Friday Favorites: Winter Blues

 TGIF! Brrrr it's been a frigid week here. I purchased a down puffer coat with a fur trimmed hood 2 years ago for a trip to Lake Tahoe and it's been one I'm so glad I have! 

Winter blues are a real thing. The cold, the short darker days and barren trees can be discouraging but wearing pretty blues I find is fresh and pretty! I even decorate with a lot of blues.

My Grandma always wore navy, it was her favorite and she styled it in such a classic way typically with white and red lipstick. Navy is a crisp dark neutral that's soft and by far the one I gravitate towards the most (besides white).

MY JACKET

Fun Fact: I had a video call with my Mamma to show her this outfit because I loved it so much and she loved it too!

Style Tip: Pair blues with orange, brown and black! 

Here are some happy blues ....

KNIT JACKET

BOLD STRIPE BUTTON UP

ROLLNECK SWEATER

CABLE CARDIGAN

TROUSER JEAN

CROPPED WIDE LEG

DENIM MINI DRESS

MOTO JACKET

FRINGE JACKET

SWEATER

Dress Beautifully in Blue

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pleats Pretty Please

When it came to this blouse it was a matter of which color(s) to buy! I love a crisp dress shirt and when you add feminine pleated ruffles in a modern asymmetrical design it's a must have!

The shirt itself has a hint of stretch and seams that tailor around the waist giving it a super flattering fit and it makes it easy to tuck in.  It has the classic pointed collar with the added ruffles around the neckline you get just the right detail drawing attention towards your face.  The ruffles along the sleeve hem I find flattering also as they enhance the shoulders enhancing an hourglass silhouette.
Another detail I admire on dress shirts, is covered buttons.  It's the little details that refine a garment.

While I can never ever have enough white tops, I decided to go with the blue color ... but there's a distinct possibility I'll go back :)  I liked the blue for it's subtle dot print.  You would treat the top like a solid when styling but the dot pattern again adds just the right amount of detail.  I pair the blouse with a navy pant but almost any color will compliment.

These trousers are my most favorite fit and go-to!  I have them in several colors and prints.  They skim the body and in an ankle length I don't have to hem or wear high heels. Classic in a modern cut. I can't get enough! These have a single pleat at the waist, which isn't for everyone but I find it adds just a little more room for movement. I scored them on major sale and it adds some variety. But I have to say I do prefer flat front.

Gals, this blouse isn't just for adding style during the week days.  With a pair of jeans and untucked, it's super chic!

Pleated Ruffle Blouse || Navy Trousers || Pumps || 

Dress Beautifully in a Pleated Blouse

XOXO Sarah Louise

Jacket + Shorts

Blazers & jackets are my thing.  I maybe own 2 cardigans as I prefer the structure and sophistication of a jacket.    The construction of a blazer/jacket provides shape on the body and is more durable for many years of wear.  Jackets also give a more polished look to any outfit.

Blazers/jackets have come a long way over the years and I'm loving all the fun details in the modern designs with unique fabrics, prints, asymmetric hems, and zippers.  The zippered mid-closure and functional cuff zippers bring a hint of edgy to this jacket.

It can be hard to think of putting a jacket on in this summer heat so opt for a light shades and fabrics in linen/cotton as well as for your foundation pieces.

Pairing a jacket with shorts is a chic way to be casual and cool. The geometric print on this jacket is trending but also interesting because when your really take a close look, the woven pattern is tiny little hearts!  Since I rarely wear black, blues are my go-to neutrals.  This jacket's color palette is primarily ivory and blue but with hints of black threads throughout and on the zippers you can carry it through all seasons.

Jacket: J Crew Factory || Silk Tank: J Crew || Shorts: J Crew Similar & Here || 

Pumps: Nine West || Pearl Necklace: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully Pairing a Jacket with Shorts

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 

Black & Blue

I get asked often if pairing black and blue is ok.  It's more than ok gals!  I personally love pairing the two shades.  Since I don't wear a lot of black, it's key to add some color when I do.  

The 'Midi' length is a huge trend and one I've been dying to try but being petite I was extremely apprehensive that it would make me look shorter than I already am.  I've found that a lot of the midi length skirts are full and pleated.  By opting for a midi length that's fitted or less voluminous you get more of a sleek long look.  To me the midi length is very feminine and reminds me of those elegant ladies of the 50's!

This black dress has subtle and sophisticated stripes and a lot of stretch to create a fitted shape. I paired it with cobalt blue pumps and coat (y'all it was crazy cold taking these pics!).  For the summer months I plan to pair this dress with sandals and wedges for a more casual look.

Photos BMD

Dress: Ann Taylor || Pumps: Nine West || Coat: J Crew Similar || 

Handbag: Prada || Earrings: Kate Spade || Bangle: David Yurman || 

Dress Beautifully in Black & Blue

XOXO Sarah Louise

Brick & Blue

 

How fun is this skirt?!!  J Crew has the amazing ability to catch your eye with a pop of print in every collection they launch. This skirt was on the front table of the store and made it in my arms before I could even browse a rack.

The colors are saturated and unexpected.  It's somewhat contradictory having such deep hues in a floral print, I tend to think of pastels for blooms but I'm digging the darker palette. It almost reminds me of a painting you'd see in a museum from hundreds of years ago. 

Having auburn locks, I'm quite fond of the rust color. It's a muted version of red but is just as much fun.  I decided to pull from the blue with a menswear inspired, striped button down opposite the feminine floral. 

Since the ground hog was right in predicting several more weeks of winter black tights were a must!

You can find this firework print in various other pieces here.  For me, the fabric in this skirt was of a heavier wight and conveyed a more intense version of the colors. 

Skirt: J Crew || Button Down: J Crew || Tights: J Crew || Pumps: Nine West ||

Dress Beautifully in Brick & Blue

XOXO Sarah Louise

Spot-Light

This Blouse is Spot On! 

I Love Work Wear and I Love Color.  

I find it Miserably Boring to have a Constant Rotation of Dark Neutral Solids for Work. Adding Color and Print Doesn't take away from Professionalism but Rather Allows Your Personality to Shine Through.  

Now, I don't Recommend Mixing Prints or Neon Colors for Interviewing or Important Meetings (those are the occasions to dress as simplistic as possible)

This Blouse isn't Just for the Office Ladies, Pair it with Jeans or Under a Sweater and You've Got Yourself a Casual Chic Weekend Look.

Polka Dots are a Timeless Print.  What Made me Run and Grab a Sales Associate to Remove it Off the Mannequin Display so I Could Have it was How Large the Polka Dots were.  This Blouse also has a lot of Graphic Design to it with the Brighter Blue Stripe Down the Middle. 

I knew I wanted to Pair it with my Mustard Pencil Skirt.  Sure Grey, Navy, and Black would be Nice, but Adding a Saturated Gold Hue is Much More Fun :)

I Chose my Favorite Gold Hoops to Mimic the Circular Polka Dots and Blue Pumps to go Along with the Brilliant Blues in the Blouse.

When Wearing a Look with Lots of Color Keep Your Handbag Neutral (Tan, Grey, Black) 

Dot Blouse: Ann Taylor || Pencil Skirt: J Crew Similar || 

Earrings: Kate Spade Similar || Pumps: Nine West || Polish: Butter London ||

Sunglasses: Target || 

Dress Beautifully in Polka Dots

XOXO Sarah Louise