Friday Favorites: Flats

 TGIF! The older I get, the more comfort matters to me when it comes to shoes. I have horrendous feet (my friends and family call them hooves) and besides being rough they also have arthritis which can be painful. 

STUDDED MARY JANES

I find flats to be a great transition shoe between the sandals of summer and boots that it's just not yet cold enough for.

Here are some fabulous flats for Fall ...

Note: Sam Edelman is a great brand! Quality leather & construction with a nice price. 

MARY JANE

this shoe comes in a variety of leather colors, velvet, corduroy and even mesh (NOT my thing)

I have this gold in my cart!

LOAFER

I've had a pair of these for several years and they are such great quality!

Very similar to high end designer pairs - TONS of color & material options 

BUCKLE

this shoe is all the rage - several options 

SUEDE SNEAKER

POINTED TOE

SLIDE

this shoe comes in a variety of leather colors and fabrics 

Dress Beautifully in Flats

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Walking in Whites

I know that here in the South we don't dare wear our white shoes after Labor Day But honestly, the bright whites are a fresh contrast to all the dark hues of the cold season. It just breaks all the rules.

Now 'Winter White' is perfectly acceptable. 

Winter white is the same as ivory, cream, off-white, whatever you want to call it. It's just not the bright bleached white.

I already have the tasseled loafers - they are in compliance as they are an ivory color.

Skirt the Rules Gals and walk in white this Winter! ... I think I may have to in these booties!

Here are my favorite pairs ...

Stiletto Heel Pumps  ||  Booties  ||  Block Heel Pumps  ||  Loafers  ||  Tassel Heeled Loafer  ||

Dress Beautifully in White Shoes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Pearl Studded Shoes

TGIF!  It's been a few weeks since I've done a Friday 5 post, sorry gals.  Today I'm talking pearls on your piggies.  I mean nothing says classy like pearls and now you can wear them from your head down to your toes.

Keep your strut classy!

One  ||  Two  ||  Three  ||  Four  ||  Five

Dress Beautifully in Pearl Studded Shoes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Boyfriend Mix Up

You invest in quality, timeless pieces to be worn over and over, mixed and matched.  But what about the weekends? You left the office behind and don't want to face it again until Monday.  And you don't want to put money into pieces that can be worn only on Saturdays and Sundays after church nor do you want to look sloppy.

Solution: Boyfriend jeans. Swap out your trousers/pencil skirts for a pair of roomy, maybe distressed boyfriend jeans.  They're loose = comfortable, distressed =  modern, and casual = NO office feels!

By mixing the classics with casual pieces you have a very chic and stylish look that makes the most out of your wardrobe.

This ivory blouse can literally be worn with everything, the blazer is neutral and clearly can be worn with everything and the loafers are not only sharp for work but they're comfortable for running around in too. Remember this designer shoe look-a-like post from a while back? I am loving these Gucci like loafers and so does my wallet! No compromise on quality or style here.

It's all about the mix up!

Don't limit your pieces to the desk atmosphere.
Except for the distressed jeans; those can't be reversed to office wear, but you can swap out your daytime flats or sneakers and fancy them up with a snazzy top and heels for evening.

Accessories: ditch the work tote for a hands free crossbody bag and add print with a scarf.  Big scarfs aren't my thing (I feel smothered) so I opt for the small silk square ones.  This one is a favorite I found in a vintage shop several years ago when Mr was studying medicine in DC.  Actually, all my silk square scarves are vintage.  They were a standard (along with a strand of pearls) mid-century and I'm so happy they're coming back!

Details are important, so choose an accessory that exemplifies your style.

Blouse || Blazer || Jeans || Handbag || Loafers || Scarf (vintage) Similar || 

Dress Beautifully Combining Classic & Casual Pieces

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Luxury Look-a-likes

Whew, the holiday hustle is in full swing! While I may not be running around store to store shopping for presents (I made my list early and tackled it quickly), I am enjoying all the holiday soirees and cheers with dear friends.  This weekend is all about Christmas musicals at my church and my Mamma's.  At my church the kiddos are putting on the show and my Mamma is in the choir performing at hers.  I'm so proud of the hard work that goes into putting on these beautiful shows that fill us with the true spirit and love of Christmas! #Jesusisthereason 

When it comes to shoes I'm not your average gal.  I am not overly enthusiastic and have a small inventory compared to most (Mr has a hard time grasping this) but it's the truth.  Like I am constantly sharing with you gals, quality over quantity.  I purchase well made shoes that check the top box of comfort. I also believe that low heeled shoes are far classier and a wise investment. 

Nothing is worse than painful shoes - Can I get an Amen?!!

High end designers make beautiful shoes but they also come with a sky high price.  While I have noticed that recent styles have embraced a lower heel height the cost is still too steep for my wallet.  So, I scout out shoes whose outer, lining and soles are made of leather and look for sewn in soles rather than glued.  These are trademarks for a well constructed shoe.  Just like your garments, shoes should be made of natural elements.

This allows for breathability and for the shoe to conform to your foot for a glove like fit. 

These look-a-likes maybe be a fraction of the cost but they are 100% full of quality and style.

Confession:  I am guilty of owning 4 of the 5 lood-a-likes below. (the exception of the red loafer because I already own these red shoes and don't need 2 pairs of horse bit loafers and my lace up flats are nude)

Gucci is on FIRE and I'm grateful to have found similar looks for less. But I won't be scouting out any impostures when it comes to this handbag - It's #1 on my wish list!

Luxury: Metallic Loafer  ||  Horsebit Loafer  ||  Red Horsebit Slipper  ||  

Velvet Slipper  || Lace Up Flats ||

Look-a-like: Metallic Loafer  ||  Horsebit Loafer  ||  Red Horsebit Slipper  ||  

Velvet Slipper & Here  || Lace Up Flats  ||

Dress Beautifully in Luxury for Less

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Loafers

The menswear inspired loafer will be one of the sharpest addition to you wardrobe.

Back in the 90's these were all the rage.  Especially with a big block heel.  I strutted around in a pair regularly in high school.  As I slowly see the trends from my teenage years coming back, I do appreciate today's modern approach with sleeker, more feminine designs.

I'm dying to add a pair of loafers to my closet for Fall.  The only reasons I haven't yet is because it's too darn hot to wear right now and they would just be a big tease and I can't decide on which pair.

These aren't just for the office or for pairing with trousers.  They are so chic with skinny jeans or a feminine dress for contrast.  And let's not forget comfortable with their supportive soles and complete toe coverage.

Confession: I Hate toe cleavage.  Probably because I have terrible arthritis in my feet and can't stand  shoe seams to hit my joints but mostly because foot exposure is for sandals.  If you're going to wear a flat go all the way and cover the toes!

So here are 5 loafers I've got my eyes on ...

Shiny Black:  I've tried these on and they're on the very top of my list to purchase.  They're classic, but I believe the biggest reason is the exaggerated pointy toe.  It's elongating and feminine giving you the line of a pump without the pinching and heel.

Gunmetal:  I like the idea of a shiny metallic for a statement.  The layered, perforated fringe and bit across the front ice the cake.  I've tried these on as well and as always this brand never disappoints.  The only thing holding me back on these is they do draw attention to the feet and ankles and those just aren't my best asset.

Fringe:  Nude is my #1 color choice for any shoe.  I love the sleek design and simplicity of this pair.  They're in the running for sure!

Burgundy: I'm not really a red fan, but when it comes to Fall/Winter a rich pinot color is one of my favorites.  It's a neutral and goes with everything.

Two Toned Tassels: These are beautiful!! A perfect blend of masculine and feminine. They come is several two-toned colors but again I love the lighter shades.  I also like the minimal heel.

Choosing a loafer is going to be difficult! Can I have 2 pairs? or 3??  #decisionsdecisions

Shiny Black  -  Gunmetal   -  Fringe  -  Burgundy  -  Two-Toned Tassel 

Dress Beautifully in Loafers

XOXO Sarah Louise