Friday Favorites: What to Wear

 I hear this question all the time - "What should I wear?" This question seems to come up a lot this time of year with back to school functions and social events.

Fashion is more versatile than ever with so many trends that it can be overwhelming. I find that we want to look stylish but not too overdressed and for heaven's sake we all want to be comfortable so that we can present ourselves confidently.

My Blouse & Here

My Answer: A nice blouse and classic jeans! 

This is a look that presents polished, feminine, flattering, modern and comfortable! ALL the things!

Tip: Choose a blouse that has colors and/or prints that showcase your personality! Choose jeans that have a medium to dark wash, straight cut and ankle length. This is classic and universally flattering. 

I personal love THESE JEANS.

Here are some beautiful blouses for all occasions ...

Floral Ruffle Blouse

I absolutely love this print and the ruffles!

Several color and print options

Sage Green Peplum

This color and cut is so flattering!

Keyhole Top

classic black - but with modern details 

Bold Paisley Print

Muted Animal Print

Floral 

Stripe

several colors

Sequin Button Up

sophisticated and sassy

also in blue

Ruffle Neck

I have this and love it! 

2 additional colors

Satin Blouse

also in ivory & teal

Dress Beautifully in a Blouse & Jeans

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Blouses & Sweater Vests

 TGIF! Gals it's been quite a new week. Vivian started a new preschool year, her last (I cried), she started her 2nd year of dance, next week she'll add gymnastics and I'm starting to get into a new routine too! I don't feel as productive this week as I'd hoped but I'm giving myself grace for adjustment.

My Blouse

Soon, hopefully very soon, we will have to adjust to cooler temperatures.  One of my favorite ways to style this season, going all the way back to my college days and throughout my office days is to layer a sleeveless sweater over a blouse. I love this pairing as it adds just the right amount of warmth, structure, soft texture, easy movement and allows for an additional layer pieces such a blazer or jacket without extra bulk on your arms.

Tip: I never ever leave the bottom of the top exposed. In my opinion it should ALWAYS be tucked in.  Untucked not only is less polished but can add unwanted bulk and volume on your hips which is never slimming. 

Here are some pretty blouses and vests to layer ...

Classic Tie Neck in White

Satin Tie Neck

Check Tie Neck

Feminine Button Down

also in pink & ivory

Plaid Tie Neck

Turtleneck Tank

I love the neck and texture - several color options

Striped Zip Vest

I ordered this in the white

Fun Printed Vest

2 print options

Mock Neck Sweater Shell

several color options

Pointelle Shell

2 additional colors

Cropped Cable Stripe Vest

I tried this one today and loved!

Bow Vest

I brought this one home in black (shocking I never wear black!) also in ivory

Two for one set!

available in 4 colors

Short sleeve Set

3 colors

Dress Beautifully in a Blouse & Sweater Vest

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Blouses Under Dresses

TGIF! Brrrr it's been a cold week.  And a challenge not being able to play outside with Vivian but there's no shortage of laughter inside where it's warm.

Layering in the winter is my favorite way of styling my outfits because it makes the most out of my wardrobe. A majority of my dresses are sleeveless therefore giving me the option to wear all year long with the addition of pieces underneath and over during the winter months. 

One of my signature style moves is layering blouses underneath dresses. I've been doing it for 15+ years! I don't own a cardigan but I do have plenty of blazers to put over dresses. However I find it's a little more comfortable and easier to move around in blouse or dress shirt. 

A versatile wardrobe not only allows for countless pairing/styling options but also maximizes your monetary investment. These blouses and dresses are great on their own but paired together creates another unique outfit. 

Here are 5 examples of ways I've paired blouses underneath dresses ...

Note: I've had these pieces for many years! While the world is drowning us in influences to have new and more, working with what you have is so much better!

I've linked similar pieces below each picture.

Crisp White Shirt | Leopard Dress | Boots

I like a dress shirt buttoned ALL the way up.  It has a sharp menswear look to it.
I think it'd be fun to add a colored broach at the top.

Black & White Blouse | Black Dress | Pumps

Snake Blouse | Burgundy Dress | Pumps

This v-neck blouse aligned perfectly with the dress's but if it didn't the blouse would have more showcase.  Pieces don't have to fit like a puzzle.

Pink Blouse | Blue Dress | Burgundy Booties

These two necklines had the same shape but didn't align just right.  So to fill the space I added a very long layered pearl necklace to break it up. 

Bright Printed Blouse | Ivory Dress | Pumps

The clean ivory of this tweed dress really balances the bold colors and print of the blouse.

Dress Beautifully Layering Blouses Under Dresses

XOXO Sarah-Louise