Friday Favorites: Burgundy Beauties

 TGIF! This week has been so cool! I had so much fun volunteering for the book fair last year that I requested to be double placed on the committee for this year. It was a joy helping the kids find books, sort through their money and especially check them out behind the register!!

I've never been a check out girl and had a ball. 

The cooler months tend to bring a lot of dark neutrals but personally I stick with color all year round. The key is to lean into the deeper, saturated hues like navy, hunter green, and burgundy. 

BURGUNDY SUEDE BAG

Right now it's still super warm so I've mixed in these dark colors, like in this suede handbag.

Here are some beautiful burgundy pieces ...

STITCH TURTLENECK

LEATHER PANT

BLOUSE

CABLE SWEATER

CORDUROY SHIRT

LEATHER MIDI SKIRT

LEATHER TOP

BALLOON SLEEVE MOCK NECK

SLOUCHY BAG

CARDIGAN

BLAZER

BALLET FLATS

BOOTIES

so many colors

VEST

Dress Beautifully in Burgundy

XOXO Sarah Louise

Leather Weather

Finally Fall temps have arrived.  Ok, it may be only in the mornings and evenings but the cool crisp air is here.  Texture is my favorite thing about Fall/Winter textiles.  Tweed, wool, cashmere, cable knit, suede, fur! and leather just to name a few.

Leather has an edgy vibe which is a nice break from my typical ladylike looks.  It has structured weight creating a defined shape and a luster that commands a second look.

This isn't my first post on leather/faux leather.  Read this post on a pleated skirt and this one on leggings and here on a vest from last year. I've shared how textile manufacturers have brought the faux thing to a quality that's so good it's easily mistaken for the real thing. While I will always opt for real leather (especially when it comes to shoes and handbags) it's more economical and often a better fit with the impostor fabrics.  Real leather can be stiff and thick making it hard to tailor and limits movement/comfort.

I love this leather dress because in a drop waist design it's fitted on the upper body with just the right amount of flair at the hip for ease of movement and a hint of femininity. Also, the racerback top adds a hit of sass in showing off the shoulders.
Note: A strapless or racerback bra is necessary.

I topped it with a leopard jacket and added a complimentary rich color with burgundy booties.  Rather than cover this leather dress try layering with a crisp dress shirt or blouse underneath.

A denim jacket or cardigan are also complimentary.

Leather Dress & Here || Leopard Jacket & Here || Booties || 

Dress Beautifully in Leather

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pinot & Pleats

Back in the 80's and 90's a dress or skirt that fell below the knee and above the ankle was referred to as 'Tea' length.  Today it's referred to as 'Midi'.  I've see this longer hem line trend grow over the past few seasons but as a petite gal at 5'2" I shied away as I was fearful that the extra fabric would overwhelm.  But it's something that's been tugging at me to try.

I found the perfect skirt!  It has all the right elements.  High waist, light fabric and flattering fit.
In a delicate chiffon fabric and accordion pleats it has ladylike movement (I have to try really hard not to twirl).  The front and back panels are flat, preventing too much volume.  I believe that one of the most important design components is the higher waist.  It creates shape and long lines.

What made this skirt even more beautiful and ideal for me was the ivory color.  It's truly my favorite and the most abundant color in my closet.  And just because Summer is technically over doesn't mean you go dark.  No, you can't wear white shoes, pants or dresses but nothing is more refreshing than the coolness of ivory. It's all year appropriate.  Just swap out your pastels and brights for richer hues like this burgundy blouse.

While it's still warm I'm wearing this skirt with light weight tops but a fitted long sleeve tee or sweater with booties are the plan for a casual look come cooler weather.

Go longer with a midi pleated skirt!

Pinot Blouse & Similar || Pleated Midi Skirt & Similar || Pumps & Similar || Bangle || 

Dress Beautifully in a Pleated Midi Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Fall Bags

Today is a fantastic Friday!!!  For so many reasons I’m extra giddy this Friday – Mr arrives this afternoon and will be in our home forever!  (With the exception of two short visits back to the coast next month to wrap up some Navy business) AND big stuff is happening in my career AND this time next week we will be at our vacation destination!.  Needless to say we will be celebrating and cheering our many blessings this weekend!

Unless you live under a rock you know about the big Nordstrom Anniversary Sale that happens every July.  The sale introduces the upcoming Fall season with select merchandise at a lower price.  This sale is for a limited time and then the price rises back up to its retail price.  It’s a great opportunity to stock up on those normally higher priced items like handbags, boots and coats.

However, I find that it can be a challenge with the current afternoon temps over 100F and no sign of a cool down any time soon to even think about cold weather clothing.

In the past I have taken full advantage of the sale and brought home some great loot.  Over the past couple of years I haven’t had much luck but that may just be because my closet isn’t lacking (not that I’m a hoarder I just tend to purchase quality classic pieces that last and so no need to repurchase).  I also have been concentrating on home décor and our upcoming trip when it comes to spending our extra funds.

I’ve been lusting after a red handbag for over a year now and I’ve finally found ‘The One’ and I’m so close to earning the achievement to warrant such a beautiful treat! Work Hard –Play Hard #Hustle

I also wouldn’t mind adding a fall handbag this season.  One in a darker color and/or texture.

Here are my 5 favorite fall bags from the Nordstrom Sale ….

Black Tote  -  Pinot Crossbody  -  Calf Hair Leopard Shoulder Bag 

Suede Satchel  -  Grey Convertible Tote 

Black Tote:  Classic and Polished. Perfect for the office (files, computer, planner etc. ) and for weekend to hold all your running around essentials – water, snacks, even a change of clothes

Pinot Crossbody:  I’m obsessed with burgundy for fall/winter!! It’s rich and warm and always makes me thing of a big glass of red wine.  This bag is very ‘Chanel’ like and it doesn’t get more classic than that!

Leopard Calf Hair Bag:  When it comes to leopard accessories (bags, shoes, belts) ALL of mine are calf hair.  It’s gives a luxurious texture and construction.  Animal prints are a great way to add interest & print.

Suede Satchel:  Suede is another rich texture for fall/winter.  I’m especially liking suede this season as the 70’s, boho vibes are in full swing. I wouldn’t mind a suede jacket in my closet either. 

Grey Convertible Tote:  I like this tote for its versatile straps.  You don’t see chain very often on totes and I like that these are designed with grommets so that you can wear on your shoulder or crossbody.  Most crossbodys are small so this bag gives you lots of function.

Dress Beautifully with a New Handbag for Fall

XOXO Sarah Louise

Cobalt and Cabernet

Bordeaux, burgundy, maroon, or what I prefer to call it merlot, cabernet, or pinot, either way this deep dark red is one of my favorite colors for the colder months of Fall/Winter.  It's rich and warm and plays well with other colors.  When styling I treat it as a neutral like navy, brown, grey and black.

Since it is a darker shade adding a bright color that isn't a neutral makes for a fun mix.

I love all shades of blue and green but it's the jewel tones that really strike my fancy!
Cobalt is saturated and bright and is great all year round. The ruffles are an added bonus on this top.  It may be freezing cold outside today but come Spring it's going to pop with a pair of white skinnies.

Adding a bold print is the best way to add style when wearing solids.  I love light weight topper jackets and have quite the collection (heavy coats are a rare essential down here in the South).  In a longer length plus a fun print equals chic!  Adding a printed scarf is another option.

I kept my shoes and handbag neutral so that the pretty colors shine.

Add cobalt and red wine to your next outfit and maybe don't limit yourself to the color, go ahead a pour a big glass! Cheers :)

Cobalt Ruffle Top: Banana Republic - Similar here || Trousers: Here and Here || 

Pumps: Tory Burch || Printed Jacket: Anthropologie (Sold out) Similar & Here & Here ||

Handbag: Tory Burch || Earrings: Towne & Reese || 

Dress Beautifully in Cobalt & Cabernet

XOXO Sarah Louise

Burgundy Leather Vest

Let's talk about leather and long vests.
1. Leather is a natural texture that adds depth and structure.  I dare say even a bit edgy but not in a 'where'd you park your Harley?' way.
2. Long vests are chic, elongating and a practical way to layer.

The key to styling the long vest is fit.  It needs to be tailored creating long lines that follow the natural curve of the body so that it highlights the waist.  Think of  a blazer stretched long and removing the sleeves.  If it's boxy or too big it will overwhelm.

I don't know about you but I like having my arms free for movement.  Nothing (ok some things) is more uncomfortable than a binding piece - it's almost claustrophobic.

I saw this vest on the rack and it was an instant must have.  I tried it on right there in the middle of the floor rather than taking the time to walk to a fitting room.  I checked myself out in one of those columns with mirrors and knew it was coming home.

Burgundy is one of my most favorite colors for Fall/Winter.  I paired it's masculine leather with a soft cream silk blouse, black skinny jeans & tan booties and handbag. I couldn't resist adding my new favorite hat in blush felt.  This look has somewhat of a 70's vibe and I love me some 70's fashion!

I plan to style this leather vest with navy, pinks, powder blue, and grey.

For the office add this burgundy leather vest over a printed dress or over a blouse and pencil skirt to give your office style a modern look.

Burgundy Leather Vest: Belk || Blouse: Similar & Here || Jeans: Hudson ||

Booties: Louise et Cie Similar & Here || Handbag: Tory Burch ||

Hat: J Crew || Necklace: Similar || Polish: Butter of London || 

Dress Beautifully in a Leather Long Vest

XOXO Sarah Louise