Friday Favorites: Bump Up The Basics

TGIF! It still hasn't sunk in yet that it's 2020 (and that my baby is 2!).  But gals, the world keeps on turning and here we are in a brand new year and decade.

My favorite ways to make my typical outfits, which are white or solid colored tops and jeans look interesting and new is to add color and print with my shoes and handbag.

Note: I am VERY proud of myself for adding a whole lot more print in my wardrobe last year ... but still NO black and heavens no grey.

One concept that I really want to emphasize to you is that it's far more fun to add color to color than color to neutrals.  What I mean is, your ensemble doesn't have to be white, black or blue jeans to add a bright color or print.

Here are some ways I add color and print to a solid outfit .....

Sweater | Jeans | Snake Booties | Red Handbag

Fleece | Jeans | Sneakers | Handbag

Turtleneck | Jeans | Boots | Handbag

Purple Sweater | Pants | Pumps | Handbag

Sweater | Pants | Pumps | Handbag

Dress Your Solids Beautifully with Color & Print

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Basic Blues

Today is my FAVORITE Friday of the year!

It coincides with my favorite day of the year, Easter Sunday. I can sum it up for you in 3 words: He is Risen! 

Weekends are for being causal but it doesn't mean loosing style.  You can be cool and comfy while still being put together.  It's about the details.

Sure a basic white tee is a staple, but how about a structured white top that's just as easy breezy.  The linen-like fabric along with the cut and cap sleeves takes this from simple to chic.

Loose jeans, we all love slipping into a soft broken-in pair but how about rolling the cuffs - it adds intentional detail.  

Accessories, I'm all about simple and no fuss for the weekend so keep them classic with a pair of studs, a dainty necklace, basically your everyday pieces. 

Shoes, for brunch with the gals or dinner date at a local eatery, opt for pumps.  It brings the whole look up a notch.

Trade in your structured work bag for a slouchy satchel - wear it crossbody style for shopping, keeping your hands free.

I kept this palette light and monochromatic for a soft simplistic look.  

White Top: J Crew || Jeans: Loft || Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff || Pumps: Nine West || 

Earrings: Kate Spade || Bracelet: David Yurman || 

Dress Beautifully in the Basics

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Tee - Denim - Bling

A Basic Tee Adds lots of Versatility to Your Wardrobe.

Adding a Tee to Your "Work Clothes" Allows you to Get More Wear Outside of the Office, While Making Your Causal Look Chic.  

Opt for a Printed Tee to Balance Your Solid Pieces and to Express Your Personality
Floral - Feminine
Graphic - Edgy
Baseball Tee & Camo - Sporty
International Phrases - Worldly
Etc...

Pencils Skirts Identify Most Often with Office Wear, but by Adding Casual Pieces Like a Denim Jacket and a Fun Tee You Have Instant Weekend Wear.

Add some Sparkle for Extra Contrast to your Casual Pieces.

I Chose Gray Boots and a Navy Handbag (Worn Crossbody for a Less Dressy Look) to Compliment the Tones of the Tee & Denim.

Tee J Crew, Pencil Skirt J Crew, Denim Jacket Gap, Boots Cole Haan Similar

Sparkle Statement Necklace J Crew, Watch Michael Kors Similar Styles, Sunglasses Maui Jim

Navy Quilted Handbag - Belonged to my Grandma Similar

Tee Up Your Weekend Wear

XOXO Sarah Louise

Crisp White Shirt

A  Crisp White Shirt (or several) is a must have for every gal's wardrobe!

Simple - Sharp - Sophisticated

It's a blank canvas for any look.

Keep your look clean and polished 

Or Pop the Collar for Added Chic

Roll the Cuffs to Accent a Stack of Wrist Baubles

Showcase a Statement Necklace

Or Add some Color & Warmth with a Scarf

 The options are endless but never boring.
It's important that your white shirt is indeed crisp!  Pressing is important ... no I don't mean you have to pull out the age old starch but it should be void of wrinkles.

I personally enjoy the development of the "non-iron".  You can wash & dry with a look of professional pressing.  I find mine at BrooksBrothers. Banana Republic also carries non-iron shirts.

Tailoring is also important, especially for us gals who have curves.  Puckering at the chest is not cool! And baggy at the waist isn't going to do you any favors.

Find a fit/size that fits the largest area and then tailor down where needed.  (Purchasing on sale helps with the additional cost of alterations)

If you are really interested in customization, Tom James is the Best!  They work one on one using your measurements to create a perfect fit.  They can even make one cuff larger to accommodate the the must-have large watch or embroider your signature on the cuff.

And don't forget your jeans!  The Crisp White Shirt isn't just for the office... it's the universal goes-with-everything piece!!

XOXO Sarah Louise