abundant color in my closet.  And just because Summer is technically over doesn't mean you go dark.  No, you can't wear white shoes, pants or dresses but nothing is more refreshing than the coolness of ivory. It's all year appropriate.  Just swap out your pastels and brights for richer hues like this burgundy blouse.

While it's still warm I'm wearing this skirt with light weight tops but a fitted long sleeve tee or sweater with booties are the plan for a casual look come cooler weather.

Go longer with a midi pleated skirt!

Pinot Blouse & Similar || Pleated Midi Skirt & Similar || Pumps & Similar || Bangle || 

Dress Beautifully in a Pleated Midi Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Double Breasted

Stealing from the men isn't a crime it's stylishly sharp!  Menswear is known for it's crisp tailored and sophisticated designs. So why not add some power to your wardrobe with modern suiting.  The trick is to create femininity by highlight curves in the construction.

I have plenty of wool blazers, trousers and sheath dresses in my suiting wardrobe.  This vest adds interest to my inventory.  Something unexpected but equally as timeless.  The clean lines of the windowpane pattern in the wool fabric is simplistic yet makes a bold statement.  The double breasted buttons creates structure and a defined waist.

I paired this navy vest with grey trousers to draw out the window pane lines.  For a touch of fun I went with a bright blue pump.  Layer a dress shirt underneath come Fall or wear open with a fitted long sleeve tee, a pair of jeans and booties/flats for a casual look.

Double Breasted Vest & Similar & Here || Grey Trousers || Pumps || Handbag & Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Suit Vest

XOXO Sarah Louise

Princess and the Pea

Welcome to my boudoir! When Mr and I bought our home here in the Queen City last year (clearly this post is a long time coming but better late than never) having a nice room for us started with the bed.

Like with all things in my life I focus on investing in quality.  While I've always liked nice things now that I'm in my 30's I'm in a place to make lasting purchases.

When it comes to furniture I'm traditional but it must also make a statement. Classic and Striking!
This bed was all of these things.  Constructed of solid dark wood with a super high canopy and spindle posters, this bed was made for a princess.  And to make it even more regal it's super high - I mean really high.  It takes a lot of effort for my petite self to climb up.  Mr and I agree as beautiful as it is, we foresee it being a physical hazard at some point.  I call it our 'Princess and the Pea' bed.
Now, we haven't been able to add any other pieces for the bedroom.  What we do have are heirloom pieces from my Mamma, a dresser and my vanity table.  We are both very particular and adamant about finding just the right pieces that are worthy of passing down through the generations.  #patience

I believe a bed is only as beautiful as its linens.  Like with my wardrobe the fabric, color, pattern, and textures are all important.  It all started with these custom monogrammed shams and one of my most favorite boutiques.  Beaufort Linen Co. is not only been one of my favorite shops for home decor, gifts and accessories, the owner is a dear gal pal.  Mr doesn't give much input into the interior design of our home as long as it's comfortable.  But I wanted our bedroom to reflect us both and knowing his favorite color is 'Carolina Blue' I decided that would be the foundation for the design.

Typically it's one piece that starts my room design.  After purchasing our canopy bed I knew that the bar was set high and demanded grander decor.  These shams were just the right statement to compliment.  Christina of Beaufort Linen Co worked with me in choosing the trim, color and monogram style.  The fabric is in a diamond pique cotton, with a bias tape appliqué monogram and chain motif trim.  These were the PERFECT pieces for a highly decorated room or as Christina likes to put it a 'Well Collected' bedroom. Choosing these shams wasn't just about bedding.  It set the tone for creating a home that was ours.  For most of our 10 year relationship, due to our careers, schooling and military we have lived apart.  This home gave us a sense of stability and togetherness.

Mr calls these shams the 'Fancy Pillows' and carefully places them on my Grandma's blue velvet bench each night before climbing into bed.  We share this bedroom together and our joint monogram front and center makes a bold and sophisticated statement!

I chose various shades of blue for all other design elements.  A pale pastel blue for the wall color (also found in the master bathroom, kitchen, breakfast room and powder room), navy silk for the drapes, navy euro shams and a chinoiserie blue and white printed duvet (Mr says it's like a ginger jar threw up on our bed - My response "Exactly!")

When it comes to dressing and decorating I like to blend multiple shades rather that matching.

Oh and to wrap up the story of our bed, I can't forget the sheets! You should be spending 9 hours every night tangled up in them so why not have something soft and luxurious?!  Mine are just that.

Shams: Matouk from Beaufort Linen Co. || Sheets: Peacock Alley ||

Duvet: Ralph Lauren & Similar || 

Dress Your Bed Beautifully in Custom Monogrammed Shams

XOXO Sarah Louise

Kick Crop

Jeans are far from simple.  There are so many washes, cuts and just over the past several years distressing that a pair of jeans can have.  Jeans are universally the hardest to fit.  Personally, I feel it can be more difficult than swimsuits!

When you find a great fitting pair of jeans it's like finding a pot of gold.  For me the challenge is that my legs are full and my waist is smaller so finding a pair that can fit those proportions can be somewhat of a treasure hunt.  And let's not forget my derriere, it isn't lacking in fullness either.

I look for darker washes with some slight color shading, a higher waist and a lower back pocket placement. I believe that you don't have to have tons of jeans but definitely a variety.  A dark wash, medium wash, skinnies, boyfriend/distressed and of a course a couple pairs of white jeans for the summer. A pair for casual Fridays, a pair for a night out and a pair for casual situations.

One of this season's trends is the kick crop jean.  It's basically the boot cut from the early 2000's in a crop/ankle length design. Some other elements you'll see on denim this season is a selvage hem and wide leg cuts.

Over the past year I've fallen for Madewell's denim.  It's super soft just a hint of stretch (I find that too much stretch is unflattering as I don't want a second skin on my legs but rather a slight skim). I like their washes and slightly higher waists.

I'm not afraid to try new things and this pair was no exception.  I rarely hop on the latest trends, I like to watch them play out for a hot minute to see if it's something that's going to stick around and worth investing in. But I must say I'm digging this kick crop denim.

It's almost like a straight leg but with an ever so slight flair.  It's definitely slimming on the leg and shows off a great pair of shoes.  The undone hem detail gives them a modern, more casual vibe.
To me I find them reminiscent of the 70's and I Love me some 70's fashion!!

This top has a kick crop flair to it as well.  It's a little shorter in length but far far from a 'crop top' and it has a peplum.  It's a fun version of the crisp white shirt.

Since both this blouse and jeans are casual I went with a polished pump to dress it up, but try an ankle strap sandal or for easy comfort a ballet flat.

If you look closely you find a sneak peek at a fun clutch I'll be sharing with you next week :)

Kick Crop Jeans & Similar || Peplum Blouse || Pumps || 

Dress Beautifully in a Pair of Kick Crop Jeans

XOXO Sarah Louise

Well Suited

You're always sure to look sharp in a suit but what I've noticed is that the suit has diminished in the work place. Business casual is the 'new' standard for work place dress code. While it's so nice to mix and match bringing more color, prints and designs to the office there's something empowering about tailored wool and crisp dress shirts.

But a suit doesn't have to be boring, and no gal wants to look masculine either.  For this look I went lighter with a soft grey and bright white dress shirt.  Rather than the typical matching jacket I opted for shell vest.  My favorite element is that this blouse comes with a detachable neck tie that's adds the right touch of femininity tied in a bow.  But you can always keep it classic and skip the sash,

These 3 pieces are timeless foundation garments.  You can wear theses grey trousers with blouses and sweaters of all colors and patterns.  The shell can be worn alone, over blouses or under jackets and cardigans.  And it's not just for trousers or pencil skirts, it's super chic with jeans.  This crisp dress shirt literally goes with everything! These are the garments that are the building blocks for a classic wardrobe.

Bow Blouse || Shell || Trousers || Pumps || Handbag & Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Suiting

XOXO Sarah Louise

Striped Shoulder Ruffles

This top is an eye catcher.  It blends the off the shoulder trend with a classic crisp blouse.  I've loved showing my shoulders this summer in those shimmy worthy numbers but with this blouse you can wear a regular bra (there's nothing comfortable about a strapless after 4 hours) and it's appropriate for work or weekend.

I love that it mixes fun and flirty ruffles with a classic blue stripe. Like I shared on Tuesday's post I am holding on to lighter color pairings and will move to darker richer shades once Fall's cooler temperatures finally decided to come around. So I paired this blouse with blush trousers and for a touch of sass, leopard calf haired flats.  #leopardisaneutral

Now, I do want to address a potential concern.  Several reviews and gal pals of mine that have tried this blouse feel that it makes shoulders appear too broad.  Yes, this design does add volume and draws attention to the shoulders.  Personally, I have a smaller upper body and larger lower.  If you have a similar shape this can be very flattering. It balances and actually makes your lower body look smaller.  This top is also nice if you are smaller chested.

You know I always share with you alternative styling options for pieces in my writing because while my go-to dressing works for me you may have a different preference.  And I also want to express the versatility of pieces.  It's not a good investment if you can only wear it one way. So one of my loyal readers requested I illustrate other styling options (please keep the comments coming!).

So here ya go ....

Skinny Jeans   Burgundy Pants   Olive Chino   Pencil Skirts   Sneaker   Pumps   Block Heels

Striped Shoulder Ruffled Top & Similar || Blush Pants & Here & Here || 

Leopard Calf Hair Flats & Here & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Ruffles

XOXO Sarah Louise