Friday 5: Velvet

I'm obsessing over velvet!  It's the fabric of the season and trending huge.

Velvet can be reminiscent of those Christmas dresses you wore in years past.  It has a fancy vibe.
But today, in a variety colors and modern designs velvet is a must have for any occasion.  Even velvet shoes have me swooning.
Not to mention it feels sooooo soft and eye catching as it shines when you move.

Here are some of my favorite velvet pieces I've scouted ...

Blazer  -  Pants  -  Pink Flats  -  Blue Flats  -  Crinkled Dress  -  Velvet Shirtdress  -  Top   

Blazer:  I love a good blazer and in these colder months it's just the time to change it up with texture like velvet.  

Pants:  Fits like a jean but so much softer!  Love the rich colors of burgundy and navy.

Shoes:  I love both of these!  Especially the lighter shades. Pretty sure one of my gal pals is going to purchase the pink pair. 

Dresses:  Adore both of these.  The crinkle on the shift gives lots of interest. But the shirtdress fit so much better with it's waist line.  I brought it home in this grey color :)

Top:  A relaxed yet slightly fancy tee you could dress up or down and be extra comfortable.

Dress Beautifully in Velvet

XOXO Sarah Louise

Cowhide

Hide yo kids, Hide yo wives!  Clutch yourself for these cowhide beauties!

I've been called 'Fancy Pants' more than a few times but regardless of my typical ladylike luster I'm a southern gal through and through.  I may never leave my front door 'au naturel' but I love to incorporate natural elements not only in my personal style but in my home decor as well.  Textures found out in nature give an organic, grounded sense to your look or room as well as adding interest and beauty only God could design.

It was truly serendipitous when I met owner/designer of Set in Stone a while back at the Southern Women's Show.  She's got spunk, heart and endless creativity.  My kind of gal! Her designs are one of a kind, handmade from the finest of elements bringing beauty from blends of color, shine, pattern and textures. Her talent can be found right here in Charlotte, NC.

Whether you're a glam gal or more casual chic these accessories will surely add show stopping style to your look.

Because each piece is made of natural hides and stones no two are alike, which can make for quite a dilemma when trying to decide between such beauties.

I carry this cowhide envelope clutch everywhere!  From inside my everyday tote holding my small necessities to outings with the gals or date nights with Mr this clutch is not only functional but a conversation starter wherever I go.

I've incorporated cowhides with a rug in my breakfast room and in a serving tray in my family room so why not in my outfits?! Not only did I bring home this clutch, I had to have some cowhide cuffs from the collection.  But that's not all you'll find from Set in Stone.  A diverse jewelry line and the most amazing modern napkin rings I have set on my dining room table. (Coming soon to a new post).

Go shop Set in Stone and check them out on Instagram @setinstonejewelry

This hide holds all my Essentials

Dress Beautifully in Cowhide Accessories

XOXO Sarah Louise

Charcoal

Charcoal jeans are my favorite addition this Fall.  They still go with everything your standard blue jeans go with because grey is a neutral.  Think about how you style your grey trousers for the office, the same color pairings apply but in a more casual way.

One of my struggles with traditional blue jeans is that styled with dark blue tops/sweaters your look becomes monochromatic and the prettiness of the top/sweater can get lost in the sea of blue.

Charcoal jeans will show off those blues and for that matter all colors.  Go light or dark the sky's the limit.  Grey is one of those soft neutrals that adds freshness to a look.  It also add an edgy element/vibe.  After wearing these grey jeans, 2 of my gal pals have now added them to their closets. They're a great fit, wash and price point.

I went with the classic black and white palette.  Since Fall temps can literally swing 50 degrees throughout the day, a sleeveless sweater is a nice balance of warmth.  Now, these over the knee boots have been front and center the past few posts #sorrynotsorry.  To say I love them is an understatement.  They're a soft black suede, fit my legs like a glove and have cute ties in the back to hold them in place.  But the Best part is the gold block heel! Swoon!
These shine with style and comfort.

One of my sweet readers and gal pals requested for me to show you how to wear these over the knee boots with pants.  I'm all about it as my inventory of hemlines that fall above the knee is limited. Just keepin it classy.

There's a method here gals ....

- Opt for skinny snug jeans or riding pants
- Thin ankle socks
- Fold the boots down (if there is no zipper) and place your foot into the boots
- Fold the boots up and over your pants similar to how you would put on tights

This will eliminate the struggle of shoving/bunching that happens when stepping into the boots from the top as your pants come up too.

This season add some variety to your denim with charcoal jeans and chicness to your look with over the knee boots.

Charcoal Jeans & Similar & Here || Sleeveless Sweater & Similar & Here || 

Over the Knee Boots || Handbag & Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Charcoal Jeans

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pink & Plaid

Til the season for layers which is great because more is more right?! Well, it depends, but when it comes to style I love that cooler weather allows for endless combinations of textures and colors.
This time of year in the South can be a struggle.  Down right cold in the mornings but by lunch you're breaking a sweat. And then it's cold again come supper time.  #SMH

Yes it can be annoying but use this indecisive weather as a styling opportunity to pile on the pieces.

Take this look for example, it's has all the elements of chic style: color, pattern, texture and shine.

Let's break it down ...

Color: Pink is all year pretty ladies and it's fun to add lighter shades to the season of darks

Pattern:  Plaid Plaid Plaid is everywhere come September, this patterned plaid is called 'Glen plaid' and it's my favorite.  It's more sophisticated than your typical lumberjack check

Texture:  This jacket in a structured warm wool contrasted with the delicate ruffled blouse adds interest and depth to the look.  Not to mention these soft suede boots!

Shine: Those gold block heels are strut worthy! You can always use jewelry for this element.

Layer on Ladies!

Blouse || Jacket || Skirt & Similar || Boots 

Dress Beautifully in Plaid & Pink

XOXO Sarah Louise

Texture & Shine

Tweed is one of my favorite textured fabrics.  It's soft, warm and adds depth to a garment with its blend of threads.  This peplum top is a perfect transition piece for Fall.  The fabric adds just the right amount of warmth and with elbow length sleeves just the right amount of coverage.

What sold me on this top was the structure and tailoring.  Everything about its construction is flattering!  The straight elbow sleeves slim the arm, the front pleats cinch the waist and the peplum hem creates curves. #winner

I used the threads of the tweed in the top to create the palate for this look.  A shorter ivory skirt to compliment these AMAZING black over the knee boots creates a cohesive pairing to the top.

These boots!  I love the suede over the knee boots that have stormed the scene for the past few years but I've found it to be a challenge as I prefer a low/mid heel, the price needs to be right (no offense Stuart Weitzman but you are too rich for my feet!) and I struggle finding boots that fit my legs. When I saw the shiny gold block heel on this pair, I said a great big prayer that they would fit my legs. Amen! they fit beautifully! I often have to go up in size for the extra room in the shaft and have to wear extra thick socks.  Not this time gals, they hug my legs like a glove and the back tie secures them in place.

These will be on epic repeat all season long! Obsessed with the gold heel!!!

Tip:  When wearing over the knee boots, your dress/skirt hem should be slightly above the top of the boot; but not too short #keepitclassy

Tweed Peplum Top || Skirt || Boots 

Dress Beautifully in Tweed 

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Leather Weather

Finally Fall temps have arrived.  Ok, it may be only in the mornings and evenings but the cool crisp air is here.  Texture is my favorite thing about Fall/Winter textiles.  Tweed, wool, cashmere, cable knit, suede, fur! and leather just to name a few.

Leather has an edgy vibe which is a nice break from my typical ladylike looks.  It has structured weight creating a defined shape and a luster that commands a second look.

This isn't my first post on leather/faux leather.  Read this post on a pleated skirt and this one on leggings and here on a vest from last year. I've shared how textile manufacturers have brought the faux thing to a quality that's so good it's easily mistaken for the real thing. While I will always opt for real leather (especially when it comes to shoes and handbags) it's more economical and often a better fit with the impostor fabrics.  Real leather can be stiff and thick making it hard to tailor and limits movement/comfort.

I love this leather dress because in a drop waist design it's fitted on the upper body with just the right amount of flair at the hip for ease of movement and a hint of femininity. Also, the racerback top adds a hit of sass in showing off the shoulders.
Note: A strapless or racerback bra is necessary.

I topped it with a leopard jacket and added a complimentary rich color with burgundy booties.  Rather than cover this leather dress try layering with a crisp dress shirt or blouse underneath.

A denim jacket or cardigan are also complimentary.

Leather Dress & Here || Leopard Jacket & Here || Booties || 

Dress Beautifully in Leather

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Ring the Bell

Ring in the weekend with a fluttery fun bell sleeve.  Unless you live under a rock, you've seen elements of 70's style in almost every store.  Bell sleeves and those flare bottom jeans were a signature statement of the era.

Personally I'm loving this new embellishment.  I will say, a lot of the pieces I've tried on have had  very long sleeve lengths, covering my hands.  Now, I do have shorter arms but still I've noticed that even on the tall models these tops & dresses were designed with exaggerated hems in efforts to make a statement.  While it looks cool and fashion forward, it's not practical for every day function to have fabric hanging on your arms and hands.  I'd go crazy!

Tip:  If you find a top you love it's fairly easy and inexpensive to alter the sleeve length.

For this week's edition of Friday 5 (I know it's been a while) I've rounded up my favorite bell sleeve pieces.

I actually own the black top; it's sleeves are actually 3/4 length and the bell isn't too big or too small. It's just right :)  And with a pencil skirt or jeans it will surely to get lots of wear.

Black  ||  Blue Stripe  ||  Coral  || Green  ||  Pink Dress  || 

Dress Beautifully in Bell Sleeves

XOXO Sarah Louise

Vanity Fairest

There's something so pretty and feminine about a vanity table.  It's not just a place for primping but rather to sit and reflect.  Vanities are almost a thing of the past - hence you're sure to find them at antique shops.  For me, vanities evoke the image of a mother powdering her nose, applying rouge to her cheeks or perfume behind her ears while her little girl sits in admiration.  Vanities have a sense of past time and tradition, mine especially.  

Side Note:  My favorite vanity is that of Scarlett O'Hara's in 'Gone with the Wind' - that scene in her gaudy red dress #epic 

In today's era bathroom counters are a gal's vanity. Myself included.  I mean who wants have make up mess on furniture and we all know a big mirror and natural light from the window is essential.  Not to mention outlets and countertops are needed for the heated styling tools we use on our hair.  It's just practical to primp in our bathrooms today.

What I do use my vanity for is jewelry, perfume and my quiet devotional time. 

This vanity is actually a desk.  It was a part of the bedroom suit my Mamma had a child which was handed down to me at about age 6, then when I went to college it became my little sister's and now I have the pieces back in our new home.  I remember my Mamma using it as a desk to pay bills and write letters and how I used it to do my homework and create art projects as a kid.

I love that it's back in my world.  I have countless memories with this piece.  Something I did when incorporating it into our home was to add the mirror that originally pairs with the long dresser of the suit.  That piece is in our guest room.  

I also placed it on my side of the bed to act as a bedside table until I find a matching set I love.  I shared our bed and custom linens earlier in this post.  That was the start of furnishing and decorating our boudoir.  It's been a much longer task than I ever anticipated!  

This vanity was repainted with gold trim and brushing by my mother decades ago but over the years it's seen a lot of love and needs a fresh coat. I just can't bring myself to do it.  Distressed furniture is not my style at all but those chips, dings and scratches are memories. 

What makes this vanity so special is it's heirloom elements.  The fabric on top at one time covered a vanity table that belonged to my grandmother.  Her vanity was a simple table top. So that I could access the drawers, I neatly folded one side under.  She was and always will be my inspiration so I find it sweet to think of her when I see the light roses of this cover. The oval mirror tray was also hers.

The bride & groom figurine along with the crystal perfume bottle and crystal ring holder were gifts from Mr's parents.

The drawers house trays of baubles and other things like my bible, devotionals, books, and a flashlight.
I like to do my devotionals sitting at my vanity because it's a quiet space with lots of special reminders.  It's my nook.

Speaking of sitting, this chair cushion was in shabby shape until I decided to recover it.  I left the original fabric underneath for sentimental sake but went a bit on the modern and fun side when choosing a textured leopard fabric.  It was surprisingly easy to do.  The cushion unscrews and all you need is a staple gun to attach.

Perfumes are just lovely!  The bottles and floral scents tickle all the senses in a happy way.  I find perfume to be fancy.  My all time favorite is the original Chanel Chance Eau De Parfum.  I've been wearing it since high school an have no intentions of ever changing my signature scent! My Mamma gifts it to me for Christmas.  She also gave me the Coco Mademoiselle.

The round gold bottle is Kate Spade's 'Twirl'.  My gal pal and I each bought a bottle while on vacation because we loved the light scent. Sadly it's discontinued. The last bottle is Mr's cologne.  My Mamma gifted it to him as well.  There is something so handsome about a man that smells good.  He practices medicine so he only wears it on date nights and for church so I'm sure to be found sitting extra close to him on the weekends :) My favorite men's fragrance is Chanel's Bleu De Chanel.  Mr always puts it on when we are out shopping in a department store.  I'm going to have to get him some for Christmas.

These framed pictures are of my Mamma in her wedding dress and of myself in my wedding pearls.  I find pictures of brides to be the most beautiful.

The Chanel box was a gift from Mr right before we left Charlotte when moving to the military base over 3 years ago.  He wanted to gift me something nice to soften that sadness of leaving.  I keep special notes and trinkets in it.

The lamp is tall because as you read in my post about our linens, our bed is extra high and it fits the space.

It's not uncommon to find sweet Scragley sitting in my vanity chair.  Imitation is the highest form of flattery!

Create a space in your home that's special to you with heirlooms or just pretty things that make you smile.  Every gal needs a place to go to, to feel pretty and spend time with herself.

Vanity Tables: Here - Here - Here - Here 

Dress Yourself and Home Beautifully with a Vanity

XOXO Sarah Louise

Statement Skirt

This streamlined skirt not only makes a statement with it's beautiful ikat print but in a silk blend fabric has a lovely luster to it's pattern.

The high waisted band and slightly longer length gives the appearance of an extra long silhouette.  And gals, it also has pockets! And they lay flat - which is great for keeping your hips looking slim.
The pin tucks below the waist give you room for movement without adding volume.

In a navy and ivory pattern this skirt goes with everything!  I paired it with a chambray shirt and peep toe booties for a more casual look.  With a sweater/blouse of any color or pumps/boots there's lots of style versatility.

PSA: This skirt is on sale + an additional 40% off and free shipping!!! #yourwelcome

Ikat Skirt 40% Off & Free Shipping with code 'YESPLEASE' || 

Chambray Shirt & Similar || Booties & Similar & Similar || 

Earrings || Bracelet || 

Dress Beautifully in a Statement Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise