Highs & Lows

Hey gals! I hope you're having a great start to the week. I wore this dress to church yesterday and the ladies showered me with compliments and insisted that it make it on a post.  I also shared it on my Instagram stories (if you don't watch them you're missing out on a lot of cuteness from Vivian Louise).  Not only did I receive a lot of requests for links to this dress but a lot of happiness when they realized it's from Target and $35!

So we snapped a few pics right after church :)

Now that I'm a Mamma I'm at Target all the time! And all sorts of things end up in my cart, mostly for baby girl, but I tend to wonder the aisles and things I didn't even know I wanted make it home.

The trick to styling a garment from a big box store is accessorizing it with fancier items. So I paired it with a designer handbag, pumps and belt.

I always swap out dress sashes with belts. I love belts and always have. My favorites are vintage.
It also creates a feminine waistline.

Now I don't typically wear dark florals but I loved the lighter brighter colors against the black and the cut is super flattering! It's has buttons all the way down with ruffles! And the cap sleeves flatter the shoulders.
I added these fun tasseled earrings to pull from the lavender in the flowers.

Floral Dress | Pumps | Belt | Handbag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Mix of Splurge and Steal Pieces

XOXO Sarah Louise

Blaze

Blazers aren't just for the office. They elevate a weekend/casual outfit to a put-together chic look.  Personally, I don't wear cardigans (I own less than 5) but have a large inventory of blazers in a variety of fabrics and prints.  Blazers are my go-to for layering because they are structured, durable and sophisticated.

Pairing blazers with a pair of jeans and a basic t-shirt polishes a casual outfit.  And while the temperatures have cooled down, it's not quite cold enough for a coat so a blazer is great for layering.

I've noticed that blazers are making a big appearance on the retail racks so scoop yourself up a neutral one and I promise you'll find yourself wearing it on repeat.

Tip:  Look for functional cuff buttons which will allow you to roll up the sleeves.

Blazer & Similar & Here | Jeans | T-Shirt | Similar Pumps | Similar Handbag |

Dress Beautifully in a Blazer

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bold Collaboration

Gals, I dare say it's starting to feel like Fall!  This past weekend I traveled to the mountains with the ladies of my church for a relaxing and refreshing retreat and to my surprise when I came home the cool air seemed to follow me back.

PS missed my baby girl something fierce (according to my sister who took care of her she missed me more!) but Mammas it is necessary to to get away and care for yourself every now and then :)

PSS If you are a nursing Mamma (I'm down to morning and night #freedom) this dress will accommodate.

Now, I'm sale shopper (why in the world would you pay full price?!) so when J Crew was having 40% off a couple weekends ago I shopped. I'm loving velvet for Fall/Winter, it's rich and soft and I love leopard all year round so a collaboration in a classic wrap dress design creates the perfect stand out dress!

The leopard is in a pinkish hue, which I find to be prettier than the standard yellow.  I normally detest sleeves but this cap sleeve gathers at the shoulder giving it a bit of structure and femininity.

If you've been reading this blog for any length or time, or know me in real life, you know it is very rare to see me in a dress above the knee.  I made the exception because it is a winter dress and I'd be pairing it with boots and tights. I also feel that with holiday parties approaching a shorter hem will be fun.

But don't get me wrong I'm also wearing it to church - it's all about styling!

I really want a velvet top and/or blazer but haven't found the right ones at the right price.
Stay tuned.

Sidenote: I did just purchase a velvet piece for our new home! It's been a process getting settled but I promise to share soon.

Velvet Leopard Dress | Boots | Clutch | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Velvet & Leopard

XOXO Sarah Louise

Ivory Trench

The trench is a timeless piece everyone should own. And not only will you always look classy, it's a wise investment.  Wear it for many many years (and it will keep you dry on rainy days like today).  About 90% of my closet is classic/timeless pieces.  So naturally, in my favorite color to wear, this dress was a perfect addition.

Midi length dresses or skirts are not just for taller gals.  Personally I feel they make me look longer.  And I'm more comfortable in longer lengths.

When we finally get some cooler fall weather I plan to contrast this dress with a modern suede Moto jacket.

I replaced the self fabric sash with a leather belt for added detail and color. And for some print and texture a pair of snake pumps. I always add my own belts to dresses.

I've already worn this dress on a gals night and to church!

Trench Dress | Pumps | Belt | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Trench Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise