Long Vest

Long layers aren't just for your hair style.  Adding long layers to your wardrobe is not only modern and chic it's quite functional and flattering.  I find that longer skimming pieces elongate the body, creating a lean silhouette.  While the sleeveless aspect allows for movement and ease of layering over  an array of garments.

Think of this long vest as a blazer when it comes to styling.  It has the sharpness of suiting but easily paired with jeans and tees for a casual look.

I kept this outfit neutral with a nude camisole and black trousers.

Long Vest & Similar & Here & Here || Black Trousers & Similar & Here ||  

Camisole || Bangle || Heels & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in a Long Vest

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pinot & Pleats

Back in the 80's and 90's a dress or skirt that fell below the knee and above the ankle was referred to as 'Tea' length.  Today it's referred to as 'Midi'.  I've see this longer hem line trend grow over the past few seasons but as a petite gal at 5'2" I shied away as I was fearful that the extra fabric would overwhelm.  But it's something that's been tugging at me to try.

I found the perfect skirt!  It has all the right elements.  High waist, light fabric and flattering fit.
In a delicate chiffon fabric and accordion pleats it has ladylike movement (I have to try really hard not to twirl).  The front and back panels are flat, preventing too much volume.  I believe that one of the most important design components is the higher waist.  It creates shape and long lines.

What made this skirt even more beautiful and ideal for me was the ivory color.  It's truly my favorite and the most abundant color in my closet.  And just because Summer is technically over doesn't mean you go dark.  No, you can't wear white shoes, pants or dresses but nothing is more refreshing than the coolness of ivory. It's all year appropriate.  Just swap out your pastels and brights for richer hues like this burgundy blouse.

While it's still warm I'm wearing this skirt with light weight tops but a fitted long sleeve tee or sweater with booties are the plan for a casual look come cooler weather.

Go longer with a midi pleated skirt!

Pinot Blouse & Similar || Pleated Midi Skirt & Similar || Pumps & Similar || Bangle || 

Dress Beautifully in a Pleated Midi Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Shifting Gears

The shift: A loose, straight and unwaisted dress.

Personally, I almost always wear 'sheath' dresses - a more fitted dress with a waist seam.  The reason being, I carry my weight in my legs/lower body rather than my torso, therefore in following my rule of 'dressing your body' I choose to highlight my upper body with waist defining garments.

That being said, you can't limit yourself to one style.  The key is finding the right cuts for you.  I often hear gals say that they can't wear certain items ... breaks my heart!  It's a crime to limit yourself, you  most certainly can wear a variety of styles (within reason - hot pants aren't good on anyone!) it's all about the right fabric and design!

My fear with shift dresses, was that my petite frame would be lost in the fabric.  Key things to look for when shopping for a shift:  The fabric should skim the body not cling or swallow, the hem should hit above the knee (proportions make or break a look), and there should be interest (detailed neckline, print, embellishment etc...)

This dress is in a crepe fabric and lined, it skims the body with a longer hem in the back (love this feature as I don't feel so boxy and exposed when moving), and it has a unique neckline with a deep V (elongating) and mock collar. I also adore that it has sleeves - helps conceal undergarments and great for transitioning into cooler temps.

Speaking of transitioning - this is the last unofficial week of summer Noooooo! I'm not ready! Gals, wear your whites because after Labor day those brights are off to storage til Easter.
FYI - this dress is Ivory so appropriate for all year wear.

My personal world is also embarking on a new season.  I'm back to city living in Charlotte, hunting for a new career, joining back up with my church & Junior League and braving life without Mr til next Summer.  Change is scary but it's great for helping us grow.
I've learned over the past 2 years as a military wife, that new adventures bring learnings and blessings you just can't imagine - so I'm diving in with arms wide open to God's perfect plan.

Maybe you need to shift gears in your wardrobe or in your life or maybe even both :) Do so beautifully!

Shift Dress: Nordstrom || Booties: Louise et Cie Similar  Here & Here ||

Earrings: Towne & Reese || Bracelet: Hermes || Gold Cuff: J Crew ||   

Dress Beautifully in a Shift Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Shades of Sugar

I would wear head-to-toe white everyday if I could - I know, broken record, I say that a lot!  But since I'm not a boring gal, I don't, and it goes again the Southern rule of 'no white after Labor Day and before Easter'.

But sometimes I just want a no fuss, monochromatic blank canvass.  Quite honestly I think it's super chic.  The way to pull it off without looking plain is to incorporate texture and slight variances of the color.  My slouchy tee is a linen blend, and in a buttercream while my jeans are fitted in a cotton bright white.  I chose a pair of tan peep toe booties to add richness.

Try a monochromatic look but keep it simple with minimal jewelry and let your lipstick and nail polish add the pops of color.

And remember to squeeze in those summer whites - because August is the Sunday of Summer!

Linen Tee: Loft || Jeans: Loft || Booties: Similar & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Whites

XOXO Sarah Louise

On Friday We Wear Leather

Two things: 

1.  This ivory skirt is leather (faux).  You can’t tell in the pictures so I felt like it was important to point that out, because it’s magnificent and I feel really great in it.  I also love that I got it for 40% off at Ann Taylor. Score.

2. It’s Friday, and I am so ready for the weekend.  Who’s with me??

Hashtag: ExcitedtobingewatchHouseofCards

I love leather! Especially soft leather in feminine silhouettes and sleek designs.  It contradicts the stigma of leather being edgy, making it wearable for office and weekend.  

For casual Friday I paired this leather pencil skirt with a light weight chambray button down and grounded the light shades with black pumps & handbag. 

Leather Skirt: Ann Taylor || Chambray Shirt: Target || Pumps: Nine West ||

Handbag: Prada || Earrings: Towne & Reese || Gold Bangle: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Leather

XOXO Sarah Louise

Poncho

Ponchos make Comfy & Cozy Oh So Chic.

I have to be honest, I've loved the poncho trend this winter but because I'm petite I felt that they would swallow me whole and look like I had wrapped a couch blanket around myself.  And who wants to look like a big blob of blanket??! 

I fell in love with this poncho the moment I tried it on.  First it's ivory, my favorite color to wear, second, it isn't too long and third, the sides are designed high allowing my arms to move freely.  

It's easy to wear over tops and super soft and warm.

I paired this sweater poncho with ivory jeans and a simple tee underneath for a monochromatic look. 

The brown crocodile pump boots add some contrast and texture. 

Sweater Poncho: Talbots (sold out) Similar & Here & Here || Jeans: Ann Taylor || Tee: Target ||

Boots: Ralph Lauren Similar || Ring: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Poncho

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mid-Century Modern

This Look Incorporates my Favorites:

Color: White/Ivory

Style: Mid Century Inspired 

Cut: Sheath

Print: Leopard (Calf Hair is Best)

Pop: Color & Shine

I Adore Mid Century Fashion,  Defined by the Stylish & Classy Jackie O.

This Crop Top Dress Looks like it Came Right Off the Set of 'Mad Men', And it's in my Favorite Color to Wear,  Naturally it Came Home.

When wearing a Vintage Inspired Piece You want to Pair it with Modern Accessories to Prevent a Costume Look.  I Added Color, Print, & Shine to Complete the Look.  

This Necklace is a Favorite for it's Simplicity and it Reminds me of the One Joan Wears on Mad Men.

You could Definitely Call this Dress an Illusion as it Looks like 2 Pieces.  The Copped Top Layer is Flattering Because it Hits High, Right Below the Rib Cage Creating a Small Waist Line. 

Dress: Banana Republic Outlet Similar & Here || Handbag: Marshalls (old) Similar ||

Leopard Calf Hair Pumps: Brooks Brothers Similar ||Necklace: Stella & Dot || 

Sunglasses: Target || Polish: Butter London || 

Dress Beautifully in a Crop Top Dress 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Over the Knee

Boots are 'The' Shoe for Fall/Winter and Over the Years Designers have taken their Creations from Basic to Fabulous Creating Unique and Strut Worthy Shoes Gals Can't Resist. From Riding Boots to Booties and Now Trending Over-the-Knee, there's a Plethora of Styles for Every Gal.

My First Introduction to Over-the-Knee Boots was Pretty Woman ... No Offense but Safety Pins and Tiny Spandex aren't my Thing ...  Let's Keep it Classy Gals! 

I wasn't sure I Could Pull Off a Pair as I Skim 5'2" with a Little Teasing of my Mane. 
I wanted to Keep the Heel Closer to the Ground for Comfort and a Modest Look. I didn't want Any Stretchy Elastic on the Boot - It's very Common on Over-the-Knee Boots to Allow for Fit and Movement. 

Tip: I have bigger legs for my shoe size of 6, so I often go a 1/2 -1 shoe size up to allow for more room in the calf so that I can get my jeans in. Just wear a thicker sock to fill the foot space :)

Oh and I didn't want to Spend a Fortune and Let's Face it Quality Leather Boots aren't Cheap!

These Boots were it! They are Soft Black Leather, Flat, and a Pointed Toe for a Dressier Look.

How to Wear 'Over-the-Knee' Boots:

It's All About Proportions!

- Over Jeans: Skinny Jeans are Best to Prevent Bunching. Your Top Should Not Extend Below Your Hips.
- With a Skirt/Dress: The Hem Should be 1-2 Inches Above the Boots
- Leggings: Great for Comfort! Pair with a Tunic/Longer Top that Covers Your Derrière.   

OTK Boots: Vince Camuto || Ivory Flippy Skirt: J Crew Similar and at Factory || 

Beaded Herringbone Sweater: Old J Crew Similar and Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Over-the-Knee Boots

XOXO Sarah Louise

Soft Neutrals

This Jacket!!  It Encompasses my Favorite Color Palette - Shades of Light Neutrals (If You Know Me or Follow this Blog then You know my Love of White/Ivory)

This Jacket is a Moto Design with Lots of Texture in Boucle Fabric.  This Boucle is a Mix of Intertwined Colors - Gray, Ivory, Tan, Bronze and Gold.

Gold is Another Big Love of Mine - I once had a Gal Pal say to me in all Sincerity "You'd Paint Yourself Gold if You Could" - There is a Hint of Truth in the Laughter that Followed :)

Usually Before I Hit the Storefront , I Pre-Shop Online.  I Get a Feel for What's New & On Sale.  Often the Store is so Full of Pieces it can be a Challenge to Sift Through it All, Especially if You are in a Hurry or With Company.  You can also Overlook a Must Have -

 'Nothing Haunts Us Like the Things We Didn't Buy'  

This Jacket However Didn't Catch my Eye Online, but in Store My Eyes Got Wide, my Jaw Dropped and I Snatched it Off the Rack.

Those Gold Zippers are Shiny!  The Bronze of the Boucle Fabric Shimmers! The Soft Woven Fabric is Warm! The Sleeves are Bracelet Length - Perfect for Showcasing Shirt Cuffs & Bracelets!

I Knew it was Coming Home. (Especially at a Special Sale of 40% Off) Before I Take Items to the Register, Usually when Still in the Dressing Room When I've Decided I Love a Garment, I Think of Where, How and Frequency I will Wear it.

For this Jacket the Answers Came Easy:

Where: Office, Weekend, Church, Date/Evening - Everywhere!

How: Trousers, Sheath & A-Line Dresses (Avoid Shift - Too Boxy), Jeans & Coated Pants, Leather Skirt ... Color Pairings: Burgundy, Navy, Ivory, Black, Red, Purple - ALL Colors (I'd Avoid Gray - Too Monochromatic and would Mask the Pops in the Jacket)

Frequency:  It's Apparent that I can Pair this Jacket with a Plethora of Pieces & Colors so it's Going to Make a Regular Appearance.

I Styled this Piece for the Office in Pairing with Ivory and Nude Creating a Soft & Shiny Neutral Palette. Since it's Fall I Opted for Booties Over Pumps and Rolled my Trouser Cuffs. 

Tip: When Wearing Booties You Want to See a Break Between the Pant & Shoe - Rolling the Cuff to Show a Sliver of Skin is Key.

This Weekend I Plan to Pair with a Basic White or Black Tee, Jeans & Flats.  For Evening, I'll Swap Out the Jeans for Coated Black Skinnies and Heeled Booties.  

Bonus:  This Jacket is Offered with a Matching Skirt. 

Boucle Moto Jacket: Ann Taylor || Ivory Trousers: Old Similar || 

Nude Cami: Similar || Booties: Louise Et Cie || Mrs Necklace: Kate Spade ||

Earrings: Kate Spade Similar || Ring: Similar || Sunglasses: Target || Polish: Fingers & Toes || 

Dress Beautifully in Soft Neutrals

XOXO Sarah Louise