Moto

Everyone has a style box.  Perimeters that we dress within a majority of the time.  For example I would categorize my style as classic, polished and ladylike.  But that doesn't mean I don't appreciate other styles. I believe it's important to incorporate elements that aren't your instinctual go-to.  It would be so boring and predictable if you didn't.

So, I make effort to add preppy, sporty, boho, glam and edgy pieces into my wardrobe to add variety and to stay modern.  If you venture too far outside of your 'style' box I can promise you won't wear it. The key is to find pieces that you actually like (don't choose something because someone or everyone else is wearing it) and avoid going to the extreme.

I knew I wanted a moto jacket to add an edgy element to my wardrobe. The leather moto jacket while trending huge this past year has been around for decades. I chose one that's fairly basic in black.  I didn't go for one in color, with fringe, or with embroidery or grommets.  That would just be too much and I'd feel like I was in a costume.

I also try and keep the investment lower on pieces that are more trendy or outside of my style box. So, I went with faux leather and purchased on sale when choosing this moto jacket.

I styled weekend look on the greyscale.  This moto jacket paired with my weekday office garments (sheath dresses, trousers & blouse) or a feminine floral piece and you have a very modern and chic outfit.

Moto Jacket || Blouse || Grey Jeans || OTK Boots || Polish || 

Dress Beautifully in a Moto Jacket

XOXO Sarah Louise

Leather & Sweater

Talk about contrast - mixing a soft warm sweater with edgy cool leather makes for a super chic look.

Both textiles are full of texture and essential for a winter wardrobe.

This outfit also combines classic & modern with these block heeled booties and saddle cross body bag.

Pull from the extremes to create your next look and I promise the mixed vibes will have you winning in the style category!

Sweater || Leather Skirt || Booties || Handbag || Earrings || 

Dress Beautifully in Sweater & Leather

XOXO Sarah Louise

Black & Blue

Black and Blue - there are no battle wounds in this look.  In fact it's a very smooth confrontation between Summer and Fall.

This time of year can be tough.  All the cool weather designs are hitting the store floors with sweaters, jackets, jeans and boots. But the temps outside are still blazing.  This leather skirt is light weight and in flirty pleats and a shorter hem line you're not going to be a puddle when you step outside.  I paired it with a bright blue silk blouse to lighten the look.  I kept my heels open and a tad edgy to go with the leather vibe.

Now in the upcoming months I plan to pair with dress shirts, sweaters and for a the weekends a simple tee and denim jacket.

Tip:  When I go to purchase a garment, while in the dressing room once I've confirmed the fit is good, I go through pairing options that I already have in my closet.  This method ensures it will get the wear for the money.

Blue Top: Madewell & Similar || Pleated Leather Skirt: J Crew ||

Strappy Heels: Similar & Here || Earrings: Kendra Scott || Gold Cuff: J Crew || 

Handbag: Prada & Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Black & Blue

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Little Black Leather Dress

Technically it's supposed to be leather weather. Although the past week here in the Queen City has felt more like a mild Summer.  It makes it difficult to get into the Christmas spirit when instead  of sweaters and coats you're bare legged and sleeveless. We're definitely not having a white Christmas! (not that I ever have living in the South my whole life)

Along with wool, cashmere and fur I love colder temps so I can bust out the rich textured leathers.  Now, I constantly tell you gals that I insist on natural fibers: cotton, silk, wool, fur, leather etc..  Although I'm warming to a good 'faux' fur and leather; make no mistake real are always preferred.

But luckily the faux textiles have come along way in their quality and 'real' appearance. I've noticed that faux leather has been advertised as 'vegan' in most stores.  I guess it sounds more organic/natural but let me clarify for you gals - it's all synthetic/polyurethane!

Side Note: I used to be a chemist for a few years after college before entering the business world and you wouldn't believe the knowledge I've acquired on synthetic textiles - You may not realize it but science plays a huge impact in your wardrobe think of all the stretch garments in your closet (amen for Spanx) it's all synthetic/polymer chemistry  #nerd

A 'LBD' (Little Black Dress) is a wardrobe staple but I'm digging a leather version.  Layered with a dress shirt or blazer it's chic for the office.  I also find it to be a nice alternative to sequins and lace for the holiday soirees. It's more of an edgy look and you can always add statement baubles and shiny shoes to gussy it up.
This one is faux or shall I say 'vegan' and I like that it adds variety and a modern touch to my typically classic closet.

Faux leather dress: Saks 5th Ave Similar & Here || Booties: Similar & Here || 

Clutch: Kate Spade Similar & here || Necklace: Madewell || Earrings: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in a Leather Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Leather & Lace

I Love to Create my Looks with Contrast.  

Whether it's Texture, Color or Style (Feminine, Edgy, Casual, Fancy) Combining Opposites is a Great Way to Mix it Up.

It Gives Unexpected Interest and Makes for Versatility and Countless Outfits.

It Doesn't get More Contrasting than Leather & Lace.  The Ultra Delicate Feminine vs Rough Durable & Edgy.

The Colors also Contrast but Remain in the Same Tone.  Blush and Burgundy are both in the 'Red' Family but on Opposite Ends of the Spectrum of Light & Dark. 

This Skirt I've had for Years.  Found it in one of my Favorite Thrift Shops and all it needed was a Little Alteration.  I call it 'Treasure Hunting' when I go out Searching Consignment and Thrift Shops for Gems!  And I've Found Some of my Most Favorite & Unique Pieces! 

Blush Lace Blouse: Loft || Leather Skirt: Thrifted Similar & Here || Pumps: Nine West ||

Nude Cami: Similar || Polish: Essie ||

Dress Beautifully in Leather & Lace

XOXO Sarah Louise

Water Color

This Water Color Blouse is Gorgeous!

The Brushstrokes of Color and Flowing Wrap Design is oh so Feminine!

It's So Fabulous that When Shopping with Two of My Best Gal Pals 

We All Three Decided We Had to Have it!!

I Foresee Us Checking In to Avoid a Matchy-Matchy Situation

I Contrasted the Ladylike Blouse with Some Edge in a Pair of Moto Coated  Black Jeans.

Water Color Blouse: Anthropologie || Coated Jeans: Ann Taylor ||

Grey Booties: J Crew || Earrings: Moon & Lola || Polish: Butter London ||

Dress Beautifully in Water Colors

XOXO Sarah Louise

White Eyelet

Eyelet: a Lightweight Fabric Pierced by Small Holes Finished with Stitching and Often Laid Out in Flowerlike Designs

Eyelet Fabric is a Delightful Spring/Summer Textile and Makes for Pretty Dresses and Even Bedding.

This Top was Intriguing for its Modern Boxy Eyelet Design, Sheer Neckline and Peplum Cut

Peplums are Pretty Much the Most Universally Flattering Cut.

They Create Curves, Highlight a Waist and Instantly Flatter All Figures!

I wanted to Contrast Girly and Edgy with this Look.  By Mixing the Two Your Style is More Modern and Interesting.

Girly Pieces:  Eyelet Top, Colorful Silk Scarf

Edgy Pieces: Cuffed Jeans, Wedges with Industrial Zipper

Tip:  When Wearing Gladiator or Ankles Strapped Shoes Opt for Cropped Pants or Simply Fold/Roll the Cuff of Full Length Pant to Showcase your Footwear

Box Eyelet Top Similar 

Wedges Michael Kors - Handbag Michael Kors 

Add Some Eyelet to Your 

Elegant or Edgy Look 

XOXO Sarah Louise