White Tie

 White is my go-to neutral. Where I find a majority of ladies gravitate towards black I can't get enough ivory and gold. Rather than the expected formal and dark for your dressy holiday occasions I encourage you to try light and bright. 

A tuxedo or menswear inspired look is so sharp! This jumpsuit isn't your typical holiday sparkle and shine dress. It has a luster in the satin oversized collar, emphasized shoulder for an hourglass shape and sleek design full length pant for a head to toe sophisticated look. 

JUMPSUIT

Dress Beautifully in Winter White

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bejeweled

Gals, I saw this dress adorned with great big colorful jewels, gracious did it spark joy! I didn't even try it on.  I grabbed the hanger and made my way to check out. I believe that clothing should have this effect on us. We should love what it looks like whether it's the color, print, style or fabric. 

BEJEWELED MAXI DRESS

Fun Fact: I love gaudy jewelry. I have quite the collection of costume pieces, particularly cocktail rings.

This dress in a satin like material, is light weight (great movement when you walk!) in a classic shirt dress design with a flowy, unfitted, silhouette. This gives it versatility in fit for all body shapes (even a little baby bump!). 

For me, I prefer a more fitted look and defined waist so I add shape with belts and layers.

Here are ways to style this bejeweled maxi shirt dress ...

SLEEVELESS SWEATER

I like this layer as it gives shape and warmth but lets as much of the dress shine as possible.

I chose a metallic for added shine.

It also makes it easier to move and layer with a jacket/coat.

TURTLENECK SWEATER

A full sweater will keep you warm and creates a soft casual look for day time.

Make sure your sweater is shorter in length and hits right at the natural waist

to keep the proportion long on the bottom. 

Style Tip: you can pin the hem of the sweater folded under.

FUR VEST

I love adding fur in the winter. It's luxurious and warm.

This adds shape & texture while keeping your arms free.

LADY JACKET

Any lady wearing jewels will be wearing a jacket like this one. This is great for dressy occasions. 

Consider a blazer as well for a similar style.

Style Tip: A velvet blazer would be stunning this time of year - cuff the sleeves!

You can pair this with absolutely any color! Truly the sky is the limit, pastels, jewel tones, neutrals ...

As for shoes, heels or boots are great.

I may not own any royal jewels but I sure can dress like it!

Dress Beautifully Bejeweled

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Velvet

 TGIF! This has been a wonderful week for my family. We were together!!! We go extended periods apart with Ryan's travel job in the ER, and this season includes some long stretches. 

There's a lot of girl dinners and giving gratitude to endure the challenges. 

VELVET VEST

There's SO MUCH holiday on the racks with sparkles, satins and embellishments.

Velvet is an elegant and rich fabric that translates to both special occasions and the every day in this season. The soft texture and weight makes it lovely for dressy occasions but not limiting. 

Style Tip: Pair with cotton (tees, button ups), sweaters and jeans for a casual look.

Beautiful Velvet Pieces ...

ONE SHOULDER TOP

BLAZER

also in black, navy & lilac

the trim is beautiful!

WRAP MINI SKIRT

WIDE LEG TROUSER

4 colors

BARREL PANTS

PUFF SLEEVE MINI DRESS

MARY JANE FLAT

BLAZER DRESS

KNOT HANDBAG

RELAXED BLAZER

Dress Beautifully in Velvet

XOXO Sarah Louise

Dark & Sharp

 There's soooo much red, green, plaid and sparkles for holiday wear and while fun and festive it's often so specific making it a one time wear.

I find that an all black outfit in rich lustrous textures is a sharp way to dress for the holiday and any dressy occasion throughout the year.

I added a satin heel (the pants hide their beauty) that has a gorgeous rhinestone chain across the top - new favorite shoes! They're so so comfortable and very designer looking! 

TOP & SIMILAR - PANTS - SIMILAR BAG - HEELS

THIS JUMPSUIT is a sleek option!

I wanted to keep the monochromatic look sleek so but not too plain so a little sparkle goes a long way. A vintage broach, stud earrings and party purse were just enough. 

Note: when wearing neutrals a red lip really pops!

Style Tip: Don't buy anything new for a one time occasion. All black is forever chic!

Dress Beautifully in a Sharp Black Outfit

XOXO Sarah Louise

Trousers for a Good Time

 Tis the season for dressing festive! In a world that's gone oh so causal I believe occasions that take us out of the cozy and into the glam does us well! As I create this post I'm sitting in a sweatshirt, jeans and sneakers (they do sparkle!) and while this is great for day-to-day I stand taller, walk more confident and have more fun when I'm all gussied up. 

A wide leg trouser is a great option! Especially in a bold color.

Note: You don't have to don sequins, a gown or opulent pieces to be dressy. I find the more sleek and sophisticated an outfit the nicer the look.

Trousers paired with fun tops are comfortable, elongate the body, and aren't a one time wear like a lot of holiday pieces. 

I paired this hot pink pair with a faux fur leopard jacket (found it at a thrift shop for $5!) and clutch for a look that's bold but not overly specific to the holidays. I can opt for a sweater, blouse or button up with boots for day time or less formal occasion.

PINK TROUSERS - 3 colors | SATIN TROUSERS - 4 colors |

IVORY FLANNEL

Try a pair of wide leg trousers for your next soiree styled with heels and a sassy top and I guarantee you'll look and feel beautiful!

Dress Beautifully in Trousers

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Shimmer & Shine

 TGIF! When it comes to holidays or really any shindig/occasion throughout the year, it's always fun to sparkle. Sequins are the best for that. Those tiny disks of luster give off an enchanting magic that makes everyone smile (and want to shimmy). 

There is joy in shiny things!

So no matter how old I get I want to wear & be the sparkle around me.

My Top

2 other colors

Style Tip: Wear your sparkle in the day/casually with distressed jeans, 

layered with a vest (fur or knit) or with sneakers. 

Here are some sassy pieces for you to shimmer & shine in ...

Long Sleeve Blouse

also in black

Shift Dress

also in bronze

Large Disc Tee

also in ivory & black

Pencil Skirt

Shell Top

also in black

Fitted Button Up

also in Black

Tie Neck Blouse

Joggers

also in Silver

Halter Blouse

also in black

Long Sleeve Feathered Maxi Dress

also in black

Feather Hem Dress 

Blazer

also in black

Dress Beautifully in Sparkles

XOXO Sarah Louise

Party Pants

One of my most favorite designers Kate Spade said 'Live Colorfully'.  I happily comply.

It's typical during holiday season to see lots of sequins, beading, velvet, satin and dark colors.
Personally I like making a bold statement by shining in bright colors.
These pieces also have more versatility in styling throughout the year

These hot pink wide leg pants sit higher on the waist which make me feel like I have long legs - that's a big deal for a petite gal! It's also great for tucking in tops or come Spring/Summer pairing with a cropped length top.
Note: These pants are not super long, I was able to wear just a mid heeled pump and no hemming! 

Since it's cooler weather I chose a balloon sleeve top, which I'm obsessed with.  A puffed sleeve with a snug cuff is a design element that was all the rage in the 80's and I'm thrilled that it's back! For me, I have super narrow shoulders and small arms so I like the added volume to balance my shape since I'm slightly bigger on the bottom.

I kept everything else neutral so that these party pants shine! But I'm looking forward to pairing with a fun printed top.

So much wind beneath my mane!!!

Balloon Sleeve Top | Hot Pink Pants | Pumps | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Party Pants

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Traditional Tartan

Tis the season for tartan!  This festive plaid will surely have you looking ready for Christmas (even if you're hustling to get gifts, wrap them and have your house clean and decorated). As long as you look like you have it all together on the outside the secret is safe! At least that's what I tell myself :)

I've had this top for several years now but thankfully it comes back every year. It's a classic piece that goes with everything, comfortable and can be dressed up or down for any holiday occasion.

I added some Christmas red with my handbag and a vintage belt for a touch of sparkle.

Now, these SHOES! I die!  I saw them out shopping with baby Vivian Louise several weeks ago and wanted them sooooo bad.  They look high fashion, super comfortable with a low heel and come on, they have an oversized velvet bow!!!!! However when I turned the shoe upside down the sticker shock killed the mood.  BUT tis also the season for epic sales, so I brought these puppies home for nearly 70% off the day before Thanksgiving.
That's my preferred day to shop over Black Friday because most retailers are running the sale starting Wednesday and no one is out because they're cooking (I'd rather do anything but that) and no crowds.

So put on your tartan and enjoy the joy of Christmas!

Tartan Top | Black Pants | Similar Belt | Handbag | Velvet Bow Shoes | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Tartan Plaid

XOXO Sarah Louise