Camel + Black

Camel and Black, a traditional, neutral and contrastingly sharp pairing. This isn't basic nor is it plain.  I detest those words.  It's classic and timeless.

I find there is great beauty and elegance in a clean and uncomplicated look.

I love prints, embellishments and all the color I can get but it's nice to reset with a clean slate.

I believe that when you are wearing a neutral look that you should add some shine with jewelry and a soft print like animal in a belt, handbag or shoes.  Python is one of my favorites! Keep your jewelry and print in a minimalistic size.

Add some sophistication with camel & black.

Black Turtleneck: Banana Republic - Similar - Similar & Here || Camel Coat: Similar - Similar & Here ||  Jeans: AG - Similar ||  Snake Wedges: Tory Burch || Earrings: Trina Turk ||

Dress Beautifully in Camel & Black

XOXO Sarah Louise

Red + Camel

December is all about Christmas, and when I think of Christmas the color red is bright and center.  Look around gals, red ribbons, wreaths, trees and even holiday outfits.  Oh yes and there's Santa (I'm too old and have no kids - I also focus on the reason for Christmas!)

Funny enough, I get asked often if I wear red. Uh Yes.  It's always followed with the 'well you have red hair'.  I have 'red' hair but that doesn't hold me back on color.  The only colors I avoid are neons and that's because they are harsh and completely unnatural.  They should remain locked away in the 80's never to come out again.

Red is know for it's boldness. It's an attention getter.  Because it's so prominent, it doesn't need extra sparkle or show.  When wearing red, let the color speak for itself.  Stick with simple designs and natural fabrics.

This red suit dress is professional for the office but with a unique cut out neckline design and fitted silhouette it's perfect for evening with added statement jewelry, strappy heels and a clutch.

I paired this dress with a camel topper coat, nude pumps and my favorite accessory for winter, fur.  Your wardrobe should be an expression of your personality and this fur tote is signature SL!
Note: I understand fur isn't for everyone - please don't report me I'm not wearing a panda for crying out loud!

If you've been reading along for a while you already know I gravitate to the lighter neutrals: ivory, tan and grey.  Of the darker neutrals I prefer navy, charcoal, & brown before I go to black.  Choose the neutrals that speak to you but don't be afraid to go outside your comfort zone.

I like how the lightness of the camel let's the bright red shine!

Add some red to your looks this Christmas season.

Red Dress: J Crew Factory || Camel Topper: Similar & here || Pumps: Nine West || 

Earrings: Towne & Reese || Fur Handbag: Similar & Here || Sunglasses: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in a Red Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Shift Skirt

This skirt is the perfect piece to shift on into the Fall season. The soft wool fabric and warm caramel color are the ideal fall essentials.

My favorite part is it's mod design.  High waisted, front pockets and straight, slightly mini design are a modern take on the midcentury icon.  I have so many pencil skirts it's nice to add some variety.

Wear it in the office with a secretary blouse, blue striped dress shirt or jewel toned sweater with heeled boots/booties.

For a casual look pair with a denim shirt and riding boots or if your blessed with long enough legs over the knee boots would be fabulous.
Tip:  There should be a couple of inches between the hem of your skirt and the top of your boots.

Shift Skirt: Loft || Sweater: Similar & Here & Here ||

Booties: Similar & Here || Necklace: Similar || Polish: Butter ||

Dress Beautifully in a Shift Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Wrapped

Last month when I was home visiting my Mamma, the temps dropped unexpectedly and naturally I didn't pack a coat.  It was early November in the South who would have thought?!

Normally I would just borrow from my littlest sissy's closet but as hard as it is to believe she's grown up to be 20!! and isn't at home anymore ... so it was straight to my Mamma's Closet.  We are both petite little red heads but her coats were just a tad too long for my taste. 

And then I remembered this oversized scarf I gifted her a couple of years ago.  It's a warm caramel color made of cashmere and oh so warm.  It's like being wrapped in a blanket.  
What I did pack was my favorite vintage belt and my go to crisp white shirt.  Paired with jeans, I was styled and read to step out into the cold.

I wrapped the oversized scarf around and secured it with my belt.  It was the perfect touch, adding warmth, shine and creating shape.

I felt so classy wearing my Mamma's scarf ... I mean she is the muse behind my classic style!!

Add some warmth without the coat with an oversized scarf turned caplet with an added belt. 

Oversized Scarf: Ralph Lauren Similar & Here & Here || Dress: Ann Taylor ||

Crisp White Shirt: Brooks Brothers ||  Belt: Vintage Similar || 

Pumps: Nine West || Handbag: Prada || 

Dress Beautifully Wrapped in an Oversized Scarf 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Camel & Pinot

Let's Go Outside the 'Neutral' Box.  
Not to Confuse You but Branching Outside the World of Black, White, Grey, Brown, and Navy Opens a Door to Fresh Style Options. 

The Key for a Color to Behave as a Neutral is it's Soft Hue - Nothing too Bright and it Falls in the Shade Spectrum of a Common Neutral.  For Example, Light Blue is a Lighter Shade of Navy, Camel is a Lighter Shade of Brown etc....  Pairing these Lighter Shades with a Darker Hue will Ground Your Color Palette like this Burgundy Sheath Dress.

I Styled this Look Outside the 'Neutral' Box. I added a Pop of Bright with a Royal Blue Pump, a Play off of the Light Blue Button Down. 

Tip: Sheath Dresses can be Utilized in the Colder Months by Simply Layering them with Dress Shirts & Blouses Underneath and /or Blazers and Cardigans Over Top.

Camel Blazer: J Crew Now at Factory Similar in a One Button Style || 

Burgundy Sheath Dress: Similar || Light Blue Dress Shirt: Brooks Brothers || 

Blue D'Orsay Pumps: Nine West Similar || Tassel Necklace: TJ Maxx Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Camel & Pinot

XOXO Sarah Louise