Power of a Pretty Printed Top

Gals, there's power in a pretty printed blouse! Power of versatility with a variety of color pairings, power of interest as the pattern showcases your personal style, power of flattery as it camouflages and power to elevate your look with even the most simple of pairings.

This pretty printed top had the power to tickle my fancy with it's colors, shape, fabric in a cool crisp cotton and vintage blossom print. 

I LOVE flutter sleeves for the way they frame the body.  They add emphasis/strong volume that creates a visual hourglass silhouette making the arms appear slimmer, waist smaller, and adds proportions to the hips.  They also have coverage for your shoulders concealing undergarments and protecting against the sun. As if that wasn't enough they also add femininity with a ruffle or pleat and have ease of moment.

Styling a printed blouse with a simple solid short, skirt or jean allows the blouse to be the focus of your outfit. I chose my favorite distressed jeans for a laidback chic look with a heeled espadrille (my fav Summer shoe) but for church I'll pair with an ivory skirt and for outdoor shindigs a pair of ivory, brown or navy shorts with flat sandals.

Top (2 color options) | Jeans | Espadrilles | 

Dress Beautifully in a Pretty Printed Top

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Elevated Basics

 A basic white t-shirt & jeans is a classic choice for a casual outfit. 

But in efforts to not be plain, there are easy ways to elevate this look.

Blazers are essential to the office but get your money's worth and wear them on the weekends too.

In a light weight wool, they're an all season piece that lays beautifully, adding shape (waist defining!) and sophistication to the most relaxed pieces. 

Blazer Tips: 

• Light weight wool (natural & high quality)
• Functional cuff buttons - Cuffing creates a casual look highlighting the lining/pop of print, makes arms appear longer & shows off jewelry
• Hem hits just below the hip for an elongated look

Moto Jackets are a chic and slightly edgy layering piece. It's my go-to piece when I'm trying to look 'cool'.

BlankNYC is my favorite brand for tons of color options and price point. 

Puffer coats have been all the rage for the past few years for their comfort and function.  They're very casual but winning in the warm and dry department.  Since atheisure doesn't suit my style adding jewelry and a scarf is the perfect way to add femininity. 

As for shoes with these looks, loafers, mules, or ballet flats are all very pretty choices.

For the past 3 years I've been wearing these sneakers the most.  They're so comfortable, ideal for chasing my darling and very much trending. My feet are grateful!

Here are my favorites for a elevated casual look ...

Basic White T-Shirt

I like V-necks for elongating the face.

Distressed Jeans

Seriously love these! 

A splurge (I hunted & waited and found them over half off last year)

Blazer

Navy, Black & Camel are my fav. neutrals

Moto Jacket

Puffer Jacket

I love this one because it's not so big & puffy for easy movement while still high performance in the cold.

Sneakers

I'm dying over this pair!

Loafer

I wear these a lot! Leather is soft and super comfortable.

Mules

These were a splurge - similar option

Dress Your Basics Beautifully

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Cozy & Comfy

Tis the day before Thanksgiving and everyone's excited for the feast ... except me.  I'm NOT a foodie and find it horrible to put such poor nutrition in your body.  Please don't go and defriend or stop reading this.  I'm just being honest.  I'm a complete anomaly when it comes to food.  I just don't find any joy in eating (Ryan says my taste sense is broken) and feel that food is for the purpose of fueling your body to do it's work and be strong.  I eat very clean and intentional. Sigh but I promised Ryan I'd try to relax and compromise a bit so that Vivian doesn't grow up to be quite as strange as her Mamma haha

What I am excited about is having two days with Ryan home with us, hosting my parents and sister, and enjoying all my blessings with a grateful heart! We are serving filet, grilled vegetables and I will make one of the 2 dishes I can prepare well, apple pie!

What are you going to wear tomorrow?  It's a gathering and you may see folks you don't see often and pictures will probably be taken.

This outfit is perfect for being comfortable and chic at home or for any day this season.  I've worn this sweater at least 10 times since I brought it home. It's technically a cardigan but I don't like cardigans so I wear it all buttoned up as a pull over. I love the chunkiness but that it's not oversized (I prefer my sweaters shorter in length and for the sleeves to be snug so that they don't overwhelm me)
It's so pretty with dressier pieces too like a skirt, trousers or on top of a dress!

Roomy distressed jeans are a staple in my wardrobe for being at home (yes I wear jeans while at home b/c leggings are NOT pants 💯) or running errands. If you want to add a chic touch pair with a little heel and a polished handbag.

Sweater | Jeans | Similar Pumps | Handbag - Similar | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Cozy & Comfy Pieces 

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Puff Puff Puff

Gals, give me ALL the puff sleeves.  I shared about them on this post and you're going to see them again today and I'm confident at least another post or two.
They are the IT detail in fashion right now and I'm so happy about it.  While the 80's were a decade of bad makeup and hair, the puff sleeve was on point and I'm happy to see it come back in more subdued  designs.

If you've been reading for any length of time or know me IRL my obsession with crisp white shirts is borderline hoarding status. I'm not the least bit sorry.  I have almost as many white dresses and pants as I do tops.  I LOOOOOOVE white!

Note:  I was with my best friend when I bought this, and in the dressing room together she said 'girl you don't need another white top' ... she tried but you have to go with what you like.  At least it's different!

I found this top at a local boutique and while it may be on the 'extra' side of style I'm strutting proudly in it.  The ket to styling a statement piece is to keep everything else understand and simple.  So I went with distressed jeans (my new favorites!) a classic pump (balances the trendy) and a little color.

I also believe that when it comes to a statement piece it's the shape or print that's bold not both.

Puff Sleeve Top | Jeans | Similar Pumps | Handbag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Puff Sleeve Top 

XOXO Sarah-Louise