Spruce

Y'all it's Fall!  Per the calendar the first day of Fall isn't until 9/23 but in every practical sense Summer's end is Labor Day.  Pack up your bright whites and cool linens because the changeover is here.  It's going to take a while for the South to cool off so over the next month I'll be sharing transitional looks - layering and mixing of seasonal pieces.

I hope you spent your Labor Day weekend outside soaking up the sun!   Since I no longer live on the coast and Mr was playing in a golf tournament I proposed a hiking trip to my Charlotte pals (never having hiked before) and they were game!  It was so much fun and I loved being in nature trying something new.  We hiked 7 miles at the White Water Center and I'm officially addicted!  Next on the agenda is to hike Crowders Mountain ... I'm still a priss-pot but it's nice to venture outside the box - and I love to be active!

Gals, green is my color to wear and if you're not wearing it you need to.  Also, leather is a favorite.  I love the texture, weight and richness.  I'm going to go ahead and throw this out there - I have no issues with animal products.  In fact I'm not a fan of faux or synthetic textiles.  However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find genuine leather & fur garments - and expensive.  For my shoes and handbags I do not compromise! Leather is a must.

This dark green skirt is faux leather.  Textured polyurethane fabrics have come a long way - they are very close to the feel and appearance of the real thing and honestly move and fit better than real leather as they aren't as stiff.
Tip:  Opt for a dark shade of faux leather - it camouflages it's artificial texture. 

In transitioning from Summer's cool to Fall's heavier fabrics style your looks with elements of both.

I paired this dark spruce green skirt with a pastel blue chiffon blouse.  As we get further into Fall I'll pair it with sweaters and rich hues such as navy and charcoal. I'll also put a pair of tights underneath .... I can't wait to give up tanning lotion on my legs (without it they'd blind you)!!

I'm a huge fan of pastels in the cold months - next to saturated colors they enhance one another due to the large contrast.  I think a carnation pink or lavender would look fabulous next to this evergreen skirt!

Spruce up your entry into Fall with darker colors and textures!

Dark Green Faux Leather Skirt: Ann Taylor || Light Blue Blouse: Ann Taylor ||

Pumps: Nine West || Necklaces: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Spruce Green

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tartan

Tartan is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors - Otherwise known as Plaid.  Traditionally 'Tartan' Plaid consists of navy, dark green and a signature woven red.

For the Scottish, Tartan plaid is worn all year long in their kilts. For me, and I'm going to assume most americans, I associate tartan plaid with the Winter months as it's typically constructed in wool fabrics.  I particularly love to incorporate Tartan plaid at Christmas time.

I found these festive pants a couple of years ago and loved their straight leg design. 

I styled this look encompassing all the basic elements: color, pattern, texture & shine.

Who doesn't love to add (faux) leather and gold in their outfits??!! 

Ot

Faux Leather Top: Loft || Tartan Pants: J Crew (old) Similar & Here & Here || 

Gold Pumps: Nine West Love These & this pair of Flats || 

Dress Beautifully in Tartan Plaid

XOXO Sarah Louise

Faux Real

Faux Leather Feels & Looks Soooo Real These Days!

AND ... it's Less Expensive and is a Much Thinner and Lighter Material Making it Easier to Fit & Move When Worn.  

Faux Leather is the "IT" Texture this Season and You can Find it Almost Everywhere and in Almost All Types of Garments - Tops, Skirts, Dresses, Pants, Jackets, Vests ....

Whether the Garment is Constructed Entirely Out of the Synthetic-Coated Material or Just Accented, the Texture is Sure to Add Richness to Any Look.

Ann Taylor has Embraced the Faux Leather Trend and Offers a Wide Range of Pieces that Incorporate this Textile.  I had my Eye on a Skirt, and to my Excitement there were lots of Designs to Choose from!  I Opted for this Fit & Flare as I do Own an Obscene Amount of Pencil Skirts (in All Different Fabrics & Colors - a Few Even in Leather) ... What Can I Say, They're a Classic!!  It has a Touch of Flouncy When I Move ... Makes for Mini-Twirling :)

For a Day Look I Paired with a Simple Chambray Shirt and Added a Little More Natural Texture with Calf-hair Leopard Pumps.  For Office, Top with a Sweater/Blazer and for Evening I've Styled with a Silk Blouse and Strappy Heels. 

Chambray Shirt: Target Similar ||  Faux Leather Skirt: Ann Taylor More Styles Here ||

Calf Hair Leopard Pumps: Brooks Brothers Similar ||  Watch: Michael Kors Similar || 

Earrings: Kate Spade || Polish: Butter London ||

Dress Beautifully in Faux Leather

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pleated Leather

This Week it's All about Leather, but in a Fabulously Faux Way.

Most Often I Believe that the 'Real' Thing is Far Better than the 'Wanna Be' ; But in this Case Faux Leather Textiles have Come a Very Long Way.  Designers have Used a Light Coating of Polyurethane to Create the Imitated Texture and Shine of Real Leather.  This Makes for a Lighter Material Giving the Garment More Movement and Fitting Easy.

This Skirt Combines Two Big Trends: Pleats and (Faux) Leather.  

It Feels Luxurious (So Impressed with the Realistic Feel!) and Very Classic.  Leather has such a 'Tough' Reputation but Contrasted in this Feminine Pleated Design, it Melts Away to a Soft and Flirty Look.

I Paired it with a Structured White Button Down Embellished with Collar Beading for a Simple Clean Look.  I Plan to Style this Skirt with Sweaters, Silk Blouses as well as Tights & Boots.  

Beaded Button Down: J Crew Similar || Pleated Leather Skirt: Calvin Klein ||

Peep Toe Sling-Back Booties: Nine West || Polish: Butter London ||

Dress Beautifully in Pleated (Faux) Leather

XOXO Sarah Louise