Boyfriend Mix Up

You invest in quality, timeless pieces to be worn over and over, mixed and matched.  But what about the weekends? You left the office behind and don't want to face it again until Monday.  And you don't want to put money into pieces that can be worn only on Saturdays and Sundays after church nor do you want to look sloppy.

Solution: Boyfriend jeans. Swap out your trousers/pencil skirts for a pair of roomy, maybe distressed boyfriend jeans.  They're loose = comfortable, distressed =  modern, and casual = NO office feels!

By mixing the classics with casual pieces you have a very chic and stylish look that makes the most out of your wardrobe.

This ivory blouse can literally be worn with everything, the blazer is neutral and clearly can be worn with everything and the loafers are not only sharp for work but they're comfortable for running around in too. Remember this designer shoe look-a-like post from a while back? I am loving these Gucci like loafers and so does my wallet! No compromise on quality or style here.

It's all about the mix up!

Don't limit your pieces to the desk atmosphere.
Except for the distressed jeans; those can't be reversed to office wear, but you can swap out your daytime flats or sneakers and fancy them up with a snazzy top and heels for evening.

Accessories: ditch the work tote for a hands free crossbody bag and add print with a scarf.  Big scarfs aren't my thing (I feel smothered) so I opt for the small silk square ones.  This one is a favorite I found in a vintage shop several years ago when Mr was studying medicine in DC.  Actually, all my silk square scarves are vintage.  They were a standard (along with a strand of pearls) mid-century and I'm so happy they're coming back!

Details are important, so choose an accessory that exemplifies your style.

Blouse || Blazer || Jeans || Handbag || Loafers || Scarf (vintage) Similar || 

Dress Beautifully Combining Classic & Casual Pieces

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pinstripe

A pinstripe is a very narrow stripe typically found in suiting.  Sometimes the stripe is subtle and sometimes, like in this dress shirt, it's nice a bold.  This high contrasting stripe makes a sharp statement , but balanced with the femininity of a bow.

I'm all about dressing polished for the office and staying true to yourself as a woman.  There's no reason that professional has to be boring.  This isn't my only dress shirt with a bow tie neck sash.  I featured this same dress shirt in white on this post.  The great thing about these tailored crisp dress shirts, is that the sash is buttoned underneath the collar allowing you to have style options with or without it.  Sometimes you may want to embrace the secretary vibe and others you may want to play it cool. Either way the stripe will steal attention!

I paired this navy dress shirt with ivory trousers, complimenting the stripe and a camel blazer to warm it up.  This time of year the excitement of cooler temps and changing colors of the leaves has me craving rich warm tones and textures.

And if the bow wasn't enough for your girlish liking, I added a pop of color with a pair of magenta suede heels.

Tip:  Don't limit your dress shirts to the work week, go open collar and pair with jeans for a casual chic look.  Also, if you're one of those gals that struggles pairing navy with blue jeans, try with grey or black denim.

Pinstripe Bow Shirt & Similar || Trousers & Similar || Blazer || Shoes || 

Dress Beautifully in Pinstripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mod for Pink

Oh Wednesdays we wear pink - ok let's be honest even the most non-girlie of girls can embrace this feminine color.  There's hot pink, fuchsia, pastel pink and the most lightest of lights blush pink.  Pink is a fun color and there's no reason it can't be embraced in a professional setting.  The key is styling.

You want your pink pieces to be polished when wearing to the office.  Tailored structured pieces are best or pair with such. I feel that most gals go dark when it comes to looking professional.  That stigma drives me crazy!  The truth is that lighter shades are equally as powerful and give a clean fresh appearance.

This pink skirt is very structured in a mod design.  I love a good retro vibe! It's higher waisted and flairs just a touch. In this boxy cut and shorter length it's very reminiscent of the '60's (without the go-go boots of course).

For a less playful look I styled this skirt with a crisp sleeveless dress shirt (perfect for this crazy hot weather that seems to be never ending) and topped it off with a camel blazer; grey or navy would look nice too.  This dress shirt actually has purple and pink pin dots throughout but is difficult to see in these pics. Even a subtle pattern adds interest.

For the weekend pair with sandals/wedges and a tank or tee.  Whenever Fall does decide to grace us with it's cooler temps pair with boots/booties and a cardigan/denim jacket.

Note:  I found these large pockets flattering on my hips/thighs.

Sleeveless Dress Shirt: Banana Republic || Pink Skirt: Loft || Blazer: J Crew ||

Pumps: Tory Burch & Similar || Gold Cuff: J Crew || 

Dress Beautifully in Pink

XOXO Sarah Louise