Marigold Part I

Gals, it was 75 and sunny yesterday! When I saw this marigold color on the racks all I could think was yes, a yellow I can wear and I now have spring fever.  Yellow can ben a tricky color, but I've found that the rich gold jewel tone yellow (think mustard) is fabulous for all skin tones and hair color.  Pastel yellow is also a shade that fits all.

Note:  There's a matching skirt - stay tuned for Wednesday's post :)

I knew just how I was going to style this top.  I had recently purchased these blush pants at BR's spring collection launch party I attended last Thursday night and the new pink shoes I shared with you last week on my spring shoe favorites were the perfect pairings.  I love contrast but it doesn't always have to be with neutrals.  Pastels and jewel tones are unexpected and a more colorfully and feminine combination. 

I find it refreshing to ditch the dark winter hues for the bright happy hues.

Navy being my favorite neutral was the right choice for my handbag.  It grounded the colorful look.  It was my grandma's so I feel special when I wear it. 

Try mixing a rich, bold jewel tone with a favorite pastel.  

Examples: 

emerald green + powder blue

bright orange + lavender

Red + mint green 

royal purple + carnation pink 

Marigold Top || Blush Pants || Pink Sandals || Similar Handbags || Earrings || 

Dress Beautifully in Marigold and Pink 

XOXO Sarah Louise

January Musings

First, I can't believe we're already one month into 2017! The last day of January is one of my favorites because it's a good measure of where you are in reaching your new year's goals.  If you're struggling already, give yourself some grace and just keep trying!
Today is also a favorite because it's Mr's birthday!!! (If you follow along on Instagram you'll see his handsome face and the cake I made for him ... if you know me in real life you know I struggle with all things culinary, sigh the things we do for love)

I thought I'd round up some of the finds/trends I'm loving from the past month.  I window/online/magazine shop a lot of things but gals I'm living in real life and I can't have it all nor do I want to!

So sometimes I wait for a sale/promotion, sometimes I like it and move on, sometimes I just keep
wishing and sometimes I go for it!

Here ya go ...

1.  ||  2.  ||  3.  ||  4.  ||  5.  ||  6.  ||  7.  ||  8.  ||  9.  ||  10. 

1.  I need another white top like I need a hole in the head! I didn't purchase but I love the grommets and tie sash. I fully acknowledge I have an addiction to white tops #sorrynotsorry I have no intentions to change.

2. Distressed hem jeans are trending huge and I love them! I actually purchased these and have worn them now 3 times in the past 4 days! My favorite part is that they aren't distressed on the leg.  Keep the interest simple.  

3. Pink is just pretty.  I love the retro vibe of the peplum and sleeve ruffles.

4. Slide mules are the 'IT' shoe of the season.  I love that these are unique in their blush suede and bow design.  Naturally they are from one of my favorite designers.

5. I love small studded earrings. Simple, classy and fitting for my small ears.  These are more modern than my go-to pearl & diamond studs.

6. This perfume is lovely! I recently got a nice size sample and have been wearing it over and over.  I haven't changed my perfume since high school so I'm surprised to find a scent that grabs my scenses.

7. Stripes! Sharp and nautical.  These have me wishing Spring would hurry up and get here.

8. This mustardy gold skirt has clean lines and an unexpected neutral.  I may pull the trigger if it goes on sale but in reality I have soooo many skirts.

9. Silk scarves are so my jam.  Some may believe they're too midcentury old school but I find them to be elegant and timeless. A sweet way to swap out your necklace and add print.

10.  THIS BAG!  It's been on my wish list for several months now.  I'm lusting after it fiercely! But, I have a goal I must reach before she's mine #hustle

Dress Beautifully in These January Finds

XOXO Sarah Louise

Light & Airy

Light & Airy. This light grey dress is comfortable and has lots of movement with it's straight design and ruffle details along the sleeve and neckline.

Straight dresses aren't my typical but I'm attempting to throw a few into the mix.  I prefer lighter hues and this powdered grey is a perfect light neutral for all year wear.  I wanted to create contrast so I paired with dark accessories, but come spring and summer I think bright blue would pop!
A fur vest is also a great option.

I love swapping pumps for booties.  They're more comfortable and add a modern touch.  I'm obsessed with these calf haired beauties I received at Christmas.  I can't get enough natural texture and gold in my wardrobe so these were a must have (and they're one of my top favorite shoe brands).

Refresh your winter wardrobe with a light and airy look and dream of warmer spring days!

Ruffle Dress: Banana Republic || Calf Hair Booties: Louise Et Cie || Clutch: Similar & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in a  Light & Airy Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Shifting Gears

The shift: A loose, straight and unwaisted dress.

Personally, I almost always wear 'sheath' dresses - a more fitted dress with a waist seam.  The reason being, I carry my weight in my legs/lower body rather than my torso, therefore in following my rule of 'dressing your body' I choose to highlight my upper body with waist defining garments.

That being said, you can't limit yourself to one style.  The key is finding the right cuts for you.  I often hear gals say that they can't wear certain items ... breaks my heart!  It's a crime to limit yourself, you  most certainly can wear a variety of styles (within reason - hot pants aren't good on anyone!) it's all about the right fabric and design!

My fear with shift dresses, was that my petite frame would be lost in the fabric.  Key things to look for when shopping for a shift:  The fabric should skim the body not cling or swallow, the hem should hit above the knee (proportions make or break a look), and there should be interest (detailed neckline, print, embellishment etc...)

This dress is in a crepe fabric and lined, it skims the body with a longer hem in the back (love this feature as I don't feel so boxy and exposed when moving), and it has a unique neckline with a deep V (elongating) and mock collar. I also adore that it has sleeves - helps conceal undergarments and great for transitioning into cooler temps.

Speaking of transitioning - this is the last unofficial week of summer Noooooo! I'm not ready! Gals, wear your whites because after Labor day those brights are off to storage til Easter.
FYI - this dress is Ivory so appropriate for all year wear.

My personal world is also embarking on a new season.  I'm back to city living in Charlotte, hunting for a new career, joining back up with my church & Junior League and braving life without Mr til next Summer.  Change is scary but it's great for helping us grow.
I've learned over the past 2 years as a military wife, that new adventures bring learnings and blessings you just can't imagine - so I'm diving in with arms wide open to God's perfect plan.

Maybe you need to shift gears in your wardrobe or in your life or maybe even both :) Do so beautifully!

Shift Dress: Nordstrom || Booties: Louise et Cie Similar  Here & Here ||

Earrings: Towne & Reese || Bracelet: Hermes || Gold Cuff: J Crew ||   

Dress Beautifully in a Shift Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Findings

TGIF!

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is still going so if you haven't taken advantage or maybe you just need to take another look, I suggest you shop soon before it's over or that piece you were watching is sold out. Here are my Picks I shared with you last week.

Here are some looks I've put together that are sure to have you dressed beautifully whatever the occasion ...

Casual

Striped Peplum Top  Slim Pant  Mules  Bucket Bag

Office

Wool Sheath Dress with Shoulder Tabs (more colors including a bright cerulean blue) 

Red Blazer  d'Orsay Pump  Black Handbag

Soiree

Off the Shoulder  Lemon Dress   Pink Peplum   Emerald Maxi 

Dress Beautifully for Day, Night and Weekends 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tweed Vest

I'm ALL About the Vest! 

It's a Great Piece for Fall to Add a Light Layer.  But the Tweed is the Best Part.  It's my Favorite Fabric for the Cooler Temps with it's Thick Texture and Patterns of Warm Colors.  

The Tweed is Patched with Plaid and Herringbone Designs.  It's the Remix of the Patterns, Textures and Colors that make it a Piece of Interest.  And for Added Pop, Compliment the Carmel Hues with a Pair of Bright Red Wide Leg Trousers.  I Adore Red and Honey Brown Together. 

And these French Peep Toe Booties,  #HelloLover! Peep Toe Booties are One of the Hottest Trends this Season and this Pair Tops the List.  The Leather Feels Like Butter! It Took All I had not to Walk Out of the Store with them on my Feet (But the Summer Heat was Still On So I've been Counting Down for a Cool Day to Strut in these Beauties). 

The French are Amazing when it Comes to Quality,  Whether it's Food or Fashion they are the Creme de la Creme! This Brand of Shoes has my Name All Over it, Literally!! The Construction on these Booties is Impeccable, sure to Last and Make Every Strut Comfortable.  The Tan Color is Flattering and Elongating on the Leg and the Gold Trim & Lining on the Heel Makes Every Step Shine.   

It's Official, I've Packed Up my Summer Sundresses, Whites and Linens and Brought Out the Blazers, Leather, and Tweeds to Fill my Closet for the Cold.

Hello Fall!

Ivory Silk Blouse: Ann Taylor Similar || Tweed Vest: Old Similar || Red Trousers: Old Similar ||

Booties: Louise et Cie || Handbag: Tory Burch || Watch: Michael Kors Similar || 

Sunglasses: Target ||  Earrings: Kate Spade Similar ||

Dress Beautifully in a Tweed Vest

XOXO Sarah Louise