Cut It Out

 

Gals, I've been cutting out to travel as much as I can this Summer.  It was one of my goals that I set at my last birthday in April to take more trips and sprinkle in spontaneity.  It has proven to add so much joy in the experiences and time with my favorites.

When I'm on vacation I like to dress the part in fun, colorful and not so everyday pieces.  I like to push pause on the practical and embrace the escape. 

Cut out dresses are a hot trend this season and I think they are a creative and sassy option on a getaway.  Let me just address the obvious. Yes, there are intentional exposures on the midsection and no these garments are not appropriate for church or around your grandma but by the sea you'll be as pretty as can be.

You can absolutely keep it classy with cut outs.  The key is that they are small and that the remaining elements of the dress provide coverage.  This maxi dress has ample chest coverage and allows me to wear a normal bra. The skirt is voluminous in a full length.  The only areas exposed in a nontraditional way is along the base of my ribcage. Pieces that expose more than that, like those that are backless and/or short, aren't as flattering because they illuminate the ability to wear undergarments and expose far too much.

You want a subtle show of skin ... not everything your Mamma gave you! #amen

Note: In my strong opinion, your belly button should ALWAYS be covered when wearing cut outs or cropped pieces. It's just ick unless you're in a bikini.

Fashion should be fun so by adding a piece like this one to your wardrobe you're incorporating the merry elements of the occasions you'll wear it to. 

Cut Out Maxi Dress | Heels | Earrings

Dress Beautifully in a Cut Out Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Bump Up The Basics

TGIF! It still hasn't sunk in yet that it's 2020 (and that my baby is 2!).  But gals, the world keeps on turning and here we are in a brand new year and decade.

My favorite ways to make my typical outfits, which are white or solid colored tops and jeans look interesting and new is to add color and print with my shoes and handbag.

Note: I am VERY proud of myself for adding a whole lot more print in my wardrobe last year ... but still NO black and heavens no grey.

One concept that I really want to emphasize to you is that it's far more fun to add color to color than color to neutrals.  What I mean is, your ensemble doesn't have to be white, black or blue jeans to add a bright color or print.

Here are some ways I add color and print to a solid outfit .....

Sweater | Jeans | Snake Booties | Red Handbag

Fleece | Jeans | Sneakers | Handbag

Turtleneck | Jeans | Boots | Handbag

Purple Sweater | Pants | Pumps | Handbag

Sweater | Pants | Pumps | Handbag

Dress Your Solids Beautifully with Color & Print

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

Color Block

Black & white is the most classic combination.  It's the highest contrast between light and dark.  It gives a clean, sharp and polished look.

I tend to keep my tops and dresses fitted/tailored on my upper body as it's the most flattering on my shape.  Lately, the boxy and shorter hems are trending for tops/blouses.

I try and follow my own rules so instead of walking past I try on.  The key to wearing the boxy tops is to ensure they are fitted on the shoulders and chest and keep your skirt or pant fitted higher on the waist so you still see the shape of your body.

I adore this fit and flare skirt and have it in two other colors that I've posted here and here.  It's a fun skirt and I often do a twirl in the mirror when getting dressed :)

This blouse not only has great architectural shape but is breezy and cool to survive the summer heat.

I did add some gold accessory for some shine and a blush handbag for just a subtle pop of color.

Blouse: J Crew Factory || Flare Skirt: J Crew || Bracelet: J Crew ||

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

Dress Beautifully in Black and White

XOXO Sarah Louise

Poppy & Purple

Poppy & Purple are 2 Very Rich Colors.  They're Bright and Saturated and Just Plum Perfect Together!

I was Inspired to Combine these Two, Again from the Fabulously Colorful Kate Spade Gift Box.

I Added a Glitter Gold Belt to Break Up the Color Blocks and Add some 
Sparkle & Texture for More Fun.

I Couldn't Decide Between Nude or My Most Favorite Gold Pumps
Gold Totally Won!
     Fact: You Can Never Have Too Much Gold!! 

Poppy Blouse & Purple Skirt J Crew - Similar on Sale Here & Here 

Gold Glitter Belt - Target Gold Pumps - Nine West

Be Popping!

XOXO Sarah Louise

Aqua & Red

I Adore Combining Unlikely Colors Together.  It Leads to a Surprisingly Fresh Approach that Makes you take a Second Look.

My Inspiration Often comes from Unconventional Sources.

The Color Pairing for this Look came from the Oh So Colorful Kate Spade Gift Box! 
I Love Receiving Gifts from Kate.  The Presentation is as Fabulous as the Surprise Inside! Not Only are her Pieces Bright but the Behind the Scenes Linings and Wrappings are Equally as Popping.

These Side Zip Trousers Create a Clean Front and Long Line on the Body.

Fit is Everything with a Side Zip Trouser. They Tend to Sit Higher on the Waist and if not Tailored Properly can Create Unwanted Volume.  Look for Cuts that are Straight Down from the Hip.  This Creates a Streamline Look and Gives Room for Movement.

Adding a Printed Clutch Breaks Up the Color Blocking

Neutral Shoes Keep Focus on the Colors

Aqua Blouse (Banana Republic) - Similar at  Loft & Banana Republic

Red Grosgrain Side Zip Trouser (Etcetera) - Similar at ASOS & J Crew 

Nude Pumps Nine West  Leopard Calf Hair Clutch - Similar Clair Vivier

Nail Polish Essie - Clambake Love Knot Earrings Moon & Lola

Outfit Inspiration Doesn't Have to Come from Magazines, TV & Pinterest.

Think Outside the Gift Box!

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pink & Red

Pink & Red - Colors of Love

Valentines Day is Only 4 Days Away & I Couldn't be More Excited! 

What we wear can set a tone for celebrating... and it just so happens that 
Celebrating Love is the Best!

I Color-Blocked Pink and Red, Separating with my Most Favorite Gold Chain Belt! 
(It's gold and a chain ... I pretty much wear it as often as I can)

I chose Nude Kitten Heels with a Big Bow on the Toe for added Femininity.

My Clutch is a Patent Dark Black & Burgundy Ombre Grounding the Two Bright Colors.

Chain Belt Tory Burch Similar, Shoes Butter

Top, Pant & Purse - Long Time Closet Presence

Similar Top, Similar Pant

Look Lovely in Pink & Red 

XOXO Sarah Louise