Blaze

Blazers aren't just for the office. They elevate a weekend/casual outfit to a put-together chic look.  Personally, I don't wear cardigans (I own less than 5) but have a large inventory of blazers in a variety of fabrics and prints.  Blazers are my go-to for layering because they are structured, durable and sophisticated.

Pairing blazers with a pair of jeans and a basic t-shirt polishes a casual outfit.  And while the temperatures have cooled down, it's not quite cold enough for a coat so a blazer is great for layering.

I've noticed that blazers are making a big appearance on the retail racks so scoop yourself up a neutral one and I promise you'll find yourself wearing it on repeat.

Tip:  Look for functional cuff buttons which will allow you to roll up the sleeves.

Blazer & Similar & Here | Jeans | T-Shirt | Similar Pumps | Similar Handbag |

Dress Beautifully in a Blazer

XOXO Sarah Louise

Licorice & Whiskey

When it comes to brown I'm all about the lighter and richer shades, most often referred to as cognac or whiskey.  They're warm and smooth as Mr likes to say.

I find it common to pair neutrals with colors but how refreshing to go all neutral.  Typically I style my neutrals on the lighter side with ivory and tan but with Fall right around the corner I'm craving darker hues and cooler temps!

I eyed this skirt for a few weeks in the store and when a sale promotion rolled around I scooped it up!  I love the color and touch of luster in the fabric.  While the length is slightly longer, hitting right below the knee the vertical buttons down the front create a long line on the body.
Note: These buttons are 'faux' / nonfunctioning so no worries on puckering or pulling when you sit!
Midi lengths can evoke a fear of shortening for most gals.  Keep the hem no longer than the top of your calf and the waist high and you'll find your lower body will actually appear longer.

I challenged myself to incorporate more black into my wardrobe.  That's a big stretch outside my comfort zone as it's the color I wear the very least. This skirt was the perfect piece to pair with black.

Take a break from the rainbow and style your next look with browns and black.

Top: Brooks Brothers & Similar || Skirt: Ann Taylor & Similar & Here || Pumps: Nine West ||

Gold Bangle: J Crew || Handbag: Prada & Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Black & Brown

XOXO Sarah Louise

Shoulders & Seersucker

Every year just before Easter I get all excited about bringing my favorite light weight fabrics in their fresh light colors out of storage. I smile as I hang each piece back in my closet remembering the occasion and memories I made in it the year before.  My seersucker suit is one of those special and  distinct pieces that I treasure.

Seersucker is the Southerner’s signature summer swag. The seersucker suit is a staple for church and weddings in the warmer months, not only for keeping cool in cotton vs wool but for its pastel stripes.

I think that most think of the seersucker suit is for the menfolk and a sundress for the gals.  I mean let’s be honest I do have a seersucker sundress but I also love a good set.

The key to embracing the suit as a lady is to opt for a dress and/or skirt as opposed to pants.  Yes, you must have pant suits but embrace the feminine side and add variety.  Especially in the summer, we are made of sweet sugar that melts!

I like to get the most out of my investments and the key to doing so is to separate the pieces for endless outfit options.

For this look I took the skirt from my seersucker suit and paired it with THE hottest trend right now, an off the shoulder top. 

An instant weekend look that’s casual yet very polished.  I swapped out the heels I would normally wear with my suit for wedges. 

I love this blouse for its short sleeves and the option to not show your shoulders by pulling the neckline up for those occasions where you might want more coverage or ease of movement.

Gals, get creative and mix up your classic and trendy pieces! 

Off the Shoulder Top: J Crew || Seersucker Skirt: Brooks Brothers - Similar & Here || 

Wedges: Similar & Here || Sunglasses: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in an Off the Shoulder Top & Seersucker

XOXO Sarah Louise

Red Hot

In red again.  It's just so fitting this time of year.  I love the look of a sharp red suit, but let's not go stepping on Santa's toes.  Split the pieces up.  I've shown you how to transition a red blazer into the weekend here and how to pair red with unexpected colors here.

Today, it's all about the flaming red pants.  Like I shared in Monday's post, let the bright red shine and be the focus. So I kept my pairings simple but by no means boring!

I couldn't wait to style this crop jacket this season. It's a favorite!  Glen plaid is a classic print and almost always done in the timeless black and ivory wool weave.  Houndstooth is my most favorite print - did ya'll know that?  It's been too long since I've styled houdstooth. Glen plaid is in the houndstooth family, it takes the print into a check/plaid pattern and varies the size of the checks.
This jacket reminds me of something Jackie O would wear and gals, you can't go wrong with the classics! Invest, they will last forever.
And just because they are polished pieces doesn't mean you're stuck wearing them in the office or church.  I top off a blouse, sweater or even denim shirt with this jacket along with my jeans and boots for the weekend.

Even though I added contrasting light and dark neutrals, by also having print in the jacket and pleats in the blouse the look has more interest and texture.  Color blocking is strong and showcases the color pairings, by adding subtle prints and textures your look is softer and the pieces are more complimentary to each other.

So in styling red pants, the sky is the limit. I chose glen plaid. Top them with a plaid button down, denim, or a sweater for a casual look.  Or, opt for a silk, lace or embellished top for a night out. Paired with neutrals or other bright colors, red is going to shine bright in your look.

Don't be intimidates by red pants, they're hot! And with your head held high, strut with confidence knowing you are and look fabulous!

My pieces are from several seasons ago - here are their current versions or similar 

Red Pants: Ann Taylor, Similar and Here || Glen Plaid Jacket: Brooks Brothers, Similar Here and Here || Ivory Shell: Trina Turk Similar and Here || Pumps: Nine West || 

Handbag: Prada Similar and Here || Sunglasses: Kate Spade ||

Dress Beautifully in Red Hot Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise

So 'Coco'

Pearls, tweed, fringe, and black/white color palettes are what come to mind when I think of the iconic Coco Chanel. This black tweed dress is light weight ideal for all year wear and because it's not too thick it lays nicely on the body rather than adding bulk or restrictive movement which is common of thicker weaves.

I adore the cross body fringe layers!  They elongate the body and add beautiful detailing. Because it's sleeveless you can easily layer or wear alone with sandals in warmer weather.

I honored Coco in my styling with pearls and a pop of red in my forever favorite shoes. I say 'forever favorite' because Salvatore Ferragamo is my most loved shoe designer of all time.  The 'Vara' shoe is a classic and oh so comfortable.  I wear them all year long with everything.  They are a go-to for work and a life saver for my crazy travel schedule. The Vara shoe has been around for decades and I see myself wearing them for the next several decades of my own strutting years.  They come in all sizes and a large range of widths (essential for accommodating those painful foot issues).
I wear them so much that I've had to resole my black patent pair twice!

Channel your inner Coco with fringe, tweed and pearls.

Fringe Tweed Dress: Ann Taylor ||  Dress Shirt: Brooks Brothers || 

Red Shoes:  Salvatore Ferragamo || Pearls: Similar & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Fringe Tweed

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Polished Python

Of all the beautiful animal prints, snake is my favorite.  Which is a bit ironic seeing that I fear that creature more than any other.  I like that the print is small and abstract as opposed to the graphic large scale of say zebra, giraffe or tiger.  Snakes have a natural ombre coloring and when used on clothing in a strategic design the fading from dark to light can be very sliming!

Python prints are fierce!  I like to feel fierce especially for those times in life that you may need the extra boost in confidence.  Dressing is more than just fabric on your body, it can be empowering.  Adding a piece that makes you feel pretty sometimes is the added strength you need to tackle whatever comes your way.

The streamlined wrap design creates a sophisticated silhouette perfect for office or evening.  The luster of the soft neutrals comes from the silk/wool blend fabric.  It's a piece you can wear all year round paired with dress shirts, blouses and sweaters for the office or a simple camisole on a night out.

Remember shoes can dictate a look.  Opt for boots when going casual, pumps for professional settings and strappy heels for those gussied up nights.

The soft browns compliment pastels to bright jewel tones. So pairing options are unlimited.
I went a little edgy and finished this outfit with a brown leather jacket.

Polish your look with some python prints!

Python Skirt: Tory Burch || Dress Shirt: Brooks Brothers || Pumps: Tory Burch ||

Leather Jacket: Cole Haan || 

Dress Beautifully in Python 

XOXO Sarah Louise