Limelight

I'm always telling you gals to invest in classic pieces but it's equally as important to have fun with your outfits. A great way to do that is to incorporate statement colors, embellishments and trends.

This top clearly doesn't shy away from the limelight. In a neon hue, dramatic puff sleeve and detailed neckline it's certainly a showstopper. I like adding bold pieces like this one.  It shakes things up in my wardrobe, keeping it fresh and modern! 

Tip: Light jeans and neutral accessories are key pairings to soften a look.

Lime Top (more color options) | Jeans (size up 1) | Similar Clogs

I encourage you to embrace a piece that's outside your box and wear it proudly!

Dress Beautifully in the Limelight

XOXO Sarah Louise

A Little Bit Classy, A Little Bit Modern

 

A ladylike jacket made of tweed and shiny gold buttons is the epitome of class.  But I don't want to look like I'm wearing a Jackie O. costume. I believe the way to style the classics is to marry those pieces with modern and casual elements. 

For me it's easy, I take distressed jeans and top them with structured more formal pieces for a balanced look that's chic and every day appropriate.  Adding jeans to blouses and tops you would typically wear to work, church or dressy occasions allows you to get the most our of your wardrobe and creates a pretty outfit for the weekend. Y'all know I'm not a comfy/athleisure wear kind of gal. 

I encourage you to try mixing tweed and torn up jeans this Spring. 

My darling with me always. She was making her list of things to do (wonder where she got that from) while I tried to snap these pics. 

Lady Jacket & Here & Here & Here | Jeans | 

Dress Beautifully in a Lady Jacket

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Polished in Pink

 

One of the chicest looks is a blazer with jeans.  Particularly light jeans (distressed for an extra cool look), a white tee/tank and a low heeled shoe or even sneaker.  This goes all the way back to the 80's where the trend of mixing business with causal was hot ... and still is! 

Now, here's where you let you shine through ... choose a colored blazer, a graphic tee and/or a fun printed sneaker.

Personally, my style is polished & feminine. I chose a pink blazer because it's my favorite color and makes me happy every. single. time. I wear it :) and a classic cap toe pump. 

Blazers have this timeless ability to transform a look from basic to refined.  Add them to dresses or even joggers. Pair them with shorts and heels for a night out. They're not just for the office! Roll up the sleeves and carry them right into your leisure time. 

Pink Blazer | Tank | Jeans | Chanel Shoes - Similar Here | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Pink Blazer

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Elevated Basics

 A basic white t-shirt & jeans is a classic choice for a casual outfit. 

But in efforts to not be plain, there are easy ways to elevate this look.

Blazers are essential to the office but get your money's worth and wear them on the weekends too.

In a light weight wool, they're an all season piece that lays beautifully, adding shape (waist defining!) and sophistication to the most relaxed pieces. 

Blazer Tips: 

• Light weight wool (natural & high quality)
• Functional cuff buttons - Cuffing creates a casual look highlighting the lining/pop of print, makes arms appear longer & shows off jewelry
• Hem hits just below the hip for an elongated look

Moto Jackets are a chic and slightly edgy layering piece. It's my go-to piece when I'm trying to look 'cool'.

BlankNYC is my favorite brand for tons of color options and price point. 

Puffer coats have been all the rage for the past few years for their comfort and function.  They're very casual but winning in the warm and dry department.  Since atheisure doesn't suit my style adding jewelry and a scarf is the perfect way to add femininity. 

As for shoes with these looks, loafers, mules, or ballet flats are all very pretty choices.

For the past 3 years I've been wearing these sneakers the most.  They're so comfortable, ideal for chasing my darling and very much trending. My feet are grateful!

Here are my favorites for a elevated casual look ...

Basic White T-Shirt

I like V-necks for elongating the face.

Distressed Jeans

Seriously love these! 

A splurge (I hunted & waited and found them over half off last year)

Blazer

Navy, Black & Camel are my fav. neutrals

Moto Jacket

Puffer Jacket

I love this one because it's not so big & puffy for easy movement while still high performance in the cold.

Sneakers

I'm dying over this pair!

Loafer

I wear these a lot! Leather is soft and super comfortable.

Mules

These were a splurge - similar option

Dress Your Basics Beautifully

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Fun & Frilly

Sometimes, you just need to put on something fun and frilly! This month I've shared with you several pieces with overstated details because 'fashion but make it fun'!

This blouse takes feminine elements and exaggerates them in a fashion forward way. The puff sleeves, lace collar and trim along with large rhinestone buttons are far from subtle.  The cropped boxy shape and plunging neckline keep it modern in design. Pairing with distressed high waisted jeans not only tones down those dressy details but also keeps the look current.  Comfortable, casual jeans is one of my favorite ways to style against snazzy tops.

I encourage you to find an ornate details whether it's sleeves, lace, bows, beading, ruffles or print that suits your fancy and wear it to your next merry occasion (hopefully it's sooner rather than later!).

Blouse & in White | Jeans | Heels | Sunglasses

Dress Beautifully in Fun & Frilly Top

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Off the Shoulder

One of the biggest trends this Spring and Summer is the off-the-shoulder top.  They've hit the fashion scene and quickly became a must have!

I quickly jumped on board and ordered this top back when the weather was still cold. So it's been staring at me for weeks every time I walk into my closet, teasing me.  I NEED warmer weather so I can shimmy around in it!

Tibi's design kick started this fabulous trend and thank goodness designers have all created their own versions at a variety of price points.

Not all off-the-shoulder tops are created equal.  I like this one because the top elastic only spans the shoulders and back leaving the front neckline smooth and stationary.  It makes for a more comfortable fit and easier movement with wear.  Elastic of any design or placement can be restrictive but it can also create functionality.  It's a piece by piece evaluation - hence the rule of always trying things on.  With an off-the-shoulder top make sure the elastic isn't too snug and that you can move your arms without the top springing up.

Back in the 80's off-the-shoulder tops were super tight and fitted and often worn tucked into high waisted pants.  And while that look can be snazzy, I'm all about the causal, tunic cut of today's top.  It's light and loose and easy to wear for all body types. Although ladies, you will have to switch to a strapless bra. But it's worth it!  Showing off your shoulders, one of the smallest features on the feminine frame is very flattering.

I paired this top with a pair of distressed jeans and wedges for a casual look.  Come summer time wear with shorts and sandals or for evening skinny pants and heels.

You must jump on this trend and add an off-the-shoulder top to your wardrobe!
Truth: I've also added an off-the-shoulder dress to mine :)

Off the shoulder top: Free People || Jeans: J Crew || Wedges: Tory Burch - Similar & Here ||

Lots of off-the-shoulder tops Here 

Dress Beautifully in an Off-the-Shoulder Top

XOXO Sarah Louise