Summer Plaid

When I think about plaid, Christmas time comes to mind.  You know, the dark tartan plaid with red, green and black.  I also think of lumber jacks in their flannel plaid shirts.

But in bold bright colors plaid is equally as pretty for Spring and Summer.  This plaid shirt is more of a buffalo check in that its done with big overlapping squares.  To tone down the business I paired it with an ivory mini skirt and tan slides.  Gals, if you don’t have a pair of slides shame on you.  They are the IT shoe! And, they’re epically comfortable.  Since they come up high on the top of your foot there’s no flopping around when you walk either.  The gold balls on these (plus comfort) sold me.  I love shiny gold details!

Now, my new red handbag, I’ve decided that it goes with everything! Seriously, I wear it with everything! After working towards my goal for 8 months I can honestly say it was worth it and I love carrying this red beauty around!  Goals don’t have to be measured or rewarded in handbags, whatever suits your fancy – but I’m happy as a clam with my prize!

 

Plaid Shirt  ||  Ivory Skirt  ||  Slides  ||  Red Handbag  ||  Bracelet  || 

Dress Beautifully in Summer Plaid

XOXO Sarah Louise

Neutrals

As much as I love color, I find a neutral palette refreshing and clean. Color can be enhancing to your features, convey your personality and just down right fun.  It can also be a bit bold and distracting.  It’s nice to have a reset with neutrals.

For the record, neutrals are not boring and not plain.  They are classic and timeless!

A crisp white shirt is #1 on the list for pieces to have in your wardrobe.  I have way too many to count!

For accessories, a sharp black handbag would be #1.

Now these wide leg crop pants are stylistically not a forever piece but they aren’t so trendy that they’d be out next season.  I actually purchased They don’t have crazy embellishments or details.

Wide leg crop pants are prominent in most retailers this year.  Personally I find them to be flattering and comfortable.  I prefer more of a straight cut, no crazy volume.  They are slimming on the leg (I need that!) and in a shorter length perfect for highlighting shoes or accommodating those that come up higher on the ankle. Oh and no hemming! And for you taller gals with granddaddy long legs they’re perfect for you too, just more of a capri/culotte length.

 Take a break from those bright hues with a neutrals.  Be sure to add some shine with jewelry.

Sleeveless Dress Shirt ||  Tan Wide Leg Crop Pants & Here  ||  Black Sandals  ||

Handbag  ||  Gold Bangle  || Earrings  || 

Dress Beautifully in Neutrals

XOXO Sarah Louise

Crochet Lace

What's lovelier than lace? Lace with a collar! Gals, I need another white dress like I need a hole in the head, and yet here I am adding another lbd to my collection.

Hi my name is Sarah Louise and I'm a hoarder of white garments. 

But this one has a sharp satin collar and big statement crochet lace showcased in the shear sleeves and hem. In a classic fitted bodice and roomy skirt it's a timeless addition.
There you have it, I've justified it's place in my closet.

I actually ordered this dress last month as it was a contender for my Easter or birthday dress. Sadly it did not arrive in time for either.
Note:  when choosing 'free shipping' (duh who wants to pay) be aware that it may take a 2-3 weeks to arrive. It comes down to how bad to do you want it?

Due to it's distinct features designer pairings were a must.  Basically I wanted to feel fancy.  Feel free to opt for wedges or a basket bag for a more casual look.

I chose nude studded heels and my brand new red handbag for a bold contrasting color. And since the dress and heels were light and neutral another pop of color with bright turquoise earrings was perfect.

Personally I feel a single pop of color can be too predictable. Two opposing colors amps up the style factor.

If you aren't following me on Instagram (shame on you) you missed this #treatyoself red bag.
Real quick, I have been working towards earning a new career position for some time now and this girl boss hit it out of the park!! I don't mean that boastful by any means.  I've worked very hard in everything related to my career and I've been blessed for my title and scope of responsibilities to reflect that. And because I hustle hard, I play hard.

I've had my eye on this bag for over 9 months and as soon as I signed my new offer letter I was online placing my order.
I'm seriously into red accessories lately! Move over pink, a richer more sophisticated lady's come to town.

I love this bag for it's color, medium size, lightweight straps that can be worn short & long on the shoulders or cross body and it's ladylike style.

Needless to say I've been wearing the hound out of it!

Take it from me you can never have too many white dresses and pair it with bold colors!

Crochet Lace Dress  ||  Earrings  ||  Handbag  ||  Studded Pumps - Similar  ||

Dress Beautifully in Crochet Lace

XOXO Sarah Louise

Skirt of Many Colors

You can have it all, at least when it comes to colors. This rainbow striped skirt has all the cheer you’ll need this Spring/Summer. And all the pairing options.  From a clean crisp white shirt to matching any of the stripes with any color that suits your fancy. Or denim/chambray – it goes with everything.

For the fit, it’s just easy breezy gals.  An elastic ruffled waist band that allows you to wear it as high or low as you’d like, a thick linen fabric to keep you cool and plenty of room to move around.

Rather than pair with a solid, I had a little more fun and chose this pinstriped blue popover shirt.  Basically stripes on stripes.  For those that are fearful of mixing prints, when the ‘print’ is super fine/small treat it acts as a solid. I did keep my shoes neutral with these epically comfortable wedges.  I get to see what the world looks like for you gals that don’t ever have to look up, stand on your tip toes or pull out a step stool on the regular in these wedges.

So take yourself someone over the rainbow … or where ever the season takes you in this skirt of many colors.

Striped Popover Shirt ||  Rainbow Skirt  ||  Wedges  ||

Dress Beautifully in Many Colors

XOXO Sarah Louise

In the Garden of Pretty Dresses

April showers really do bring May flowers. 

Since purchasing our home (almost 2 years ago #timeflies!), we have worked hard to improve overhaul our landscaping to reflect a clean, modern and manicured property. The first year was straight demolition with cutting down trees, removing those horrid sticky holly bushes, ripping out ivy and raking hundreds of bags of leaves.  I seriously have PTSD but it was an enormous stress reliever while Mr was deployed.  This year is the fun part, watching our grass grow, at least for me since I’m not the one cutting it, sorry Mr, planting new bushes, and the pretty part, the flowers. 

 

With our busy schedules I knew a garden and/or fragile flowers were not a smart choice and I just hate it when I kill a plant (over the years it’s been a mass casualty situation every summer #thestruggleisreal).  So I took lessons learned and planted knockout roses, lavender and hot pink geraniums (my grandma’s fav flower).  They have all done so well; so much that I simply walk outside and snip a few of the roses to use as table centerpieces.  

 

I really should get around to all of those home décor posts!

 

It all goes back to my belief that everything looks better with pink and red.  I can’t decide which of the two I favor more as an accent color, I mean they are shades of each other.  As I age I’m finding I gravitate towards red… see my latest splurge on Instagram J

 

So I should get to talking about this precious dress ….  At first glance I think ‘Garden Party’.  I absolutely loved the book/movie ‘The Secret Garden’ as a little girl.  Whenever I travel to any historic property they always have immaculate gardens that to me have a magical fairytale sense about them. Nowadays, unless you live on a lot of land and have lots of time/a green thumb, you don’t see backyard flower gardens often.  The world has become too busy!

 

This dress in a delicate chiffon fabric with a delicate print, in soft delicate colors and finished with delicate ruffled trim is the essence of femininity. And then there’s the beaded flower neckline.  Details!

 

I love the elements of blush and yellow on the skirt and how the ruffles move when I walk. It’s semi-fitted with a waist seam that skims the body beautifully. I have proof it’s timeless because I showed it to my Mamma yesterday when she was over for Mother’s Day and she not only loved it but shared she had a dress just like it decades ago. 

 

This dress is perfectly fitting for all those upcoming showers, weddings, soirees or just Sunday morning church service.  Just wear it when you want to feel pretty! 

 

Maybe, throw yourself a sweet little tea party in your back yard J  I seriously might do that, my Mamma just gifted me her gorgeous vintage wrought iron table and chair set!

Garden Dress  ||  Pumps & Similar ||  Handbag  || Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Garden Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Ruffled Wrapped Skirt

This skirt will add some fun to all those stiff straight pencil skirts hanging in your closet.  Adding ruffles and a tie sash to a classic wrap skirt gives a little sass to the classic piece.  In a cotton fabric it's comfortable and cool.

I kept the styling more on the casual side with this palm printed tank, but you could surely add a blouse or dress shirt for the office.  From weekday to weekend you could truly style this for any occasion.

I have no idea what I'm doing here ... but clearly we have fun taking these pics

Throw your hands up and add a party skirt to your closet!

Palm Tank  ||  Ruffled Wrap Skirt & Here & Here  ||  Sandals  ||  Earrings  || 

Dress Beautifully in a Ruffled Wrap Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Carolina Girl

Carolina girls are the best in the world! #truth

I must also say that nothing can be finer than to be in Carolina ... especially under the clear 'Carolina' blue skies of Spring. Ok, enough Carolina isms but in all seriousness I'm born and raised right here in NC and I wouldn't change it for anything.  Mr loves NC even more than I do.  He's lived here most of his life with the exception of a couple military moves and grad school.  Together we've lived on the coast and here in Charlotte.

While I chose not to got to UNC Chapel Hill for undergrad Mr did and I can't even tell you how intense his school spirit is.  And in true Carolinian fashion the pastel blue hue is a favorite.  Our kitchen, breakfast room, master bed and bath are all painted Carolina blue.

I'm a fan of it in basically all things.  So when I saw this skirt it was a must.  Not only is the soft blue color pretty, it's also a neutral and will go well with just about anything.  The construction is super cute.  It has a hidden elastic waist, so you just pull it on.  The cuteness comes from the flippy shape.  It highlights the waist and gives way to lots of movement.

I paired it with an equally as feminine top that has ruffles on the shoulders.

Blue and white are forever a fav!

Ruffle Blouse  ||  Blue Skirt  ||  Pumps  ||  Handbag  ||

Dress Beautifully in Carolina Blue

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Pearl Studded Shoes

TGIF!  It's been a few weeks since I've done a Friday 5 post, sorry gals.  Today I'm talking pearls on your piggies.  I mean nothing says classy like pearls and now you can wear them from your head down to your toes.

Keep your strut classy!

One  ||  Two  ||  Three  ||  Four  ||  Five

Dress Beautifully in Pearl Studded Shoes

XOXO Sarah Louise