Groovy

I feel that most gals have an affinity for a particular genre or decade of fashion. For me, it's the 70's!!!

I love the big hair, rose sunglasses, platform heels, feminine blouses and big jewelry.

Following the prim and proper structure of the 60's, this decade had a free flowing yet strong look that gave women a sense of power. 

This dress has just a hint of 70's vibes with the orange & green retro floral print, blouson sleeves and mini length. It's a great number for an outing with the gals or vacation. 

I encourage you to find a piece that speaks to a style period you love ... but remember costumes are for Halloween!

Similar Dress & Here | Shoes 

Dress Beautifully in a Groovy Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Retro Cross Stitch

I've shared with you many many times that 'It's all in the details', 'style is a reflection of your personality' and that 'pieces should speak to you'.  This blouse reflects all of these ideals.

The cross stitched floral pattern, the shear overlay, the scalloped hems, neckline trim, slightly puffed elbow sleeve and back buttons are details you rarely find, not to mention all together.
The colors are a unique balance of bold and neutral with a retro vibe.  Orange, brown, teal and fuchsia definitely have a 70's feel and I'm all about it!
But it's the large cross stitched floral design that spoke to me.  I used to cross stitch as a young girl and loved it. I've often thought about picking it back up to make something for Vivian but gracious where's the time?!!

While the orange and brown shades fit with the Fall season this blouse would be absolutely gorgeous all year long.  I would definitely pair with neutrals like brown, navy, ivory, white and of course denim so that you let the colors shine. Although bright pink or purple would be amazing!

Garments like these make you smile and you'll wear them for years!
They will also attract lots of compliments :)

Cross Stitched Floral Blouse | Wide Leg Crop Pants | Similar Booties | Similar Earrings | Ring |

Dress Beautifully in a Detailed Blouse

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Suede

With cooler temps comes cozy rich textures.  Heavier textiles are not only warm, they give you the 'feels'.  Besides making you 'feel' the snuggle of Fall they actually make you want to feel them with your hands.  To run your fingers over the soft fabric.

I'm 100% natural when it comes to my fabric fibers and for the cold it's all about wool, fur, cashmere and leather.  I'm not opposed to wearing animal because I eat it every day with every meal and believe that the purpose of some is for our utilization.  Before you get twisted let me be clear I'm not wearing a panda, I'm talking cow, lamb, goat, mink, beaver; animals that are in abundance.  Leather specifically is strong, durable, water resistant and provides a protective barrier against the elements whether it's on your body or feet.

As with the 70's vibe of fashion that's roaring, suede is a key element.  Suede with fringe, well that's just too hippie retro for this gal, but I'm all about it in a polished shoe, skirt or jacket.

This suede skirt in a gorgeous carmel color screams fall.  It's everywhere in nature with the falling of the leaves and compliments beautifully as a neutral in your wardrobe.  I paired it with a bright white crisp dress shirt to dress it up but plan to style it also with a striped tee, denim & black sweater.  It will go with any color really.

I am wearing 'real' suede and because of it's weight it is a tad stiffer and doesn't move as say a faux polyester fabric would.  But it has great structure and holds it's shape enhancing the design.  The inverted box pleat gives an a-line shape allowing for room and as always makes your waistline small.  I adore the functional gold side zippered pockets! Details are everything.  The seaming also adds to the amazing design.  Now with all things real or natural often comes a higher price tag.

But I believe in quality over quantity and buying forever pieces.

You're in luck if you'd rather go faux, I've link several options for you below :)

Bow Dress Shirt - Similar || Suede Skirt - Similar - Here & Here || Booties & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Suede

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Ring the Bell

Ring in the weekend with a fluttery fun bell sleeve.  Unless you live under a rock, you've seen elements of 70's style in almost every store.  Bell sleeves and those flare bottom jeans were a signature statement of the era.

Personally I'm loving this new embellishment.  I will say, a lot of the pieces I've tried on have had  very long sleeve lengths, covering my hands.  Now, I do have shorter arms but still I've noticed that even on the tall models these tops & dresses were designed with exaggerated hems in efforts to make a statement.  While it looks cool and fashion forward, it's not practical for every day function to have fabric hanging on your arms and hands.  I'd go crazy!

Tip:  If you find a top you love it's fairly easy and inexpensive to alter the sleeve length.

For this week's edition of Friday 5 (I know it's been a while) I've rounded up my favorite bell sleeve pieces.

I actually own the black top; it's sleeves are actually 3/4 length and the bell isn't too big or too small. It's just right :)  And with a pencil skirt or jeans it will surely to get lots of wear.

Black  ||  Blue Stripe  ||  Coral  || Green  ||  Pink Dress  || 

Dress Beautifully in Bell Sleeves

XOXO Sarah Louise

All Flared Up

Flares are firing up in the denim world.  High waists and big bottoms are all the rage.  Take this 70’s trend and the bright whites of Summer and you have a perfect blend of chic.

I can’t get enough of white jeans from Easter to Labor day.  Well let’s be honest, I can’t get enough white in my wardrobe all year round but in being a good Southern rule follower I only strut in them during Spring & Summer.  It’s safe to say that white jeans are almost a ‘uniform’ for my weekends.

White is just so light and fresh and not to mention cool.  Summer isn’t just for being outside in the sun, it’s also about surviving the heat!

White jeans go with everything!  You can even go monochromatic and pair with a white top – I love an all-white look!

And is it just me, aren’t white jeans so much softer than the blues??

If you’re worried about transparency, looser cuts like boyfriend and straight leg are more flattering that the skin hugging skinnies. 

I went with a classic pairing and topped these white flares with a chambray top. Chambray shirts are at the top of my list of classics because like jeans they go with everything!  This one is a favorite for it’s flattering and comfortable cuffed sleeves.

I wanted to embrace the 70’s vibe so I highlighted the waist with a textured leather belt.  There are other ways like adding leather fringe, rose colored glasses or a headband but I’m more about inspiration that exact mimicking. It’s not Halloween.  Also note, wedges are essential for us petite gals when it comes to getting the bells off the ground.  They’re great for obtaining height while still maintaining the ability to walk comfortably.

Sometimes you just gotta 'Throw Caution to the Wind'

Chambray Shirt: Banana Republic || White Flare Jeans: Loft || Belt: Michael Kors || 

Wedges: Similar - Here - Here || Earrings: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Flares

XOXO Sarah Louise

Brown, Black & That 70's Vibe

Brown and black is one of my favorite pairings, but I find gals hesitate to combine the two.  Just like I don't understand why some struggle to mix their yellow gold with white/silver, I don't understand the opposition to mixing dark neutrals (it goes for navy and black too)

Unless you live under a rock you know that the styles of the 70's are creeping back into stores... fringe, flares, thick heels, and peasant tops. Personally I'm mixed.  As I've confessed to you before, I Love the fashion from the 70's and most of you cringed! But allow me to clarify.  Like with anything there is good and bad, nothing is 100% (ok there are some things but that's another post)

I'm prefer the more polished and pretty side of things.  So you won't see me embrace the boho
'flower child' look but rather the necktie blouses, high waisted skirts/pants and long vests.

Suede was huge in the 70's.  I'm all about it's soft natural texture but I'll skip the fringe element; by all means feel free to go for it in your casual/weekend wear.

This faux suede jumper is an all occasion piece with the right styling.  I naturally gave it an office appropriate look by layering a crisp white shirt, a satin neck tie bow and heeled booties.

For a laid back look, add a chunky sweater cardigan and flat boots or layer with a denim shirt.

Gals, I know Halloween is right around the corner but you never want to look like you're wearing a costume.  Incorporate pieces from a genre in a modern way by keeping them isolated to one piece and by mixing them with current pieces. You want to allude and resemble rather than look like you came from a time warp.

Add some suede, fringe, flares and big bows to your collar in bringing that 70's vibe into your wardrobe.
I also challenge you to mix your browns and blacks - it's a beautiful color palette!

Faux Suede Jumper: Target (sold out online check stores) Similar & Here  || 

Crisp White Shirt: Brooks Brothers || Booties: Similar & Here || Neck Tie: Similar and Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Brown & Black 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Flare

TGIF! Most weeks I'm super excited for the end.  This week is unique, Mr and I have been enjoying our 2 week vacation in our new home - we've slept in (anything past 5:30am is late to us). We've shopped for our home, enjoyed meals in our sunroom and even hosted lots of friends and family.  I thrive on routine and structure in my world but I must admit it's refreshing to just slow down and enjoy the moments that matter.

Now that the weekend is ahead, we look forward to lots of cheers with each other and our friends but a part of me is broken hearted as these are the last days having Mr in our home until next summer.  I know he's needed overseas to practice medicine, serving marines and sailors and I'm proud of his sacrifice but I honestly can't comprehend not seeing his face or hearing his voice for 9 months :(

Oh a brighter note, lets talk about this Friday's Findings - Flare Jeans! I can honestly say I can now sympathize with the disappointment my mamma had when trends from her past would resurface - the 90's are coming back gals .. sigh There are some things I wore I simply must forget (like big clunky shoes!)
But Flares, I'm ok with. Because 70's fashion - the origin of flares, is my favorite!  I'm probably the only gal besides Rachel Zoe that loves the 70's but I don't care.

Since skinnies have been the go-to for several years now, I'm sure like me, most of you have donated your old-school flares.
I'm not saying we should prepare for switching our skinnies for bigger legs - but adding a pair of flares can be a fun break in your denim collection.

If you're apprehensive to embrace the trend I have a solution.  I hit up my favorite thrift/consignment shops to scout out a pair of flares. There are a lot of benefits to buying used: it's green, economically savvy, and they're already broken in  for a perfectly comfortable fit!  I scored these 'Citizens of Humanity' flare jeans for less than $20!  #winning

Tips for for finding the right flares:
Mid to high waist rise
Flare should begin right above the knee
Hem should come all the way to the ground
If pairing with a loose top, tuck in to balance

Broken in Flares - Citizens of Humanity

Shop these Flares I Found ..... 

High Waisted Flare

Dark Wash Flare - More Here 

Vintage Wash Flare 

Black Flare

Distressed Flare

Shop more Flare washes and fits HERE

Dress Beautifully in Flares

XOXO Sarah Louise

Jumpsuit Flashback

Have I Mentioned My Love of 70's Fashion?? 
If I have you Probably tried to Ignore .... I know its Unexpected but Hey, 
You like what You like!!

Jumpsuits are Totally 70's.  I Think of them as a Maxi Dress with Legs.

They are Somewhat Difficult to Fit due to the Torso/Rise Cut & Proportion.  The Trick is to Just Try them on and be Patient. 

I found this One at Marshall's so the Price was Right (I don't like to spend on trendy items that won't get worn often) 
I Love that it's Strapless for Easy on & off for Trips to the Powder Room, and with all the Volume & Fabric I needed to show some skin. It has an Elastic Waist that Defines your Figure & the Wide Legs are Chic in my Opinion.  

The Cotton Fabric makes this Jumpsuit Comfortable Enough for Daytime Activities but Trendy & Unique to Wear at Night with Heels and Snazzy Baubles. 

Immediately I knew I'd Wear my Most Favorite Gold Chain Belt !  I can't get enough Gold in my Wardrobe and it's the Perfect 70's Accessory.  

Even if you aren't a Disco Era Gal (You're Totally Missing Out on a Great Dance Party!!!) Jumpsuits are a Fun Trend to Try! 

Navy Strapless Jumpsuit - Similar

Gold Chain Belt - Tory Burch 

Earrings - Kate Spade

Aviator Sunglasses - Target 

Don't Be Afraid to Jump on the Jumpsuit Trend!!!

XOXO Sarah Louise