Black & Blue

Black and Blue - there are no battle wounds in this look.  In fact it's a very smooth confrontation between Summer and Fall.

This time of year can be tough.  All the cool weather designs are hitting the store floors with sweaters, jackets, jeans and boots. But the temps outside are still blazing.  This leather skirt is light weight and in flirty pleats and a shorter hem line you're not going to be a puddle when you step outside.  I paired it with a bright blue silk blouse to lighten the look.  I kept my heels open and a tad edgy to go with the leather vibe.

Now in the upcoming months I plan to pair with dress shirts, sweaters and for a the weekends a simple tee and denim jacket.

Tip:  When I go to purchase a garment, while in the dressing room once I've confirmed the fit is good, I go through pairing options that I already have in my closet.  This method ensures it will get the wear for the money.

Blue Top: Madewell & Similar || Pleated Leather Skirt: J Crew ||

Strappy Heels: Similar & Here || Earrings: Kendra Scott || Gold Cuff: J Crew || 

Handbag: Prada & Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Black & Blue

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Black Tie

The Neck Sash is Back!

Women have adorned themselves with fabric sashes tied in bows around their neck collars for decades.  I remember my Mamma had a light pink and ivory striped blouse with a big ivory bow tied around the neck.  It was her favorite and looking back at pictures it was mine too!  She looked so classy in that blouse paired with a black skirt and pearl studs.

The Secretary Blouse:  Women's top made of loose fabric with a neck tie, typical worn for office wear. 

Truth: I own 5 secretary blouses. Everything's better with a bow!

You can create your own secretary look by tying a sash around any button down or blouse.  It doesn't have to have a collar.  I like the idea of black as it's so versatile and will pair with a range of looks from flannel plaid to solid silks.  

For this look I kept it clean and sharp with classic black & white.  

I've had this black satin sash since undergrad! See, it is good to hold on to things! It's been a workhorse for so many looks. 

Neck Sash: Old Similar & Blouse || Blouse: Similar || Pants: BCBG || Cage Heels: Nine West || 

Handbag: Prada || Earrings: Kate Spade || Polish: Butter London || Sunglasses: Ray-Ban ||

Dress Beautifully in a Neck Tie

XOXO Sarah Louise

Top Cat

It's No Secret I Love Animal Prints and Things that Shine.  
Another Love of Mine are Toppers - a Lightweight Coat.
This Brocade Leopard Topper Fits the Bill! 

Living in the South Our Winters are Typically Mild, Perfectly Fitting for Just a Topper. 
Toppers are More Decorative than Functional as they Don't Need to Provide Significant Warmth which Requires Heavy Fabric & Construction but can Rather Take Advantage by Embracing a Variety of Fabrics.  

Brocade: a Richly Decorative Fabric Often Made of Silk with Gold & Silver Threads.  It's Italian Root Name Meaning "Embossed Cloth" is Fitting as it has the Appearance of Embroidery.

The Gold Metallic Threads of this Brocade Topper Gives a Rich & Elegant Luster.

I Purchased this Leopard Topper and Matching Pants from Ann Taylor Last Year '13. Ladies, Leopard is a Neutral - See this Post, One of my Firsts on the Blog! But because this Fabric is so Bold & Distinct I don't Pair them Together but Split them up for a Variety of Looks. 

The Topper is a Car Coat Design - a Boxy Straight Cut with my Favorite Bracelet Sleeve Length.

I Paired it with a White Silk Blouse for a Soft Contrast to the Structured Topper and a Poppy Pencil Skirt for a Pop of Bright Color.   The Strappy Cage Heels Add a Touch of Edge. 
Tip: Take advantage of Fall's transitional temps with wear of your peep toe and strappy shoes before colder temps hit.

Leopard Brocade Topper: Ann Taylor Similar & Here || Silk Blouse: Similar ||

Pencil Skirt: Similar || Cage Heels: Nine West || Earrings: Kate Spade || 

Necklace: Similar || Sunglasses : Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Leopard Topper

XOXO Sarah Louise