Ready Set Reds

Red is a powerful color.  It's bold and bright and grabs attention.  According to the old song 'Lady in Red' men love a gal in red.  I have to say I agree, it's my red hair that grabbed Mr's attention :)

I want to talk about pops vs continuity.  There's the concept of styling where one element of color is added to a neutral look.  It showcases that one element of color such as shoes, statement jewelry or handbag.

I prefer continuity, where the elements flow throughout the entire look.  Today's look is all about a stream of red.  Now, the shades of red are not all the same which creates depth and interest.  I'm not a matchy matchy gal.

I also like to mix my casual and dressy pieces.  It's more unexpected and a great way to balance out your wardrobe.  This tweed jacket with it's gold buttons is very ladylike while the striped muscle tank  in stripes is very casual.  The jeans are polished in a dark wash while still casual in nature paired with my super shiny shoes in bright patent leather create a nice mix.  These shoes are my MOST FAVORITE shoe design!!! I have this shoe in patent black and brown croc (these shoes are a post all in themselves - stay tuned).

The reds, textures and prints in this look all compliment each other creating a continuity of reds amongst themselves.

Rather than one element of color in your next look, try going more cohesive tying in a color throughout.

Striped Muscle Tank: Madewell & Similar & Here || Jacket: Similar & Here ||

Jeans: Banana Republic || Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo || Earrings: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Reds

XOXO Sarah Louise

Crisp White Lace

This lace blouse is by far one of the loveliest pieces in my closet.  I was scrolling online and came to a halt when I saw it.  It's even more gorgeous in person!  It arrived and I basically ripped open the package to try it on.  Instantly I knew I'd be wearing it to church that next Sunday.
I couldn't wait to show it to my Mamma too - she of course loved it! We share in our ladylike style.

Oddly enough I'm not a 'lace' person.  I'm extremely prissy and feminine but even when shopping for my wedding gown, lace just didn't tickle my fancy.  I believe that this lace blouse works for me because it's design is that of a dress shirt with it's crisp collar and cuffs.  And y'all know I love a crisp white shirt!!!
It also has the black trim on the delicate scallops, defining the pattern.  I also love that the body of the blouse is completely lined.  I'm not a fan of shear lace because you have to layer a camisole and/or strapless bra and I don't find it to be appropriate for the office, therefore limiting it's wear.
 I like to invest in pieces that can be worn as much as possible.

I've tucked this blouse into a high waisted black pencil skirt so you are missing the scalloped hem. (stay tuned for a casual styling post with this blouse)
I believe that this lace blouse will be fun to wear all year round with endless styling options.  Think of it like a crisp white shirt but a little fancier.  It pairs with everything from skirts to trousers and even jeans. Or layer it underneath a sleeveless dress.

I'm coming around on lace.  It's not just for formal wear or your grandma's table top.  Constructed well and with lining (essential) it can add a whole lot of feminine detail to a look.

Lace Blouse: J Crew Similar and Here || Black Pencil Skirt: Ann Taylor || Pumps: Nine West ||

Handbag: Prada || Sunglasses: Kate Spade || Earrings: Kate Spade Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Lace

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pretty in Pink

I love wearing pink.  It makes me feel pretty and ladylike.  I'm such a girlie girl and have been gravitating to pink my whole life.  Baby or carnation pink is my favorite shade so this dress immediately caught my eye.

It's a classic shirt dress.  Cool, comfortable and polished.  Mr think's it's a bit retro but I find it to be timeless and ladylike!

 I will tell you, like a lot of sleeveless pieces the past few seasons, the shoulders are cut in ever so slightly, so I recommend a racerback bra to avoid exposing bra straps - Oh so tacky!! Having a racerback bra is a an essential piece for the summer for underneath tanks, because nobody likes a strapless... tight, tugging nuisance.

The construction of crisp cotton with covered buttons & pockets are perfection! The a-line design is flattering creating the line of a small waist.

These pumps were a present to myself a while back when they were on sale.  I eyed them for several weeks trying them on several times as they are a bit expensive.  I'm obsessed with nude shoes (they elongate and my legs need all the help they can get!) I also prefer mid heels for comfort and these are perfect for the office.

I've been saving this dress to wear tomorrow for my Mamma's birthday. It's so her style!  She's a classic beauty and I can't wait to see her later today xoxo

Pink Dress: Ann Taylor || Pumps: Tory Burch || Earrings: Honora || Bracelet: Honora ||

Dress Beautifully in Pink 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Lovely Lace

Valentine's Day is Tomorrow! It's always been one of my favorite occasions.  I love love! And all the cutie red, pink, hearts, and sweetness that comes along.  It's not just about having cupid's love, it's the love for your family, gal pals, and even kiddos. 

Getting gussied up for a special day of love is another reason to get excited! Mr and I have only had a couple of Valentine's Days together over the years but I still got dressed up for nights with the gals or my Mamma when we weren't together. 

Last year I showed you looks with prints of lips and hearts.  This year it's all about lovely lace.

This dress I found from one of my favorite local boutiques.  The great thing about shopping small and local is supporting your community and the one-on-one personal relationship.  The owner of this boutique is a gem!  Check them out on FB and Instagram (She ships!) 

  I don't typically wear a lot of black when I dress up but the contrast to the large lace and bashful blush lining is just beautiful.   Simply put this dress is ladylike! 

I topped it with a black moto jacket to add a bit of edge to the feminine.  I pulled from the blush skirt lining with soft pink pearl earrings and bracelet. 

Tomorrow Mr and I are celebrating our love with lots of quality time.  We have a simple day planned just enjoying each other.  It's nice to slow down and just be together, appreciating the blessing of Love!

Photos by BMD

Dress: Fanci Friends Boutique || Jacket: Tahari Similar || Pumps: Nine West ||

Earrings: Honora || Bracelet: Honora || Necklace: Kate Spade || Sunglasses: Target || 

Dress Beautifully in Love!

XOXO Sarah Louise

Water Color

This Water Color Blouse is Gorgeous!

The Brushstrokes of Color and Flowing Wrap Design is oh so Feminine!

It's So Fabulous that When Shopping with Two of My Best Gal Pals 

We All Three Decided We Had to Have it!!

I Foresee Us Checking In to Avoid a Matchy-Matchy Situation

I Contrasted the Ladylike Blouse with Some Edge in a Pair of Moto Coated  Black Jeans.

Water Color Blouse: Anthropologie || Coated Jeans: Ann Taylor ||

Grey Booties: J Crew || Earrings: Moon & Lola || Polish: Butter London ||

Dress Beautifully in Water Colors

XOXO Sarah Louise

Summer Tweed

Tweed will Always Conjure Up Images of Chanel, No Matter the Season.  Summer Tweed Tends to Be Lighter in Weight and Color.  Constructed in Cotton Candy Hues Creates a Ladylike Look.

Tweed is One of My Most Loved Fabrics for it's Warmth, Texture, and Mix of Colors.

Black Halo Designs Beautiful Dresses with Unique Interest in the Necklines Making them a Favorite.  Black Halo's Signature Jackie O Dress is Classic with it's Silhouette, while Modern Featuring an Asymmetric Neckline and Tab Sleeve.  This Blocked Tweed Dress has a Open Slash Details on the Front and Back Neckline Giving it a Subtle Peak of Sexy.

The Contrast of the Two Fabrics Creates a Waist Slimming Line Where the Two Meet.  

The Tweed on this Dress is Fun and Striking with the Pops of Rainbow Colors Against the Soft Neutral Canvas. With the Detailing, Fabric & Fit, this Dress Makes Me Feel Sophisticated and Ladylike. 

Tweed Blocked Dress: Black Halo Similar Here & Here || White Pumps: Nine West ||

Butter of London Polish: Trout Pout || Tortoise Barrette: J Crew ||

Dress Beautifully in Summer Tweed

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pretty Woman Moment

I Believe that All Women are Pretty, We were Simply Made that Way 
But a Lovely Dress, Some Lipstick and a Fun Pair of Heels Polishes a Gal Straight to Gorgeous!

When I saw this Dress it Reminded me of Something but I couldn't put my Finger on it.
I tried it on and was Uncertain about the Muted Carmel Color Washing me Out but was in Love with it's Classic Shape and Print. 
And it Hit Me.  
It Reminded me of the Dress Julia Roberts wore to the Polo Match in One of the Best Movies of All Time 'Pretty Woman'.   It's not an Exact Replica as Hers was a Chocolate Brown but I Certainly Felt Like a Pretty Woman in it!

Pops of Bright Red Set this Soft Color Palette on Fire with a Vintage Feminine Flair.

I Plan to Bring it into Fall with Shades of Navy & Burgundy in a Blazer, Scarf and/or Pump.  
Adding a Pair of Boots and a Cardigan will not Only Keep You Warm but Keep You Fall Fabulous.

I Styled this Look Fitting for a Lady with Pearls & a Summer Sun Hat 

Carmel Polka Dot Dress: J Crew Factory  | Red Pumps: Nine West |

| Essie Polish: Clambake  | Lips: Butter of London 'Lippy' |

Be a Pretty Woman in Polka Dots

XOXO Sarah Louise