Girlie Neutrals

 

Fall brings out all the warm neutrals in nature and in fashion. While I'm partial to colors, I do embrace a classic palette of browns, blacks and whites from time to time. To keep it interesting I find it important to have texture and details. 

The thick knit and contrasting black bow ties add a whole lot of style and femininity. Fashion, but make it girlie for me! 

The puff sleeves and cropped length and tie closures give it a very modern design.

I paired with a stark white contrasting tank underneath but adding pastels or rich jewel tones in a top or dress underneath would both add a lovely touch of color.

I went with a shiny black pump for more of a dressy look but find a pair of classic loafers for day/work would be just as nice.

These jeans are probably my favorite fitting pair. They're classic and versatile from day to evening.

Puff Sleeve Cardigan - In Ivory & Similar | Jeans |

Dress Beautifully in Neutrals

XOXO Sarah Louise

Velvet & Bows

Velvet is probably one of my favorite fabrics.  Even in my home I've incorporated it into my decor with pillows and chair upholstery.  It's a heavier textile but sooooo soft and it has a subtle luster in the light.  For the holidays I'd rather wear velvet over sparkles!

It's an understated glamor and doesn't limit you just to the holidays but for all season long.

I was drawn to this top for all of its details.  The velvet has an added shimmer to it, and in a leopard print design. The neck & shoulders have shear ruffles and I could picture myself wearing it dressed up or down with a pair of jeans. I lightened the look with ivory trousers.

The best part .... these velvet bow shoes!!!! I found them a couple months ago and fell in love.  They look so high fashion.  The price tag was also way too high for a special occasion shoe. But come Black Friday they were over half off so I pulled the trigger #noregrets

They have a low heel and a quilted satin lining for comfort.  I couldn't wait to wear them to church this past season.
They're basically going to dictate every outfit I wear this month :)

Also, mini handbags make an outfit not-so-everyday.

Velvet Blouse | Wide Leg Crop Pants | Velvet Bow Mules | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Velvet (and Bows)

XOXO Sarah Louise

Baby, Bows & Monograms Oh My!

One of the sweetest things about having a baby girl is adorning her in bows and monograms!
Like mother like daughter!

When I was pregnant I dreamed of dressing Vivian up (smocking dresses galore ... I should really share her amazing wardrobe/closet) and her newborn pictures were the first major occasion.  I knew she'd be tiny, never did I imagine bringing home a 4lb 11oz tiny, so rather than 'outfits' I wanted to present her as the bundle of joy that she truly is.

I love to support small businesses and entrepreneurs so I often turn to Etsy for unique and handmade items.  This is a great avenue for baby items.  I ordered this pale pink silk sash the day we brought her home because her one month early arrival wasn't in my plan but the shop owner made her sash and shipped the very next day! I simply used a solid white swaddle blanket to wrap her and then tied the bow around her.  This sash is not only a keepsake but could be worn around her dresses when she's several years older.

I found my photographer months in advance and had her on standby because I wanted to capture her brand new.  We took these pictures in her nursery when she was only 12 days old. I made sure she was good a fed prior so that she would sleep peacefully through all the moving around.
As for our outfits I kept them light and bright - see my previous post as I wanted the pictures themselves to be soft.  Her pastel nursery was the perfect backdrop.

Vivian Louise

Monogrammed Silk Sash

Dress Your Baby Beautifully in Monograms & Bows

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Festive Tops

TGIF! And it’s going to be a good one! Mr is off of work this weekend (that NEVER happens!) ok well technically he’s on call Saturday but I’m choosing to believe that he won’t have to go in and I can soak up two days in a row of his greatness.  The times of just us two are quickly coming to an end so we plan to take advantage.  We never did get around to taking a baby moon (see reason above) but we are going to go on a dinner date, decorate our home for Christmas and work on organizing the nursery because gals, it’s 90% done!!!!  I’m so excited I can’t stand it! After we organize and put away all of her gifts and I finish her drapes I’ll be able to share pictures with you.

We are also helping to decorate our church for Christmas Saturday morning – it’s over 100 years old and such a beauty!  We are going to try and squeeze in a tour of the maternity center I’ll be delivering at after – ekkk it’s getting real!

Now that our calendars are turned to December tis the season for festive parties and that means festive outfits. Ruffles, bows, plaid, velvet and sequins - I've rounded up a bit of everything for you! Personally, I’ll be in a black maternity dress accessorized with sparkly baubles and furs.

BUT, if I didn’t have the bump I’d be wearing one  of these party tops – In fact I think I’m going to order the ruffled off the shoulder one for Valentine’s Day next year J

Ruffle Off the Shoulder  |  One Shoulder Bow  |  Plaid  |  Velvet  |  Sequins  |

Dress Beautifully in a Festive Top this Holiday Season

XOXO Sarah Louise

Shoulders & Squares

Spring is all about shoulders, stark white and row and rows of gingham squares!

This look encompasses those sweet elements and then some.  I added a bright pop of color with turquoise earrings and several inches (without teasing my hair) in these amazing wedges.

I love the feminine details on the sleeves with delicate bow ties and ruffles!

Gingham Off-the-Shoulder Top || White Jeans || Wedges ||

  Turquoise Earrings || Sunglasses || 

Dress Beautifully in Off-the-Shoulder Gingham

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Everything Sundress

Sundresses are a staple for Spring/Summer.  Aesthetically they're feminine and pretty, functionally they're cool and comfortable. #winning

This sundress has all the elements of perfection: stripes, ruffles, bows and it's shoulder baring (apparently they're the 'It' body part).  I'm actually fine with the exposure of off-the-shoulder designs. Shoulders/collar areas are the smallest and daintiest part of a lady and it's not revealing in the cleavage department as the line is straight across.
Note: I'm NOT ok with low cut necklines or super short hem lines. #modesty

This sundress is designed to be a true off-the-shoulder, however I find the lack of arm mobility so frustrating due to the constraint around the bicep area.  Picture this, you're sitting at dinner and you reach for your glass and Snap! the elastic strap springs up on top of your shoulder. sigh Now you have to pull it back down in place.  I just feel like my arms are glued down by my sides and I can only bend at the elbow ... makes me feel like a t-rex.

Sooooo, because of the construction of this dress I was actually able to wear it as a strapless by not putting my arms through the shoulder straps. Genius if I do say so myself.  The dress is very pretty both ways so wear it which ever way suits your fancy.

I paired it with my favorite new wedges and I can't tell you gals enough how comfortable these are. AND I feel super tall which never happens as high stilettos make my feet hurt just looking at them.

This sundress will not only keep you cool in the Summer heat but it will bring the chic to any occasion.

Sundress || Wedges || Earrings || 

Dress Beautifully in a Sundress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Put A Bow On It

Bows Add a Beauty.  From the Ordinary Tie of a Shoe Lace to the Fancy Silk Sash of a Gown and of Course No Surprise or Present is Complete without the Finishing Touch of a Ribbon Bow.

From the Time we were Little Girls with Bows in Our Hair, they’ve Sustained as an Essential  Accessory in Our Worlds. Bows Symbolize Femininity and Luxury.  Salvatore Ferragamo (my Most Favorite Shoe Maker) & Valentino are the Experts in making a Statement with their Signature Bows.

Fun Fact:  Bows are a Big Component of my Mr’s Southern Style too.  His Neckwear is Almost Exclusively Bow ties.  No Gentleman’s Look is Complete without the Proper Dapper Duds.  Shop Bow ties for the Menfolk in Your World Here Here & Here.  

So Naturally the Girly Girl in Me Couldn’t Wait to Tie the Bow on this Dress.

Belk, with it’s Modern Southern Style is my Favorite Departments Store. This Year Belk Hosted a Southern Designer Showcase Line Featuring an Adored Boutique Designer of mine LaRoque so it was no Surprise to Find this Gem Among the Treasure of Dresses!

See this Previous Blog Post for Another LaRoque for Belk Beauty.

The Beautiful Collar Sash Presents an Elegant Finishing Detail. It Creates a Flattering Halter Neckline Showcasing the Shoulders and Drawing the Eye Upwards Towards the Pretties Part on a Lady, Her Smile :) 

This LWD is a Lovely Piece to Add to Your Summer Wardrobe and Would be Perfectly Fitting for a Bride-to-Be at her Showers, Luncheons, Rehearsal and Honeymoon. 

I Pulled my Red Locks Back to Feature the Collar Bow and Added Bright Turquoise Earrings for a Pop of Color.  I Choose Neutral Pumps for a Simple and Sophistication Look.  A Pair of Flat Sandals would be also be Cute and Casual Chic.

Caroline Bow Dress - LaRoque for Belk

Turquoise Earrings - Kendra Scott

Nude Pumps - Nine West  

Dress Beautifully with a Bow

XOXO Sarah Louise

Put A Bow On It

Bows were an Essential Accessory for my Red Locks when I was a Little Girl

As an Adult Gal I add the Feminine Touch of a Bow with Prints, Belts, & Jewelry

I Like to Aim for a Mature Bow in Graphic Shapes, Textured Leathers and Metals.

Another Piece that Will Carry You through Time is an A-Line Pleated Skirt.

The Waist Band Hits Higher on the Waist Flowing Away from the Body Creating Movement as You Walk.
It Accentuates Curves, Forgives on the Lower Body, and Helps Create an Hour Glass Shape.

This Skirt is Made of Silk Making it Light Weight for All Year Wear.  The Colors are Neutral with a Fun Pop of Red.  

For a More Casual Day Time Look, Pair with a Denim Shirt and Wedges.

Cheers to Kate Spade for Offering Bows in their Clothing, Shoes, Handbags & Accessories.

Bow Skirt & Sling Back Pumps Kate Spade 

Top Target

Shop Bows at Kate Spade

When In Doubt 

Put a Bow On It

XOXO Sarah Louise