Miss Americana

 

Gals, I love America. I'm proud to live in this country and of the principles of freedom it was founded on.

So much that our family contributed to protecting them. Several years ago Ryan served in the US Navy as a medical officer following the completion of school.  He even deployed to the Middle East for nearly a year with a Marine infantry battalion as their Battalion Surgeon. Gracious that was a hard time!

So naturally it makes me happy to see Americana style trending.  Think of it as a style that celebrates America's heritage & culture. It incorporates casual elements like denim, our flag colors, and antique patterns like those found in quilting.

Quilting is an art.  I have a friend who's mother is an amazing quilter and made Vivian the most exquisite one as a gift before she was born.  I have it hanging on display in her room. It is an art to piece the fabric shapes together with various patterns of stitching. It fascinates me!

This skirt really exemplifies Americana style with the quilting and gingham print. Now, no gal wants to go around looking like Martha Washington so the key is to pair it with modern pieces, like this acid wash ruffled chambray top and heeled booties. Knotting your shirt gives a chic look and adds shape.

I added a hint of color and shine with my jewelry. 

I haven't been including my purses in my outfit posts but I'm going to try a bit more.  This one I received for Christmas last year and I carry it daily! It's the perfect size for carrying everything I need. It's comfortable as a crossbody (handsfree is essential when wrangling a toddler on errands) and the color is rich and neutral complimenting any outfit casual or dressy. It comes in several colors and style variations.

 

Chambray Top | Quilted Skirt & Here | Similar Bootie | Handbag |

Dress Beautifully in Americana Style

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Ms. Americana

This dress is absolutely a top 5 purchase this year! Where to begin? Well, I titled this post Ms. Americana because of the navy, ivory and brick red colors in the classic block print. 

Side note: despite the craziness in our country, I'm proud to be an American!

The fabric is a light crisp cotton (my #1), with a smocked cinched waist (such good shape), a pleated tiered skirt, a split neckline and a subtle puff short sleeve (slimming on the arm).  And pockets!

Truly a comfortable beauty, this dress fits for any occasion. The length is great for a heel when your feeling dressy or a flat for when you need to be casual but eager to gussy up a bit. 

It's an all season piece that layers beautifully with a denim or moto jacket.  

Dress - available in 5 print/color options | Handbag | Similar Booties & Here |

Dress Beautifully in a Printed Tiered Maxi Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

A Little Bootie

Down here in the South just because Labor Day has come and gone Summer's warm weather sticks around.  While some say you should kick those Summer ensembles out of your closet and into storage, I believe in hanging on a smidge longer. There's still plenty of wear left at least for the month of September and with a little styling you can find a middle ground before it's full on Fall fashion season.

 One of my favorite ways of transitioning my outfits from Summer to Fall is with a little bootie.

Pairing mini length dresses with a bootie marries elements of both seasons that's just right! It's a perfect balance of staying cool while dipping your toes into the cooler season.

It's also a very modern and comfortable look. It's a versatile outfit appropriate for dressy occasions like a dinner or night out while still easy enough for lunch with the gals. 

Y'all know I rarely wear black but with a design as cute as this one I'll embrace the darker side of dressing.  The ruffles around the neck and shoulders create such a pretty emphasis on the upper body towards your face, which is best in my opinion.  I love the smocked waist for shape and tiered fun skirt.  

This mini dress is #1 in my book as it's length isn't super short.  I'm only 5'2" if my hair is super big and the nurse doesn't smash it when she measures my height. Even being petite I'm often frustrated at how short dresses are these days. It's not ladylike for the hem to be shorter than your finger tips! #truth

Now, when it really gets chilly a denim or leather Moto jacket will layer beautifully.  You can also add more to your shoe and go with a knee high boot.

So, in a nut shell, booties bridge the gap from Summer to Fall styling when paired with sundresses.

Embroidered Ruffled Mini LBD | Ivory Bootie & Here & Here |

DressBeautifully with a Little Bootie

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Retro Cross Stitch

I've shared with you many many times that 'It's all in the details', 'style is a reflection of your personality' and that 'pieces should speak to you'.  This blouse reflects all of these ideals.

The cross stitched floral pattern, the shear overlay, the scalloped hems, neckline trim, slightly puffed elbow sleeve and back buttons are details you rarely find, not to mention all together.
The colors are a unique balance of bold and neutral with a retro vibe.  Orange, brown, teal and fuchsia definitely have a 70's feel and I'm all about it!
But it's the large cross stitched floral design that spoke to me.  I used to cross stitch as a young girl and loved it. I've often thought about picking it back up to make something for Vivian but gracious where's the time?!!

While the orange and brown shades fit with the Fall season this blouse would be absolutely gorgeous all year long.  I would definitely pair with neutrals like brown, navy, ivory, white and of course denim so that you let the colors shine. Although bright pink or purple would be amazing!

Garments like these make you smile and you'll wear them for years!
They will also attract lots of compliments :)

Cross Stitched Floral Blouse | Wide Leg Crop Pants | Similar Booties | Similar Earrings | Ring |

Dress Beautifully in a Detailed Blouse

XOXO Sarah-Louise