Christmasy

 There are so many 'holiday' outfits out there with sparkle and plaid and vibrant reds. While I find them to be very festive they're often a one time wear. Red is a color I rarely wear, but I do have a few pieces. 

When I style red I believe it makes any outfit look Christmasy! 

Here are some ways to style red for all your holiday fetes ...

LEOPARD JACKET - PUMPS

This dress I found at target a while back and is easy to layer over.

Jacket & Shoes Vintage - JEANS

Blazers are always chic and this one in leather adds a lot!

Accessories do a lot for an outfit. Go all out in monochromatic.

MESH TOP  - BOOTS

A vest adds a warm layer

and allows for additional layering and easy movement.

Dress Beautifully in Red for Christmas

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: Sleeveless Sweaters

 TGIF! I'm truly amazed that we are in November. It has me really thinking how I want to finish this year (Obviously I'm making a list - or two!). But first let's talk about dressing for the now winter season. Sure you can put on a pair of jeans and a sweater and feel dressed. But I believe that layering is where style is created.

I've been a fan of sleeveless sweaters since my early 20's. Having petite arms and a high energy personality that moves all day long bulky garments can be cumbersome for me. 

MY SLEEVELESS SWEATER

4 color options

By adding a sleeveless sweater over a blouse there's less bulk and more movement and style opportunities.

Sure you can layer solids on solids but it's more interesting to have prints and unexpected pairings like pastels with dark rich tones or florals with bright colors.

Tip: styling blouses & dresses that alone wouldn't be warm enough under a sleeveless sweater is also smart in utilizing your wardrobe!

Here are some sleeveless sweaters to layer ...

HEARTS

I added this to cart!

so fun and it would compliment all colors

CHUNKY CABLE

also in black

CROPPED CABLE

5 colors

FAIR ISLE

TURTLENECK

STRONG SHOULDER

23 colors

CABLE TURTLENECK

3 colors

CHUNKY KNIT

7 colors

Dress Beautifully in a Sleeveless Sweater

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Blouses & Sweater Vests

 TGIF! Gals it's been quite a new week. Vivian started a new preschool year, her last (I cried), she started her 2nd year of dance, next week she'll add gymnastics and I'm starting to get into a new routine too! I don't feel as productive this week as I'd hoped but I'm giving myself grace for adjustment.

My Blouse

Soon, hopefully very soon, we will have to adjust to cooler temperatures.  One of my favorite ways to style this season, going all the way back to my college days and throughout my office days is to layer a sleeveless sweater over a blouse. I love this pairing as it adds just the right amount of warmth, structure, soft texture, easy movement and allows for an additional layer pieces such a blazer or jacket without extra bulk on your arms.

Tip: I never ever leave the bottom of the top exposed. In my opinion it should ALWAYS be tucked in.  Untucked not only is less polished but can add unwanted bulk and volume on your hips which is never slimming. 

Here are some pretty blouses and vests to layer ...

Classic Tie Neck in White

Satin Tie Neck

Check Tie Neck

Feminine Button Down

also in pink & ivory

Plaid Tie Neck

Turtleneck Tank

I love the neck and texture - several color options

Striped Zip Vest

I ordered this in the white

Fun Printed Vest

2 print options

Mock Neck Sweater Shell

several color options

Pointelle Shell

2 additional colors

Cropped Cable Stripe Vest

I tried this one today and loved!

Bow Vest

I brought this one home in black (shocking I never wear black!) also in ivory

Two for one set!

available in 4 colors

Short sleeve Set

3 colors

Dress Beautifully in a Blouse & Sweater Vest

XOXO Sarah Louise

Super Cape

The other day Vivian said to me, 'Mamma you saved the day!' All I had done was use a kitchen tool to rescue her coat that had fallen behind our dryer but humbly took the praise.  I realized to her I am a super hero. Sure, I have no 'real' powers there's a lot of super things I have and can do. It truly is in the little things gals.

Now, this cape while just a garment, can make you feel super chic, warm, and comfortable.  Cape's can be tricky in that if too big or voluminous they can easily overwhelm (especially if you're petite). This cape in particular is very structured, hits at the hips and has clean lines with a large grid pattern.

This isn't one of those capes that looks like your wrapped the couch blanket around you.  

Another super thing about a cape, is that it's a nice layering piece. It allows for a multitude of options for underneath such as a crisp button up, a basic tee, another print (think leopard, tiny florals or nautical stripes), and any color that suits your fancy.  In fact, I would encourage you to choose a color over a neutral. I chose olive green but think a plum, mustard or light blue would also pair beautifully.

Make a super statement by adding a cape to your winter wardrobe!

Similar Cape Options: Here - Here - Here | Jeans | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Cape

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

Beat the Blues

Tiered dresses are a good in-between design that's just right for every shape & style.  Not fitted like a sheath but not shapeless like a shift.  The graduated seams create an a-line shape thats loose enough to be comfortable and forgiving but doesn't drown your body in volume either. 

It's just right!

Here's the kicker ... it's still not Spring yet so if you're bursting to wear a sundress you'll have to layer.  It's a happy compromise.  I love a Moto jacket to add an edgy touch to my feminine style and these boots have a western hint to them which suits my Southern self perfectly! 

Also, I recommend layering this solid maxi with a long necklace or scarf to add some print and break up the solid palette. 

Dress - Savvy Option | Jacket | Boots

Dress Beautifully in a Tiered Maxi Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise