Savvy Shirt Dress

 A shirt dress is a classic piece that will take you to many places for many years! Personally, I like the sharp detail of the collar and waist defining silhouette. 

This dress was such a surprise find! This design has been popular for a couple years now but at a higher price point from this designer.  I stumbled upon this look-a-like on Amazon of all places.

Fun Fact: I rarely shop amazon! 

The fabric is substantial with structure and embroidered detailing on the cuffs and hem.

Style Tips: Swap out the belt for a leather one, layer with a sweater vest and/or add print with a scarf, handbag or boots.

SAVVY DRESS - SPLURGE DRESS

Dress Beautifully in a Shirt Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Concert Tee x3

 Some core memories are made at concerts and the tee isn't just memorabilia, it's a reminder that takes you back to an epic night of fun! It's also a conversation pieces and showcase a little about yourself to others.

Rather than wearing the tee with all casual pieces, get creative and mix it in with dressier pieces. 

Here are 3 ways to style a concert tee ...

with a blazer

it's unexpected and balances casual and sophisticated

with a long skirt

style with sneakers and a denim or leather jacket

with a vest

you could even do trousers and a denim vest

Me at the Morgan Wallen concert

Dress Beautifully in a Concert Tee

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Burgundy Beauties

 TGIF! This week has been so cool! I had so much fun volunteering for the book fair last year that I requested to be double placed on the committee for this year. It was a joy helping the kids find books, sort through their money and especially check them out behind the register!!

I've never been a check out girl and had a ball. 

The cooler months tend to bring a lot of dark neutrals but personally I stick with color all year round. The key is to lean into the deeper, saturated hues like navy, hunter green, and burgundy. 

BURGUNDY SUEDE BAG

Right now it's still super warm so I've mixed in these dark colors, like in this suede handbag.

Here are some beautiful burgundy pieces ...

STITCH TURTLENECK

LEATHER PANT

BLOUSE

CABLE SWEATER

CORDUROY SHIRT

LEATHER MIDI SKIRT

LEATHER TOP

BALLOON SLEEVE MOCK NECK

SLOUCHY BAG

CARDIGAN

BLAZER

BALLET FLATS

BOOTIES

so many colors

VEST

Dress Beautifully in Burgundy

XOXO Sarah Louise

Elevated Basics

 One of my favorite looks is a crisp white shirt with a pair of jeans. It's timeless, chic and a perfect balance of polished and chic. 

SHIRT - NECKLACE - TWO TONED JEANS - BUCKLE FLATS - BELT 

Here area some ways to elevate a simple button up & jeans:

- Pop the collar

- Leave the top 3 buttons open

- Add a statement necklace

- Tuck the front and back of the shirt leaving the sides loose

- Roll the sleeves to the elbow leaving the cuff out

- Top the jeans with a belt

- Opt for jeans that have a modern cut/detail (ex: barrel, two toned, cuffed)

- Step into a pair of shoes with pointed toe

Dress Beautifully in an Elevated Classic Look

XOXO Sarah Louise

Willpower < Surrender

Can you have too much of a good thing? I'm learning yes! 

I've always known I've had excessive willpower. I take disciplined to a whole new level and live a regimented life particularly when it comes to my schedule/routine, exercise, nutrition, cleanliness etc... 

#controlfreak

BUT often I find myself frustrated when outcomes are not what I'd expect. Unlike a mathematical equation or chemical reaction (I'm a nerd & can do them in my sleep) life doesn't always balance or equal what we think it should. 

I work hard, I try to do the right things and yet often I do not receive the results I expect. 

Rather than willpower, I need to surrender. 

Surrender to the plans and path God has for me.

Gracious that's not easy for me and I know I'm not alone. I've been wrestling and praying over this for several weeks now. 

I hope that this encourages you in your circumstances and relationships!

Dress Beautifully in

Surrender Over Willpower 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Patterned Blazers & Light Jeans

 TGIF! This has been an overflowing week for me! Work has been unusually full of tasks and I've had several hosting responsibilities, to which I'm thrilled! I host a weekly bible study with the ladies of my church on Wednesday evenings, Thursday I hosted 1st grade mothers at Vivian's school for coffee, breakfast and wonderful conversation. Today, squeal, I get to host my gal pals that are coming into town (my sister comes tomorrow) so that we can enjoy the weekend together and see Morgan Wallen in concert!!!

Note: We were relieved when this concert was rescheduled from July to October but it looks like rather than melting we are going to freeze! Stay tuned for my outfit (although it may have additional layers)

MY BLAZER - BROWN BLOUSE - STRAIGHT JEANS (FAB PRICE!)

Blazers, as you know are an essential in my wardrobe but today I specifically want to share patterned blazers and light jeans. 

Style Tip: A longer one is chic! Roll the cuffs to balance proportions, particularly if you're petite like me.

I believe that every outfit needs pattern and for a blazer I believe it makes it more interesting and less suit-like. Simply add a solid tee or blouse underneath. 

I like light jeans with blazers for a casual look. It contrasts the sophisticated nature of the blazer with a cool and comfortable feel. 

Here are some patterned blazers ...

PLAID

LEOPARD

I think this is fun!

COLORFUL

DOUBLE BREASTED

Dress Beautifully in a Patterned Blazer

& Light Jeans

XOXO Sarah Louise

Fall Floral Skirts

 To be honest, Fall isn't my favorite season. (I'm a spring girl through and through!) Incorporating florals is a way to add vibrancy to the season, just swap the pastels for darker, richer hues.

I find maxi skirts a pretty alternative to jeans. They provide coverage and with a boot & sweater you achieve a look that's feminine and cozy. 

Style Tip: don't be afraid to mix prints. The key is to keep one super small and understated. Also, the more color the better! 

Here are some pretty Fall floral skirts ...

RED FLORAL

HONEYCOMB FLORAL

GREEN

BLUE FLORAL

DARK GARDEN

Dress Beautifully in a Fall Floral Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Heart of the Matter

I have this great love for beautiful things, people and God. My hope is that by sharing them it spreads joy.

Today is my 4,000th post on Instagram and by then end of this year I aim to have written 1500 blog posts! It's a perfect time to share the heart behind it all. 

I believe that dressing beautifully starts on the inside so I share encouraging messages in growing faith & love for others.

I believe that what you wear can showcase the unique and special person that you are and give you confidence to go out and shine your light bright. I share outfits to inspire you to create looks that suit your fancy and help make you feel your most beautiful.

Life is too short to wear boring clothes

Dress Yourself Beautifully! 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Jeans

 Gals, I'm a blue jean baby! I wear jeans (outside of Summer) nearly every day. I am that person that chills in jeans. I like the classic look, go with everything style and structure they give. 

I won't pretend that jean shopping is easy. In fact I've tried on piles of jeans recently in all different washes, designs and price points.

TWO TONED

I love this trend - these are a splurge so they stayed at the store

Note: the high end designer jeans doesn't = best ... the best are what fit & feel great!

Jeans are specific to body type so my favorites may not be yours and vice versa. I have a narrow waist and hip but I'm curvy in my derriere and legs.  I like barrel jeans, loose straight jeans and trouser/wide legs jeans as they give room for my legs without clinging. 

Here are some jeans I've tried, bought that fit great ...

LOOSE STRAIGHT

These are an AMAZING price! 

WIDE LEG

also great price - solid dark wash is classic & slimming

DARK STRAIGHT

CUFF STRAIGHT

MID RISE BARREL

UTILITY

TWO TONED BARREL

Dress Beautifully in Jeans

XOXO Sarah Louise

Orchid Vest 3 Ways

 Where do I begin? 

To me, style is a way to showcase you, your personality, your likes and a way to make you feel your best.

I love color - especially pinks & purples. I also find that structured pieces add sophistication to my wardrobe and enhance my confidence. Put them together and you have this vest that's not only pretty but makes me feel pretty! 

It's also versatile ... Here's 3 ways to style it:

ORCHID VEST - SIMILAR

JEANS - STRIPED BUTTON UP - BLACK PANTS - BUCKLE FLATS

Dress Beautifully in a Structured Vest

XOXO Sarah Louise