Friday Favorites: Silk Scarves & Sweaters

TGIF! Brrrr it's been a cold week here.  If we could just have one good snow day out of it I'd be thrilled.  Vivian has learned all about snow at school, from books and Frozen on repeat.  It would be so fun to see her experience it in real life. 

Since every day has been sweater weather to add print, color and a bit of sophistication I've been wearing them with silk scarves. I have quite the collection from years of shopping in antique shops. They were all the rage mid century and I find that they bring luxury and femininity to current styles. 

Note: Most of my scarves are vintage but most classic upscale designers carry a line all year long.

Here are some ways I've paired scarves with sweaters ...

And some silk scarves I find to be very pretty ...

Heart Scarf

Neutral Scarf

also in black

Zebra Scarf

Blush Pink

Polka Dot

Stripe

I bet your Grandma or Mamma has a few that you could pass on and cherish in your wardrobe. If not try your local antique or thrift shop. Look for one made of 100% silk and a hand rolled hem. 

Dress Beautifully in Silk Scarves & Sweaters

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Dots Like Diana

Polka dots are a classic print that's sophisticated while also very fun! Royals have worn the pretty print for decades inspiring me to incorporate it into my own wardrobe. My Mamma and I have thoroughly enjoyed the fashions of Princess Diana and Princess Kate and after watching The Crown on Netflix and reading lots of style books (I love this one that my sister gifted me for Christmas) I've come to really enjoy the dot print.

While black, navy and white combinations are striking, pink is my favorite color paired with the print. 

This dress instantly made me think of Princess Diana when she wore polka dots and Princess Kate as she often wears the pretty print too.  I ordered it and upon tryin it on felt like the long sleeves that it had not only overwhelmed my frame (I rarely wear long sleeves for this reason) but also limited the piece to cooler occasions. I decided to alter the sleeves to an elbow length for more versatility. The shorter sleeves create more balance in the proportions. With a longer length and high neck there needed to be some visibility of my body in the bodice. In a bold color and print, covering me head to toe was just too overwhelming. 

I encourage you to consider hemming or shortening the sleeves of your dresses to create the balance that best suits you! It's an inexpensive way to create a custom fit! This cost me $15 and a 3 day wait. 

Example: If the Upper body is covered - make the hem a bit shorter vice versa if the hem is long or voluminous expose the upper body with the neckline or lack of sleeves.

I did add a vintage belt to add definition, structure and to break up the print.  This isn't necessary as the dress has a unique off center pleat for an asymmetric design but belts are my thing! 

Polka Dot Dress & Here & Here & Here | Pumps & Here | Similar Belt |

Dress Beautifully in Pink Polka Dots

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Faux Real

 Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend - Marilyn Monroe

Diamonds are beautiful, shiny, sparkly stones. Scientifically they are the hardest substance but sentimentally they often represent love. I still stare at the diamond rings Ryan gave to me, symbolizing his commitment to honor and love me forever.

Diamonds are also extremely expensive! Their brilliance comes at no bargain but luckily there are faux versions that appear real.  

I'm all about authenticity however I do not have a money tree in my backyard nor could I live with myself if I drop/loose a tiny diamond stud earring. So, beyond the gems Ryan has given me (He's traditional and insists on gifting me fine jewelry) I have added a few pieces with simulated stones.

Realistic Tips: 

• Choose small sized stones
• Plated fine metals gold or platinum
• Simple settings 

Here are my faux favorites with real sparkle ...

Stud Earrings

18K gold plated silver - I chose the 1.5 carat size (0.75 each)

100- Facet Earrings

Platinum plated - I have these and love them! Quality materials and nice on my sensitive ears

Round Pendant

100 facet -platinum clad

Bezel Set - & platinum

Tennis Bracelet

I wear this alongside my dress watch 

Band Ring

5 Stone Ring

Can you tell which pieces are real? If not, neither can anyone else!

Dress Beautifully in Faux Diamonds

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Elevated Basics

 A basic white t-shirt & jeans is a classic choice for a casual outfit. 

But in efforts to not be plain, there are easy ways to elevate this look.

Blazers are essential to the office but get your money's worth and wear them on the weekends too.

In a light weight wool, they're an all season piece that lays beautifully, adding shape (waist defining!) and sophistication to the most relaxed pieces. 

Blazer Tips: 

• Light weight wool (natural & high quality)
• Functional cuff buttons - Cuffing creates a casual look highlighting the lining/pop of print, makes arms appear longer & shows off jewelry
• Hem hits just below the hip for an elongated look

Moto Jackets are a chic and slightly edgy layering piece. It's my go-to piece when I'm trying to look 'cool'.

BlankNYC is my favorite brand for tons of color options and price point. 

Puffer coats have been all the rage for the past few years for their comfort and function.  They're very casual but winning in the warm and dry department.  Since atheisure doesn't suit my style adding jewelry and a scarf is the perfect way to add femininity. 

As for shoes with these looks, loafers, mules, or ballet flats are all very pretty choices.

For the past 3 years I've been wearing these sneakers the most.  They're so comfortable, ideal for chasing my darling and very much trending. My feet are grateful!

Here are my favorites for a elevated casual look ...

Basic White T-Shirt

I like V-necks for elongating the face.

Distressed Jeans

Seriously love these! 

A splurge (I hunted & waited and found them over half off last year)

Blazer

Navy, Black & Camel are my fav. neutrals

Moto Jacket

Puffer Jacket

I love this one because it's not so big & puffy for easy movement while still high performance in the cold.

Sneakers

I'm dying over this pair!

Loafer

I wear these a lot! Leather is soft and super comfortable.

Mules

These were a splurge - similar option

Dress Your Basics Beautifully

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Simple & Stylish

 

There's something so simple yet beautiful and stylish about a pretty printed top and dark skinny jeans.

The top exudes interest in the print, colors and modern puff sleeve detail.

The jeans in a solid dark wash and sleek skinny leg are a sharp look that highlights a long leg without taking away from the top. I also feel like a dark skinny jean is a classic and a refresher from all the light washed distressed mom jeans I've been seeing over the past year. 

An outfit doesn't have to be complicated to be stylish. 

The smile we make when we see the FedEx Truck!

They're like a year round Santa Claus

Blouse & Here & Here | Jeans & Here | Similar Mules & Here

Dress Beautifully in a Colorful Blouse & Dark Skinny Jean

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Here to Tell Ya ... About Things You'll Buy & Love

Gals, I'm here to tell ya about things you'll buy, love and one day thank me for recommending. And if not it's because you already own them and know their greatness!

Think of this list as 'Sarah Louise's Favorite Things', except I can't give them away like Oprah does. #sorrynotabillionaire

Note: the Bible is my greatest possession!

Yeti Coffee Mug

I'm a Mamma, so I need something to keep my black coffee piping hot!

Sonicare Toothbrush

Keeping my smile shiny & healthy is of upmost importance!

Rowenta Iron

I can't stand wrinkled garments!

This brand of irons is by far the best!

Tanner

The days of panty hose are over!

this takes the edge off of my blinding legs

Planner

I'm a list maker! And clearly old school but I just love writing things down.

Earphones

These are essential to my everyday. They wrap around my tiny ears and the only things that don't hurt and stay in place while I'm running and jumping up and down during my workouts.

I also use them for phone calls with my gal pals so that I'm handsfree and productive while I chit chat.

Sound Machine

We've been sleeping with this for 15 years! Vivian does too. 

I even travel with it. 

Dyson Vacuum 

Worth every single penny!

Cleanliness is next to Godliness and this keeps our home spic and span.

Hanky Panky Panties

I've been wearing these for 11 years.

They are the only thing I wear. I wash them on delicate cycle and air dry.

Your undergarments are just as important as your outer. They're comfortable and do not give VPL.

Bosu Ball

One of my favorite pieces of workout equipment.

Crisp White Shirt

Classic & in non-iron a staple in my wardrobe.

I suggest buying several.

Red Lipstick

Feminine and bold. This lipstick is soft and lasts all day.

Earrings

You'll see these delicate hoops with almost every outfit I share.

They are my absolute favorite & I've had them for about 5 years.

Each and every one of these products gets a two thumbs up and I would buy (and often do) over and over again. They've impacted my life in such a way that they'd be on my list of things to take if I was ever stranded on a desert island.

Dress Beautifully with These 

Life Changing Products

XOXO Sarah-Louise