NYE without the New

 Earlier today I met up with a dear gal pal at the park and I asked her what her NYE plans were ... as soon as it came out of my mouth we both laughed and looked over at our kiddos playing. Yeah, the days of going out on the town are far and few between and replaced with early bedtimes b/c #momlife.

However I do still crave getting dressed up and cheering at least until 10.  There's a lots of sequins and sparkle pieces out to ring in the new year but honestly buying those are not the best of investments. They tend to be a one time wear. 

I believe that you can put together an outfit worth celebrating in right from your own closet.

Here are some key elements to creating a fabulous NYE or any special occasion look:

1. Heels - they automatically make you feel sassier and elevate whatever you're wearing. Even jeans.

2. Dressy Fabric - lace, organza, or satin are not your daily fabrics. These fabrics have texture, shine and detail that give a fancy look. 

3. Jewelry - really shines up an outfit. Go big and consider an entire stack of brackets or several layers of necklaces for a big statement. Now, you can't do both. Pick one category and go all out.

4. Makeup - create a smoky eye OR red lip for an evening bold look. 

5. Small Handbag - a clutch or small top handle bag can hold just the necessities and is more ladylike than a crossbody or tote that you carry around day to day.

I posted this outfit here on this post

Dress Beautifully & for NYE Using What You Already Have

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Crochet Lace

What's lovelier than lace? Lace with a collar! Gals, I need another white dress like I need a hole in the head, and yet here I am adding another lbd to my collection.

Hi my name is Sarah Louise and I'm a hoarder of white garments. 

But this one has a sharp satin collar and big statement crochet lace showcased in the shear sleeves and hem. In a classic fitted bodice and roomy skirt it's a timeless addition.
There you have it, I've justified it's place in my closet.

I actually ordered this dress last month as it was a contender for my Easter or birthday dress. Sadly it did not arrive in time for either.
Note:  when choosing 'free shipping' (duh who wants to pay) be aware that it may take a 2-3 weeks to arrive. It comes down to how bad to do you want it?

Due to it's distinct features designer pairings were a must.  Basically I wanted to feel fancy.  Feel free to opt for wedges or a basket bag for a more casual look.

I chose nude studded heels and my brand new red handbag for a bold contrasting color. And since the dress and heels were light and neutral another pop of color with bright turquoise earrings was perfect.

Personally I feel a single pop of color can be too predictable. Two opposing colors amps up the style factor.

If you aren't following me on Instagram (shame on you) you missed this #treatyoself red bag.
Real quick, I have been working towards earning a new career position for some time now and this girl boss hit it out of the park!! I don't mean that boastful by any means.  I've worked very hard in everything related to my career and I've been blessed for my title and scope of responsibilities to reflect that. And because I hustle hard, I play hard.

I've had my eye on this bag for over 9 months and as soon as I signed my new offer letter I was online placing my order.
I'm seriously into red accessories lately! Move over pink, a richer more sophisticated lady's come to town.

I love this bag for it's color, medium size, lightweight straps that can be worn short & long on the shoulders or cross body and it's ladylike style.

Needless to say I've been wearing the hound out of it!

Take it from me you can never have too many white dresses and pair it with bold colors!

Crochet Lace Dress  ||  Earrings  ||  Handbag  ||  Studded Pumps - Similar  ||

Dress Beautifully in Crochet Lace

XOXO Sarah Louise

Fuchsia Fancy Pants

They call me 'fancy pants' and you know what, I am!  Being different from the rest is fine by me.  So what I like to dress up and wear red lipstick and gold jewelry. It doesn't make me less cool, it makes me, me.  I'm proud to have my own unique fancy style and when I saw these fuchsia pants I thought to myself, how perfectly fitting! 

Bottoms, skirts and pants, are most commonly designed in neutrals/darker shades.  While I agree that it's a flattering and stylistically smart it's fun to switch it up and strut in a bold color.  

And just because these fuchsia pants make a statement all by themselves, it doesn't mean your top has to be boring.  I went shiny with this silver blouse but plan to also pair with a crisp white shirt, denim, a black/navy or camel sweater and for extra femininity a floral blouse. 

Since this look is color blocked, I opted for these snake pumps for a pop of print. Scarves are another way to add print to a solid look.

Embrace color and put on a pair of bright pants!

Silver Blouse || Fuchsia Pants & Here || Snake Pumps & Here || Handbag ||

More colored Pants: Here Here & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Fuchsia Pants 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Cozy + Fancy

'Tis the Season for Holiday Parties where you can get All Gussied up in Satin & Sparkles.

'Tis the Season to also Cozy Up in Soft and Comfy Plaids.

So Naturally Combine the Two!

Mixing Prints, Textures and Styles is Totally ok! 

My Mamma would Disagree and Often Calls me when I've posted a Look that 'Breaks' the Traditional Rules but She Quickly reassures me by Telling me that she see people doing it all the time on Pinterest.  Bless her Heart! 

Holiday Style is all about the Shine!  Satins, Sequins, & Metallics all add Fancy Touches to a Look.  For a more Modern Twist try Softening those Snazzy Pieces with a Touch of Causal, like a Flannel Plaid Button Up.  It's still Party Perfect but more Comfortable.

Emerald Green is my Color, well it's Every Red Head's Color but Seriously who doesn't Love Jewel Tones?!!

Confession: I'd Wear these Gold Pumps Everyday if I Could!

Plaid Shirt: J Crew now at Factory || Satin Skirt: Talbots (old) Similar || 

Gold Pumps: Nine West ||  Calf Hair Leopard Clutch: Similar & Here || Polish: Essie || 

Dress Beautifully Mixing Cozy & Fancy

XOXO Sarah Louise

Classy Occasion

I Absolutely LOVE to get Gussied Up.  This Kate Spade Dress is a Go-To for Feeling Fancy. 

Kate Spade is a Favorite Designer of Mine for All Things Beautiful!!

It's a Classic in it's Shape and Color-block Black & Ivory Design.  It's Perfectly Fitting for Any Occasion, All Year Long.  
For more Casual Styling Pair with Ballet Flats, a Cardigan/Denim Jacket, and Simple Jewelry.  
For more Dressy Styling Pair with Bright Heels, a Shaw/Fur Jacket and Statement Jewelry.

Don't be Afraid to Spring for Colored Tights for Extra Fun in the Cooler Months.

I Added Pops of Pink in my Shoes, Jewelry and Lipstick.

This Dress is a Great Investment to have for Years.  For Dresses I want to have a Place in my Closet Beyond a Season or Two, I Opt for an A-Line Cut for it's Forgiveness on the Figure.  The Box Pleats Add Movement without too much Volume. 
And they're Great for Twirling! 

I Make it a Best Practice to have a Stylist at my Most Adored Retailers.  Relationships are Key to my Life.  It's the People Around You that Shape Who You are and When it Comes to Style You Want the Best of Influences.
*Kristin at Kate Spade Center City Washington DC - She's a Doll XOXO

Dress: Kate Spade Similar Here Here & Here || Hot Pink Pumps: Nine West Similar || 

Necklace: Kate Spade ||

Dress Beautifully in a Classic Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise