Friday 5: Velvet

I'm obsessing over velvet!  It's the fabric of the season and trending huge.

Velvet can be reminiscent of those Christmas dresses you wore in years past.  It has a fancy vibe.
But today, in a variety colors and modern designs velvet is a must have for any occasion.  Even velvet shoes have me swooning.
Not to mention it feels sooooo soft and eye catching as it shines when you move.

Here are some of my favorite velvet pieces I've scouted ...

Blazer  -  Pants  -  Pink Flats  -  Blue Flats  -  Crinkled Dress  -  Velvet Shirtdress  -  Top   

Blazer:  I love a good blazer and in these colder months it's just the time to change it up with texture like velvet.  

Pants:  Fits like a jean but so much softer!  Love the rich colors of burgundy and navy.

Shoes:  I love both of these!  Especially the lighter shades. Pretty sure one of my gal pals is going to purchase the pink pair. 

Dresses:  Adore both of these.  The crinkle on the shift gives lots of interest. But the shirtdress fit so much better with it's waist line.  I brought it home in this grey color :)

Top:  A relaxed yet slightly fancy tee you could dress up or down and be extra comfortable.

Dress Beautifully in Velvet

XOXO Sarah Louise

Leather Weather

Finally Fall temps have arrived.  Ok, it may be only in the mornings and evenings but the cool crisp air is here.  Texture is my favorite thing about Fall/Winter textiles.  Tweed, wool, cashmere, cable knit, suede, fur! and leather just to name a few.

Leather has an edgy vibe which is a nice break from my typical ladylike looks.  It has structured weight creating a defined shape and a luster that commands a second look.

This isn't my first post on leather/faux leather.  Read this post on a pleated skirt and this one on leggings and here on a vest from last year. I've shared how textile manufacturers have brought the faux thing to a quality that's so good it's easily mistaken for the real thing. While I will always opt for real leather (especially when it comes to shoes and handbags) it's more economical and often a better fit with the impostor fabrics.  Real leather can be stiff and thick making it hard to tailor and limits movement/comfort.

I love this leather dress because in a drop waist design it's fitted on the upper body with just the right amount of flair at the hip for ease of movement and a hint of femininity. Also, the racerback top adds a hit of sass in showing off the shoulders.
Note: A strapless or racerback bra is necessary.

I topped it with a leopard jacket and added a complimentary rich color with burgundy booties.  Rather than cover this leather dress try layering with a crisp dress shirt or blouse underneath.

A denim jacket or cardigan are also complimentary.

Leather Dress & Here || Leopard Jacket & Here || Booties || 

Dress Beautifully in Leather

XOXO Sarah Louise

LWD

LWD- Little White Dress

I can not have enough white in my wardrobe! It's seriously an addiction.  I would wear head-to-toe white everyday if I could, ok that's a little much and I can't just abandon color but I truly love wearing white. So, naturally between Easter and Labor Day most of my looks incorporate white. 

White is crisp and clean.  It brightens with a it's blank canvass.  It's contrast, black, is the staple neutral for most gals - for me I own very little black.  Yes, black is classic, slimming and not so fragile but white is just as essential.  Anything can be slimming in the right cut and fabric.  White is equally as classic, just a lighter version but I can't argue that it is a 'careful' color to wear. Meaning no one wants to wear visible dirt or stains and when wearing white that's something to consider.

This white dress caught my eye for it's fabric, sleeves, and waist sash!  I'm digging the trending rolled sleeve.  I've seen it a lot on dresses over the past 2 seasons and I find it adds a touch of casual. It creates a large cap sleeve giving lots of room for movement and also slims the arms with it's larger opening. 

The waist sash is the best thing you can do for any gal to create shape.  The pleated cummerbund sits right below the rib cage/above the belly button at the smallest part of a lady.  The side attached sash allows you to further pull in the waist and add extra femininity with a bow. 

The fabric is a light weight cotton perfect for the heat of Summer.  Because it is white and in a light weight fabric lining is key - no one needs to see what's underneath!

I paired this dress with nude pumps and added a pop of color and interest with a large bib necklace made of purple stones.  This necklace was a find! It's not in my usual taste of delicate and shiny baubles but it's a natural beauty. 

Wear this dress to the office or to a summer soiree!

Replace your LBD for a LWD this Summer

Dress: Anthropologie || Pumps: Nine West || Necklace: TJ Maxx ||

Bracelet: Hermes || Polish: Essie ||

Dress Beautifully in a Little White Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise