Candybar Neutrals

 

A camel suede skirt is quintessential fall dressing. Rich in texture it brings warmth and compliments a pair of boots and sweater beautifully. 

I decided to style this one with black, keeping with a neutral palette.  I must have halloween on the brain because it makes me think of a candy bar, dark chocolate and peanut butter! 

This outfit is constructed with classics. Pieces that will last for so many seasons to come. Just mix and match them with others like denim, a crisp white shirt or bold bright colors. 

Black Top | Camel Suede Mdi Skirt | Black Boots | 

Dress Beautifully in Black & Camel

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Croc Crop Top

Fall fashion is all about the layers.  The weather is not too warm and not too cold, it's just right. When layering you want to avoid adding bulk. I've never met a gal that wanted to look like a big knit pile. The key to building pieces is to use texture and mix proportions. 

I love to add fitted cropped pieces to blouses & dresses because they add shape and the hem sits right at the smallest part of your waist creating narrow line & hourglass silhouette. 

Fitted sweater shells/vests, cropped jackets & cardigans all add warmth, shape and texture.  Faux leather is one of my favorite ways to add modern style. 

Croc Crop Top | Blouse | Charcoal Jeans | Snake Boots

Dress Beautifully in Layered Animal Textures

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

Neutrals

As much as I love color, I find a neutral palette refreshing and clean. Color can be enhancing to your features, convey your personality and just down right fun.  It can also be a bit bold and distracting.  It’s nice to have a reset with neutrals.

For the record, neutrals are not boring and not plain.  They are classic and timeless!

A crisp white shirt is #1 on the list for pieces to have in your wardrobe.  I have way too many to count!

For accessories, a sharp black handbag would be #1.

Now these wide leg crop pants are stylistically not a forever piece but they aren’t so trendy that they’d be out next season.  I actually purchased They don’t have crazy embellishments or details.

Wide leg crop pants are prominent in most retailers this year.  Personally I find them to be flattering and comfortable.  I prefer more of a straight cut, no crazy volume.  They are slimming on the leg (I need that!) and in a shorter length perfect for highlighting shoes or accommodating those that come up higher on the ankle. Oh and no hemming! And for you taller gals with granddaddy long legs they’re perfect for you too, just more of a capri/culotte length.

 Take a break from those bright hues with a neutrals.  Be sure to add some shine with jewelry.

Sleeveless Dress Shirt ||  Tan Wide Leg Crop Pants & Here  ||  Black Sandals  ||

Handbag  ||  Gold Bangle  || Earrings  || 

Dress Beautifully in Neutrals

XOXO Sarah Louise

Boyfriend Mix Up

You invest in quality, timeless pieces to be worn over and over, mixed and matched.  But what about the weekends? You left the office behind and don't want to face it again until Monday.  And you don't want to put money into pieces that can be worn only on Saturdays and Sundays after church nor do you want to look sloppy.

Solution: Boyfriend jeans. Swap out your trousers/pencil skirts for a pair of roomy, maybe distressed boyfriend jeans.  They're loose = comfortable, distressed =  modern, and casual = NO office feels!

By mixing the classics with casual pieces you have a very chic and stylish look that makes the most out of your wardrobe.

This ivory blouse can literally be worn with everything, the blazer is neutral and clearly can be worn with everything and the loafers are not only sharp for work but they're comfortable for running around in too. Remember this designer shoe look-a-like post from a while back? I am loving these Gucci like loafers and so does my wallet! No compromise on quality or style here.

It's all about the mix up!

Don't limit your pieces to the desk atmosphere.
Except for the distressed jeans; those can't be reversed to office wear, but you can swap out your daytime flats or sneakers and fancy them up with a snazzy top and heels for evening.

Accessories: ditch the work tote for a hands free crossbody bag and add print with a scarf.  Big scarfs aren't my thing (I feel smothered) so I opt for the small silk square ones.  This one is a favorite I found in a vintage shop several years ago when Mr was studying medicine in DC.  Actually, all my silk square scarves are vintage.  They were a standard (along with a strand of pearls) mid-century and I'm so happy they're coming back!

Details are important, so choose an accessory that exemplifies your style.

Blouse || Blazer || Jeans || Handbag || Loafers || Scarf (vintage) Similar || 

Dress Beautifully Combining Classic & Casual Pieces

XOXO Sarah Louise

Over the Knee

Boots are 'The' Shoe for Fall/Winter and Over the Years Designers have taken their Creations from Basic to Fabulous Creating Unique and Strut Worthy Shoes Gals Can't Resist. From Riding Boots to Booties and Now Trending Over-the-Knee, there's a Plethora of Styles for Every Gal.

My First Introduction to Over-the-Knee Boots was Pretty Woman ... No Offense but Safety Pins and Tiny Spandex aren't my Thing ...  Let's Keep it Classy Gals! 

I wasn't sure I Could Pull Off a Pair as I Skim 5'2" with a Little Teasing of my Mane. 
I wanted to Keep the Heel Closer to the Ground for Comfort and a Modest Look. I didn't want Any Stretchy Elastic on the Boot - It's very Common on Over-the-Knee Boots to Allow for Fit and Movement. 

Tip: I have bigger legs for my shoe size of 6, so I often go a 1/2 -1 shoe size up to allow for more room in the calf so that I can get my jeans in. Just wear a thicker sock to fill the foot space :)

Oh and I didn't want to Spend a Fortune and Let's Face it Quality Leather Boots aren't Cheap!

These Boots were it! They are Soft Black Leather, Flat, and a Pointed Toe for a Dressier Look.

How to Wear 'Over-the-Knee' Boots:

It's All About Proportions!

- Over Jeans: Skinny Jeans are Best to Prevent Bunching. Your Top Should Not Extend Below Your Hips.
- With a Skirt/Dress: The Hem Should be 1-2 Inches Above the Boots
- Leggings: Great for Comfort! Pair with a Tunic/Longer Top that Covers Your Derrière.   

OTK Boots: Vince Camuto || Ivory Flippy Skirt: J Crew Similar and at Factory || 

Beaded Herringbone Sweater: Old J Crew Similar and Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Over-the-Knee Boots

XOXO Sarah Louise

Nicely Neutral

I Dress Colorfully Most of my Days, but I do Appreciate a Nice Break with Toned Down Soft Neutrals

Light Neutrals can be Challenging 

Most Gals Fear the 'Washed Out' Look

When Choosing Light Neutrals, Opt for Saturated Tones, and Rich Fabrics. They Combat the Dull Appearance.

This Blouse Caught my Eye for Several Reasons: Light Peach Color, Python Print, Delicate Thin Silk Fabric, Bloused Cut & Satin Trim

Tip: A Skin Colored Cami becomes Virtually Invisible Under Shear Tops ... You Don't want to Compete with Your Blouse with Unsightly Undergarment Silhouettes 

Predictably,  I wanted to pair it with Ivory but in Looking at the Tones of the Snake Print I Felt that a Taupe would Really Bring out the Subtle Brown Shades.

The Satin Trim with it's Sheen Contrasts Against my Skin - Prevents it from just Blending in.

Textures & Prints are Key to Creating Interest When Wearing Neutrals

Sheer Peach Python Print Blouse, Taupe Suit Skirt Similar, 

Nude Patent Pumps Similar, Tory Burch Handbag, Earrings

Look Nice in Light Neutrals 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Leopard is a Neutral

Neutrals aren't limited to solids black, brown, gray, tan, navy and white

Animal prints are neutrals too .... they combine a combination of the above solids in a pattern found in nature .... so it's a natural conclusion that you can pair & style them as such.

Accent a with a Leopard Topper

Ann Taylor Jacket 

Bracelet Sleeves are a great way to accent wrist baubles 

and avoid ill-fitting sleeve lengths (too short or too long)

Leopard Pants

On Super Sale at Ann Taylor

Keep printed pants fitted as too much volume/fabric can be overwhelming 

These pants were designed in a low-rise crop length, I find a full length creates a longer line ... crazy as it may sound at 5'2" I ordered in Tall ... not only are they full length giving me options with various heel heights (I just pin the cuff under for lower heels) but the rise was a bit higher helping hold tucked blouses in and showcasing a waist line.

Leopard Top

Top Banana Republic '13 - Silk Pants Talbots (Old)

Pair with a bright skirt or pant ... balance with a solid neutral shoe & bag

Accessorize!

Calf Hair is a Luxurious Way to Add Texture and a Pop of Print

Check out these Calf Hair Belts

I increased the functionality of this Calf Hair belt by purchasing a size up and adding a couple extra holes (now I can wear on my hips & waist) ... Use tiny clear hair ties to hold the extra material down

When shopping for a Calf Hair clutch I saved lots of money using this iPad case (lots of carrying space).... Get Creative!

Brooks Brothers

Tory Burch Sally Wedge

When Wearing Calf Hair Shoes Avoid Rainy Conditions

On sale at Banana Republic

Pair these with any Coat 

Rules:
One animal print at a time - Don't mix your zebra with your cheetah
Only one piece of print per look - Don't wear leopard dress, shoes and handbag = Fashion Police!
Can be combined with all colors
Can be mixed with other prints - in moderation ... Florals, Stripes, and Dots

Bring out the Animal in your Style!!!

XOXO Sarah Louise