Prepster

Preppy was my overall style in my 20's. All the pink & green, pearls, and girlie details I could put on my body. While I have matured quite a bit (in so many ways!) I still appreciate the classics that make up a preppy look.

Preppy Essentials & Modern Style Tips:

COLLARED SHIRT - preferably popped

A crisp button up in a cropped design is current and chic.

CARDIGAN SWEATER 

I chose a thick stripe in a boxy designs & draped it over my shoulders

SCARF

An opportunity to add luxe, color & print.

Let the print be something that really shows off your personality

JEWELRY

I chose a modern and shiny gold hoop over a pearl 

JEANS

Timeless straight leg in a medium wash (my most fav pair!)

LOAFERS

These pink ones are so me but these are a fabulous buy with a designer look.

HANDBAG

Girly but also sophisticated in a top handle design

Don't forget your all American dog!

Trixie the golden lab :)

Preppy is all about timeless pieces in happy colors

I encourage you to create a preppy look

and especially using what you already have in your closet! 

Dress Beautifully & Preppy

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Cardigans

TGI-Summer! I'm now the proud owner of 2 cardigans. Gals are taken back by this because it's a piece worn often and housed in multiples in most closets.

I've always just preferred the structure of a blazer or jacket.

Recently, I've discovered that I don't mind a cardigan sweater that has the following:

very thick knit

natural fabric, cotton or wool 

detail like a collar or puff sleeve

cropped length

These design elements give a structured, warm and pretty fit.

Personally, I don't care for thin knits because the quality doesn't tend to last and long lengths because they overwhelm, cling and shorten my stature.

Here are some cute cardigans perfect for the upcoming collar temperatures ...

Orange Flower

Green V-Neck

Puff Sleeve

4 colors

Cropped Puff Sleeve

7 colors

Spacedye

Cable with Lace Collar

splurge but so pretty

Bow Tie Puff Sleeve

So pretty ... and pricey!

Shawl Collar

Trimmed

Plaid

Dress Beautifully in a Cardigan

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Collars, Cardigans & Coins

    

TGIF! I love big collars and gold jewelry but my love for cardigans is slow growing. In fact, this is the only traditional cardigan I own and I've had it for a few years.  They're just not my go-to for layering.  I'm a blazer & jacket gal all the way. I prefer structured pieces. However, I've opened my style up to these button front knits in a thick, denser weave with a shorter length. 

This look is a little on the granny side and I'm here for it.  I'm an old lady at heart. I collect vintage clothing, accessories and home decor. A true traditional southern gal! Just wait until I share our recent home renovations! #grandmillenial (look that up)

Coin necklaces are shiny gold disc pendants that layer beautifully with other necklaces or solo and are dress any outfit beautifully!

Google says: Coin necklaces have been worn throughout history to bring luck and good fortune to the wearer. ... These “Love Tokens” were often engraved with sentimental messages and were either carried by the recipient for luck or adapted and worn as a meaningful coin necklace.

Here are some collared tops, cardigans and coin necklaces I'm loving ....

Collared Long Sleeve Blouse

also in leopard

Ruffle Collar Blouse

also in light blue & black

Stripe Collar Blouse

Embroidered Short Sleeve Blouse

Floral Collar Blouse

2 additional colors

Classic Cotton Blend

9 colors

V-Neck Cardigan

Puff Sleeve Cardigan

Marled Ribbed Cardigan

Boxy Cardigan

3 colors

Compass Coin Necklace

Coin Necklace Set

I have this and wear them all the time!

Bespoke Coin Necklace

this disc is for engraving initials or numbers special to you

Flower Coin Necklace

Layered Coin Necklace

Have a Super Cool Weekend!

Dress Beautifully in a Collared Shirt, Cardigan & Coin Necklace 

XOXO Sarah-Louise

The Separate Split

Earlier this week I shared with you my maiden voyage in styling a cardigan.  I decided to go all out and purchase the twinset (coordinating shell).  I find that most closets, including my own, are full of separates but I believe it's essential to incorporate matching sets when possible.  It's an effortless way of looking put together.  And if you're afraid of looking too monochromatic a printed scarf, skirt or statement necklace are great ways to add some interest.

While I respect and embrace matchy matchey ensembles I feel that it's important to take advantage of their styling options and utilize them separately.  Optimizing the functionality of your wardrobe is key.  I find that you'd be surprised at just how many looks you can create with a moderate amount of pieces.  Ask yourself, what good is a piece that can only be worn in a single capacity?

I showed you how I styled the cardigan earlier this week.  Today I'm taking this amber shell and pairing it with ivory trousers for a lighter brighter palette and a printed scarf to break up the color block. I love the mix of light and rich neutrals - goes to show you don't have to have bright colors to make a statement.

I'm going to assume none of you are new to these pieces but if you're looking to add to your closet I do recommend this twinset as it's constructed out of light weight wool which is durable and resistant to stretching and fading.

 I must admit I'm pretty enthused about this new-to-me cardigan thing.  My gal pals shake their heads as it's an over worn piece for just about all women and as a collector of classics it's just surprising I haven't taken part.

I have brunch with the gals tomorrow and I'm thinking of wearing the coordinating twin set with a pair of jeans and bright red flats for a pop of color.  Swapping out your trousers or skirts for jeans and flats is the perfect way to transition a week day look to the weekend and still look polished while being comfortable.

Shell: J Crew || Coordinating Cardigan: J Crew || Trousers: Similar ||

Scarf: Ann Taylor || Pumps: Tory Burch || Handbag: Prada || 

Dress Beautifully in Separates 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bourbon & Blush

This is a first.  I have a twin set in my closet.  With my affinity for classic and timeless pieces  it's ironic, even to myself, that I don't own such a fundamental garment as a cardigan.  I've always chosen blazers over cardigans.  I prefer the structure, durability, and sophistication that a jacket brings.
And now I'm enjoying the softness and movement of the warm wool snug against my skin.

Tip:  To avoid the cardigan cons of stretching, and piling choose a set made of wool or a silk blend.  And invest in this Gleener Ultimate Fuzz Remover to gently remove those pesky fuzz balls. 

I'm guilty of stereotyping cardigans as mature, and frumpy.  The key to avoiding the librarian/granny look is styling. Pair with modern, edgy and streamlined pieces. Avoid old school traditions such as pearls, broaches and overly conservative garments.  Also, split the shell and cardigan up.  They're both layering pieces and can lead to countless outfit options.

Another thing that drew me to this set was the rich amber color.  It's a unique neutral.  I have all the other neutrals covered in my blazers and suiting garments so this addition adds a particular uniqueness.  At first glance it reminded me of a lowball glass of bourbon, something Mr would drink on a date night (I see things that remind me of him constantly, sometimes it in the funniest of ways - there's clearly no limit to how much I miss him).

I paired the cardigan over a soft blush sheath dress and added some contrast with black pumps & handbag. I also accessorized with a modern gold hoop eating.  This color combination is sharp, unexpected and sure to impress at the office.
It's a classic look but I surely don't look mature or frumpy.

If you haven't added this year's Pantone color 'Rose Quartz' to your wardrobe this dress is a pretty piece to start with.  The piping detail streamlines your shape and highlights the waist.
Note:  I purchased in petite, it's designed in a longer length.

Later this week I'll share with you how I styled the matching shell :)

Cardigan: J Crew || Blush Sheath Dress: Ann Taylor || Pumps: Nine West ||

Handbag: Prada || Earrings: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Bourbon & Blush

XOXO Sarah Louise

Long Cardi

This Long Drapey Asymmetrical Cardigan is Another Piece from The Limited Scandal Line. 

We Saw Olivia Pope Wrap Herself in a Long Cream Colored Cardigan with a Big Glass of Red Wine on the Screen and We All Wanted One for Ourselves. 

Confession:  I Only Own 2 Cardigans! Shocking I know as they are Classic Wardrobe Staples.  I Choose Blazers Over Cardigans and am Almost Afraid to Admit the Number I have ...   Close to 20 ekkk!

I was Nervous about the Length of this Cardigan as I'm a Shorty ... 5'2" if I Tease My Mane Just So :) but the Cascading Front Hem Creates a Long Flowing Line on the Body.  

I wanted to Show Off the Pretty Lines of this Ribbed Cardigan and the Soft Ivory Color so I paired it with Contrasting Oxblood Trousers and an Abstract Leopard Shell in Neutral Tones.

Long Cardigan: The Limited ||  Oxblood Trousers: Loft Similar || 

Leopard Shell: Ann Taylor Similar || Blush Pumps:  Nine West Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Long Cardi

XOXO Sarah Louise