Texturized

Well, today's the first day, wait I guess 2nd day, details, as 34.  Yesterday was so special and full of celebration with the ones I love!

I don't know about you but one of the perks of your birthday month are the birthday coupons you receive in your email or via snail mail so you can treat yourself.  And gals, I surely do every April.

Anthropologie is one of my favorite stores for unique designs.  Although I'm going to be honest, it is a bit pricey so I try and be savvy watching their sales.  But for your birthday month they send you a discount on your purchase and I took this number (and maybe a couple more) home.

Anthro is not my go-to for my every day wear, again their designs are very distinctive and typically casual, but come spring and summer I appreciate the dresses especially.
While 80% of my wardrobe is polished and classic I like to throw in some fun and comfortable pieces.  I still want them to be wearable, meaning they're still modest and can be dressed up or down.

This dress is mix of elements making it very versatile. Sure the fabric, texture and cut is fairly casual but you can easily dress those factors right up with accessories.
I added colored heels for instant sass but I foresee pairing with wedges or flat sandals and rocking it at the beach this summer.

I also want to add that while a sheath & fit and flare dress is the most flattering for an hour glass shape I am finding that a drop waist or ruffled hem is a nice option for something less fitted. There is still an a-line shape that doesn't hide your proportions. The drop waist doesn't make me feel like I'm wearing a sack that a shift dress can often do when your curvy.

Add some texture, a touch of neon and a swing to your strut in this summer ready dress.

My face when I buy more than I should ... 'But you can't let a discount go to waste' Right?!!

Textured Striped Dress  ||  Heels  ||  Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Textured Sundress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bold Stripes

Be Bold.  Tomorrow I turn 34 and I've decided to enter into this year of life with boldness.  To trust, to be faithful and most of all to be grateful.  In all of these things I'm going to do so boldly.

I mean who wants to be so-so or half way with a mediocre attitude.  Be bold gals.

Everyone loves stripes because they're classic and go with everything.  As we enter into Spring I love to embrace a nautical vibe because who doesn't want to be on the water?! Nothing says nautical like white and navy stripes.

This top is bold. Big wide stripes. Yes!  I may just wear this tomorrow.  This top is actually designed to be worn off the shoulder but I prefer it up on my shoulders. I can move my arms with ease and honestly it creates an eye catching chic collar!

Fashion is what you buy, Style is what you do with it 

I paired it with navy trousers and ladylike slides to keep the focus on the top.

I was talking with my Mamma yesterday about how the basket bag is making a come back.  I remember her caring a rattan bag and I would play dress up with it.  Funny how things come right back around.  While I like the new modern styles I decided to see if I could find a vintage bag that would resemble the one my Mamma carried.  I love adding vintage pieces to my look. They have a story and it's true, they just don't make things like they used to. I found this one on etsy and love it!

Off the Shoulder Stripe Top  ||  Navy Trousers  ||  Navy Slides  ||

Vintage Rattan Bag - Similar  ||  Bangle  ||

Dress Beautifully in Bold Stripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Lace Toppings

Lace is one of the loveliest fabrics.  It's delicate texture exudes femininity.  I love that lace can go from day to night to even special occasion.  It's all about the styling.  Paired with trousers or pencil skirts for work.  Go casual with jeans, even distressed jeans or shorts.

This top in a muted green (It reminds me of the ferns I have by my front door) has a peplum shape for waist defining and the scalloped hem emphasized the texture.  I love all shades of green, nothing complements my red hair better!  This particular shade is great for all year wear.

I styled this dressy lace top with a pair of raw hem black jeans and heeled sandals for an after hours vibe.  I invest in tops that can be worn for day and with a simple swap are sassy enough for a night of fun.

I must say I had a hard time finding black jeans without holes in the knees.  I love distressing but you don't need more than a pair or two.  The raw hem is a modern element that adds just the right touch of casual.

Add a lace top to your wardrobe and I promise you'll be wearing around the clock.

Lace Top - Similar & Here & Here ||  Black Jeans  ||  Sandals  ||
Clutch  ||  Bangle  || Earrings  ||  Sunglasses  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Lace Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

Wide Leg Crop Pants

I'm totally digging the wide leg crop pant design.  They're sleek and slimming.  Whether it's with flat loafers or high heeled sandals the strut is chic.

Dress them up or down with tees and blouses in the day or with an off the shoulder top for all the fun over the weekend.  Everyone loves stripes and showing shoulders and this top marries them both perfectly.  I say this because one of my pet peeves is when I have 't-rex' arms when wearing the standard off the shoulder (I'm talking about the restriction of not being able to lift your arms with out the top snapping up and then you have to yank it back down #annoying)
This neckline hits right at the edge of your shoulders with a short sleeve so you can move with ease and still showcase those collar bones.

I must say I'm going to style these pants with blouses tucked in or shorter in length.  I believe that will create a more flattering silhouette.  These pants have a higher waist line and when highlighted will create a very lengthening shape.

Add some variety to your standard straight trousers and add a little volume and gain a little pizzazz.

Striped Off the Shoulder Top  ||  Wide Leg Crop Pants  ||  Sandals  ||  Handbag  ||

Bangle  ||  Earrings  ||  Sunglasses  ||

Dress Beautifully in Wide Leg Crop Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise

Easy Breezy

When it comes to this look these words come to mind: simple. light. effortless. classic.
I could keep going but since this a blog of pictures I'll let them highlight the elements.

What I mean by simple is that it's a crisp palliate of white and oxford blue with clean lines.
It's light in a poplin cotton fabric keeping you cool and comfortable.
It's effortless in that its fit highlights the shape of the body but still loose enough for easy movement. It's classic in the basic white top and a-line skirt in timeless stripes and button front design.

This outfit is the picture of summer style.  But let's be honest, I'm breaking a big rule in these white mules!  Down here in the south we don't wear white shoes before Easter or after Labor Day.  BUT I haven't worn them in real life just for these pics so technically I'm not guilty :)

Honestly, I'm not a big fan of white shoes.  Maybe it's because I wore them all the time as a little girl and I feel they have a cheap look about them. But I must say in a mule or slide style I think white is sophisticated and modern.

Besides all those adjectives I've used to describe this outfit, this skirt is just easy breezy!  You feel like you're not wearing anything, like the feeling of a swing dress but you don't loose shape with the fitted waist band. Cotton is king in the summer.  It's how you survive the heat. And blue and white is forever a favorite pair.

And after all this talk here comes the best part ... you can bring home this skirt on your next Target run! How's that for convenience?! And besides you know you can't go in there without coming out with a least 5 things you didn't know you had to have!

White Top  ||  Striped Skirt  ||  White Mules & Here & Here   ||

Dress Beautifully in a Button Front Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Crisp White Shirtdress

If I could be any dress, this would be it!  That is a HUGE statement. As much as I love a crisp white shirt it's no surprise that a crisp white shirtdress would be a favorite.  But there are other elements that make this dress #1.

In no particular order ...
- Crisp white cotton
- Pointed Collar
- Scalloped hem & sleeve
- Waist seam
- A-line Shape
- Knee Length

All of these elements make it a classic! Flattering, timeless and beautiful.

It comes in Blue and Striped too.

Because it's a blank canvass for accessorizing I added pops of gingham.  I plan to use belts, scarves and countless shoe pairings (wedges, sandals, flats, & color).

Scalloped Shirtdress  ||  Gingham Heels  ||  Gingham Clutch  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Crisp White Shirtdress

XOXO Sarah Louise

LBD & The Weekend

TGIF Gals!

Today is the 5th and final day of wearing the same black dress.  What a humbling week it’s been!  My gratitude has grown immensely for the comforts I have in my life.

By simply reading my posts this week you have supported the fight against poverty by raising awareness and for those who have donated, YOU have provided the means for us to make an even bigger impact. THANK YOU!

Today's the day!!

YOU can make a difference by clicking below

Help Fight Against Poverty

If just 10 or 20 of you gave $10, that would add up to a significant amount of money! 

 

5 days, 1 dress, 1 goal – WE are making poverty unfashionable!!!

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are for being casual and comfortable.  To relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor with the ones you love.  To kick back, laugh and celebrate the good and wonderful blessings in your life.  Tomorrow I'm going to be blessing a dear gal pal with a baby shower.  There's nothing more joyful than the gift of life! Amen!

Being casual doesn't mean you loose style.  It's a matter of choosing and swapping.  Choose lighter fabrics and looser fitting garments. Swap pumps, blazers and totes for flats, jackets/cardigans and a crossbody bag.

The easiest formula in going from weekday to weekend is to add denim.  Pair those cute blouses and tops with a pair of jeans and you've got a comfortable and chic weekend look.

I hope you've enjoy this week's series on styling a LBD and maybe gained some inspiration to style your own.  I'd love to hear about it and please send me a pic :)

LBD  ||  Denim Jacket  & Here  ||  Crossbody Bag  ||  Shoes - Similar  ||  Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in a LBD & Casual Elements

XOXO Sarah Louise