Mamma Monday: Professional & Pregnant

There are so many things that are challenging, new, unusual and uncomfortable being pregnant.  And it's different for every Mamma and every baby.

One of the challenges I faced was dressing for the office.  While my bump is still very small at 24 weeks this week! pencil skirts, sheath dresses and tucked in dress shirts were the first things I had to mourn.  My pre-pregnancy work wardrobe consists of very tailored garments, primarily wool that are not forgiving even in the beginning 'fluffy' stage. (If you've been reading along for any length of time you all ready know)
And there's the added difficult task of hiding your 'condition'.  I still feel bad for the guy who's office shares a wall with mine, he had to hear me throw up daily and he kindly never said a word.

I will say because I've been so ill these past 5 months I was probably able to go a bit longer than most before saying goodbye to my suiting.

Here are some great pieces I've purchased for dressing professional while pregnant ...

Little Black Dress - I wore this dress to my last doctor's appointment.  It's super comfortable and classy.  It's rare for me to wear black (I see that changing during this season) so I added a long strand of pearls and plan to accessories with jackets and a snazzy broach.

Pencil Skirt - I love this one because the elastic is designed to wear under the belly.  (Again not a fan of over the belly stretch although i'm going to be forced to embrace at some point) I've worn it to church with a pink silk blouse and to work last week with a white cotton peplum top, both of which were non-maternity.

Trousers - I love these!  Leggings are inappropriate in the work place and that seems to be the #1 garment out there for maternity wear. NO! What's so hard about a black pair of trousers that aren't 100% spandex but rather a nice leg skimming cut with stretch at the waist band?!!  These are it gals. They are designed in a nice tapered leg so perfect for flats or pumps.
Now, they are over the belly stretch however I just folded it down.  When I grow a bit more I'm sure they will fit like they're supposed to.
Leggings are not pants! biggest pet peeve EVER!!!!

Crisp White Shirt & Here - A staple for every wardrobe - I can't get enough so naturally it was one of the first pieces I purchased. I own 3.  My dress shirts became ill fitting in the chest long before they were too snug around my waist UGH
Since my go-to non iron dress shirts are not available in a maternity cut, I simply add a little starch to these when ironing for extra crispness. Also, I hate maternity tops with the added string to tie above your belly - why?! No need to emphasize the curvatures - they're already apparent.  I take the strings off gals.

Blouse - I love the windowpane print and navy color of this one.  I'll probably wear it this week.

Stripes - They add boldness.

As for blazers - I'm wearing what I have (I just won't button).

While your maternity wardrobe will never be as fashionable and diverse don't forget your accessories fit at any size! So add a silk scarf, bold necklace or broach.

And might I also add that shoes and handbags are great things to shop.  I find myself grumpy seeing all the new fall arrivals with their waist seams Grrrrr And then I look down and smile knowing there's nothing more beautiful that carrying our baby girl.

Dress Beautifully & Professionally While Pregnant

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pleats Pretty Please

When it came to this blouse it was a matter of which color(s) to buy! I love a crisp dress shirt and when you add feminine pleated ruffles in a modern asymmetrical design it's a must have!

The shirt itself has a hint of stretch and seams that tailor around the waist giving it a super flattering fit and it makes it easy to tuck in.  It has the classic pointed collar with the added ruffles around the neckline you get just the right detail drawing attention towards your face.  The ruffles along the sleeve hem I find flattering also as they enhance the shoulders enhancing an hourglass silhouette.
Another detail I admire on dress shirts, is covered buttons.  It's the little details that refine a garment.

While I can never ever have enough white tops, I decided to go with the blue color ... but there's a distinct possibility I'll go back :)  I liked the blue for it's subtle dot print.  You would treat the top like a solid when styling but the dot pattern again adds just the right amount of detail.  I pair the blouse with a navy pant but almost any color will compliment.

These trousers are my most favorite fit and go-to!  I have them in several colors and prints.  They skim the body and in an ankle length I don't have to hem or wear high heels. Classic in a modern cut. I can't get enough! These have a single pleat at the waist, which isn't for everyone but I find it adds just a little more room for movement. I scored them on major sale and it adds some variety. But I have to say I do prefer flat front.

Gals, this blouse isn't just for adding style during the week days.  With a pair of jeans and untucked, it's super chic!

Pleated Ruffle Blouse || Navy Trousers || Pumps || 

Dress Beautifully in a Pleated Blouse

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Velvet Touch

Velvet is everywhere this season! From clothing to shoes, the soft warm fabric with it's eye catching sheen adds elements of luxe to any look.  See some of my velvet favorites from this post a few weeks ago.

P.S.  I'm stalking my front door for this pair of velvet shoes to arrive.

This blouse blends classic and modern components with an embellishment of a velvet medallion.

The design incorporated the foundation of a poplin dress shirt and reworked the construction with a shorter hem and oversized elbow sleeves.

I feel that this top is one of those pieces that you can wear all year long for so many occasions.  For the office, ditch the boring solids and pair it with a pencil skirt or trousers.  For casual days you can't go wrong with denim and come spring white will make it pop!

If the shorter hem line has you concerned, wear it on top of a sheath dress or with a higher waisted a line skirt.  Personally, I'm a tucker but I like adding variations to my wardrobe - keeps things fresh.

Velvet Embellished Top || Pencil Skirt || Pumps || Earrings || 

Dress Beautifully in Velvet

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pinstripe

A pinstripe is a very narrow stripe typically found in suiting.  Sometimes the stripe is subtle and sometimes, like in this dress shirt, it's nice a bold.  This high contrasting stripe makes a sharp statement , but balanced with the femininity of a bow.

I'm all about dressing polished for the office and staying true to yourself as a woman.  There's no reason that professional has to be boring.  This isn't my only dress shirt with a bow tie neck sash.  I featured this same dress shirt in white on this post.  The great thing about these tailored crisp dress shirts, is that the sash is buttoned underneath the collar allowing you to have style options with or without it.  Sometimes you may want to embrace the secretary vibe and others you may want to play it cool. Either way the stripe will steal attention!

I paired this navy dress shirt with ivory trousers, complimenting the stripe and a camel blazer to warm it up.  This time of year the excitement of cooler temps and changing colors of the leaves has me craving rich warm tones and textures.

And if the bow wasn't enough for your girlish liking, I added a pop of color with a pair of magenta suede heels.

Tip:  Don't limit your dress shirts to the work week, go open collar and pair with jeans for a casual chic look.  Also, if you're one of those gals that struggles pairing navy with blue jeans, try with grey or black denim.

Pinstripe Bow Shirt & Similar || Trousers & Similar || Blazer || Shoes || 

Dress Beautifully in Pinstripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Stripes and Surplus

Surplus green is often referred to as olive green, or army green after the fruit and the uniform/gear worn my military members.  It's a dark and dusty green.  It's a neutral and practically goes with everything.

Mr calls this shade of green olive drab but personally I don't think there's anything drab about it.  I love green, it flatters my red hair and I'm always game for alternate neutrals to brown and black.

I paired this textured skirt with a striped dress shirt and a blush pink bag for added femininity.

This skirt is going to be on major repeat paired with blouses in a multitude of colors and prints. When the temps start to fall with sweaters and booties/boots.

Note: these perforated lace up shoes are epically comfortable!

Just because :)

Striped Dress Shirt: Similar Here & Here || Olive Skirt: Ann Taylor & Similar & Here || 

Lace Up Heels: Vince Camuto || Handbag: Tory Burch || Bangle: J Crew || 

Dress Beautifully in Stripes & Surplus 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Polished Python

Of all the beautiful animal prints, snake is my favorite.  Which is a bit ironic seeing that I fear that creature more than any other.  I like that the print is small and abstract as opposed to the graphic large scale of say zebra, giraffe or tiger.  Snakes have a natural ombre coloring and when used on clothing in a strategic design the fading from dark to light can be very sliming!

Python prints are fierce!  I like to feel fierce especially for those times in life that you may need the extra boost in confidence.  Dressing is more than just fabric on your body, it can be empowering.  Adding a piece that makes you feel pretty sometimes is the added strength you need to tackle whatever comes your way.

The streamlined wrap design creates a sophisticated silhouette perfect for office or evening.  The luster of the soft neutrals comes from the silk/wool blend fabric.  It's a piece you can wear all year round paired with dress shirts, blouses and sweaters for the office or a simple camisole on a night out.

Remember shoes can dictate a look.  Opt for boots when going casual, pumps for professional settings and strappy heels for those gussied up nights.

The soft browns compliment pastels to bright jewel tones. So pairing options are unlimited.
I went a little edgy and finished this outfit with a brown leather jacket.

Polish your look with some python prints!

Python Skirt: Tory Burch || Dress Shirt: Brooks Brothers || Pumps: Tory Burch ||

Leather Jacket: Cole Haan || 

Dress Beautifully in Python 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tweed Layers

Gals, It's a been a long break, too long, but I'm back embracing a new season of looks to keep you dressed beautifully in the fall/winter season.
Forgive me for my absence but my heart and mind were needed with my personal life :)

The key to Fall, especially in the South is to layer.  Every day the weather is different and throughout the day we can experience temps that range from the 40's in the mornings to 80 in the afternoons.

This look is quintessential SL! Most of my dresses are sleeveless sheaths and I have a large collection of dress shirts.  From October to March you'll find these worn together. I like to make the  most of my wardrobe with pieces that can be styled all year long alone or together.  
For those rare days of cold I'll add a blazer and/or coat.

These Brooks Brothers dress shirts are my Favorite!! I've shared them with you now for almost 2 years and I'll tell you again gals, a crisp dress shirt is a foundation piece and essential for the office (although I do wear mine with jeans on the weekends).

Another favorite for me are the textures that come with Fall/Winter: Tweed, Cashmere, Wool, Boucle, Knit, Leather, Fur .... Fashion just gained a whole lot of depth as the temps dropped.

This sheath is in a vertical light weight tweed in cream and navy.  Because it isn't heavy it's perfect for all year wear and the vertical design is the icing for those of us who are petite.
I chose a lavender dress shirt and blue pumps to compliment the navy in a subtle way. I also pulled out an oldie but goodie with a leather quilted handbag that once belonged to my Grandma - who inspired my love for white tops and navy blue.

Tweed Dress: J Crew || Dress Shirt: Brooks Brothers || Pumps: Similar || 

Earrings: Honora || Handbag: Similar & Here || Polish: Butter || 

Dress Beautifully in Tweed 

XOXO Sarah Louise