Gussied Up Shorts

Every now and then I take a momentary break from color for a sharp pallette of black and white.  The stark contrast is sophisticated and timeless.

Done in a summer top & shorts is a lovely and cool way of styling.

Note: I keep the look modern with gold jewelry. I also think adding a belt would be a nice finishing touch!

I've shared that I'm not my most confident in shorts but I'm working on it! Finding designs that flatter have made a big difference.

These linen blend shorts with a high rise, small single pleat and cuffed hem give a dressy silhouette while also being super comfortable. The rise enhances the waist line, length isn't too short or long and the fabric is light but with structure to hold shape.

With all these elements, I decided to own these in black, tan and pink!

As for this top - I'd own it in several colors if it were available! The neckline is so pretty and enhances the shoulders. While it does expose the upper body it has full coverage of the chest. 

Note: this top is worth wearing a strapless bra for!

Top | Shorts

This outfit is great for day time with a sandal 

but also chic for evening with a wedge or platform heel and dressy handbag! 

Dress Beautifully in Black & White

XOXO Sarah Louise

Black & White

 

Most of the time I see things as black and white. It's just my personality (enneagram 1). I won't elaborate for the sake of focusing on fashion but let's just say I take a strong stance on what's right & what's wrong. 

I find a black and white outfit the epitome of a classic look. The sharp contrast is simple yet striking. I gravitate towards more white than black. I also prefer the mix presented in a print/texture as opposed to color blocking.  It softens the combination and gives it a more feminine look.

Another timeless piece, is a pair of wide leg linen pants in the Summer. They're easy breezy, elongate the legs and gracious are they comfortable. 

Tip: Pair voluminous pieces (like these pants) with a top that's more fitted and structured for balance. 

Bonus Tip: Tuck your top or opt for a cropped length with high waisted pants/skirts for a long & slimming silhouette. 

I love cut away tops. They're not quite halter put they expose quite a bit of shoulder which is ultra flattering on the upper body and arms. AND a racerback bra solves the support issue without having to result to a dreaded strapless. 

Halter Top | Wide Leg Linen Pants | Shoes |  Earrings 

Dress Beautifully in Black & White

XOXO Sarah Louise

Back in Black Pants

Back (we won't discuss how far back) in my college and post college days sleek black pants and a pretty blouse was 'the' go-to look. We wore this outfit to almost everything: work, dinners, nights out etc ...

And then there was a shift swapping out the black pant for dark jeans. 

Now, I typically gravitate to color and softer neutrals like navy and brown but I do appreciate the sharpness of a high contrast palette like black and white. The feminine design elements in the floral print, puff sleeves and tie neck of this blouse softens the outfit. There are very small amounts of color, rust & deep purple) sprinkled throughout that lend to fun pairing options when layering sweaters & jewelry. 

This blouse is light weight and full of modern detail that really do make whatever you pair it with make a snazzy statement. 

I encourage you to give your jeans a break and take a pair of black pants for a spin.

Printed Blouse  & Here | Black Pants | Studded Heels & Here | Handbag & Similar |

Dress Beautifully in Classic Black & White 

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

Paper Bag Pants

Raise your hand if you want an outfit that whittles your waist! It's high time you get yourself a pair of paper bag waist pants.  Let me explain.  The name is deceiving, there's nothing plain or unattractive about these pants.  It is simply used to describe the cinched waist like that of the bag.  The waist is higher and often has a fabric tie sash.  This highlights the smallest part on your body.

The legs tend to have more volume so I suggest pairing with a fitted top and always tuck in to highlight the tee tiny waist these pants will give you.

And not only do they flatter, they're extra comfortable! 

I swapped out the sash for a contrasting belt.  It adds texture, color and acts as an accessory.

These pants are timeless, just look back at Audrey Hepburn! So I kept my blouse and pumps classic.

PS Baby girl has me on Target runs weekly and like every other gal who steps into the 'danger zone' (that's what I call it because the amount of things you bring home and money you will spend on each run is dangerous #truth) I came home with more than diapers and baby food, such as these pants! 

Paper Bag Waist Pants & Similar & Here | Similar Shoes & Here | Top | Belt | 

Dress Beautifully in Paper Bag Waist Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise

Dot Dot Dot

Hey gals, so I feel like the blog has seriously been a "..." situation.  Like who knows when she'll post again ... sigh I try but if it makes you feel any better I truly am living my best life over here!

I spend my days with baby girl, friends, family basically enjoying all the best life has to offer.  And while there are moments where I miss the corporate hustle this maternity leave break beats any accomplishment made in the office. #TRUTH

I do have good intentions to post, Vivian Louise is sleeping through the night every night and I'm starting to get a routine and increase productivity but I will stop it all and soak up the snuggles because babies don't keep!

So for this outfit I mixed a classic polka dot blouse with the come back of beige.  I typically don't go for polka dots but I love this version because the base is white (favorite) and the dots are huge making a bolder statement. It's also sleeveless, my go-to, with ruffles for extra femininity and button front so nursing friendly (I can't believe that's my first thoughts when looking at clothes these days).

Remember back in the day when khaki was the 'IT' neutral? We all had khaki pants, just admit it.  Well, while I don't believe in bringing those back (go for a pair of chinos in olive, blue or blush) this beige skirt is far from boring.  It's a flattering fit, comfortable, with pockets and crazy affordable.

Pair it with tees and saturated colors and its a piece you can wear from work to weekend.

Polka Dot Blouse ||  Beige Skirt  ||  Similar Pumps  ||  Similar Handbag  ||

Dress Beautifully in Dots

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tie Up Top

After a very cold first half of the week I'm beyond excited for temps in the 60's this afternoon.  I'm craving Spring soooo bad! Being cooped up with a newborn makes it worse.  I can't take her out for our strolls when its cold and we both delight in sunshine and outside time.  Now that I'm back in the gym and seeing the return of my figure I'm itching to get into lighter and brighter clothes.

Tie front tops remind me of the 60's and are trending this season.  This one in particular I love because it's in a gingham print (classic) and not only does it have interest in the tie front, it also has buttons down the back - forgot to take a pic of that.  It's light weight to wear as a tee for a causal look but also appropriate for work if paired with trousers or a skirt.

Black and white combo is timeless and sharp.  A very clean palette.  For an extra summer and on trend look, I paired it with these comfy white wide leg jeans.  I bought them last season.  They're super comfy.  The trick for wide leg crop pants to not overwhelm you with volume, especially if your petite like me, is for a high waist design and a shorter or tucked in top.  Also consider a shoe with a heel for elevation.

I added just a hint of color with these blush slides.
I plan to pair these jeans with a sassy top & high heel for date night.

Add a twist to your basic top or tee with a tie front!

Gingham Tie Top & Similar - More Tie Up Tops ||  Similar Wide Leg White Jeans  ||

Slides & Similar  ||  Crossbody Bag  ||  Earrings  ||  Initial Necklace  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Tie Up Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

Spring Must Have: Stripes

Spring must have: Stripes.

Ok, let's be honest stripes are for all seasons but something about the bright white and crisp lines screams warm weather.  This dress is a classic and what I like to call a 'Forever Piece'.  Meaning, you will have it in your closet for years of wear making it a wise investment.

The palette is neutral giving this dress endless styling options.  Like I mentioned in yesterday's post, I prefer to swap out self fabric sash/belts with one of my own for added texture, interest and style.  You could also add color to this dress with a blazer, belt, shoes, handbag or jewelry.  I opted to keep the look full of contrast allowing the stripes themselves to be the focal point rather than a pop of color. 

I did add some shine with more classics in a pair of gold hoops and cuff bracelet.  

Stripes are a staple when it comes to adding print to your wardrobe.

Stripe Dress  ||  Similar Pumps  ||  Similar Handbag  ||

Dress Beautifully in Bold Stripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Python Purse

Gals, this look bumped the others down on the list to post because I was so excited to share this python purse Mr gifted me for Christmas.  I had posted about it on this Friday 5 Post several weeks back and when it was 30% off for Black Friday I made sure Mr knew about it.

Surprise presents are just rare for us.  So rather than struggle and hunt down something that the other may want we either treat ourselves or send a link via email - so romantic I know. But honestly romance isn't in wrapped presents, it's in the little things like when Mr surprised me with my nursery chair or when he put together baby girl's crib on a day I was super sick at work and sent me a picture.

So back to the purse/outfit, I do believe that when you're wearing solids or color blocking you must add some print somewhere and animal prints are my most favorite! Despite my intense fear of snakes I'm obsessed with snake accessories.  They have a fierceness and expensive look about them.

This dress is obviously maternity - but my vest is not.  I've utilized vests and jackets to add style and variety to my maternity pieces.  Even thought they don't button I find that they still get the style job done and they even help me feel a bit more confident by adding coverage to all my extra curves.

PS #36weeks

Maternity LBD  ||  Vest  ||  Python Purse  ||  Pumps  || 

Dress Beautifully with Python Accessories

XOXO Sarah Louise