Friday Favorites: Winter Finds

 TGIF!!!! Last Friday I was in Jamaica so I missed sharing my favs with y'all. It was an awesome week with my dear friend who earned the trip with work and graciously included me. This week was all about catching up, returning to my regularly scheduled programing and embracing colder weather.

KNIT BUTTONED JACKET

Here are some pretty Winter pieces I've found ...

VELVET DRESS

ordered for Christmas

FRINGE CARDIGAN

also in gold

STUDDED FLATS

CLOAK BOOTS

LEOPARD LADY SWEATER

SILK SHELL

SILK PANT

LIPSTICK

BASIC LONG SLEEVE TEE

STUDDED SKIRT

CORDUROY PANTS

I have these & love! 6 colors

SLINGBACK HEELS

FAIR ISLE SHELL & CARDIGAN SET

also in a beautiful purple/gray color way

COZY SWEATER

So soft! size up as it is cropped - $15 9 colors

Dress Beautifully in the Cold

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Boots

 TGIF! It's here! Weather cool enough to wear boots! Boots have such an opportunity to add style & personality alongside their purpose to protect from the elements and keep you warm.

I like to add color, pattern and so much texture with my boots.

SNAKE KNEE HIGH BOOTS

also in solid black & brown

I also don't skimp on quality. I choose an all leather construction and a heel height no higher than 2". This allows me to wear them for many years! I even have them polished throughout and at the end of the season before storing away.

Tip: I have nearly all of my knee high boots stretched by a cobbler for added comfort and room. (I use Belk Shoe Repair in Southpark, Charlotte)

Here are some boots I find oh so beautiful ...

Fold Over Bootie

4 color options 

Barrel Bootie

I love the long pointy toe, walkable heel & green hue to the snake print (these are in my cart!)

also in black & brown

Silver

I'm loving this metallic pop!

Suede Knee High Stacked Heel

also in black & ivory

Western Boot

also in tan suede

Pointy Toe Block Heel Bootie

also in brown suede

Western Bootie

3 colors

Croc Knee High Block Heel

4 colors & snake print

Dress Beautifully in Boots

XOXO Sarah Louise

1 Dress 6 Styles

It's the first day of November, a new month, new week and so close to the end of this year. Let's make it good, shall we?! 

I'm going to start with a pretty dress that comes at a pretty price and flatters all body shapes and sizes.  I'm going to style it several ways sure to fit any occasion and personality. 
This dress in a small floral print with lots of color, a waist seam and ruffled hem gives you so many options.

Fashion is what you buy. 

Style is what you do with it! 

THIS DRESS

Add a statement belt - This wide belt is going to be worn a ton!

Add a sleeveless sweater & Clogs

Tip: pull from one of the colors in the print to compliment

A blazer really makes for a sharp office look.

Keep warm adding a cozy sweater in a bright color

Go for an edgy look with a Moto jacket and combat boots.

Personally, I find a fur vest to be the best winter accessory!

Dress Beautifully Styling 1 Dress in Many Ways

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Tunic Turtleneck

I gravitate to sleeveless garments.  For me, it's functional.  Sleeveless dresses and tops allow for layering under with dress shirts/blouses or over with blazers or jackets without having the hassle of stuffing sleeves.

For fall, when the temperatures can vary sometimes a span of 30 degrees in a day, layering pieces are key.  This sleeveless sweater is warm and cozy yet your arms are free and as the day warms with sunshine you won't melt. You can easily add a long sleeve tee as we get closer to winter weather.
Note:  You will need to wear a camisole/tank underneath as the side arm holes are long.

I originally styled this with a pair of jeans and suede booties - but that's just so typical, although I have worn it that way on the weekend. But you gals know that dressing for the office is more my inspirational mission.

I paired this with one of my favorite skirts - I call it the 'Flippy Mini'
Confession: I have it in 3 colors

Add a pair of dress boots and not only are you office appropriate but with the high/low hem design of the sweater you're right on trend.
I kept this look neutral but the heather gray would pop next to dark neutrals or bright colors - think burgundy,  hunter green, cobalt blue and pink.
Perfect for a pair of skinny trousers too.

P.S. Life is better when you're laughing :)

Sleeveless Turtleneck: Banana Republic || Skirt: J Crew & Similar  ||

Boots: Nine West || Camisole: Target (the adjustable straps are essential) || 

Dress Beautifully in a Sleeveless Turtleneck

XOXO Sarah Louise

Poncho

Ponchos make Comfy & Cozy Oh So Chic.

I have to be honest, I've loved the poncho trend this winter but because I'm petite I felt that they would swallow me whole and look like I had wrapped a couch blanket around myself.  And who wants to look like a big blob of blanket??! 

I fell in love with this poncho the moment I tried it on.  First it's ivory, my favorite color to wear, second, it isn't too long and third, the sides are designed high allowing my arms to move freely.  

It's easy to wear over tops and super soft and warm.

I paired this sweater poncho with ivory jeans and a simple tee underneath for a monochromatic look. 

The brown crocodile pump boots add some contrast and texture. 

Sweater Poncho: Talbots (sold out) Similar & Here & Here || Jeans: Ann Taylor || Tee: Target ||

Boots: Ralph Lauren Similar || Ring: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Poncho

XOXO Sarah Louise

Ice Blue

Pastel Colors aren't Just for Spring.  

Sure When it Comes to Winter Shades I think of Dark Hues but there's something fresh, clean and snow-like about Light Pastels in the Colder Seasons.  

Now, us Southerners have strict rules when it comes to colors and fabrics worn  in their appropriate time and place.  I'm talking about White specifically. It only comes out from Easter to Labor Day.  I'm conflicted.  I'm a rule follower and I Love my Southern culture and it's traditions. But, my white jeans are THE most comfortable, soft and well White/Ivory are my Favorite Colors to Wear! 

So I broke the rule. 

With all outfits, there's a way to style in making a look appropriate.

When incorporating light colors do so in cold weather items and fabrics.  Sweaters, scarves, and coats in wools, cashmere and tweeds.  This will bring the cool shades right into the right season. 

This Popcorn Cable Turtleneck sweater fits right into winter because it's made in a thick textured design.  I can't say the same for the white jeans but by pairing with boots you get a winter appropriate look. 

I also love the side slits on this sweater, a trend this season.  It allows longer lengths to lay flat on the body.

Sweater: Ann Taylor Sold Out Similar and Here || Jeans: Ann Taylor ||

Boots: Tory Burch || Earrings: Kate Spade Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Pastels

XOXO Sarah Louise

Blanket Scarf

The Blanket Scarf is Trending .... Just in Case You've Been Living Under a Rock and Didn't Know.

Trend: Something that is currently popular or fashionable.

Gals I Must Share this Rule: "Just because it's Trending Doesn't Mean You Should Wear it!"

So Here's My Criteria for Embracing a Trend:
- Is it Flattering?
- Can it be Worn Next Year and the Year After?
- How Often Can it be Worn?
- Price, Can You Rock it Inexpensively Until You've Decided to Invest?

When it came to Jumping on the Blanket Scarf Trend the Answers were All Positive. 
It's flattering (well it's an scarf so it's great for all shapes and sizes), it's a plaid print in traditional colors so a classic that can be worn for years, it's an appropriate accessory for work & weekend looks, and since you can find them at almost all apparel retailers in a variety of fabrics there is sure to be a price that fits your wallet. 

Bonus: It's Warm! 

I'm more of a Silk Scarf Enthusiast so I Opted for a Blanket Scarf that Looks & Feels Expensive but at a Price that You can't Walk Away from. 

And for Even More Fun, I Paired it's Many Colors with Pattern, Texture, and Shine

Stripes, Plaid, Fur Oh My!

Blanket Scarf: Target || Striped Dress: Saint James Similar || Fur Vest: Tahari Similar ||  

Gray Boots: Cole Hann Similar || Hobo Handbag: Marshalls Love this One from Madewell || 

'S' Bracelet: C Wonder Similar || Earrings: Kate Spade || 

Sunglasses: Target || Polish: Butter London || 

Dress Beautifully in a Blanket Scarf

XOXO Sarah Louise