Long Sleeve Mini Dresses

One of the most popular dress silhouettes of late is a long sleeved mini dress.  Sleeves with volume, pleating and ruffles are the most popular elements of design. They create great proportion balance with shorter hem lines. In other words if you're exposing one area be modest in the others.

Pair these detailed sleeves with a flirty skirted dress and you have a garment that's feminine, fun and sure to make you feel beautiful at any occasion.

This design is completely opposite for me as I prefer more coverage on my lower body and less on my upper.  I find that most gals have areas they are more confident sharing.  I'm trying to increase my confidence and wear things I've been too shy about. I'm working to embrace my legs because while they are far from resembling a super model they are very strong, fast and healthy!

Geometric 

Here are some of my favorites ...

Pink

8 color options here

Denim

Pink option here

Pink Tiny Floral

Pastel Floral Smocked

Sky Blue

Botanical

Blue Metallic

Pink & White

White

Bright

Solid Tiered

5 color options

Blue Printed

Navy

Multi Print Tunic

My Dress

Dress Beautifully in a Long Sleeved Mini Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: 20 Skirts

TGIF!  I hope you gals have had a fun week.  I know I surely have.  I spent Sunday and Monday in Raleigh with my 2 best gals from college for a quick little getaway.  We saw Carrie Underwood in concert Monday night and Oh. My, Goodness! She is absolutely amazing!! We even got upgraded to floor seats (thanks to Meghan's good looks and flirting abilities).  It was such a nice time away from the 'work' at home.  But I missed my sweet Vivian Louise something fierce! And of course she missed me right back and practically wouldn't let me go once I picked her up from school Tuesday.  I loved every squeeze :)

Me, my girl and her cracker :)

I feel like skirts have much bigger share on the fashion scene this year.  And in longer lengths.

My favorite thing about skirts right now is that you can pair them with tees and sneakers, maybe even add a denim jacket for casual occasions.
Or, a chunky sweater and booties for a casual/dressy occasion.
Or a pretty blouse and heels for an all the way dressy occasion.

Here are some of my favorite skirts ... 20 to be exact!

Leopard Midi Skirt

Pleated Midi Skirt (also in Navy & Snake)

I have it in navy and love it!

Denim Skirt

I share this one with you on this post! 

While I've been wearing it with sandals the past few months I'm ready to put boots with it!

Faux Suede Skirt

Faux Leather Skirt

I have this one (yes I fall victim to the 'come out with extras' on a target run) 

It has pockets and slightly a-line so you can move and it flatters!

Tiered Floral Skirt

I saw this one in a local boutique yesterday and I'm still thinking about it!

I wanted to try it on but time was ticking and I couldn't be late to pick up Vivian from school.

Not only are the tiers of tiny flowers pretty, but it's an all year round skirt so you could wear and style it endless ways! Just wishing it was a bit lower in price :)

Velvet Floral Mini

Slip Skirt

Corduroy

Sequined Pencil Skirt aka Party Skirt

Lace

Perfect for the holidays

 Perfect Pink Belted Skirt

Plaid (available in 2 other colors)

soooo British

Ruffle Hem Skirt

Dot Skirt

Jungle Pencil Skirt

Tweed Skirt

Striped Skirt

Paisley Scarf Print

Velvet

Dress Beautifully in Skirts

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Vintage Romance

I've been eying this brand Love Shack Fancy for a couple of years now.  The designs are light and romantic with a very vintage feel. Everything about the pieces are feminine and I love to look and feel as ladylike as possible.

Adding a few statement designs into your wardrobe prevents boredom and predicability of your outfits. And it creates happy excitement to get dressed in something special.

These pieces are full of detail and are a slight splurge.  I was fortune to find this dress on an epic sale. I love the ruffles and embellishments of lace throughout.  I'd be tickled to add a skirt and top to my closet. I chose a midi dress because I felt I'd get the most wear throughout the year.  A pair of booties for Fall would stretch it past the Summer.
I must admit the shorter dresses are amazing!

I wore this dress to church a couple weeks ago and received so many compliments.  I believe it was because it was different from my typically structured and polished pieces and because of it's vintage and romantic beauty!

Lace Dress | Metallic Bow Slides | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Romantic Lace Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Splurge Styles

Happy Weekend!  Sorry I missed yesterday, but as always I have the best excuses.  Vivian's grandparents have been visiting us this week and we've been having a ball! Splash pads, museums, libraries and park playing.  It's been such a joy to share these amazing experiences with them :)

Yesterday this Mamma got to escape and be a lady who lunches and shops with my best friend.  I decided to take the time to do things I rarely can do since having baby girl/ things she doesn't make a good companion for.

This casual classic look will be posted next week!

So we hit up some of our favorite boutiques.  Shopping at these small stand alone shops can be time consuming since they're stand alone and require driving around but I love it for the experience and all the unique and pretty finds.
AND there's the girl talk and fun of trying things on together.

Don't get me wrong I still love the big box stores and the prices they can offer.  But the older I get and the more my style refines, I find that I truly adore the uniqueness some designers can offer. However the price can be steep!

Here are some splurge worth designers I'm lusting over that you can find in boutiques or I like shopping them on Net-a-Porter & ShopBop. And let's be real, I'm shopping the sale section!!!

Tip: Try Amazon too!

Ulla Johnson

I got this dress for a steal on sale and ADORE it!  These pieces are super expensive so if you find one you like I suggest scooping it up on sale.  End of season is the time to hunt.

Love Shack Fancy

My best friend introduced me to this designer.  I love the ruffles, layers and delicate cotton lace of these designs.  And in cotton breezy fabrics they're comfortable.  Personally I think they'd be great with boots to stretch into fall.  I was soooo lucky to find this midi dress on epic sale and my size was the only one left #winnerwinner
I think the short dresses are so cute but I'm more comfortable at knee length or longer.

Misa

I love the prints and ruffles on these pieces.  I was a bit disappointed when I tried on this dress that it was far too short! But I'd be thrilled to wear a midi length.

Rebecca Taylor

One of my absolute favorites!  I wore one of her dresses for my birthday, a girls night and our family pictures.  I love the ruffles and statement details she puts into her very feminine designs. You can find her at major department stores, boutiques and even at high end Marshalls (I found a sweater there last year!).

Petersyn

I just recent discovered this designer at a boutique and love the tiny floral prints and girlie accents.
I brought home this top (on sale)

BB Dakota

This one is much more reasonably priced with just as much modern detailing. I added this top to my closet and have my eye on this sweater.

Dress Beautifully in Splurge Pieces

XOXO Sarah-Louise