Showing posts with label denim. Show all posts
Showing posts with label denim. Show all posts

Sep 24, 2021

Friday Favorites: Fall Everything

This picture was from the archives circa 2015

TGIF & Fall! According to the calendar we are in a new season, although the South holds on to Summer temps for quite a lot longer. I feel like Fall's the most popular season. Gals just love their spiced lattes, pumpkin flavored everything from Trader Joes, cozy camel sweaters, boots and felt hats. Sigh I'm not on the train.  I'm a Spring gal through and through! This gal just loves new flower blooms, outdoor tea parties, egg shaped candy, pastels, frilly dress and sandals. 

I do however embrace the new found morning & evening chill, cozy layers and richer colors. I can't wait to be in the mountains in 2 weeks to see the leaves changing their colors and hike in the crisp fresh air. 

Here are some pretty pieces that feature Fall beautifully ....

Pink Rancher Hat



Woven Hobo Bag

Western Denim Shirt


Love layering these


Love all the colors & nice to add a printed sweater amongst all the solid

Poncho Cape

Patchwork Maxi Dress


4 color options


Just brought these home & so comfy!


All about the lace up lug sole trend for booties


Have and love these!


I've had this on my wish list for a couple months now


I wear 03 brown bijou 


under $15 so cute & light
Picked these up this week :)

Make sure where ever you are, 
what ever you're doing and 
who ever you're with
You laugh!

Dress Beautifully for Fall

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mar 5, 2021

Friday Favorites: Cheerful Dressing

 TGIF!  This week started off as a doozy ... but then the sun came out and so did the fun. There's truth in that there are always rainbows after the rain. 


#MOOD

I'm choosing to be cheerful! Also having dance party or 3 will always do the trick #shakeitoff

AND with the sunshine comes warmth and boy am I happy to feel the early signs of Spring.

Here are some pretty cheerful pieces to greet Spring in ...


I tried this on in store last week (shared on my IG stories) and ordered a petite for a better fit.
I believe this blouse runs big. 




The colors and print on this one speak to me. I also LOVE this belt (ordered)!


I brought this one home! Fabric is so light and the colors are just the most cheerful palette and pattern. It's slightly puffy but oh so comfortable.


This mini skirt is on major sale and the neutral color makes it a go-with-everything sassy piece.
I rarely wear a mini but this one has just a thin elastic waist and the hip area is flattering.
I'm not a big fan of the current wide smocking on minis. This bubble hem is fun and not too short!


These are sooo on trend and a flashback to my glory days. They're also a very nice alternative to a high end designer pair.  These are going to be worn out by the end of sandal season because they're comfortable with a not so high heel and nude so I'll wear with ALL the outfits.




Mother Denim has quickly become my favorite brand for jeans.  My love started with this pair. These are an exclusive design for a fav boutique I shop online out of Texas. I preordered them and hoping to receive them next week.  They are still available! 


It's almost that time, short season. I dread it as my legs are not my finest feature but I'm working hard to grow my confidence and appreciation for them - I doubt love will ever come and that's ok.
These have a roomy leg and a just right length. I always get the 'curvy' fit.


Several Color/Print Options
I saw this in the catalog that came in the mail yesterday and am very eager to see how this top fits! 
Looks supportive without being matronly.


This is so colorful that how could you be anything but cheerful wearing it.


I ordered this one and can't wait to try it on! And it has a pretty price tag :)

Dress Beautifully in Cheerful Clothes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Feb 28, 2020

Friday Favorite: Jean Queen

TGIF! This week was anything but typical. I'm still fighting hard against this horrible germ but I can feel small improvements - I can actually mutter sounds even if they do sound like a squeaky mouse but the all night violent cough refuses to leave UGH. I did made it to the gym yesterday for the first time in 6 days and gals it felt so good! 

You know what else feels good, when you find a great fitting pair of jeans! Since having Vivian Louise you can now call me the 'Jean Queen'. Outside of church and evenings out I'm in blue jeans Every. Single. Day. My sister was actually laughing because literally I do ALL the things in blue jeans. She even called me out on changing out of my 'nice' jeans when I get home from an outing into my 'toddler approved house jeans'. Several years ago she realized that there is a person who actually chills in their home in blue jeans.  That person is me #jeanqueen.  

Boyfriend - Distressed Mom - Demi Boot - Straight - Skinny
This picture hopefully showcases the differences in the leg/hem openings of each style. 

Now, this doesn't mean I own a bazillion pairs.  I have one drawer and less than 10 are blue, 1 pair is black and 1 pair is coated black. Now, when it comes to white jeans I have far too many and I have no apologies about it.  I'll share about those as we get closer to Spring. 

Gals, jeans are the workhorse of your wardrobe. They are paired with casual cotton tops for home, dressier tops for daytime outings with flats or sneakers and completely jazzed up with sassy tops and heels for evenings.  They wear a lot of tops making them versatile and worthy of intentional investment. Meaning, streamline your denim inventory to include functional and flattering pairs!

Tip:  I wear my jeans about 4-5 times before washing.  I launder them inside out and NEVER dry them. And I always iron out the wrinkles!

Here are the Fab 5 I wear all the time ...

SKINNY

These are the ultimate skinny jean (in my opinion) because the rise is higher holding you in, the color is darker with shading that adds contour making your legs look long and lean, the fabric has the right amount of stretch for movement but not too much that they loose their shape and slide and super soft with Tencel in them.  The length is crucial in a skinny jean.  You never want bunching at the ankle so if you find a pair that fits just right but too long - HEM them! Tailors can work magic to keep the original hem style.  

I've had this pair for a few years now and they are THE pair when I want to look and feel sassy! Skinny jeans are the perfect style for fun nights out with an embellished top & heels for a more polished and modern look.
They're also great for day with an more voluminous or tunic top to balance the proportions. 

STRAIGHT


These are currently my most favorite! And the most flattering on EVERY gal!!! In a higher rise and straight cut they are the most slimming.  These have just the tee tiniest amount of stretch and very subtle shading for a classic clean look. They skim the legs unlike the skinny which is like a second skin. This allows for easy movement and is extremely elongating on the legs. I'm petite and super self conscious about my legs and these help me feel confident in how they look. #winner


DEMI BOOT CROP


These are very similar to the straight with just a tad more of an opening at the hem which is ankle length on this pair.  An ankle length jean is hands down the way to go so that you can wear absolutely any pair of shoes you want! Even for boots you don't have to worry about shoving extra fabric in them. The little kick of flair on these is fun, modern and subtle which makes them more of a staple piece rather that a 'here today gone tomorrow' trend. 
I also want to add that button front is slimming on the lower abdomen which is a common area of concern for gals. I also think it adds just a little more shine and classic look :)

DISTRESSED MOM


Gals, these are my favorite fun jeans.  'Mom' jeans are all the rage! In a lighter wash, higher rise and straight/tapered leg they are basically what your Mamma wore in the 80's & 90's with modern touches.
They're super fashionable right now and not to mention crazy comfortable. I love the higher rise, looser leg and modern distressing. In fact they have a few new rips gifted from Vivian haha. These are a splurge but I was able to find them online for 70% off #winning. Normally I would advise against a wash this light as it isn't as slimming but in this roomier straight design they don't cling to the leg.  I've worn these casually and dressed up.

BOYFRIEND


These are more of a lower rise and much looser fit.  They're casual and don't really cling to any part of your lower body. The trick is to have them fit the hips and have the rest a little loose but NOT baggy! That would make you look sloppy and bigger. I would stray away from tops that are super fitted and supper loose because you'll create unflattering proportions. Opt for semi-fitted tops and a loose tuck to add some shape. 
Boyfriend jeans are great for day and weekends but I would save them for when you already have an inventory of the more classic jeans in your closet.

Blue Jean Baby!

Here are my tips for scouting out a good pair of jeans:
1. Darker wash with subtle shading - slimming & hides stains #momlife
2. Slight stretch - too much and they loose shape, slide down and too clingy
3. Mid-High rise - holds in place, flattering on your torso, creates small waist line & great for tucking.
4. Back Pockets hit at the bottom of your derriere - too high adds width and lower will flatten
5. Ankle length - allows for any shoe pairing

Dress Beautifully in Blue Jeans

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Oct 25, 2019

Friday Favorites: Jackets & Jeans

TGIF!  It has felt like Fall all week and I'm loving it! The mornings and evenings are cool but the afternoons are full of warm sunshine.  The highlight of this week was definitely the costume carnival at Vivian's preschool Wednesday evening.  The kiddos came dressed up for a costume parade and the parents handed out candy.  Then there was pizza!  I feed Vivian as healthy as I can, but gracious that gal loooooves pizza.  We had as much fun as she did seeing all the little ones playing and full of excitement over their costumes & candy.  It was also a great getting to know and spend time with the other parents.


I purchased two costumes with the intentions of picking one for her to wear and returning the other.  I neglected to return one so she was the coolest chick at the carnival and you'll just have to wait until next week to see her costume for Halloween 🎃

Now that the weather has cooled off jeans and jackets are wardrobe essentials.
I actually own all of these pieces or a very similar version and have had most for several years.
That's the fantastic thing about investing in the classics, yoru return is years of wear and countless outfits.

Tip: I purchased every single one of these items on sale.  Is there any other way to shop?!!

Here are some of my favorites ...

JACKETS

You can still hold on to your lighter tops, that's where the jackets come in for layering.
I believe in classic jackets so that you can have many years of wear.


Trench
Iconic! I've had my trench coat since before I got married and still love it.  It has a removable lining for all season weather.  AND I was able to find one in petite sizing.  An ill fitting coat is sloppy.


Denim
Cool, comfortable and casual.  I love pairing my denim jacket with dresses.


Field

This jacket is not just stylish, it's utilitarian with all it's pockets and waterproof fabric.


Quilted
A quilted jacket is so ladylike while still being casual.


Moto
This edgy trend is here to stay!  I love the shorter length.  I also like pairing this jacket with dresses.

JEANS

Just like jackets, I wear my jeans for years and years. Finding jeans that fit just right is a challenge, but when you find a brand/cut that works for you, my advise is to stick with it! 


Skinny
I've had these for a few years and can not sing their praises enough.  They're a dark wash but not too solid, perfect higher rise and stretch and just so nice with no distressing for those occasions where you need to look a little sharper (casual Friday at the office, socials or with your Mamma b/c she doesn't understand pants with intentional holes)


Demi-boot Crop
I got my first pair of this cut nearly 4 years ago and I was tickled when I saw this pair a couple weeks ago in store.  The wash is such a pretty dark blue with just the right amount of fading.  I also love button flies and these are in rose gold/copper.  The rise is super comfortable and the hem is a discrete cutoff.  I like that the length will show off any shoe I'm wearing. I've worn them 3 times this week!


Distressed
As ladylike and polished as my style is, I really love a distressed jean when I'm casual.  One extreme to the other.  But gracious they're soft, relaxed and just so comfortable. And I feel cooler!
These are in a higher rise and lighter wash (the term 'mom jean' is trending but I'm not a fan ... My Mamma would never wear these haha) I scored these on super sale!


Black
Black jeans are tricky because they're fantastic the first few wears but when you go to wash them they're all faded and gray.  These aren't a pitch black color but look as though they're been washed once so I'm pretty sure they'll just gradually fade nicely. The button fly is a fav of mine and I loved the raw uneven helm.  Again they're great for showing off shoes and for us petite statured gals. 


Straight

This cut is just right! Not skinny but not flared. They're also just the right amount of relaxed fit for being comfortable but not baggy. The trick with straight leg jeans is the hem length.  I believe it should be right at the ankle.  Too long and they bunch at your feet.
Tip:  Before hemming your jeans wear and wash them to work out any stretch and shrinking.

I hope you're enjoying this beautiful season!


Go outside and play!


Or find time to relax with a good book under the sun

Dress Beautifully in Classic Jackets & Jeans

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Oct 17, 2017

Plaid Season


Plaid Season is the Best Season!  Am I right?  The cool temps of Fall are so refreshing after months of a scorching hot summer.  When I think of fall the colors of the changing leaves, pumpkins, mums and plaid come to mind.

I wouldn't say that I wear a lot of plaid as it's fairly casual but a do appreciate the classic print in moderation.  I work in an office not on a tree lot.  I find plaid tops can be pretty designed in color palettes other than the primary colors.  I have pink and jewel toned plaid button down shirts and feel feminine and cozy in them. 

This top caught my eye for its unique take on the basic top.  Rather than in a button down design it's a pull over with smocking detail on the mock neck and sleeve cuffs. With a growing bump and lady lumps button downs are in maternity styles only these days.  This top has a lady like blouse look to it making it quite pretty and appropriate with trousers or a skirt to work.

I'm grateful I can still take advantage of 'normal' clothing that will transition in and out of pregnancy.

Now pants are another story - elastic has become my friend! But thank goodness you can find designer jeans to fit the bump - I prefer the under belly fit. That over-the-top itchy stuff is uncomfortable to me and won't stay up ... maybe later when she's a bit bigger.

Embrace the season in a pretty plaid top!







Plaid Top ||  Maternity Jeans & Non ||  Booties  ||  Tote  ||  Earrings  || 

Dress Beautifully in Plaid

XOXO Sarah Louise