Friday Favorites: Matching Sets

TGIF! This week was a hot one AND super exciting with the addition of wallpaper in our formal living room! #squeal 

Note: My dear friend not only installed this for me without needing any help, she made me the most beautiful birthday gift!! I encourage you to support and cherish the talents of the people around you and  your own. Sharing our talents is a blessing.

Matching sets are so chic and special in that they are 2 pieces specifically made for each other. They're also great in that they can be styled separately.

Here are some pretty matching sets for warm weather ...

PINK LINEN SHELL & PLEATED SKORT

MATCHING PANT

several colors

I love the proportions of the shorter top & high waisted bottom to elongate the legs.

The pleated from skort gives the look of a skirt but comfort of shorts.

TAN LINEN VEST & PLEATED SKORT

MATCHING PANT

several colors

You can dress this up with heels or casual with sneakers or sandals.

PRINTED TOP & SHORTS

CROP BLOUSE & SKIRT

also in green 

GREEN TAPESTRY TOP & SHORTS

EMBROIDERED SHELL & SHORTS

STRAPPY TOP & MIDI SKIRT

also in 3 solid colors pink, navy & white

Dress Beautifully in a Matching Set

XOXO Sarah Louise

Cutout

Tomorrow, Ryan and I leave for Kiawah Island for 5 days! This is our annual getaway (and a little medical conference/golf time for him).  It's quickly become one of my favorite places. 

When it comes to dressing for vacation I like my outfits to suit the special occasion with color and design. Because I'm away, somewhere special, I also want to look like it.

Dresses with cut outs are all the rage and while they are situationally specific and not for everyone, I do believe they are a fun design. 

I find placement on the side, high above the waist on the ribcage is the most flattering. I also find that a light weight fabric that just skims the body will lay nicely. This dress is in linen and lined for structure.

A little sneak peek of skin on the upper body is sly and sassy without being overly risqué.

Note: best part (and almost requirement) of any garment is the ability to wear a bra.

Hi Trixie

I added color and nod to the beach with this turquoise and pearl necklace along with my vintage basket bag.

Linen Cutout Midi Dress (in white & black) - Heels - Necklace

Find a dress that makes you want to do a Happy Dance ... 

preferably out of your living room and on vacation!

Dress Beautifully in a Dress with Cut Outs

XOXO Sarah Louise

Little White Skirt

Wearing white is a beloved tradition in the warm months. This isn't just because it's pretty but necessary in keeping cool. For me I have an abundance of crisp white shirts and a few pairs of white jeans that I love to style for a fresh and bright look. A crisp white skirt is my choice for dressy occasions.  I find skirts not only comfortable and cool but so feminine! 

For this look I thought about styling with a matching white top for a monochromatic look, or with a bright bold color but I decided to go classic with black for a strong contrast. I rarely wear black but I find it paired with white to be sharp & timeless.

Style Tip: For longer skirts balance the volume with a smaller/sleeveless top and for shorter skirts a top with longer/voluminous sleeves.

I like to add lots of gold jewelry particularly with neutrals and solid colors.

Don't forget to twirl a time or two!

Black Camisole - White Midi Skirt - Pumps

Layered Gold Necklaces - Bangle

Dress Beautifully in a Little White Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Party Pants

One of my most favorite designers Kate Spade said 'Live Colorfully'.  I happily comply.

It's typical during holiday season to see lots of sequins, beading, velvet, satin and dark colors.
Personally I like making a bold statement by shining in bright colors.
These pieces also have more versatility in styling throughout the year

These hot pink wide leg pants sit higher on the waist which make me feel like I have long legs - that's a big deal for a petite gal! It's also great for tucking in tops or come Spring/Summer pairing with a cropped length top.
Note: These pants are not super long, I was able to wear just a mid heeled pump and no hemming! 

Since it's cooler weather I chose a balloon sleeve top, which I'm obsessed with.  A puffed sleeve with a snug cuff is a design element that was all the rage in the 80's and I'm thrilled that it's back! For me, I have super narrow shoulders and small arms so I like the added volume to balance my shape since I'm slightly bigger on the bottom.

I kept everything else neutral so that these party pants shine! But I'm looking forward to pairing with a fun printed top.

So much wind beneath my mane!!!

Balloon Sleeve Top | Hot Pink Pants | Pumps | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Party Pants

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Pretty Little Purses

Happy Friday Gals!  I hope that you had a spooky good Halloween.
We had major storms here so our neighborhood like most in Charlotte has decided to move the festivities to tomorrow.  Although, once the storms passed I had quite a few treaters.

But this little lady was the cutest of them all!!!

We dressed her up in the afternoon and she had a ball playing outside in her costume.
I'm so happy she loves playing dress up already. #likemotherlikedaughter

Today I want to talk handbags. Are you one of those gals that has one 'workhorse' bag that you use every. single. day.?  Personally, I change my bag several times a week - it all depends on what I'm wearing and doing.

I feel as though most gals tend to fall into the 'one bag fits all' category.  Meaning a bag that's bigger, in a neutral color such as black or brown, and they have everything but the kitchen sink in it for everyday use.

Personally, I only have 1 tote and 2 other bags that are larger but those have top handles so I carry them on my elbow.  I'm petite so I find bigger bags cumbersome and honesty I don't carry very much at all.  So I most often carry medium bags that are colorful and ladylike.

Here's what you'll find in my handbag:

A very small wallet with my cards

Keys - can't get anywhere without them

Snack

Lipsticks

Ink Pen - Constantly making lists & there's a notepad that lives in my car

Phone - not pictured b/c I used it to take this pic

I completely understand the utilitarianism of a tote for the Monday-Friday hustle but I encourage you to consider a pretty little bag for lunches, nights out and church.

Here are some pretty little bags that I think would be a darling addition to your wardrobe ...

Eclectic Tweed Shoulder Bag

I love the rinestones and mixed tweed fabrics on this 'Chanel' like bag.  

I also like that you can wear it as a crossbody.

Faux Croc Shoulder Bag

Mini Croc Bag

Orange Top Handle & Crossbody Bag
I wear my orange bag several times a week!
Such an unexpected color and compliments my outfits brightly

Canteen Bag

Ruffled Clutch
More colors & long crossbody strap

Embroidered Clutch

Leather Clutch

Leopard Calf Hair Cross Body

Circle Cross Body
Lots of Color Options

Saddle Bag
Lots of Color Options Here

Chevron Cross Body
6 color options

Classic Cross Body
8 color options

Dress Your Outfits Beautifully with a Pretty Purse

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Varsity vibes

This sweater is so me! That's exactly what Mr said when I picked it up.  We were at the mall together on an afternoon date, he wanted to go to the apple store and I went across the hall.  When I tried it on he said I looked like I should be on a yacht.  I agree. Put me on a yacht Mr!
I also got the varsity prep vibes from it.

Either way it's super cute, soft and warm. It definitely has an all American classic look that will never steer you wrong.

I paired it with these flair jeans I shared with you here, actually the sweater is on this post too.  I wanted to add some variety to all my skinny jeans but decided the wide leg crops were just too wide for my petite frame. But these trouser/flares were just enough without being too much. And they're not super long! I did size down.  I was able to get them on epic sale which is great because I'm not sure how much I will wear them.  They may become my new favs and in that case extra win.  I kinda miss my flares from back in the day. I could share an old school picture but NO haha

I've been meaning to write a post on these sneakers for you gals.  Let me just say this, I know they are expensive but in my opinion, worth it! When it comes to shoes I invest in quality and have fewer pairs.  I make sure they are comfortable and versatile to maximize wear. Now, admittedly these are outside my style box but as the 'IT' sneaker I had to try them and they are soooooo comfortable and I wear them all the time! I'll get on that post for you :)

You could also dress this sweater up with a pair of navy or gray trousers/pencil skirt for the office or church.

Sweater | Jeans | Sneakers | Earrings

Dress Beautifully Channeling those All American Preppy Vibes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites

TGIF! Yesterday was a LOVELY day! I spent it with my two sweethearts at home.  It was amazing having Mr home (he won't have another day off for over a week UGH) so we soaked him up! We played with baby girl, he cooked dinner and we were able to just hang out and talk.
He wrote me the sweetest love note and I ordered a pair of shoes I've been crushing on :)

Here are my favorites I've found this week ...

Fleece Turtleneck

I've been wanting one of these for a long time but they've been sold out UGH! Rumor has it they will be back on Monday.  They are made of recycled yarn and reviews could not be better on how soft and warm they are.

Cotton Leopard Top & in White

I love cotton poplin tops! Yes you have to iron but they are crisp and cool.  I want both the leopard and white but haven't purchased because they are an exclusion from any sale/promotion and I really don't want to pay full price.

Pink Dress

This dress is just pretty! Perfect for Easter.  Since it's a sold color try adding a belt, scarf, or jacket.

Sandals

These sandals were my Valentine's Day gift! Last year they came out in gold with a high heel (too high for me) so when I saw these shoes hit the internet in more colors and a low heel - I had to have them.  They are super pricey but when it comes to shoes I invest and have fewer pairs.  These will literally go with EVERYTHING from dresses to jeans and will be comfortable.

Birthstone Necklace & Earrings

I love these! Simple and classic.  You don't have to get your actually birthstone if you prefer another color. That's what I did!  I have the purple 'February' necklace and earrings and my birthday is April, the diamond.

Coffee Cup

So I have the classic mug but I gave Mr this one that has a handle like a traditional coffee cup and now I want one for myself! Baby girl is to blame for my cold coffee I often have to warm in the microwave.

Headband - More Here

Headbands are making a come back - they were my jam in the 90's, so I may just have to start wearing them again.

Rattan Bag

I think this is so cute for Summer!

Dress Beautifully 

XOXO Sarah Louise