Cozy but Make it Chic

Brrr it's so cold everywhere! I know it's Winter, but for us Southerners it's colder than we're used to! I also know that for the past year cozy clothes have become the uniform for most gals since the entire country is held captive in their home. Even retailers have converted their racks from holding their usual polished pieces to sweat suits. 

If you know me IRL, you know SL is nothing like the norm so this won't come as a shock, but I do not own sweats. Pause for reaction.

I own 2 pairs of joggers that I may wear once a week and as for leggings - mine are true athletic wear and only worn during sweat sessions.

Yes, that means I'm at home each day in my blue jeans.  

Fact: You can be cozy, comfortable AND chic. Take your warm tops and elevate them by pairing with jeans, or here's an idea, a maxi skirt! You're covered (so don't stress about shaving your legs) and may just feel better about the way you look, feminine! I bet you you'll even twirl around a bit. 

I may not be about lounge wear but I do value comfort. This fleece is #1 for that.  It's warm, soft and stylish with the oversized funnel neck. I've shared the amazingness of these fleece tops/designer on this post. I believe every wardrobe needs one, two or several of these! They come in 3 different lengths and so many colors! 

What I really want to encourage you to do is to take your cozy sweaters, fleeces, even sweatshirts (please make it a modern one and not the oversized alma matter one you purchased at the college campus store) and pair them with a long skirt and a little sneaker. Swapping out your leggings, joggers or jeans for a little femininity will make a world of difference in feeling pretty and put together while still being comfortable. 

You can be cozy but make it chic!

I'll be pairing this skirt with tanks and even over my bikinis while vacationing come Summer!

Fleece | Maxi Skirt - $20 option & Here - Under $30 & lots of colors/prints | Sneakers |

Dress Beautifully in Cozy Pieces but Make it Chic

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Elevated Basics

 A basic white t-shirt & jeans is a classic choice for a casual outfit. 

But in efforts to not be plain, there are easy ways to elevate this look.

Blazers are essential to the office but get your money's worth and wear them on the weekends too.

In a light weight wool, they're an all season piece that lays beautifully, adding shape (waist defining!) and sophistication to the most relaxed pieces. 

Blazer Tips: 

• Light weight wool (natural & high quality)
• Functional cuff buttons - Cuffing creates a casual look highlighting the lining/pop of print, makes arms appear longer & shows off jewelry
• Hem hits just below the hip for an elongated look

Moto Jackets are a chic and slightly edgy layering piece. It's my go-to piece when I'm trying to look 'cool'.

BlankNYC is my favorite brand for tons of color options and price point. 

Puffer coats have been all the rage for the past few years for their comfort and function.  They're very casual but winning in the warm and dry department.  Since atheisure doesn't suit my style adding jewelry and a scarf is the perfect way to add femininity. 

As for shoes with these looks, loafers, mules, or ballet flats are all very pretty choices.

For the past 3 years I've been wearing these sneakers the most.  They're so comfortable, ideal for chasing my darling and very much trending. My feet are grateful!

Here are my favorites for a elevated casual look ...

Basic White T-Shirt

I like V-necks for elongating the face.

Distressed Jeans

Seriously love these! 

A splurge (I hunted & waited and found them over half off last year)

Blazer

Navy, Black & Camel are my fav. neutrals

Moto Jacket

Puffer Jacket

I love this one because it's not so big & puffy for easy movement while still high performance in the cold.

Sneakers

I'm dying over this pair!

Loafer

I wear these a lot! Leather is soft and super comfortable.

Mules

These were a splurge - similar option

Dress Your Basics Beautifully

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Varsity vibes

This sweater is so me! That's exactly what Mr said when I picked it up.  We were at the mall together on an afternoon date, he wanted to go to the apple store and I went across the hall.  When I tried it on he said I looked like I should be on a yacht.  I agree. Put me on a yacht Mr!
I also got the varsity prep vibes from it.

Either way it's super cute, soft and warm. It definitely has an all American classic look that will never steer you wrong.

I paired it with these flair jeans I shared with you here, actually the sweater is on this post too.  I wanted to add some variety to all my skinny jeans but decided the wide leg crops were just too wide for my petite frame. But these trouser/flares were just enough without being too much. And they're not super long! I did size down.  I was able to get them on epic sale which is great because I'm not sure how much I will wear them.  They may become my new favs and in that case extra win.  I kinda miss my flares from back in the day. I could share an old school picture but NO haha

I've been meaning to write a post on these sneakers for you gals.  Let me just say this, I know they are expensive but in my opinion, worth it! When it comes to shoes I invest in quality and have fewer pairs.  I make sure they are comfortable and versatile to maximize wear. Now, admittedly these are outside my style box but as the 'IT' sneaker I had to try them and they are soooooo comfortable and I wear them all the time! I'll get on that post for you :)

You could also dress this sweater up with a pair of navy or gray trousers/pencil skirt for the office or church.

Sweater | Jeans | Sneakers | Earrings

Dress Beautifully Channeling those All American Preppy Vibes

XOXO Sarah Louise