Floral Full Length

I hope you gals had a very fun and happy Memorial Day weekend. While the cook outs and beach trips are fun that's not the reason behind the long weekend. Mr came home from his deployment in the Middle East 2 years ago and I'm reminded that so many service members don't.  Freedom isn't free!
We actually went to the military town we lived in during his service to visit Mr's parents.  It was our first trip with baby Vivian Louise and she did amazing! There's nothing better than family time.

Since my outfits are constrained to two piece ensembles due to Mamma duties I'm embracing skirts beyond the pencil design.  It's a bittersweet time taking the summer off from work but I must say I'm enjoying more fun and casual clothes which is completely out of character for me. But casual doesn't mean leggings and workout clothes. Y'all I firmly believe gym clothes are 100% for exercise NOT for just wearing. I bet I just offended but I'm a dressy gal.

Along with being dressy I'm also very modest.  As a 35 year old lady I believe in dressing conservatively.  So, naturally I'm into the maxi, midi and knee lengths over mini.
I loved the colors in this maxi skirt, vibrant and just pretty!
It's like wearing a flower garden.

This skirt is actually ankle length and because it sits higher on the waist it's very elongating.

You could pair it with just about any color.  That's what's so fun about florals, lots of colors.  I went with a neutral top with a contrasting print but it's a subtle print so it doesn't compete. I seriously love striped tops.  Also, cotton tops are your friend in the heat of Summer.

This skirt is dressy enough for church, or a night out and casual enough for a Saturday afternoon of errands or a lunch date.

Go longer with your skirts this summer, I promise you'll feel pretty!

Striped Top || Floral Maxi Skirt || Red Sandals || Earrings ||

Dress Beautifully in Full Length Florals

XOXO Sarah Louise

Peonies & Pinstripes

This Blouse Reads: 'Ready for Spring'

Today is the first official day of Spring! I'm full of glee for some sunshine, warmer temps and to adorn myself with lots of white, florals and pastels!  

This eye-catching blouse is a double win with mixed prints of peony blooms and pinstripes as well as a fab color combo with navy & mint.  It's drapey and cut in a tunic shape - effortlessly cool.  

My first instinct was to slide a pair of white jeans on with it; My white jeans (I own several pairs - I love them that much!) are in constant rotation from Easter to Labor Day - I can't get enough of the clean brightness they bring to a look. 

Tuck this blouse into a grey, ivory or taupe pencil skirt/trousers for easy work wear. 

Photos: BMD

Peony & Pinstripe Blouse: J Crew || White Jeans: Old Navy || Shoes: French Connection ||

Earrings: Stella & Dot || Bracelet: Stella & Dot || Polish: Essie ||

Dress Beautifully in a Peonies & Pinstripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pineapples & Stripes

The Pineapple is Recognized in the South as a Traditional Expression of "Welcome"

This Sweet Fruit Symbolizes the Intangible Assets we Hold so Dear: Friendship, Family & Hospitality

You'll Find the Pineapple in Decor from Door Knockers to Candlestick Holders.

I Found this Pineapple Button Down and was Captured by it's Unique Cuteness! 
And this Gem was at my Local Target! Gotta Love Target! 

The Pineapples are Discrete and Yet Still Bright with their Yellow Color

My First Instinct was to Pair it with a Kelly Green Pencil Skirt to Pull from the Green Leaves from the Pineapple ... However, I got a Wild Hair and Opted for a Black & White Striped Skirt.  The Pineapple Print has very Tiny Black Dots to Mimic the Texture of the Fruit So the Blacks Complement. (I did add Green Tear-Drop Earrings) 

Navy, Brown, Pink, Purple, and Chambray are also on my List for Pairing Options

After Looking at the Two Pieces Together I was Quite Pleased, but it Needed a Something to Blend the Two Prints ... a Belt!  The Natural choice would be Black... I chose Brown.  
I Love Brown & Black Together! 

Pineapple Shirt Target - Striped Skirt Similar & Similar 

Reversible Belt with Monogram Buckle  C Wonder

Gold Pumps Nine West - Green Tear Drop Earrings Kate Spade Similar

Polish 'Cute as a Button' Essie

Be Welcoming in a Pretty Pineapple Print

XOXO Sarah Louise

Stripes & Florals

Now that it's Spring, All I want to Wear are Florals.
Maybe it's the Trees Budding and Birds Singing or the Sunny Skies and Warm Weather.

Maybe it's that Wearing Florals Makes Me Feel Girly and Colorful

Just as Flowers Spruce Up Your Home, Tablescape and Make for Sweet Date Night Gifts from Mr ... They Also Freshen Your Look & Add Spring in Your Step

This Floral Skirt Caught my Eye for These Reasons:
Pencil Cut - Watercolor Floral Print - Peach Based Petals 

As Much as I Love Flowers it's Mutual When it Comes to a Nautical Motif.  Who Doesn't Love The Sea??
        I Mean it is my Second Time Living on the NC Coast (1st during my College Years) & We're a US Navy Family

This Navy Striped Top Caught my Eye for These Reasons: 
Navy - Panels - Cap Sleeve - Piped Seams

This Top is Made of Thick Fabric and Cut with a Slight Peplum... I was still able to Tuck it in without Bunching 
Panels are Essential in Good Construction.  These Panels Create Lots of Interest with the Multi-Directional Lines

With All the Pattern and Colors I Kept My Handbag & Pumps Neutral.

Now Mix Your Florals with a Classic Nautical Stripe ... Plum Perfection!

Navy Striped Top Ann Taylor, Skirt J Crew (closet veteran) Similar Here, Here & Here

Ivory Patent Bowling Handbag (Marshalls Find) Similar Here

Nude Pumps Tahari Similar  Sunglasses Maui Jim

Mix Your Prints with Stripes & Florals

XOXO Sarah Louise

Checks & Chevron

Chevron has made a major appearance in the world of print over the past year.
But it's not "new" ... Chevron stripes have been used for military insignia for over 200 years!

Seems like every boutique is showcasing the zigzag in all different colors and styles.  You can even find it in home decor.

It's not high on my list of go-to prints as I find it to be busy and overdone.  However, I feel that by limiting it's presence in my closet and keeping the print small I'm not too overwhelmed.

This particular top instantly caught my eye last year.  

I mean it's Sparkly!! 

I like that its neutral (perfect for pairing with lots of colors) 

and can instantly contribute to a fancy look. 

Gingham however is a favorite classic print of mine.  

Mr. wears it often, and while shopping with him one afternoon 

I snagged myself a few button downs that have become all year staples.

Gingham Button Down - Brooks Brothers 

Chevron Sequin Top - J Crew 

Jeans - Seven for All Mankind  

(All from '12 & '13)

Mix Your Prints with Checks & Chevron!

XOXO Sarah Louise

Sparkle, Spots, & Stripes

Take Two Classic Prints, Spots & Stripes...add some Sparkle and what do you get??

A recipe for Mixed Print Perfection.

For this blend of spots and stripes I chose my favorite neutrals, navy & cream.

Isn't it great that sequins aren't just for New Years and Night Time??!!

Go Mix Up Some Spots and Stripes .... but don't forget to add some Sparkle!

XOXO Sarah Louise