All Season Leopard Shirtdress

Oh how I love a good leopard print dress! This one in particular for its silk fabric and soft shades.  A lot of times animal prints can be dark and bold but this one is simple and fair.

At first glance you may think it's too dressy for everyday wear, but not to me. Removing the belt for a looser fit, adding a denim jacket, layering with a cozy sweater and wearing a casual bootie can really tone it down.  But, if you're on my side of the style spectrum a blazer, nice belt and heeled boot/pump is just the right amount of chic for the office or night out.

I believe this dress is a smart investment for all season wear. For fall & winter layer it and pair with rich colors like burgundy, plum, navy or hunter green.  For spring & summer add a straw bag and fun sandals. 

I'm always swapping out the self fabric belts of dresses. By choosing a contrasting belt it adds texture & contrast.  It also adds a whole lot of style and makes your outfit look expensive.

Leopard Dress | Red Boots | Belt | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Leopard & Rich Color

XOXO Sarah-Louise

A Hint of Fall

While the weather surely still feels like Summer, schools are beginning to be back in session (T-20 days for Vivian) and with Labor Day weekend around the corner we all have cravings for Fall. 

Personally, I'm a Spring gal all the way (pastels, flowers and Easter over cozy, pumpkins and Thanksgiving). Despite having the BEST MOST FUNNEST Summer EVER, I'm ready for a cool down and to get back to business. 

It's going to be a while, at least down here in the South, before the temperatures are cool enough for 'Fall' clothing like sweaters, jackets and boots. But, we can embrace the season and still stay cool in neutral pallets and rich textures. 

Fun Fact: Snakes are one of my biggest fears - but favorite animal print.

This maxi dress says Fall in the warm neutral shades and heavier print but feels cool in its crisp fabric and light in a sleeveless design. I added a belt for a touch of texture and shine but still in sandals.  In a couple of months you best bet I'm going to layer this number up!

Snake Print Maxi Dress | Horse-bit Belt | Wrap Sandal | Sunglasses | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully Waiting for Fall

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Guest List

This is the season of gathering, or at least it used to be, and whether your hosting or a guest, dressing beautifully is important.  It shows that you care and want to be there. It shows that the occasion and the people attending are valuable to you.

I love a long dress.  It gives an elegant impression without being too fancy.  Adding a belt for shape so that the extra fabric doesn't overwhelm and a bootie is a balanced style that's just the right amount of snazziness.  

Tip: If you do get lucky with a fancy soiree to attend, pair with fur! 

For day time, style a long dress layered with a chunky sweater or a denim/leather moto jacket finished with a cute sneaker. 

This dress has so many colors, giving you pairing options of green, pink, grey, blue etc. Now, the cut is voluminous so I believe that a belt is a must!  A pretty cognac brown would give a warmer and more casual look. The fabric is light weight and has just a hit of shimmer for prettiness when you move.

Tip: Small bags give an intentional impression as well.  Leave your tote with 'all the things' for handling your responsibilities behind because all you need are a few essentials.  The fellowship is your priority!

I encourage you to wear a long dress to your next gathering, even if it's just a gals night at home catching up with chit-chat.  I'm craving one of those!

Dress | Belt | Booties | Similar Bag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully as a Graceful Host and Guest

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Go Big

Gals, in a mere 3 days I will be celebrating my 37th anniversary on this earth! It's a true testament to the phrase 'time flies when you're having fun'. When it comes to special occasions I go big with my ensembles.

I loved this dress when I saw it for 3 primary reasons, cotton poplin fabric (most favorite for it's crisp coolness), straight midi length (most longer dresses are a-line and for a petite gal that's often overwhelming) and the oh so fabulous balloon sleeves.  I mean let's not be basic.

I also found the colors of the tiny floral print cheery and fitting for the season.

Now, I'm all ready with a dress and nowhere to go. If you're are optimistic like me, you're holding on to attending Summer soirees and this dress will be perfect for them. Weddings, showers, gals' night out and hopefully vacations are times when a little something with pizazz is what you need.

I added a white belt to break up the long line of print but because this dress has a slim silhouette it's not necessary for shape.

Tip:  When wearing an outfit with ample sass, no need for competing accessories such as jewelry. Keep it simple. 

Balloon Sleeve Dress | Pumps | Belt | Sunglasses | 

Dress Beautifully in Balloon Sleeves

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Maxi for Fall

This. Dress.

I saw it displayed in the front of the store and made a beeline inside to try it on.  My first thought was it's going to swallow my petite frame whole ... just maybe it comes in petite sizing.  My regular size was there and to my surprise it fit! Without puddling on the ground doing the tip toe test (trying to envision with a little heel if I would still need to hem).

The colors, the beading, the print, the mock neckline, the sheer billowing sleeves, the trimmed tiers on the skirt, the fitted bodice, these are the things that make this dress beautiful!

It also has that 70's vibe that I swoon over.  Mid-century style is so me!

Note:  I did see that there are just a few sizes available online in petite.  If mine was one of them I would have opted for that just to shorten the sleeves and hem a tad. But my heels are mid-height and work just fine.

I love belts so I added one to break up the print of the dress and add my own style to it.

Maxi dresses aren't just for summer.  In a chiffon or synthetic poly they're great for the cooler months too.

Life's more fun when you're laughing! #truth

Dress | Shoes | Belt

Dress Beautifully in a Maxi Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Berry Chic

A printed wrap dress is one of the most flattering and timeless pieces a woman can have in her wardrobe.
FYI: DVF makes the best ones!
A wrap dress creates a very feminine silhouette with movement and highlights the waistline.  The v-neckline is elongating. They're great for all occasions, office, church, date night and special occasions. Prints make outfits fun and interesting while also camouflaging (aka disguising any areas/lady lumps you don't want highlighted).

Belts are one of my absolute favorite accessories.  Most of mine are vintage.  I almost always remove the belt that may come with a dress or even if not add my own belt.  It breaks up a solid or print and adds texture.

Snake print is on fire this season and I'm thrilled!  As much as I love leopard print I think it's now 2nd to snake.  Now, I'm deathly afraid of them in real life but as for clothing, shoes and handbags, I'll cover myself.  I particularly loved this dress for it's raspberry color.  Great shade for transitioning into fall. And it's nice to have animal print not in neutrals.

Dress - Similar | Heels | Belt |

Dress Beautifully in Color & Snake Print

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Capsule Wardrobe Essentials: Chambray & White

I know you've heard and seen the term 'capsule wardrobe' but what is it? Basically it's a 'mini wardrobe made up of really versatile pieces that you totally love to wear.'  I'm 100% guilty of NOT having a capsule wardrobe.  But, I'm not the hoarder of clothes I used to be either. #balance

I adore the principles of a capsule wardrobe.  Having very few pieces, most recommend around 40, that can be paired in many ways and repeated to eliminate excess in your closet.  While I believe a minimal approach is amazing in almost all aspects of your life, I just can't (don't want) to purge down to that level when it comes to my clothes.

What you will find is that about 75% of my wardrobe is made up of classic, timeless pieces so that I do achieve versatility and longevity.

For example: I wore my wedding rehearsal dress from 9 years ago this past Sunday for Easter. 

If I were to create a capsule wardrobe there would be white jeans and a chambray top.  I can NOT live without lots and lots of white and chambray is so clean, fresh and comfortable matching pretty much everything! 

For a current approach, these wide leg crop jeans and puff sleeve top check all the trend boxes.  Personally I'm obsessed with a puff sleeve.  I have narrow shoulders and it adds a feminine detail that balances my figure.  And the wide leg crops are super relaxed and really show off your shoes. 

My style is polished so I had to tuck and add a belt. It's those touches that define your personal style. 

Chambray Top & Here & Here | Crop Wide Leg Jeans | Wedges | Belt |

Dress Beautifully in Chambray & White

XOXO Sarah Louise