Classic with a Twist

Gals I am ALL about the classics when it comes to my wardrobe (and home decor). 

First of all their beauty is timeless therefore making these pieces a wise investment I'll wear over and over for years. 

Second, they style well with other classics as well as modern pieces for an elevated mix.

Third, they flatter as the designs are typically well structured and in quality fabrics.

For the past several years I've been shaking up my wardrobe with more embellishment and detailing for a more contemporary look.

This blazer exemplifies this.

It's a classic check plaid print in a sleek long line silhouette but with a cool factor in the appliqué patches in velvet & beading! 

I've seen similar jackets from high end designers that while beautiful a bit too high in price point.

This one really sparked joy for me with its juxtaposition of classic and modern design.

My Mama would warn us "not to wear your heart on your sleeve"

In this case I think she'd approve!

Tip: You can create this look by adding patches and/or broaches to it! I'm probably going to add a few pins for some extra shine and personality.

I encourage you to look for classic pieces that have unique embellishments

or add your own for a modern twist!

Dress Beautifully in Embellished Classics

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Spring Suiting

TGIF! Today ... actually this entire week has been fun! After a week away during Spring Break we are happily back into our routine doing the activities we love. The best part is seeing our friends again and all the outside time. We've officially abandoned our dining room for our outdoor patio.

Oh I almost forgot, Vivian had a milestone of a week - she has her first loose tooth, earned her yellow band for swimming and is officially registered for kindergarten (I cried). 

My Jacket & Skirt

Spring here is a small window of time where the weather is warm before it turns all day every day scorching #SouthernLiving. I try to take advantage of this time and wear sophisticated structured pieces. In a culture where casual wear is all the rage, I stay true to ladylike outfits that are just as comfortable.

Style Tip: Separate matching sets pairing with jeans, shorts and casual tops for a modern every day look.

Here are some lovely Spring Suits ....

White Linen Jacket & Pants

several color options

Linen Vest & Shorts

also in pink & tan

Black Gingham Jacket & Pant

Plaid - matching Dress - Skirt & Shorts

Pink Tweed Jacket & Shorts

Chambray Jacket & Pant

Dress Beautifully in a Spring Suit

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

Friday Favorites: Blazers & Shorts

TGIF! Although Ryan just pointed out to me that every day feels like Friday.  While true, this one is especially exciting because it's my birthday eve! I always reflect around this time on the past year of my life and what I want the next one to look like.  Every year, well day actually, is a gift and I want to live like it.
I'm going to just put it out there that I'm pretty darn proud of what my 36th year looked like.  It wasn't perfect but by the grace of God I've grown and learned and hope to continue on that path for my 37th.

During my MOPS meeting on Zoom this morning we all were asked to share a quote that inspired us.  I didn't even attempt to select a bible verse because there are just way too many that encourage me so I went with this one ...

It's me to a T

And when it come to getting dressed I like a little bit of business and a little bit of fun.  It's called balance gals.  Pairing a blazer with shorts is one of my favorite ways to showcase my personality in a chic way.  Polished pieces are my favorite but I've come to love incorporating more fun in my style.  This contrasting combination speaks to both elements of me. This is also the best time to wear an outfit like this because it's warm enough for shorts but you won't melt in a jacket.

This is also a fabulous example of creating versatility in your wardrobe.  Make the most out of your investments by stretching your office apparel into a casual setting.

Note: This doesn't go the other way ... you can't make shorts work in the office. Sorry.

For your next evening or weekend outing try business on the top and party on the bottom with a blazer & shorts ensemble!

Here are some great blazers & shorts ...

BLAZERS

Black

3 Neutral Color Options

Fitted, popped collar, and 4 season stretch

Tan

6 Color Options

Linen, a light luster and hint of stretch for ease

Perfectly light and polished for the warmer months!

Open Front Linen

4 Color Options

Slim design and open front to show off your favorite top

Pleated Back

3 Color Options

Nipped waist and pleated back for an extra feminine layer.

Slim Single Button in Cotton

2 Color Options

Polished and practical for the warm seasons

SHORTS

Paper Bag Plaid

Pleated

2 Color Options

Yellow Liberty

High Rise Denim

Scalloped Hem in Linen

6 Color Options

Dress Beautifully in a Blazer & Shorts

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Blaze

Blazers aren't just for the office. They elevate a weekend/casual outfit to a put-together chic look.  Personally, I don't wear cardigans (I own less than 5) but have a large inventory of blazers in a variety of fabrics and prints.  Blazers are my go-to for layering because they are structured, durable and sophisticated.

Pairing blazers with a pair of jeans and a basic t-shirt polishes a casual outfit.  And while the temperatures have cooled down, it's not quite cold enough for a coat so a blazer is great for layering.

I've noticed that blazers are making a big appearance on the retail racks so scoop yourself up a neutral one and I promise you'll find yourself wearing it on repeat.

Tip:  Look for functional cuff buttons which will allow you to roll up the sleeves.

Blazer & Similar & Here | Jeans | T-Shirt | Similar Pumps | Similar Handbag |

Dress Beautifully in a Blazer

XOXO Sarah Louise

Shiny Strut

Classic pieces are the key in building a beautiful wardrobe.  Add a little shine and you've got style!

Remember the post on luxury shoe look-a-likes? I wasn't kidding when I said I owned 4 of the 5 featured. These gold fringe block heeled pumps have brought some show stopping shine to my strut over the past few weeks. Seriously though, I've been stopped and complimented often on these beauties.  Dorothy had ruby but I've got gold!

Metallic shoes are neutral and truly go with everything.  They also give just a touch of fancy to those foundation pieces.

Blouse || Blazer || Jeans || Loafers & Here || Handbag || 

Dress Beautifully in a Metallic Shoe

XOXO Sarah Louise