Black & Blue

Black and Blue - there are no battle wounds in this look.  In fact it's a very smooth confrontation between Summer and Fall.

This time of year can be tough.  All the cool weather designs are hitting the store floors with sweaters, jackets, jeans and boots. But the temps outside are still blazing.  This leather skirt is light weight and in flirty pleats and a shorter hem line you're not going to be a puddle when you step outside.  I paired it with a bright blue silk blouse to lighten the look.  I kept my heels open and a tad edgy to go with the leather vibe.

Now in the upcoming months I plan to pair with dress shirts, sweaters and for a the weekends a simple tee and denim jacket.

Tip:  When I go to purchase a garment, while in the dressing room once I've confirmed the fit is good, I go through pairing options that I already have in my closet.  This method ensures it will get the wear for the money.

Blue Top: Madewell & Similar || Pleated Leather Skirt: J Crew ||

Strappy Heels: Similar & Here || Earrings: Kendra Scott || Gold Cuff: J Crew || 

Handbag: Prada & Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Black & Blue

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Cobalt and Cabernet

Bordeaux, burgundy, maroon, or what I prefer to call it merlot, cabernet, or pinot, either way this deep dark red is one of my favorite colors for the colder months of Fall/Winter.  It's rich and warm and plays well with other colors.  When styling I treat it as a neutral like navy, brown, grey and black.

Since it is a darker shade adding a bright color that isn't a neutral makes for a fun mix.

I love all shades of blue and green but it's the jewel tones that really strike my fancy!
Cobalt is saturated and bright and is great all year round. The ruffles are an added bonus on this top.  It may be freezing cold outside today but come Spring it's going to pop with a pair of white skinnies.

Adding a bold print is the best way to add style when wearing solids.  I love light weight topper jackets and have quite the collection (heavy coats are a rare essential down here in the South).  In a longer length plus a fun print equals chic!  Adding a printed scarf is another option.

I kept my shoes and handbag neutral so that the pretty colors shine.

Add cobalt and red wine to your next outfit and maybe don't limit yourself to the color, go ahead a pour a big glass! Cheers :)

Cobalt Ruffle Top: Banana Republic - Similar here || Trousers: Here and Here || 

Pumps: Tory Burch || Printed Jacket: Anthropologie (Sold out) Similar & Here & Here ||

Handbag: Tory Burch || Earrings: Towne & Reese || 

Dress Beautifully in Cobalt & Cabernet

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bubble Gum

This isn't just any pink sweater.  It's a bubble gum pink sweater.  The pink that's bright, fun and brings you back to those carefree younger years of blowing big sugary bubbles and smashing them on your face.  It's not as common to find this shade of pink outside of Spring/Summer but I'm so glad I did.  Sure the rich darker shades of burgundy, forest green and plum are great but with the temps dropping and the lack of sunshine, I could sure use a bit of bright. 

You gal's know I'm all about color.  The way to bring these 'typical' warm weather shades into the colder months is fabric.  No you wouldn't wear a bubble gum linen blouse or sundress but in a sweater or scarf, absolutely! There are certain fabrics that are specific to seasons as they serve a function.  Linen to keep you cool and wool/cashmere to keep you warm.

Sure you can pair this sweater with black, taupe, grey or navy in a pair of trousers or skirt for the office but I wanted to go all out on color.  I've already worn it with jeans and some OTK suede boots, but these cobalt skinny pants were the show stopper.  Because the two shades are so fun I kept every thing else simple with minimal jewelry and a neutral ballet flat. This allows to the color block look to take full attention.

This sweater is one of my more casual ones as it is a more looser/relaxed fit.  But the fit compliments the fun pink color as I feel this sweater was meant to be worn snuggled and laughed in.  

Pink Sweater: J Crew || Cobalt Skinny Pants: J Crew || 

Ballet Flats: Chanel Similar & Here & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Bubble Gum Pink

XOXO Sarah Louise

Black & Blue

I get asked often if pairing black and blue is ok.  It's more than ok gals!  I personally love pairing the two shades.  Since I don't wear a lot of black, it's key to add some color when I do.  

The 'Midi' length is a huge trend and one I've been dying to try but being petite I was extremely apprehensive that it would make me look shorter than I already am.  I've found that a lot of the midi length skirts are full and pleated.  By opting for a midi length that's fitted or less voluminous you get more of a sleek long look.  To me the midi length is very feminine and reminds me of those elegant ladies of the 50's!

This black dress has subtle and sophisticated stripes and a lot of stretch to create a fitted shape. I paired it with cobalt blue pumps and coat (y'all it was crazy cold taking these pics!).  For the summer months I plan to pair this dress with sandals and wedges for a more casual look.

Photos BMD

Dress: Ann Taylor || Pumps: Nine West || Coat: J Crew Similar || 

Handbag: Prada || Earrings: Kate Spade || Bangle: David Yurman || 

Dress Beautifully in Black & Blue

XOXO Sarah Louise

Cobalt

I'm Currently Craving the Color Cobalt this Season! 

Cobalt is a Rich, Saturated & Bright Blue Hue.  I Style it as a Neutral and Think of it as a Fun Alternative to Navy.  

I've Successfully Splashed Cobalt in my Closet with Dresses, Blouses, Skirts, Pants, a Coat and Shoes!! Still Missing ... A Handbag!! A much Tougher Challenge as I'm Very Particular about my Purses - Stay Tuned!

For this Wear-to-Work Look I Styled my Favorite Blouse Design the 'Secretary' - a Blouse with a Neck Tie Sash Typically Tied in a Bow.  I Adore this Design in Silk Fabric and a Big Feminine Bow. 
And The Houndstooth Glen Plaid Print - it's My Favorite of All Prints!  To Give this Blouse Interest a Pop of Cobalt Runs Through the Plaid Lines. 

Add Some Cheer to Your Look with Cobalt Blue Hues!

Glen Plaid Secretary Blouse: Brooks Brothers Similar Here & Here || Black Pencil Skirt: Ann Taylor || Cobalt Blue Shoes: Jessica Simpson || 

Dress Beautifully in Cobalt

XOXO Sarah Louise