Embroidered

Embroidery is an embellishment that is trending across all categories of garments: tops, dresses, jackets, even jeans. I prefer embroidery for added detail over beading.  It adds color and dimension in a soft intricate way.  I also feel that done in vibrant colors in a floral pattern is very worldly looking. 

I kept my shoe neutral in a strappy heel but a pair of flat sandals would look great too and give this look a more casual vibe.

I decided to go with a red bag and pull from color within the dress.

Embroidered Dress  ||  Heels  ||  Earrings  ||  Necklace  ||  Handbag & Similar  ||

Dress Beautifully in an Embroidered Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bells & Blues

This year it seems as Summer is not only the season for shorts but also for statement sleeves.  Whether is cold shoulder, one shoulder, off the shoulder, ruffled, embroidered, or belled embellished sleeve designs are trending hot. I’ve embraced all of these sleeve styles and I must say one shoulder is my favorite! 

I loved this top particularly for the blue embroidery and they sleeves were short enough not to hang over my hands - deal breaker! Also in a light fabric I'm not going to melt. 

Now shorts, from April through September are a functional staple down here in the South.  While I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else the heat can be miserable making shorts essential for keeping cool.  But I hate wearing shorts.  I love the look and style of them but my legs are my most least flattering feature.  It’s been a life long struggle.  I exercise daily including intense cardio, distant running and heavy lifting and while they have improved over the years due to my diligent workouts they will never look the way I’d like.  I remind myself every day how blessed I am to have a healthy strong body.  I was made in God’s image and for that I am grateful!

You won’t see shorts on this blog but maybe a couple times a year because I like to focus on classic pieces and since I'm a career gal professional dressing. Hence I don’t wear shorts on a high frequency basis but funny enough I do have over 10 pairs. Hey, I haven't changed size and like I said I opt for classic so they're always in style. They’re also all cotton in pretty colors and prints and must be 4-5” long.  Any shorter and I’m not coming out of the dressing room. Any longer and I feel frumpy. What I don’t have is a denim pair … until now.

Denim shorts take the challenge to a whole new level.  They tend to be thick and stiff, gap on the back waist band and super tight on my legs – gross!

I’ve always been on the hunt for a pair as it’s an American classic to wear a pair of cut off jean shorts in the Summer.  Mr has been begging me to wear them for years and I’ve been promising him that if I found a pair that fit comfortably I would.

Gals, I found them!  They are soft, distressed, higher waisted so no gap, long enough and roomie in the leg opening. I truly couldn’t’ believe the dressing room mirror!!!

Now all I need to do is where them in real life.  I have a date with Mr tomorrow night – not sure if they’re appropriate for an evening date but definitely for our next weekend afternoon together.

Bell Sleeve Top & Here  ||  Denim Shorts  ||  Wedges ||  Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in Bells Sleeves and Denim Shorts

XOXO Sarah Louise

Embellished Clutches

Brightly colored and in bold prints, embroidered/beaded clutches are another hot trend embodying the ethnic/resort style.

Whether you've vacationed in an exotic location or not, carrying one of these will at least give you a worldly look.

And, you can check of those elements of print, texture and color off in a big way!

Personally, I think they'd be great with a LBD for a beautiful pop of interest ... but for your everyday/weekends they go with everything.

Tassel Foldover

Beaded Envelope

Wristlet

Black and White

Peacock

Woven

Chandelier Pouch

Thailand Embroidered

Dress Beautifully in an Embellished Clutch

XOXO Sarah Louise

Graphic Embroidery

Embroidery is one of my favorite embellishments.  I find it to be classic and sophisticated.  Sure rhinestones and beading are fun but save that for special occasions or use jewelry.

I've noticed that colorful, floral 'boho' styled embroidery is trending for this year's spring and summer.   Especially in a front bib design, like this sundress. I appreciate the detail and ethnic vibe, but my style's a bit more ladylike and polished.

This top brings a sophisticated take on the embroidered trend.  In a graphic design, this front bib detail is sure to be noticed.  There are even little dark beads on the bib giving a little luster and texture.  The geometric lines add a modern touch.

The embroidery is black but honestly you could easily style as navy because the detail is so small.  My personal rule - if you can't tell if it's black or navy, you style as both!

I love to mix my dark shades with pastels.  It's a way of transitioning those fall/winter pieces into the warmer season and spring/summer pieces into the colder season.  It also conveys unexpected contrast.

I paired this top with powder blue straight trousers (check out the side slit hem) black shoes & handbag to compliment the black embroidery.  Powder blue is one of my favorite colors to wear - It literally goes with everything!

This top is all year with blazers/jackets and all occasion paired with dark jeans and colored skirts/shorts.

Embroidered Top: Ann Taylor (Dress & Jacket Version) || Trousers: J Crew Factory || 

Heeled Sandals: Nine West || Handbag: Prada || Bracelet: David Yurman ||

Dress Beautifully in an Embroidered Top

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Embroidered

Brightly colored embroidery is a huge trend for tops and dresses.  To me the embellishment is cultured - reminding me of something you'd buy on vacation in another country. Some call this style boho, tribal, or aztec; especially on non-sturured pieces such as peasant tops or dresses.

I personally love embroidery over many other types of embellishments such as beading or fringe.  I embroider all my towels and linens with our monogram as well the cuff of my dress shirts for work.

This past week the South has been hit with an intense heat wave - I seriously feel like my freckles are on fire!!! When Mr and I went to Beaufort, NC last weekend this dress was perfect to keep me cool since we were outside most of the day.
It's made of light weight linen in a shift design. I don't normally  wear shift dresses as they are designed in a straight cut with no waist seam.  Being a curvy gal, smaller upper body and larger lower body, I  feel that shifts can hide my shape making me look a bit boxy.  This dress, though it didn't define the waist, has side seams that are cut on a curve skimming the body.  When it's scorching outside you want something that's loose with lots of movement.

 The embroidered bib gives it structure and adds interest with the sunburst detailing.  I also loved the bright orange and blue together against the stark white.  I'm obsessed with the blue and white color combo and orange is seriously climbing the list.  I paired this dress with strappy blue mid-heels to show you styling for causal friday at work or for a summer soiree (showers, brunch, church, date night etc.)  Opt for flat sandals or espadrilles for casual occasions or when lots of walking is involved.

For extra measure to beat the heat, I pulled my hair back in two braids along my front hair line and pinned them in place.  I like my hair down as it's my favorite physical attribute - but it's also like wearing a furry bear on your head and will darn right 'cause a heat stroke.

Add some fun to your summer wardrobe with colored embroidery.

Embroidered Linen Dress: J Crew also in a top version & Here || 

Shoes: Similar & Here & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Colored Embroidery 

XOXO Sarah Louise