Elevated Basics

 One of my favorite looks is a crisp white shirt with a pair of jeans. It's timeless, chic and a perfect balance of polished and chic. 

SHIRT - NECKLACE - TWO TONED JEANS - BUCKLE FLATS - BELT 

Here area some ways to elevate a simple button up & jeans:

- Pop the collar

- Leave the top 3 buttons open

- Add a statement necklace

- Tuck the front and back of the shirt leaving the sides loose

- Roll the sleeves to the elbow leaving the cuff out

- Top the jeans with a belt

- Opt for jeans that have a modern cut/detail (ex: barrel, two toned, cuffed)

- Step into a pair of shoes with pointed toe

Dress Beautifully in an Elevated Classic Look

XOXO Sarah Louise

Asymmetrical

 I love a crisp button up shirt. While classic and timeless they alone are simple but with design & styling they can be very interesting.

This top marries the sharp elements of a pinstripe print and crisp fabric with modern design in an asymmetrical hem, sleeveless cut and versatile button back collar to create a modern and chic top.

You can style this with a lot of contrast by pairing with a pair of jeans or shorts or you can maintain continuity with a pair of trousers like I did.

Style Tip: layer with a blazer, denim jacket or even leather come Fall.

SLEEVELESS ASYMMETRICAL TOP 

I also love this OFF THE SHOULDER OPTION

Dress Beautifully in an Asymmetrical Shirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Forever & For ALL

 When it comes to building a wardrobe I believe strongly in starting with a foundation of classic 'forever' pieces. These are garments that are well made, in timeless designs and span across seasons. They're not a 'one and done' wear but pieces you can style differently with accessories and shoes, can layer and dress up & casually. 

While I shop big retailers the most I find great beauty, uniqueness and quality in smaller designers.  Julia Amory is one of those. Her designs are feminine with modern touches. I anticipate her pieces increasing in my closet.

This shirt dress has elements of sophistication with the collar, shape with the strong cap sleeve and cinched waist, interest with the patchwork print, fun with the oversized side pockets and femininity in the a-line midi skirt. 

The fabric is a substantial cotton with a hint of stretch for a fit that holds and covered buttons for elegance.

I swapped the self fabric tie belt for a raffia one for added texture and contrast.

I styled this dress with a pair of sling back, low heel pumps (my new fav!!!) but plan to wear with flat sandals and even sneakers for casual occasions.

Young or seasoned, mom life or day at the office, luncheon or evening event - this dress can take you to all the places for years to come! 

SHIRT DRESS - BELT - PUMPS (new fav & in tons of colors!)

Dress Beautifully in Classics

XOXO Sarah Louise

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: Belts

 TGIF! What a week! And it's the last one before Thanksgiving. I don't know about you but this month has flown by for me. 

This week the ladies bible study I participate in finished for the semester with a lovely brunch (my small group has planned for a Christmas gathering in a few weeks so we can see each other again before the end of year), I hosted a gathering of kindergarten mamas from Vivian's school for coffee & breakfast and continued to fill my days with my usual to-do's. 

This weekend will be Vivian's last soccer game of the season (her cousin is surprising her and coming to watch - she's going to burst with excitement) and a celebration of my sister's birthday that includes a sleepover!! 

When I am putting an outfit together and have chosen the main pieces accessorizing is truly the step that creates the most style. The jewelry adds shine & sometimes color, handbags & shoes add texture and sometimes print, jackets can add all of these elements as well as structure & shape!

My favorite finishing piece is a belt. Belts can add shine, color, texture, pattern and the ultimate shape.

I'm starting to consider myself a belt collector, my favorite being my vintage ones!

STYLE FACTS: Belts do NOT have to be designer to be chic! In fact - I encourage with all things purchasing on sale.

Here are some great belts to layer jeans, dresses, skirts and even blazers with ...

WIDE HOOK BELT

CLASSIC WIDE

EMBOSSED CROC BELT

STUDDED BELT

LEOPARD CALFHAIR

I love this over an all black outfit

CLASSIC

in 2 colors and 2 metal finishes 

I have this one and it's truly timeless

METALLIC

in 8 different finish/color options

Dress Beautifully Belted

XOXO Sarah Louise

Power Dressing

A blue blazer is a closet staple! It's a tailored, classic piece that accentuates a woman's physique in a strong way. While the days of suiting up in the office are currently behind me, I still believe in the power of dressing sharp.

The blue blazer gives me confidence. It adds structure and polishes even the most casual of outfits. I look for a shoulder that fits, cinches my waist, skims the hips and detailing like functional cuff buttons. 

As for color, navy is a rich neutral but softer than black. It's my favorite!

Pair a navy blazer with:

trousers & skirts for sophistication

over a casual dress or maxi skirt for a day time chic look

with a mini dress or skirt for evening

along side a white tee and jeans for a timeless ensemble

Ladies the options are endless!

Pair it with pieces you love for a polished look that's unique to YOU!

This particular blazer has attachable underpinnings available!

If I could only inspire you to add one piece to your wardrobe

a navy blazer would be it!

My Navy Blazer - Very Similar - Classic Option 

Dress Beautifully in a Navy Blazer

XOXO Sarah Louise

Nautical

I love a classic nautical style for Summer. It can make you feel like you're in Nantucket, on a yacht or at least that you should be! 

There's a few key elements that make this timeless look beautiful ...

NAVY & CRISP WHITE

Sailor Shorts & Here - Pants

A color palette of navy and white is sharp! 

Navy is actually my preferred neutral (as it is my Mamma's & was my Grandma's)

STRIPES

Sweater Jacket

These clean lines add pattern in a timeless simple way.

GOLD BUTTONS & ACCESSORIES

The shiny buttons in a sailor design really give a nautical aesthetic! 

Add gold jewelry like knot earrings or a link bracelet to really tie it all together.

RATTAN BAG

A wicker handbag is quintessential for Summer and there are so many unique designs.

My basket bag is vintage and one I carry the most.

It also adds texture & a natural element to your look.

TOROISE SUNGLASSES

These sunglasses give an old school look that also adds a natural element and chic shade!

SILK SCARVES & AMERICANA

Consider a printed silk scarf around your neck, hair or handbag for added color & print.

I proudly enjoy wearing a touch of Americana during the Summer & this sweater has been on my wish list for two years!

Dress Beautifully in Nautical Style

XOXO Sarah Louise

90's Classic

 

I grew up in the 90's, my glory days, where I began to love getting dressed and styling my outfits. To me these years will be iconic with memorable trends for good and cringe worthy reasons. Unlike the decade before it, the 90's were preppy and refined. I've carried an affinity for this polished style since.

This look is simple yet sophisticated. I toned it down with a white tank rather than a blouse and opted for low heels (flats or a higher heel can adjust this look). The structure of the blazer and shiny brass detailing are dressy while the loose jeans keep the outfit modern & casual. 

Tip: Shiny gold detailing and jewelry really make an expensive looking impact

These jeans are hight waisted and fitted on the hips but they're super roomy in the legs which is great for me as mine are thicker than average. I do feel that they're a bit too long for my frame and will cut about 1/2" off after washing for a raw hem that's lighter/less bulky. 

Note: I took my normal size and in petite - so I'd say they run large and long.

Talk about a cute accessory!

Blazer | Tank | Loose Jeans | 

Handbag - Similar & Here | Pumps - Similar |

Dress Beautifully in Classics

XOXO Sarah Louise

Denim Jacket Refresh

A denim jacket is a classic casual piece to have in your wardrobe. It pairs with everything because, well it's denim.

Just right for when it's not too cold and not too warm this piece is comfortable and functional for layering and timeless. Now, if you want to make it a little extra add some modern detailing to the design such as distressing and/or like mine, with a puff sleeve. 

Tip: Patches & broaches are also a great way to add your personality.

I've never met a gal that didn't have a denim jacket, it's that universal when it comes to style. But I bet there's a lot of gals that could use a refresh and update. I encourage you to think about yours and what you would change.  Maybe instead of blue a charcoal wash or even bright white. 

How about beading or embroidery?? I like this one with pearls on it!!

I chose a light wash because I like lighter shades for one but I also keep my jeans darker so its more complimentary when the washes contrast should I pair them together. I can't wait to top my spring outfits (white jeans, floral dresses, pastel shorts ...) with this jacket when the mornings and evenings are chilly.

My Jacket

Available in 4 washes

Note: this was a splurge but I've wanted it for over a year.

I was able to find it on a Black Friday sale for over half off! 

Dress Beautifully in a Denim Jacket

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Overalls

TGIF! Gals, it's been a fun week. The weather was warm so Vivian & I had lots of play time outside, long sunny runs, and even an outdoor movie night at her school. 

Today I had planned on leaving for the beach with my gal pals for a 'Friendsgiving' but it had to be cancelled yesterday afternoon. I imagine we've all had last minute changes and upsets in our plans this year and I reminded myself to make lemonade, find the silver lining and embrace the new plans!

This week I embraced overalls for the first time since elementary school.  The dreaded strap falling in the toilet while at school did me in! And as Southern as I am, I prefer a western/country style over 'farm'. I've warmed up to the idea seeing them continue to trend over the years.

I decided on this dark charcoal pair with more of a fitted & straight leg design that comes at a pretty price!

I added elements of 'me' with a large collared crisp white blouse and my fun sparkly sneakers.

A fitted top and blue denim are so predictable in styling overalls but I encourage you to embrace an alternative wash and top.  I plan to wear these with a chambray shirt, sweatshirt, floral blouse, puff sleeve sweater and lots of color.  Booties will also dress them up a bit.

Try and think of overalls as layering a jumpsuit vs a utilitarian outdoor uniform.

My Overalls

also in blue

Acid Wash

Distressed

Classic

Classic Black

Classic Cropped

Ivory

Boyfriend

Straight 

True Blue

8 Washes!!!

Patchwork Olive

Velvet

Faux Leather

Dress Beautifully in Overalls

XOXO Sarah-Louise