Purple & Red

 

Gals, I love color and I love mixing colors. Dressing colorfully is dressing beautifully.  It adds happy to your outfit and therefore your mood and others around you.

The style and muted purple of this dress really struck my fancy.  Sure I could pair it with neutral boots or a nude scrappy heel but that's not nearly as much fun as red! There's something classic, bold and feminine about red shoes and/or a red handbag. This time of year adding red suits the holiday season but I also love styling it all year long. 

I encourage you to pair up your favorite colors! Swap out the neutrals for a bold saturated hue. 

Purple Dress | Handbag & Similar & Similar | Similar Boots & Here | 

Dress Beautifully in Purple & Red

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Skirt of Many Colors

 

I don't know about you, but I like options.  When you have a skirt with a print full of color, you have options. You could go sassy with a silk cami (I did last weekend at dinner with my gal pals at the beach - see Instagram), you could go sophisticated with a crisp collared shirt (as styled), you could go cool with a graphic tee tied at the waist, or you could go cozy with a sweater. 

Not to mention you the shoe options from sandals, heels to boots and jackets of denim, leather and dare you try a blazer!

This skirt has so many colors to choose from that whether you choose to add more or keep it neutral the feminine florals are going to shine. You're also going to have a little extra pep in your step with the swooshing of the tiers.  Maybe not out on the sidewalk but when you step into this skirt you most certainly should twirl a little in the mirror :)

Poplin Stripe Shirt | Tiered Maxi Skirt | Slide Sandal | Handbag & Similar |

Dress Beautifully in a Skirt Full of Color

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Bump Up The Basics

TGIF! It still hasn't sunk in yet that it's 2020 (and that my baby is 2!).  But gals, the world keeps on turning and here we are in a brand new year and decade.

My favorite ways to make my typical outfits, which are white or solid colored tops and jeans look interesting and new is to add color and print with my shoes and handbag.

Note: I am VERY proud of myself for adding a whole lot more print in my wardrobe last year ... but still NO black and heavens no grey.

One concept that I really want to emphasize to you is that it's far more fun to add color to color than color to neutrals.  What I mean is, your ensemble doesn't have to be white, black or blue jeans to add a bright color or print.

Here are some ways I add color and print to a solid outfit .....

Sweater | Jeans | Snake Booties | Red Handbag

Fleece | Jeans | Sneakers | Handbag

Turtleneck | Jeans | Boots | Handbag

Purple Sweater | Pants | Pumps | Handbag

Sweater | Pants | Pumps | Handbag

Dress Your Solids Beautifully with Color & Print

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Puff Puff Puff

Gals, give me ALL the puff sleeves.  I shared about them on this post and you're going to see them again today and I'm confident at least another post or two.
They are the IT detail in fashion right now and I'm so happy about it.  While the 80's were a decade of bad makeup and hair, the puff sleeve was on point and I'm happy to see it come back in more subdued  designs.

If you've been reading for any length of time or know me IRL my obsession with crisp white shirts is borderline hoarding status. I'm not the least bit sorry.  I have almost as many white dresses and pants as I do tops.  I LOOOOOOVE white!

Note:  I was with my best friend when I bought this, and in the dressing room together she said 'girl you don't need another white top' ... she tried but you have to go with what you like.  At least it's different!

I found this top at a local boutique and while it may be on the 'extra' side of style I'm strutting proudly in it.  The ket to styling a statement piece is to keep everything else understand and simple.  So I went with distressed jeans (my new favorites!) a classic pump (balances the trendy) and a little color.

I also believe that when it comes to a statement piece it's the shape or print that's bold not both.

Puff Sleeve Top | Jeans | Similar Pumps | Handbag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Puff Sleeve Top 

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Black & White with a Pop of Red

Gingham is just plain print goodness.  Simple boxes of contrast in a grid pattern.

And is there anything more classic than black and white with a pop of red?! Not in my wardrobe.

I did do something slightly unexpected.  Rather than pair with black shoes/sandals, I went with a cognac brown.  Still a neutral but not so matchy.

As far as the pop of red, now that’s completely overplayed but THIS BAG!!!!

Oh and I’m on the midi length bandwagon. AND I’m petite. So throw out the mindset you have to be tall and thin to rock a longer length! Key is to have a defined waist line, the higher the better and you will look longer, I promise.

Gingham Dress  -  Here & Here & Here  ||  Sandals  ||  Handbag  ||  

Dress Beautifully in a Gingham Dress

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