A Little Leather

 Gals, I love adding a little leather to my outfits. It provides an edgy and expensive looking element to the look. Leather can be styled dressy or casual but regardless is a timeless texture.

MY VEST

Style Tip: Adding leather (jacket, vest, boots or belt) to a girlie dress/skirt creates an interesting contrast!

Here are some pretty leather pieces to style:

JACKET

I love the texture on this one

PANTS

This wide leg crop cut is flattering

also in brown & black

DRESS

also in black

SKIRT

The long length of this skirt is so flattering & chic!

Dress Beautifully in Leather

XOXO Sarah Louise

Suede

With cooler temps comes cozy rich textures.  Heavier textiles are not only warm, they give you the 'feels'.  Besides making you 'feel' the snuggle of Fall they actually make you want to feel them with your hands.  To run your fingers over the soft fabric.

I'm 100% natural when it comes to my fabric fibers and for the cold it's all about wool, fur, cashmere and leather.  I'm not opposed to wearing animal because I eat it every day with every meal and believe that the purpose of some is for our utilization.  Before you get twisted let me be clear I'm not wearing a panda, I'm talking cow, lamb, goat, mink, beaver; animals that are in abundance.  Leather specifically is strong, durable, water resistant and provides a protective barrier against the elements whether it's on your body or feet.

As with the 70's vibe of fashion that's roaring, suede is a key element.  Suede with fringe, well that's just too hippie retro for this gal, but I'm all about it in a polished shoe, skirt or jacket.

This suede skirt in a gorgeous carmel color screams fall.  It's everywhere in nature with the falling of the leaves and compliments beautifully as a neutral in your wardrobe.  I paired it with a bright white crisp dress shirt to dress it up but plan to style it also with a striped tee, denim & black sweater.  It will go with any color really.

I am wearing 'real' suede and because of it's weight it is a tad stiffer and doesn't move as say a faux polyester fabric would.  But it has great structure and holds it's shape enhancing the design.  The inverted box pleat gives an a-line shape allowing for room and as always makes your waistline small.  I adore the functional gold side zippered pockets! Details are everything.  The seaming also adds to the amazing design.  Now with all things real or natural often comes a higher price tag.

But I believe in quality over quantity and buying forever pieces.

You're in luck if you'd rather go faux, I've link several options for you below :)

Bow Dress Shirt - Similar || Suede Skirt - Similar - Here & Here || Booties & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Suede

XOXO Sarah Louise

Leather Weather

Finally Fall temps have arrived.  Ok, it may be only in the mornings and evenings but the cool crisp air is here.  Texture is my favorite thing about Fall/Winter textiles.  Tweed, wool, cashmere, cable knit, suede, fur! and leather just to name a few.

Leather has an edgy vibe which is a nice break from my typical ladylike looks.  It has structured weight creating a defined shape and a luster that commands a second look.

This isn't my first post on leather/faux leather.  Read this post on a pleated skirt and this one on leggings and here on a vest from last year. I've shared how textile manufacturers have brought the faux thing to a quality that's so good it's easily mistaken for the real thing. While I will always opt for real leather (especially when it comes to shoes and handbags) it's more economical and often a better fit with the impostor fabrics.  Real leather can be stiff and thick making it hard to tailor and limits movement/comfort.

I love this leather dress because in a drop waist design it's fitted on the upper body with just the right amount of flair at the hip for ease of movement and a hint of femininity. Also, the racerback top adds a hit of sass in showing off the shoulders.
Note: A strapless or racerback bra is necessary.

I topped it with a leopard jacket and added a complimentary rich color with burgundy booties.  Rather than cover this leather dress try layering with a crisp dress shirt or blouse underneath.

A denim jacket or cardigan are also complimentary.

Leather Dress & Here || Leopard Jacket & Here || Booties || 

Dress Beautifully in Leather

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pink & Green

Traditionally when I think of pink & green a preppy, summer, Lilly Pulitzer look comes to mind.  They are both my 2 most favorite colors so why put them away for the colder months?  I chose darker shades of the colors and texture in a leather pencil skirt.

My blouse is silk so it will carry you all year long.  Once it's get a bit colder opt for a sweater. I've had this leather skirt for many years - it made me think of Barbie.  I mean a pink leather skirt is a rare find!

Don't throw out you favorite colors with the seasons, just opt for lighter or darker and incorporate them with different fabrics/textures.  Pastels are my favorites for styling in the winter, they're fresh and light and totally unexpected outside of spring.

Green Silk Blouse: J Crew || Pink Skirt: Similar & Here || 

Grey Booties: J Crew || Necklace: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Pink & Green 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Burgundy Leather Vest

Let's talk about leather and long vests.
1. Leather is a natural texture that adds depth and structure.  I dare say even a bit edgy but not in a 'where'd you park your Harley?' way.
2. Long vests are chic, elongating and a practical way to layer.

The key to styling the long vest is fit.  It needs to be tailored creating long lines that follow the natural curve of the body so that it highlights the waist.  Think of  a blazer stretched long and removing the sleeves.  If it's boxy or too big it will overwhelm.

I don't know about you but I like having my arms free for movement.  Nothing (ok some things) is more uncomfortable than a binding piece - it's almost claustrophobic.

I saw this vest on the rack and it was an instant must have.  I tried it on right there in the middle of the floor rather than taking the time to walk to a fitting room.  I checked myself out in one of those columns with mirrors and knew it was coming home.

Burgundy is one of my most favorite colors for Fall/Winter.  I paired it's masculine leather with a soft cream silk blouse, black skinny jeans & tan booties and handbag. I couldn't resist adding my new favorite hat in blush felt.  This look has somewhat of a 70's vibe and I love me some 70's fashion!

I plan to style this leather vest with navy, pinks, powder blue, and grey.

For the office add this burgundy leather vest over a printed dress or over a blouse and pencil skirt to give your office style a modern look.

Burgundy Leather Vest: Belk || Blouse: Similar & Here || Jeans: Hudson ||

Booties: Louise et Cie Similar & Here || Handbag: Tory Burch ||

Hat: J Crew || Necklace: Similar || Polish: Butter of London || 

Dress Beautifully in a Leather Long Vest

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

Box Top

Boxy Tops have been a Huge Trend this Year.  To me they are reminiscent of the mod era of the 1960's. The trick to styling is keeping your waist defined.

Skinny Pants, Pencil Skirts or Wearing a Crop Style with a High Waisted Skirt/Pant are Key. 

Where Your Boxy Top Hem Hits Your Frame, the Pair Piece Should Be Fitted.

I used to resist tops that were not fitted because I wanted to showcase my petite upper body and felt that paired with my larger lower half a loose top would make me appear bigger than I am. However, the extreme contrast can sometimes accentuate the proportion difference.  

Choose a Boxy Top that is fitted on your shoulders and chest and one that is made of stiff fabric to prevent too much volume and slouchiness. Again, keep your bottom pairing piece fitted to show shape. 

I Love this Top in a Faux Leather Front Fabric and the Back in a Knit (allows for comfortable movement).  I also have a love of the light colors so the Dove Grey adds softness to the Leather Texture.  I paired it with a flippy mini skirt in a poppy red color (it is Holiday time and nothing screams Christmas like the color red).  The Skirt works because it's a flat front with a subtle flip at the hem.  It's also a shorter length so you're not drowning in fabric.  

For a casual look I plan to style this leather grey boxy top with skinny jeans and layered with a crisp white shirt underneath. 

Leather Boxy Top: Loft || Flippy Skirt: J Crew Similar || Grey Booties: J Crew || 

Dress Beautifully in a Boxy Top

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Leather & Lace

I Love to Create my Looks with Contrast.  

Whether it's Texture, Color or Style (Feminine, Edgy, Casual, Fancy) Combining Opposites is a Great Way to Mix it Up.

It Gives Unexpected Interest and Makes for Versatility and Countless Outfits.

It Doesn't get More Contrasting than Leather & Lace.  The Ultra Delicate Feminine vs Rough Durable & Edgy.

The Colors also Contrast but Remain in the Same Tone.  Blush and Burgundy are both in the 'Red' Family but on Opposite Ends of the Spectrum of Light & Dark. 

This Skirt I've had for Years.  Found it in one of my Favorite Thrift Shops and all it needed was a Little Alteration.  I call it 'Treasure Hunting' when I go out Searching Consignment and Thrift Shops for Gems!  And I've Found Some of my Most Favorite & Unique Pieces! 

Blush Lace Blouse: Loft || Leather Skirt: Thrifted Similar & Here || Pumps: Nine West ||

Nude Cami: Similar || Polish: Essie ||

Dress Beautifully in Leather & Lace

XOXO Sarah Louise