Berry Sweet Mommy & Me

Gals, I love matching with my little darling. (I share that surprising no one hehe ) I even love matching with my own Mamma! I often purchase us identical blouses. I find it precious to imitate the ones I love most and plan to do so as long as I can! (Vivian may disagree come her teenage years but I will cross that bridge when we get there).

With Mothers' Day this Sunday I find it perfectly fitting to share these mommy and me dresses!

These sundresses are such an easy breeze and berry sweet option for the summer.  They are available in several prints and colors, with one sure to suit your fancy. The crisp cotton is cool and the design is perfectly fitting for movement and accommodating undergarments (I avoid a strapless bra). 

I encourage you to enjoy the warm sunny weather in a sundress, matching or not.

The moment I showed Vivian our matching dresses she was so excited to have her picture taken.

My Darling

Mommy Dress | Little Girl Dress

Dress Beautifully in Matching Dresses

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Dress Up Room

Hi Gals! I really had intentions of 'skipping' an outfit post this Wednesday since it's Spring Break and I just shared on Monday's post that I wanted to take breaks this week. Sigh, I just have this urge to stay consistent and productive.  I can be hard on myself #typeA! 

I stopped into J.Crew Factory yesterday and found the cutest pieces at pretty prices so here we are with today's post. Vivian loves going into 'Dress Up Rooms' with me to try on clothes. I giggle, I'll forever call them that and this session did not disappoint.

Let's start with this berry cute strawberry dress :) The BEST part is that it comes in an identical matching one for little girls squeal! Naturally I had to have them for my darling and I. Vivian's size is on order and when it arrives I assure you, you'll see Mommy and Me pictures! 

My Dress (5 additional colors/prints) - Little Girls Dress

I also found this matching set.  A tank top and maxi skirt, two of my favorite pieces for comfort and staying cool in the summer. I love them together for a cohesive look but plan to split them pairing with white jeans/shorts and a crisp white shirt (probably tied at the waist).

This print is very 'chinoiserie' and if you're like me you'll be walking around styled to match your home decor. #blueandwhiteforever

Top - Maxi Skirt.

I encourage you to shop around at JCREW FACTORY for some pretty spring pieces.

Dress Beautifully for Spring

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Leopard Spots

It's official October but NOTHING feels like Fall at all.  Gals, the temps are in the mid to upper 90's here in Charlotte! UGH so much UGH
But I'm keeping the faith that soon enough there will be a chill.

I've added a few long sleeved and longer length dresses to my closet and would really like to wear them outside taking these pictures.

This is one of them.  It's more spotted than leopard but the caramel and black colors make it leopard to me. The fabric is light & because I do have faith we will get a chill, layering a denim jacket will do the trick. I surely didn't mention cold but if we were to receive shivering weather a leather Moto-jacket or chunky sweater would top this off perfectly.

For the office or church add a pump but personally I prefer a bootie with this dress.  They would give it more of a Fall/Winter vibe and a tad more casual and modern.
I chose these ivory cage booties for an edgy addition to my naturally ladylike style. And they brighten the darker neutral palette.
If you're more of a sporty gal or just want to look cute and be comfortable for a weekend event slip on a pair of sneakers.

This is one of those dresses you'll wear for many many years in so many ways.

Dress | Similar Booties & Here | Handbag - Similar | Ring |

Dress Beautifully in a Midi Leopard Spot Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Skirt of Many Colors

You can have it all, at least when it comes to colors. This rainbow striped skirt has all the cheer you’ll need this Spring/Summer. And all the pairing options.  From a clean crisp white shirt to matching any of the stripes with any color that suits your fancy. Or denim/chambray – it goes with everything.

For the fit, it’s just easy breezy gals.  An elastic ruffled waist band that allows you to wear it as high or low as you’d like, a thick linen fabric to keep you cool and plenty of room to move around.

Rather than pair with a solid, I had a little more fun and chose this pinstriped blue popover shirt.  Basically stripes on stripes.  For those that are fearful of mixing prints, when the ‘print’ is super fine/small treat it acts as a solid. I did keep my shoes neutral with these epically comfortable wedges.  I get to see what the world looks like for you gals that don’t ever have to look up, stand on your tip toes or pull out a step stool on the regular in these wedges.

So take yourself someone over the rainbow … or where ever the season takes you in this skirt of many colors.

Striped Popover Shirt ||  Rainbow Skirt  ||  Wedges  ||

Dress Beautifully in Many Colors

XOXO Sarah Louise

Orchid

Orchid is one of my favorite colors and plants for that matter. It’s not too dark and not too light, not too pink and not too purple … it’s just the right shade.

I shared with you my love of maxi dresses here and how when designed in a dressier fabric can really be versatile from day to night.

This dress particularly caught my eye first for its orchid color and then for its slim silhouette, and strappy top. 

With a denim jacket, long printed scarf and sandals it’s perfect for casual weekends. 

With a silk shawl, statement jewelry and a pulled back hairdo it’s perfect for date night or weddings.

I kept my styling simple with a dainty long necklace and tan strappy sandals.  

Orchid Dress: J Crew || Sandals: Similar & Here || Necklace: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in an Orchid Maxi Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Red + Camel

December is all about Christmas, and when I think of Christmas the color red is bright and center.  Look around gals, red ribbons, wreaths, trees and even holiday outfits.  Oh yes and there's Santa (I'm too old and have no kids - I also focus on the reason for Christmas!)

Funny enough, I get asked often if I wear red. Uh Yes.  It's always followed with the 'well you have red hair'.  I have 'red' hair but that doesn't hold me back on color.  The only colors I avoid are neons and that's because they are harsh and completely unnatural.  They should remain locked away in the 80's never to come out again.

Red is know for it's boldness. It's an attention getter.  Because it's so prominent, it doesn't need extra sparkle or show.  When wearing red, let the color speak for itself.  Stick with simple designs and natural fabrics.

This red suit dress is professional for the office but with a unique cut out neckline design and fitted silhouette it's perfect for evening with added statement jewelry, strappy heels and a clutch.

I paired this dress with a camel topper coat, nude pumps and my favorite accessory for winter, fur.  Your wardrobe should be an expression of your personality and this fur tote is signature SL!
Note: I understand fur isn't for everyone - please don't report me I'm not wearing a panda for crying out loud!

If you've been reading along for a while you already know I gravitate to the lighter neutrals: ivory, tan and grey.  Of the darker neutrals I prefer navy, charcoal, & brown before I go to black.  Choose the neutrals that speak to you but don't be afraid to go outside your comfort zone.

I like how the lightness of the camel let's the bright red shine!

Add some red to your looks this Christmas season.

Red Dress: J Crew Factory || Camel Topper: Similar & here || Pumps: Nine West || 

Earrings: Towne & Reese || Fur Handbag: Similar & Here || Sunglasses: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in a Red Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Flutter

Surprise! I'm wearing black!  It's rare, so take note. I prefer white, ivory and navy as my neutrals.  And in this Southern Summer heat - black is never a consideration (unless it's a bikini).
Believe it or not this dress does come in white - I'm stepping out gals.

There is a way to wear black and not suffer from a heat stoke.  There's also a way to wear black beyond suiting.

This black dress is in a swiss dot cotton fabric.  It's light weight with textured raised balls/dots. The straight shift design combined with the breathable fabric makes it fitting for warm weather.   As if the swiss dot fabric wasn't enough. the sheer flutter sleeves give it extra interest and femininity.

I have very small shoulders and the added volume on the sleeve adds proportion.  I also like to keep the details and interest around the upper half of my garments, drawing the eye higher towards the face.
P.S.  Larger sleeves above the elbow are slimming on the arms

I chose light colored accessories to contrast the darkness.
Pair with heels for the office or sandals for weekend.

Flutter Swiss Dot Dress: J Crew Factory & in White || Shoes: Nine West || 

Mother of Pearl Earrings: Kendra Scott || Handbag: Tory Burch || 

Dress Beautifully in a Flutter Sleeve

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Graphic Embroidery

Embroidery is one of my favorite embellishments.  I find it to be classic and sophisticated.  Sure rhinestones and beading are fun but save that for special occasions or use jewelry.

I've noticed that colorful, floral 'boho' styled embroidery is trending for this year's spring and summer.   Especially in a front bib design, like this sundress. I appreciate the detail and ethnic vibe, but my style's a bit more ladylike and polished.

This top brings a sophisticated take on the embroidered trend.  In a graphic design, this front bib detail is sure to be noticed.  There are even little dark beads on the bib giving a little luster and texture.  The geometric lines add a modern touch.

The embroidery is black but honestly you could easily style as navy because the detail is so small.  My personal rule - if you can't tell if it's black or navy, you style as both!

I love to mix my dark shades with pastels.  It's a way of transitioning those fall/winter pieces into the warmer season and spring/summer pieces into the colder season.  It also conveys unexpected contrast.

I paired this top with powder blue straight trousers (check out the side slit hem) black shoes & handbag to compliment the black embroidery.  Powder blue is one of my favorite colors to wear - It literally goes with everything!

This top is all year with blazers/jackets and all occasion paired with dark jeans and colored skirts/shorts.

Embroidered Top: Ann Taylor (Dress & Jacket Version) || Trousers: J Crew Factory || 

Heeled Sandals: Nine West || Handbag: Prada || Bracelet: David Yurman ||

Dress Beautifully in an Embroidered Top

XOXO Sarah Louise