Resort Wear

Gals these are the days of all the vacations! Escapes from life's routine for relaxation and fun. When it comes to resort wear I want pieces that stand out with color, print and designs that are far from what I'd wear to work, at home or church. I want outfits that are special.

A matching set is a fantastic way to have just that! 

I loved this wide leg and crop top set for the abstract zebra print (soft but bold), neutral colors (rust is not your average neutral) and sophisticated yet feminine cut. 

This look has options:

Top on or off the shoulders (I like on for movement & ability to wear a bra)

Swap the pants for a maxi skirt or white jeans.

Swap the top for a white button up or simple tank.

My favorite color pairings would be aqua, purple, green or blue ... the skies the limit!

Note: This set also comes in orange & black. 

The pants in a fluid linen and extra wide leg gives a skirt like appearance with a high waist that defines the waist for shape!

Tip: When wearing a cropped top the belly button must ALWAYS be covered!

Top | Linen Wide Leg Pants | Heels | Cuff |

Dress Beautifully in Resort Wear

XOXO Sarah Louise

Matching Set - Styled 7 Ways

Ruffled Crop Top - Mini Skirt

both come in multiple colors

I love matching sets! They're intentional in their purpose of two pieces made of the same fabric while at the same time giving way to so many style options split apart. This particular set is a cute one for Summer. 

*Disclaimer - I know crop tops aren't for everyone (I'm not wearing it to church for crying out loud) but styled tastefully with high waisted bottoms I'm sure your Mamma won't have a stroke... even if she doesn't quite approve.

A maxi skirt is my fav to pair with cropped tops. 

With a high waist and full length the proportions are balanced

High waisted wide leg pants are also a great option for a long sleek look and balance.

Note: I'm wearing my normal size but in petite in these pants

If you are going to opt for shorts, make them high waisted and a tad longer.

A structured pair adds sophistication to compensation for all the exposed skin.

I love a peplum top with A-line skirts. They add an extra layer of fun!

I think most gals assume you need to tuck in a top for waist definition - but the peplum already has that and it adds extra structure. 

You can't go wrong with a cotton tank on a hot Summer day!

A little loose tuck adds just the right shape.

I also wear petite in this tank.

Classic denim just goes great with everything!

Dress Beautifully in a Matching Set

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Match Set

I'm loving all these designer lines presented at the big box stores with affordable price points (I'm not going to discuss the Lilly for Target too Cra- Cra!) 

I've always loved Milly but it is definitely something I purchase on sale or for a special occasion. So I was pretty excited to see this Milly line for Kohls. It was inspired by the designer's trip to Capri, Italy and I couldn't wait to get my hands on a few pieces. 

My store didn't carry the full line so I may have to order online but I did bring home this beautiful blue and white matching set.  It's not my typical nature to coordinate to a tee but in this case I'm Matchy-Matchy all the way! The print reminds me of italian porcelain pottery.  It has that 60's vibe but in a modern design.  The cotton sateen finish is polished and comfortable. 

The crop top is shorter but not so short it's inappropriate.  The pant and top meet with a slight overlap - note I'm short waisted and barely 5'2" with my puffy hair. 

So for taller gals or for the office, pair shorter tops with high waisted pencil skirts or trousers.  Try layering a button down underneath. 

I'll be splitting these pieces up pairing each with white, navy, black and gray colors.... maybe even yellow :) 

Crop Top: Milly for Kohls || Capri Pants: Milly for Kohls || Heels: Franco Sarto Similar ||
Bracelet: Hermes || Clutch: Tory Burch || Earrings: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in a Matching Set

XOXO Sarah Louise

Rosy Posey

Roses are the epitome of romance and femininity.  Their sweet smell and colorful petals just make me think of love.  

I adore this ladylike top for it's slightly cropped design in a metallic jacquard fabric.  The vibrant colors of pink, purple, red and a touch of dark, make it look almost like an abstract painting. The gold threads throughout gives off a touch of shine.  

I typically shy away from boxy tops but in a shorter length paired with a higher waisted bottom piece it actually highlights the waist line. 

In the hustle and bustle of life we often loose track of the beauty around us and what's truly important.

Stop and Smell (or Wear) the Roses! 

Rosy Top: Trina Turk Similar & Here || Ivory Trousers: Similar & Here || 

Cuff: Ann Taylor || Lace Up Pumps: Similar || Earrings: Towne & Reese || 

Dress Beautifully in Roses

XOXO Sarah Louise

Faux Crop Top

Trending Huge this Spring - The Crop Top 

But I have a Rule: "Just Because it's Trending Doesn't Mean it's Pretty"

As a Gal in her 30's hummmm   it's just not Becoming to be Strutting Around in a Crop Top... I mean When and Where is that Situationally Appropriate?? Date night? Vacation? To Me it's just Not a Good Investment Piece

However - You Can Create the Look of a Crop Top with the Cut of Your Pieces!

Shape & Cut are Key -   The Top should be Boxy and Made with a Stiff Fabric.  The Cut should be Straight but Fitted at the Shoulders and Chest. 

Pairing:  The Bottom Piece Must be Fitted!! - Otherwise you'll have too much Volume and No Shape.
Pencil Skirts & Super Skinny Pants are a Perfect Match.  Aim for a Higher Waist Fit

This Top Satisfied my Desire for a Crop Top in a Mature and Classy Way:  
It's Constructed with a Light Weight Thin Shell with a Hint of Stretch 
(Allowing it to Cling to Your Body Separating from the Boxy Overlay) 
and a Stiff Graphic Eyelet Cropped Layer on Top.  The Large Circular Holes Give Illusion and Texture. 
The Tones are Perfection.  The Nude Creates a Flesh Tone Canvass that's Soft against the Lighter Cream Eyelet Lace.

For This Look I Tucked the Shell Layer into my Skirt - Keeping the Eyelet Layer on the Outside

Another Alternative for the Crop Top Look:
Find a Boxy Stiff Top & Hem the Bottom a Little.  Not Too Short ... again You want the Look while Maintaining Class & Sophistication.  
Test - Raise Your Arms ... If you can't see skin you're good! Higher Waisted Skirts & Pants Compliment Best.

This Skirt Caught my Eye Last Year when it was First Showcased in J Crew's Collection Line.  But Since it was a 'Collection' Piece it was Out of my Price Point.

Luckily, it hit J Crew Factory and I Scooped it Up!!!  The Whimsical Floral Print and Pastel Tones are Refreshing.  I can't wait to Pair it with Carnation Pink, Navy, and Maybe I'll be Daring with a Red! 

Pics Obviously Taken Pre New Mane Coiffing/Cut

Top Ann Taylor Skirt J Crew Factory   

Get Creative with the Crop Top Trend

XOXO Sarah Louise