Dress Beautifully: Kate spade mood ring

Oct 16, 2019

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 :)

Dress Beautifully in a Detailed Blouse

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Sep 25, 2019

Walk Tall Crocodile

While the calendar says Fall, the weather still says 'Hotter than the devil's kitchen'! Ok, maybe not that hot (I'm still feeling the sweat from last month). There has been a break in the humidity and my morning runs don't threaten heat stroke so I suppose I'll be grateful for that and patiently await the chill.

And when that chill arrives, I guarantee you I'll be walking tall in these red croc boots! I purchased them during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in July and have been admiring them in my closet ever since. My Grandma and Mamma both love red shoes and while red isn't on the top of my list of color favorites, something about red shoes is just sassy & classic. I'm even getting Vivian a pair!
The croc texture makes them luxurious! And block heel super comfortable.

Now, this blouse has had my eye the moment it came out months ago. However, the price tag had my eyes wide in shock. Like a lot of pretty pieces I lust over, I watch and scour various websites for the opportunity to catch them on sale. Sometimes my desire for the item fades or solidifies and in that case I'm confident on my purchase and the price. The day this blouse was marked down I went into the store and ordered it in my size for over half off :)

Tip: if an item is out of stock online and you have the option to visit the store front, they can often find the piece at another store and have it shipped.

The smocking and pleating are trending but the oxford blue is timeless.
I love oxford blue with deeper, rich hues (think hunter greens, plums, harvest gold and deep red).
It adds a soft contrast. Oxford blue is one of my favorite neutrals all year long!

When it comes to jewelry I LOVE big rings! It's unexpected since I have super tiny hands (my wedding rings are a size 3.5). My wrists are very petite too so bracelets are often too big and fall off and also super annoying when you're trying to work on the computer.

Kate Spade has always made the most beautiful and unique costume jewelry and this large stoned ring (comes in several colors) is no exception.

If your more of a delicate jewelry gal Gorjana is my fav! I wear her pieces daily.