Polished in Pink

 

One of the chicest looks is a blazer with jeans.  Particularly light jeans (distressed for an extra cool look), a white tee/tank and a low heeled shoe or even sneaker.  This goes all the way back to the 80's where the trend of mixing business with causal was hot ... and still is! 

Now, here's where you let you shine through ... choose a colored blazer, a graphic tee and/or a fun printed sneaker.

Personally, my style is polished & feminine. I chose a pink blazer because it's my favorite color and makes me happy every. single. time. I wear it :) and a classic cap toe pump. 

Blazers have this timeless ability to transform a look from basic to refined.  Add them to dresses or even joggers. Pair them with shorts and heels for a night out. They're not just for the office! Roll up the sleeves and carry them right into your leisure time. 

Pink Blazer | Tank | Jeans | Chanel Shoes - Similar Here | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Pink Blazer

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Extra Padding

Gals, 2020 should have come with a little extra padding to endure all the knock downs it has given us.

I remember thinking the shoulder pads of my Mamma's time in the 80's and 90's were horrendous and I still think that.

Confession: I once stole a set of shoulder pads out of my Mamma's dresser drawer and used them to stuff my bra! 
Your welcome for the laugh :)

But, I'm all over this toned down shoulder pad trend.  I have very narrow shoulders and I feel a like I look like I'm standing taller and more confident with a little extra volume. When you emphasize an area, such as a padded shoulder or a puff sleeve it makes other areas appear deemphasized.  In other words the waist and lower body appear smaller.  This also creates an hour glass shape. #goals

While you may be skeptical to try this trend, it's a pretty subtle one and gives a very modern vibe. Pair it with classics like trousers, a pencil skirt or jeans.

I love this cut of denim.  A high waist, slim wide leg with a raw hem and just a tad of distressing is modern and comfortable. Also if you're going to wear a light wash, a looser fit is more flattering.

I dressed this look up with a heel but a nice flat or sneaker is perfect for casual days.
Do we even have days that aren't casual any more??

I refuse to give up on dressing up! 💯

Shoulder Pad Top - Here - Here  | Jeans | Similar Pumps | Earrings

Dress Beautifully in a Shoulder Pad Top

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Summer Sophisticate

Style automatically takes a turn for the fun and casual once Summer arrives ... or as is the case here in the South in April when the temperatures get sky high. But tank tops and shorts are rarely appropriate   yet no one wants to feel stuffy this time of year in wool, tailored pieces.

Here's what you do gals.  You opt for a shorter hem line in your trousers but keep the comfortable and cool in a wide leg.  And you add a top in a natural fibers with fun detail, like ruffles.
It's still a put-together look but with a casual vibe.

AND you put this top with a pair of shorts and you're set for the weekend.

Note:  this is technically an off-the-shoulder top but I like it pulled up so I can wear a regular bra, I'm not so exposed/showing too much skin and I don't have those t-rex arms not being able to lift and move.

I added a fun pop of color with turquoise earrings, which are 100% summer!

Handbags can play a big role in your look.  This structured tote is great for weekdays but a rattan basket bag would scream summer!

Ruffled Top | Similar Pants | Handbag | Similar Pumps | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully and Sophisticated in the Summer

XOXO Sarah Louise

Southern Prints and Patterns

This sweet silk blouse has all the pretty traditional prints all in one.  But not in a mix matched way, rather delicate layers of all the quintessential Southern patterns strategically placed.

The soft magnolia blooms overtop the oh so subtle stripes framed by classic blue toile sleeves captures Southern charm to it's fullest. And these prints are all in my top 5 favorites.
My Grandma had toile wall paper and I've loved it ever since.  Now the magnolia has been my favorite flower always and I can't tell you how often I stare at the magnificent beauty in our front yard.  It even has a pink swing hanging from one of it's mighty branches for Vivian Louise to swing on.

Because this blouse is silk it's light, breezy and cool for the hot temps ahead.  One of my favorite details I neglected to capture are the buttons down the back. I love good details!

I've paired this sweet blouse with trousers for more of a dressy work look, but with shorts and wedges  you'd be pretty and casual for the weekend.

Tip:  When I buy a garment I try and think of all the styling options to make sure it's versatile so that it's not just a wear it once piece.

Printed Silk Blouse | Pants | Handbag | Similar Shoes | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Southern Silk Patterns

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