Friday Favorites: Pretty Little Purses

Happy Friday Gals!  I hope that you had a spooky good Halloween.
We had major storms here so our neighborhood like most in Charlotte has decided to move the festivities to tomorrow.  Although, once the storms passed I had quite a few treaters.

But this little lady was the cutest of them all!!!

We dressed her up in the afternoon and she had a ball playing outside in her costume.
I'm so happy she loves playing dress up already. #likemotherlikedaughter

Today I want to talk handbags. Are you one of those gals that has one 'workhorse' bag that you use every. single. day.?  Personally, I change my bag several times a week - it all depends on what I'm wearing and doing.

I feel as though most gals tend to fall into the 'one bag fits all' category.  Meaning a bag that's bigger, in a neutral color such as black or brown, and they have everything but the kitchen sink in it for everyday use.

Personally, I only have 1 tote and 2 other bags that are larger but those have top handles so I carry them on my elbow.  I'm petite so I find bigger bags cumbersome and honesty I don't carry very much at all.  So I most often carry medium bags that are colorful and ladylike.

Here's what you'll find in my handbag:

A very small wallet with my cards

Keys - can't get anywhere without them

Snack

Lipsticks

Ink Pen - Constantly making lists & there's a notepad that lives in my car

Phone - not pictured b/c I used it to take this pic

I completely understand the utilitarianism of a tote for the Monday-Friday hustle but I encourage you to consider a pretty little bag for lunches, nights out and church.

Here are some pretty little bags that I think would be a darling addition to your wardrobe ...

Eclectic Tweed Shoulder Bag

I love the rinestones and mixed tweed fabrics on this 'Chanel' like bag.  

I also like that you can wear it as a crossbody.

Faux Croc Shoulder Bag

Mini Croc Bag

Orange Top Handle & Crossbody Bag
I wear my orange bag several times a week!
Such an unexpected color and compliments my outfits brightly

Canteen Bag

Ruffled Clutch
More colors & long crossbody strap

Embroidered Clutch

Leather Clutch

Leopard Calf Hair Cross Body

Circle Cross Body
Lots of Color Options

Saddle Bag
Lots of Color Options Here

Chevron Cross Body
6 color options

Classic Cross Body
8 color options

Dress Your Outfits Beautifully with a Pretty Purse

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Bold Collaboration

Gals, I dare say it's starting to feel like Fall!  This past weekend I traveled to the mountains with the ladies of my church for a relaxing and refreshing retreat and to my surprise when I came home the cool air seemed to follow me back.

PS missed my baby girl something fierce (according to my sister who took care of her she missed me more!) but Mammas it is necessary to to get away and care for yourself every now and then :)

PSS If you are a nursing Mamma (I'm down to morning and night #freedom) this dress will accommodate.

Now, I'm sale shopper (why in the world would you pay full price?!) so when J Crew was having 40% off a couple weekends ago I shopped. I'm loving velvet for Fall/Winter, it's rich and soft and I love leopard all year round so a collaboration in a classic wrap dress design creates the perfect stand out dress!

The leopard is in a pinkish hue, which I find to be prettier than the standard yellow.  I normally detest sleeves but this cap sleeve gathers at the shoulder giving it a bit of structure and femininity.

If you've been reading this blog for any length or time, or know me in real life, you know it is very rare to see me in a dress above the knee.  I made the exception because it is a winter dress and I'd be pairing it with boots and tights. I also feel that with holiday parties approaching a shorter hem will be fun.

But don't get me wrong I'm also wearing it to church - it's all about styling!

I really want a velvet top and/or blazer but haven't found the right ones at the right price.
Stay tuned.

Sidenote: I did just purchase a velvet piece for our new home! It's been a process getting settled but I promise to share soon.

Velvet Leopard Dress | Boots | Clutch | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Velvet & Leopard

XOXO Sarah Louise

Lace Toppings

Lace is one of the loveliest fabrics.  It's delicate texture exudes femininity.  I love that lace can go from day to night to even special occasion.  It's all about the styling.  Paired with trousers or pencil skirts for work.  Go casual with jeans, even distressed jeans or shorts.

This top in a muted green (It reminds me of the ferns I have by my front door) has a peplum shape for waist defining and the scalloped hem emphasized the texture.  I love all shades of green, nothing complements my red hair better!  This particular shade is great for all year wear.

I styled this dressy lace top with a pair of raw hem black jeans and heeled sandals for an after hours vibe.  I invest in tops that can be worn for day and with a simple swap are sassy enough for a night of fun.

I must say I had a hard time finding black jeans without holes in the knees.  I love distressing but you don't need more than a pair or two.  The raw hem is a modern element that adds just the right touch of casual.

Add a lace top to your wardrobe and I promise you'll be wearing around the clock.

Lace Top - Similar & Here & Here ||  Black Jeans  ||  Sandals  ||
Clutch  ||  Bangle  || Earrings  ||  Sunglasses  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Lace Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

LBD for a Night Out

Today is day 4 of wearing this little black dress. 

Today's weather is a bit chilly so I added a long sleeve shirt underneath my dress.  Yesterday it was raining all day and I just have to give thanks for the blessing to have rain boots, a waterproof jacket and a closet full of clean clothes to wear.

Over 4,000 children in Charlotte schools are reported homeless. They aren't just wearing the same thing every day, they might also be sleeping in it & they definitely aren't washing it.  Junior League of Charlotte volunteers work with families who are trying to transition out of homelessness so children can have at least the stability of calling something other than a school cubby their "address." Help me turn 1 dress into addresses, by donating  to the JLC HERE

Before I go any further I want to share how tremendously thankful I am for every email read, social media post liked & shared, and for the generosity of family, friends, colleagues near and far who have kindly donated to my page in support against poverty.  ALL of you have warmed my heart but most importantly you've warmed the hearts of those in need! 

YOU can fight this fight against poverty with me by clicking below 

Help Make Poverty Unfashionable

Most of you know that Ryan, my husband, practices medicine in the ER here in Charlotte. So we personally are invested in the health of our community.

Did you know.....

There are almost 100,000 uninsured Children in North Carolina.  Children without health insurance coverage are less likely than insured children to have a regular health care provider and to receive care when they need it. They are also more likely to receive treatment after their condition has worsened, putting them at greater risk of hospitalization.  Through our Healthy Family Initiative, Junior League of Charlotte volunteers ensure that children living in poverty get health, audio, eye, & dental screenings at our health fairs and at our Big Shots Saturdays, over 400 children a year are getting required immunizations to keep them healthy and in school.  Wanna be a Big Shot? Your tax deductible donation helps us keep kids healthy. Donate HERE

For the fourth installment on styling a LBD I'm sharing a night out look.  All you need is a snazzy pair of heels, some statement jewelry and a small handbag.  Because gals, you are off the clock! There is no need to haul around more than the essentials (lipstick, phone, keys and your wallet).  

Speaking of phones, I know we all want to capture those 'I'm all dressed up and not sitting on my couch tonight' pics with our friends but I challenge you to keep the phones down and your eyes up.  Be present with your company & enjoy the conversation.  Everything else will still be there later. I promise. 
That's what 'latergram' and 'about last night' posts are for :)

LBD  ||  Pumps & Similar  ||  Clutch  ||  Earrings  ||  Sunglasses  || 

Dress Beautifully in a LBD for a Night Out

XOXO Sarah Louise

Ribbons & Lace

Lace used to be for those special dress up occasions.  Today, you can find lace in all types of garments. It adds texture, detail and lots of femininity!

While lace hasn't lost any of its fanciness, you can tone it down with simple styling.
This dress has casual elements with its piped collar and pockets.

I styled this black lace dress with layers, because it's finally getting cold down here in the South.  With added coverage it creates a more modest look that is appropriate for day/office.  I kept it extra classy with pearls and a patent clutch.

Note: I went up a size.  I wanted to be able to layer easily and I find that shift dresses really shorten with sitting. Since that's a necessary aspect of life a little more room & length is a good thing. Pay attention to the arm holes when sizing up, often they become too big and it is NOT classy to expose undergarments!

To take it to the weekend, try brown boots/booties and a denim jacket.  I believe that shoes and a jacket have big power to completely change your look.

I wanted to amp up the girly and nothing says girly like a bow.  But because I'm in my thirties (seriously where does the time go?!!) it needed to be small and understated.  I recently purchased a velvet choker necklace with my youngest sister (#flashback - everything that was cool when I was young is back!) and decided it's perfect to repurpose in my mane.

This dress is not only great for the holiday season but because it's sleeveless and light weight you can ditch the layers and pair with sandals come Spring.

Tip: Pairing tights with heels can be a slippery mess, a Mary Jane style holds down your feet for easy walking.

Lace Dress || Silk Blouse || Mary Jane Pumps || Similar Clutch || Chocker Ribbon || 

Dress Beautifully in Layered Lace & Ribbons

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tortoise

Tortoise is the name of land dwelling reptiles aka very large turtles. In the fashion world, tortoise most commonly refers to a resin material designed in amber, brown and black, to resemble the shell of the tortoise animal. 

I’ve shared with you many times that animal prints are my preferred prints over graphics because of their neutral colors and because they are natural.  I think of them as God’s art work.  While you can’t really replicate the true intricacy of these prints as they are one of a kind to each animal, like our fingerprints, textiles have come very close to conveying their beauty.

Because I love tortoise accessories so much and wear them on a very frequent basis I thought I’d share my favorites with you.

ALL of my hair accessories are tortoise!  I like to style my mane in a variety of styles. I truly don’t know how gals coif their manes the same way day in and day out #Boring!  I need strong clips to hold my massive locks in place and I also need them to be pretty and discrete.   Gals, it is not appropriate to have pony tail elastics on your wrist (keep them in your purse) or to have brightly colored one’s in your hair(unless you’re exercising – I’m all about bright colors for my sweat sessions).  You want your hair style to look effortless and polished.  Tortoise as well as solid neutral clips & pins that correspond with your hair color do just that.

As for jewelry and other accessories, tortoise print offers a unique texture in a smooth glossy resin as well as a subtle print.  In rich neutral shades they go with everything!  I also find that because tortoise is a blend of brown and black that it’s much softer that just solid darks.

Just for fun, did you know that a tortoises generally have a longer lifespan than any other animal often exceeding 150 years!!

Go accessorize yourself in pieces with the classic tortoise print. 

1.   2.   3.   4.    5.    6.    7.     8.    9.    10.   11.   12.   13. 

Dress Beautifully in Tortoise

XOXO Sarah Louise

LBD: Day to Night

Versatility is a key element of style.  It's important to be able to utilize your garments in multiple ways so that you not only reap the rewards of your investment but that you keep your looks fresh. 

Fridays are for date nights, happy hours and in my case binge watching the new 'Fuller House' on Netflix.  But if I were going out with Mr or the gals, a LBD is always the right choice.  And since it's just straight up too much work to change into a completely different outfit, wearing a dress that can simply be transformed with new accessories is paramount. 

For day pair with a lady like jacket and modest heels.

For night ditch the jacket and work bag and go for a higher heel and clutch. 

I find that choosing a dress constructed with lots of stretch like this one holds it shape, hugs in just the right places and creates a flattering silhouette.  It's not too showy but does have interest with leather and cutouts at the neckline.  It doesn't take much ladies.  Less is more often more!

Though a LBD is classic and flattering don't limit yourself to a solid dark hue, these styling tips apply to any dress that makes you feel pretty.  

LBD: Banana Republic 

Mid Heel Pumps: Nine West || Jacket: Similar || Handbag: Prada || 

High Heel Pump: Nine West || Clutch: Similar & Here || 

Dress Beautifully Day to Night in a LBD

XOXO Sarah Louise