Friday Favorites: Jeans

 Gals, jeans are my jam! I wear them Every. Single. Day! I chill in them, play in them and dress them up in the evenings. I'll share this unsurprising fact - I have quite a few pairs. I go through phases with my favorites and have quite the variety of washes and cuts.  I gravitate to raw hems, medium washes, high rise (but not too high) and very little stretch. 

Style Tip: I'm 5'2" (if the nurse doesn't mash my hair when measuring my height) so jeans are often too long. After washing, I take a pair of scissors and cut them for raw hem - do NOT do before washing as they may shrink. You can always go back and cut more. 

I find raw hems lighter and less bulky on the leg. 

My favorite brands are Mother (designer and worth every penny!), J Crew and Madewell. In fact after review those are the only brands I have.

Style Tip: Find brands that fit for your body shape and stick with it! I have thicker legs proportionally to my hips and waist. 

Due to the number of wears and years I wear them I'm happy to invest because there's so much greatness about a pair of jeans that fit just right!

Here are my favorite jeans ...

Light Distressed Straight Leg

These are a splurge but amazing! 

These are a rigid no stretch jean - I got up 2 sizes for a loose fit (27)

Crop Step Fray

I love the interesting hem. Cropped styles are best for me because I am petite and they allow for any shoe.

These have some stretch so I stay true to my normal size 25

Crop Distressed Chew Hem

I call these my cool girl jeans. These are fitted and I typically wear on evenings out - stretch (true size 25) 

Skinny

You can't go wrong!

They're great styled with absolutely ANY shoe - but there's something sassy when you dress them up with a heel and fun blouse for a night out.

I like a high rise - these have a little stretch I size down to 24 in almost all Madewell jeans.

Straight

These are my go-to for a classic and comfortable look. A medium wash, slight gradient fading and slim straight leg. These are the MOST flattering wash and design when it comes to jeans (IMO).

I size down in J Crew jeans to a 24.

Relaxed Straight

These are a slightly more roomy straight leg with a high rise, button fly & raw hem. They're just a smidge more casual that the classic straight jeans above. These are great for causal day-to-day living and super cute with sneakers!

This pair does not have stretch - I size up just 1 to a 26

Demi-Boot

This style is similar to a straight leg but with a slight little flare just at the hem (a true flare/boot cut begins to flare at the knee). I've had to cut the hem on these and to be honest they need a little more trimming. I chose to show you a charcoal wash - I prefer it over black as it modern and you don't have to worry about fading/color transfer with washing like you do with a pitch black pair.

A little stretch & in this brand again I size down to a 24

Dress Beautifully in Jeans

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Lug Sole Boots

TGI -Fall! Although this week it surely hasn't felt like it. The afternoon temps have been in the 80's and Vivian & I both have been in dresses and shorts. To be honest I'm not mad about it.  I've enjoyed feeling the sunshine and the extra weeks of playing outside. 

But when the cooler weather does show up, I'll be ready!  

I remember, back in high school, just how cool lug sole boots were. Gals, they're back! I had to giggle when one of my 15 year old Sunday school students told me she was asking for a pair of Doc Martens for her birthday.  I remember my friends asking for the same at her age.  Those boots never really suited my girlie style but I won't argue they're a classic. I've recently been drawn to these comfy booties to add a little edge to my looks.

My Boots

also in light brown

Sharing lots of chic lug soled boots for you .....

Classic Lace Up

also in a pretty brown

AND on sale!

Polished Pull On

also in black & burgundy

Heeled 

in 3 additional colors here

Water Resistant

3 additional colors

Platform

also in Ivory & Tan

Super High Heel

Suede

3 additional colors

Military 

Dr. Martens

4 additional colors

Dress Beautifully in a Lug Sole Boot

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Summer Suit

Let's talk a little work wear this Wednesday ... so that's nothing new to this blog as I'm pretty sure a good 80% of my posts have been outfits for the office and that's because that's where 5 days of the week are spent and with church on Sundays the dressy clothes are where I invest.

I also happen to love and feel pretty in tailored classic pieces. Save the cutoffs and graphic tees for the millennials.

Now even though I'm home with baby Vivian Louise this Summer doesn't mean I have to give up my style and live in gym clothes (just NO only while actually sweating gals) or lounge wear (although I do keep it fairly comfy no need to mess up silk when your playing with a babe). Thank goodness she doesn't spit up!!!!

Summers down here in the South are hotter than hot especially with the humidity and sweat is inevitable! There's no glowing this time of year.

But you can still be sharp as a tack and not be a puddle.  Suits that are made of lighter fabrics and colors paired with breathable tops are the ticket.
I was thrilled when I found this lavender suit (every since I decided that was baby girl's color when I was pregnant I've been purple obsessed - for us both!)
I patiently waited and was able to purchase both pieces for under $80 on sale - yay for those promo emails!
Definitely taking the pants to get hemmed, really wished they had a slimmer cropped pant but those were sold out.

Also you gals know I'm all about spitting up the pieces for versatility soooo....

For the Blazer pair with:
Distressed/skinny Jeans (blue or white)
Cotton Tank
Dressy Shorts
Wear any of these combos to a happy hour or date night and you will be one of the chicest gals there!

For the Trousers pair with:
Lace blouse
Denim top
Off the shoulder top
Wear any of these combos to church or after work hours event

So, while corporate wear has definitely taken on a more casual vibe a suit will never stere you wrong.

Functional cuffs are a MUST for any blazer I own.  It's a nice detail and great for us petite gals.

You also need print to break up the monochrome color - this tank while casual, tucked in combats it's casual nature and keeps you cool.

Summer Suit || Pumps || Tank || Earrings ||

Dress Beautifully in a Summer Suit

XOXO Sarah Louise

Ways to Wear: Tiered Midi Skirt

Hey gals, so I thought I'd try something new.  I posted about this statement skirt a couple weeks ago and styled it with just a basic white tee and block heeled sandals.  I always share with you gals ways I have/intend to style pieces for a variety of looks but I thought it would be fun to actually share with you ways I've worn a garment.

So in case you were wondering, yes, I do wear the pieces I post about in real life.

Note:  Sometimes when scrolling through my instagram feed I really have to wonder if those gals actually wear what they post.  I can promise you that what I share are pieces I have personally chosen to add to my wardrobe.  I believe a wardrobe should be a collection of pieces that not only make you happy but that get worn.

So here's how I styled it on this post ...

Here's how I styled it for church ...

I swapped the gingham clutch for gingham pumps and the tee for a pretty lace blouse.

Here's how I styled it for a Sunday afternoon at my Mamma's ...

Comfy in a printed tank and sandals.  

Here's how I styled it for one of Vivian Louise's Dr appts ...

Denim tied up shirt & sandals

Here's how I styled it for lunch with a gal pal ...

Striped Tank and Wedges

Fashion is what you buy, but style is what you do with it! 

My Skirt (lavender & navy) Here and in Embroidered Pineapples

Dress Beautifully in All the Ways You Style Your Pieces

XOXO Sarah Louise

Not So Basic Skirt

This skirt adds soooo much fun to your summer wardrobe! It a cool crisp cotton the tiers add just the right amount of volume and a little 'swoosh' when you move.  It's a way to feel dressy while still being cool and comfortable. Bonus, the light lavender color is so pretty and a neutral for mixing with printed tops.

As with just about everything in my wardrobe versatility is important when purchasing a garment.
A tucked in blouse and heeled sandals for a night out or church.
A tied demin shirt or tee with flip flops for Saturday shopping/lunch.

It's also the perfect beach vacation skirt!  I'm dying to have my toes in the sand since we missed out on going to the beach over Memorial Day weekend :(

While this skirt is far from basic, pairing it with basic tops makes for a nice balance.
Be sure to add some print if you opt for a solid top - neck scarf, statement necklace or handbag will do nicely.

I went with a plain white tee and added interest with a shiny gold necklace and gingham printed clutch.

Lavender Skirt || White Tee || Sandals || Clutch || Necklace ||

Dress Beautifully in a Tiered Midi Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: Tops for the Nursing Mamma

Hey Gals!

I've been meaning to share with you tops that are friendly for the nursing mamma. Because unless it's a shirt dress you're sentenced to a two piece wardrobe for this phase of life.

Confession:  I'm more than a little frustrated with the lack of fashion freedom due to the size of my chest and access needed for nursing. Motherhood = sacrifice! It is only temporary I tell myself over and over again when I want to quit every. single. day.

However, I've been able to find tops in my same size (I'm not buying something that I can't wear later - bad investment) that are on trend but allow me to easily feed baby girl if needed.  Not that I do it much outside my home, well basically I avoid it at all costs but there are times.

You want to look for tops that are looser or have a more boxy shape to them so that you can easily lift up or unbutton. Also, try fun colors and prints because we deserve to still feel pretty even when it's Alllll about the babies!

Be careful of tees and tanks that you don't stretch them out lifting.

Here are some tops I've found that function and are fashionable ...

This classic cotton top has invisible zippers! So cool and one of my favorites!

This pretty pink button down in a looser fit and tie front is not only trending but super comfortable for the summer.  I've worn it several times now with jeans, skirts, and even a pair of joggers.

PS I also have the strawberry version - both in size xxs

This green blouse adds not only color but beautiful detail in the embroidery!

This is an example of a boxy straight cut top that has just enough room to lift up but not too big that you look sloppy.

This floral lace top in pink is one of my absolute favorites! I wore it on my birthday :)

Seriously, Kate Spade makes the pretties clothes!!

A classic stripe button down. Goes with everything and this one is great because it is super light and and a slightly longer sleeve (just above the elbow) Leave them down or roll them up.

The workhorse for your wardrobe, the chambray shirt.  This one is super soft and there's nothing in your closet it won't pair nicely with. 

If you're a nursing Mamma like me 1st, you rock! (hardest thing I've ever done) 2nd I hope you find some of these tops to your liking or at least find some inspiration for dressing because it's important to dress beautifully even when you have to halfway undress several times a day.

Dress Beautifully in Nursing Friendly Tops

XOXO Sarah Louise

LBD & The Weekend

TGIF Gals!

Today is the 5th and final day of wearing the same black dress.  What a humbling week it’s been!  My gratitude has grown immensely for the comforts I have in my life.

By simply reading my posts this week you have supported the fight against poverty by raising awareness and for those who have donated, YOU have provided the means for us to make an even bigger impact. THANK YOU!

Today's the day!!

YOU can make a difference by clicking below

Help Fight Against Poverty

If just 10 or 20 of you gave $10, that would add up to a significant amount of money! 

 

5 days, 1 dress, 1 goal – WE are making poverty unfashionable!!!

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are for being casual and comfortable.  To relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor with the ones you love.  To kick back, laugh and celebrate the good and wonderful blessings in your life.  Tomorrow I'm going to be blessing a dear gal pal with a baby shower.  There's nothing more joyful than the gift of life! Amen!

Being casual doesn't mean you loose style.  It's a matter of choosing and swapping.  Choose lighter fabrics and looser fitting garments. Swap pumps, blazers and totes for flats, jackets/cardigans and a crossbody bag.

The easiest formula in going from weekday to weekend is to add denim.  Pair those cute blouses and tops with a pair of jeans and you've got a comfortable and chic weekend look.

I hope you've enjoy this week's series on styling a LBD and maybe gained some inspiration to style your own.  I'd love to hear about it and please send me a pic :)

LBD  ||  Denim Jacket  & Here  ||  Crossbody Bag  ||  Shoes - Similar  ||  Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in a LBD & Casual Elements

XOXO Sarah Louise