Minis

 It sounds a bit backwards to talk about mini skirts in the colder months but in rich textures paired with tights and boots I find them very stylish. 

Note: I'm uneasy wearing hem lines above the knee - however I'm working on squashing that insecurity! 

HOUNDSTOOTH TWEED MINI SKIRT

Tweed mini skirts create a classy look with a slight retro vibe. Think Jackie O. & Barbie. 

Houndstooth is timeless & traditional and especially in a contrasting black & white is very sharp - for these reasons it's always been one of my favorite patterns.

FAUX LEATHER WRAP MINI SKIRT

A faux leather skirt is a modern option for a mini skirt.  I particularly love the faux wrap design of this one as it's flattering. Pair with blouses, sweaters, colors and fun prints. 

Style Tip: Jewelry & layers (vest, jackets, scarf) add the finishing touches.

Pretty Mini Skirts ...

FAUX SUEDE

DENIM

PATCH POCKET

also in black

Dress Beautifully in a Mini Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Christmas Princess

It's been a tradition since I was born that my mother got us girls a new dress for Christmas.  It was always a special dress. Velvet and pearls were her favorite and she worked hard to splurge on us. I've carried the tradition but rather purchasing for myself and now for darling Vivian too.

This year, I found 'THE' perfect dress. My first impression of it was that it looked just like something Princess Diana or Kate would wear. Their impeccable style is something I strive to emulate!!

Houndstooth is at the top of my list of classic prints. It's sophisticated without being too strong. I also find a black and white pairing very striking!

The velvet trim, button and bows are details that elevate this dress in a famine way along with the puff sleeves. 

Dress - Similar - Platform Pumps

Dress Beautifully this Christmas in Houndstooth

XOXO Sarah Louise

Very into Vests

 

Gals, I'm very into vests. I have been for 2 decades now. Since I'm petite layering long sleeves can be  challenging. Not to mention, it doesn't get really cold down here in the south. I like that a vest adds polished shape and structure to a look without being too bulky or stiff. And just a touch of warmth.

This one is from Amazon! Only the 2nd piece I've purchased from amazon that I like - it's just not my go-to for apparel. It comes in a lot of colors.  I. paired it with a crisp white shirt (with puff sleeves - my jam!), distressed jeans and the hottest shoe right now, clogs.

Note: after taking these pictures I realized these jeans are a bit too long for me so I'm going to cut the hem.  I also prefer a raw hem as it's less bulky.

Vest | Blouse | Jeans | Clogs 

Dress Beautifully in a Sweater Vest

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday 5: Houndstooth

Gals, so yesterday I shared with you this silk houndstooth drop waist dress with a ruffle hem.  I also shared the importance of investing in quality, timeless and versatile pieces.

So, as promised, here are 5 different ways I plan to style this dress for the Winter season.
Now, come Spring/Summer I'll be ditching the jackets and boots for sandals and maybe a fun silk scarf and/or bright colored jewelry.

Cheers to TGIF!

Houndstooth Dress

Casual:  Denim Jacket  -  Saddle Bag  -  Boots

Girls Night Out:  Leather Moto Jacket & Here  -  Red Handbag  -  Booties

Church:  Coat  -  Quilted Handbag  -  Mary Jane Pumps

Holiday:  Red Coat  - Velvet Clutch  -  Heels

Office:  Blazer  -  Dress Shirt  -  Handbag  -  Pump
(Try layering under with a crisp white shirt)

Dress Beautifully in Houndstooth Wherever You Are

XOXO Sarah Louise

Houndstooth

The weekend is just a hop, skip and a jump away!  I know we just had a big long Thanksgiving holiday ... about that, sorry for the blog break but a timeout was just what I needed and besides I'm hoping you were like me, soaking up moments with the ones you love and focusing on all there is to be grateful for!

When it comes to the holiday season, tis the time to dress beautifully for all those festive fetes. As much as I love sparkle, lace and shine I don't find it wise to invest in cocktail dresses that get worn once maaaaybe twice.  I believe in owning pieces that are versatile and that means investing in classic, quality pieces that fit for multiple occasions and this dress fits the bill.

This dress is not only fun with it's flirty hem ruffles but it's in a brushstroke houndstooth print, my Most Favorite print EVER! Houndstooth has been my favorite since my college days.  It's timeless and not overly anything.  What I mean is isn't not too feminine/masculine, not too graphic/abstract, not too warm weather/cold, not color/neutral specific and perfect in any home designed in drapes/upholstery.

You can wear this beauty to the office, date night, holiday party, church, basically anywhere you want. The silk fabric gives it a luxurious sheen and all season wear.

Stay tuned - Five ways to style this houndstooth number on tomorrow's Friday 5 post!

Oh and I finally jumped on the tassel earring trend!  I went with black as I knew they weren't an everyday kind of bauble and black goes perfectly for dressy occasions. I must say, I wish I had jumped on board sooner.  Despite their slightly heavy weight they're fun, elongating on the face and show off nicely with a pulled back hairdo.

Houndstooth Dress || Over the Knee Boots || Tassel Earrings || 

Dress Beautifully in Houndstooth

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Signature Color

"Pink is my Signature Color" - Shelby Eatenton Latcherie 

'Steel Magnolias' is my 2nd favorite movie (after 'Gone with the Wind' of course) and if you're not familiar shame on you!  I mean you can't go wrong with the colors blush and bashful :)

Oh and let's not forget Jackie O. and her iconic pink suit.  Swoon!

I've loved the color pink my whole entire life.  While I don't wear it as much or in the same way as I did in my younger years I still incorporate it frequently.  In fact, my formal living room is decorated in blush pink.

Pink makes me feel pretty and feminine.

When the latest J Crew catalog came in the mail this week I was giddy to see all the pink pieces!

Here are 5 of my favorites ....

Truth: At least 1 of these is going to make its way into my closet :)

Bow Blouse:  In 100% silk and the most precious shade of carnation pink it's a piece you'll wear forever!  With suiting or layered under a sheath dress to a pair of jeans, this blouse is a classic.

Houndstooth Jacket & Skirt:  Houndstooth is my most favorite print so duh I love this matching set in pink.  A modern and sophisticated version of the trend Jackie set back in the 60's. Timeless.
You don't have to have the coordinating look.  Split them up for endless outfit pairings.

Coat:  How ladylike is this coat?!!  Fresh and feminine it won't just keep you warm, it'll keep you smiling a pretty smile.

Bangle:  For when you just need a subtle touch of happy.

  Coat     Blouse     Bangle     Blazer     Skirt 

Dress Beautifully in Pink

XOXO Sarah Louise

Black Tie & A Little DIY

This Look is All About Classics & Creativity.

A Few Months Ago I Embarked on a Journey of Learning to Sew, by Enrolling in Classes at my Local Community College.  Somehow by Watching 'Project Runway' I thought I Could Just Make my Own Clothes and they'd be Exactly My Style and Fit Like a Glove.

Well Gals, it's Not that Easy!

For my First Piece I Decided on a Simple Straight Skirt made of a Wool Knit in my Favorite Print, a Houndstooth Glen Plaid.  In the End it wasn't so Hard and it Left Me Wanting to Hit the Fabric Store for More Patterns! 

I'm Currently Taking my Second Class and Sewing my First Dress ... Stay Tuned!!!

The Pink Shirt got it's Start in 1949 when Brooks Brothers Partnered with Vogue to Develop What was Soon to Be an Iconic & Forever Piece in Womenswear! 
You Must Have this Classic in Your Closet & Wear Often ... If You Don't Shame on You! 

And Since there's Nothing Sharper than a Tuxedo,  I Added a Black Bow Tie to my Pink Shirt with a Large Grosgrain Ribbon for a Fancy Finish. 

Take Your Classic Pieces and Get Creative with Your Accessories!

Pink Shirt: Brooks Brothers || Skirt: SL Creation Similar || Booties: Similar ||

Black Tie: Grosgrain Ribbon || Earrings: Kate Spade || Polish: Butter London ||

Dress Beautifully with a Black Tie & a Little DIY!

XOXO Sarah Louise