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

Friday Flare

TGIF! Most weeks I'm super excited for the end.  This week is unique, Mr and I have been enjoying our 2 week vacation in our new home - we've slept in (anything past 5:30am is late to us). We've shopped for our home, enjoyed meals in our sunroom and even hosted lots of friends and family.  I thrive on routine and structure in my world but I must admit it's refreshing to just slow down and enjoy the moments that matter.

Now that the weekend is ahead, we look forward to lots of cheers with each other and our friends but a part of me is broken hearted as these are the last days having Mr in our home until next summer.  I know he's needed overseas to practice medicine, serving marines and sailors and I'm proud of his sacrifice but I honestly can't comprehend not seeing his face or hearing his voice for 9 months :(

Oh a brighter note, lets talk about this Friday's Findings - Flare Jeans! I can honestly say I can now sympathize with the disappointment my mamma had when trends from her past would resurface - the 90's are coming back gals .. sigh There are some things I wore I simply must forget (like big clunky shoes!)
But Flares, I'm ok with. Because 70's fashion - the origin of flares, is my favorite!  I'm probably the only gal besides Rachel Zoe that loves the 70's but I don't care.

Since skinnies have been the go-to for several years now, I'm sure like me, most of you have donated your old-school flares.
I'm not saying we should prepare for switching our skinnies for bigger legs - but adding a pair of flares can be a fun break in your denim collection.

If you're apprehensive to embrace the trend I have a solution.  I hit up my favorite thrift/consignment shops to scout out a pair of flares. There are a lot of benefits to buying used: it's green, economically savvy, and they're already broken in  for a perfectly comfortable fit!  I scored these 'Citizens of Humanity' flare jeans for less than $20!  #winning

Tips for for finding the right flares:
Mid to high waist rise
Flare should begin right above the knee
Hem should come all the way to the ground
If pairing with a loose top, tuck in to balance

Broken in Flares - Citizens of Humanity

Shop these Flares I Found ..... 

High Waisted Flare

Dark Wash Flare - More Here 

Vintage Wash Flare 

Black Flare

Distressed Flare

Shop more Flare washes and fits HERE

Dress Beautifully in Flares

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Findings ....

Bringing a little bit of the Emerald City to your wardrobe is sure to create some envy!

Green is the most complimentary shade for me and my red hair  but I find that it's just as lovely on blondes and brunettes.  Green is just pretty and personally I can't get enough.

This is your lucky Friday, Ann Taylor is having their 'Friends & Family' 40% off sale and there's lots of gorgeous green items included.  Ann Taylor is one of my favorites for classic pieces, especially for the office.  Stop by the store or browse online but don't miss out on this sale - it's a good one!

Go Green ....

Faux Leather Moto Jacket  -  Paisley Scarf  -  Trapeze Top  -  Green Pendant Necklace    

Malachite Cuff  -  Lace Dress  -  Suede Shoulder bag  -  Ankle Pants   

Green Suede Kitten Heels  -  Faux Leather Pencil Skirt

Dress Beautifully in Green

XOXO Sarah Louise

Chambray & Chiffon

I shared this pleated shirt with you earlier this year. Not only is it pretty, it's so much fun to twirl in!
I wanted to dress it down and get more use out of it.  Pairing dressy pieces with denim is a greta way to transition to casual.

I like chambray shirts because they are a lighter weight and literally go with everything.  The button tab on the sleeves is not only functional for rolling and creating shorter sleeves but for petite gals with shorter arms like myself it's essential!

Try pairing your dressy bottoms with a denim shirt to create a causal chic look.

Chambray Shirt: J Crew || Pleated Skirt: Kohl's & Similar || 
Pumps: Similar & Here ||  

Dress Beautifully in Casual Chambray  

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Shades of Sugar

I would wear head-to-toe white everyday if I could - I know, broken record, I say that a lot!  But since I'm not a boring gal, I don't, and it goes again the Southern rule of 'no white after Labor Day and before Easter'.

But sometimes I just want a no fuss, monochromatic blank canvass.  Quite honestly I think it's super chic.  The way to pull it off without looking plain is to incorporate texture and slight variances of the color.  My slouchy tee is a linen blend, and in a buttercream while my jeans are fitted in a cotton bright white.  I chose a pair of tan peep toe booties to add richness.

Try a monochromatic look but keep it simple with minimal jewelry and let your lipstick and nail polish add the pops of color.

And remember to squeeze in those summer whites - because August is the Sunday of Summer!

Linen Tee: Loft || Jeans: Loft || Booties: Similar & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Whites

XOXO Sarah Louise

Polynesian

There are days I imagine myself sitting on an island underneath the shade of palm leaves.

I may not be on an island, but I am enjoying coastal living this summer.  Something about the bright sunshine and breeze off the water, it fills you with happy.  It's essential to keep cool in the heat of summer - I believe it's equally essential to be stylish.  This dress does both.

I may not be an islander but this palm printed dress makes me feel like one.  In neutrals, beige and black, this print is a bit more sophisticated than your typical bold multi-colored palm print.  In light weight cotton and shift design it's easy breezy.

I kept this look neutral but feel free to add color in a long necklace, sandal or clutch.

Don't worry and be happy in a polynesian print

Dress: Similar Here Here & Here  || Fedora: J Crew || Wedges: Kate Spade Similar ||

Dress Beautifully in Polynesian Print

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Findings

TGIF!

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is still going so if you haven't taken advantage or maybe you just need to take another look, I suggest you shop soon before it's over or that piece you were watching is sold out. Here are my Picks I shared with you last week.

Here are some looks I've put together that are sure to have you dressed beautifully whatever the occasion ...

Casual

Striped Peplum Top  Slim Pant  Mules  Bucket Bag

Office

Wool Sheath Dress with Shoulder Tabs (more colors including a bright cerulean blue) 

Red Blazer  d'Orsay Pump  Black Handbag

Soiree

Off the Shoulder  Lemon Dress   Pink Peplum   Emerald Maxi 

Dress Beautifully for Day, Night and Weekends 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Toting Ginger Jars

Gals, you know my love of ginger jars - I have the beautiful blue & white porcelain all throughout my home; Take a look here.   I have a feeling I'll be adding more of these beauties in our new house; More is more :)

So, when I saw this tote, it was meant to be.  I shared it with you from my wish list at the lovely Beaufort Linen Co.  Another reason this store is a match made for me.

This tote is made of heavy canvas and has a small zipper pocket to hold your tiny treasures.
I've decided that it's too beautiful to be my beach tote so I'm using it as somewhat of a work tote.  It's large enough to hold my computer, agenda, books, and even my camera.  Everything I need to create beautiful blog posts :)

P.S. I'm thinking of sewing in snaps on the sides so that I can adjust the dimensions.

Make it suit your own needs - beach, gym, crafting, kids, overnight .... stuff it to your heart's desire!

This is quintessentially what I mean by dressing beautifully.  From your garments, accessories to even your utility totes they should reflect you and your style.

Truth:  These pics were taken on my neighborhood dock ... beauty of coastal living!

Here's what you'll find in my ginger jar tote: Agenda, Journal, Computer, Camera (not pictured - in use) and this new read from one of my favorites - I've read ALL of MKA's books 

Ginger Jar Tote: Beaufort Linen Co || 

Necklace: Kate Spade || Sandals: Jack Rogers || 

Dress Beautifully in a Stylish Tote

XOXO Sarah Louise

Embroidered

Brightly colored embroidery is a huge trend for tops and dresses.  To me the embellishment is cultured - reminding me of something you'd buy on vacation in another country. Some call this style boho, tribal, or aztec; especially on non-sturured pieces such as peasant tops or dresses.

I personally love embroidery over many other types of embellishments such as beading or fringe.  I embroider all my towels and linens with our monogram as well the cuff of my dress shirts for work.

This past week the South has been hit with an intense heat wave - I seriously feel like my freckles are on fire!!! When Mr and I went to Beaufort, NC last weekend this dress was perfect to keep me cool since we were outside most of the day.
It's made of light weight linen in a shift design. I don't normally  wear shift dresses as they are designed in a straight cut with no waist seam.  Being a curvy gal, smaller upper body and larger lower body, I  feel that shifts can hide my shape making me look a bit boxy.  This dress, though it didn't define the waist, has side seams that are cut on a curve skimming the body.  When it's scorching outside you want something that's loose with lots of movement.

 The embroidered bib gives it structure and adds interest with the sunburst detailing.  I also loved the bright orange and blue together against the stark white.  I'm obsessed with the blue and white color combo and orange is seriously climbing the list.  I paired this dress with strappy blue mid-heels to show you styling for causal friday at work or for a summer soiree (showers, brunch, church, date night etc.)  Opt for flat sandals or espadrilles for casual occasions or when lots of walking is involved.

For extra measure to beat the heat, I pulled my hair back in two braids along my front hair line and pinned them in place.  I like my hair down as it's my favorite physical attribute - but it's also like wearing a furry bear on your head and will darn right 'cause a heat stroke.

Add some fun to your summer wardrobe with colored embroidery.

Embroidered Linen Dress: J Crew also in a top version & Here || 

Shoes: Similar & Here & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Colored Embroidery 

XOXO Sarah Louise