Double Breasted

Stealing from the men isn't a crime it's stylishly sharp!  Menswear is known for it's crisp tailored and sophisticated designs. So why not add some power to your wardrobe with modern suiting.  The trick is to create femininity by highlight curves in the construction.

I have plenty of wool blazers, trousers and sheath dresses in my suiting wardrobe.  This vest adds interest to my inventory.  Something unexpected but equally as timeless.  The clean lines of the windowpane pattern in the wool fabric is simplistic yet makes a bold statement.  The double breasted buttons creates structure and a defined waist.

I paired this navy vest with grey trousers to draw out the window pane lines.  For a touch of fun I went with a bright blue pump.  Layer a dress shirt underneath come Fall or wear open with a fitted long sleeve tee, a pair of jeans and booties/flats for a casual look.

Double Breasted Vest & Similar & Here || Grey Trousers || Pumps || Handbag & Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Suit Vest

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

Sharp Shirtdress

Every girl's crazy about a sharp dressed man.  So why not steal from the boys and create feminine pieces with the tailoring of menswear.  Sure you could take a man's shirt, belt it and be on your way - but that's just sloppy.

When it comes to menswear think Katherine Hepburn and Diane Keaton.  Structured silhouettes that incorporate fitted blazers, button down shirts and high waisted skirts & pants.

This shirtdress has the bold stripe, crisp collar & cuffs, and overall construction of a man's dress shirt but with a tailored waist and a-line skirt.  I paired it with a super wide belt to add even more definition to the waist. Shape is everything.

In the end this shirt dress made me feel pretty and polished! That's what dressing beautifully is all about - How do you feel in your clothes?

Try a shirt dress and then accessorize it with your own personal style, belts, scarves, statement jewelry, etc....

Shirtdress: Ralph Lauren Similar & Here || Pumps: Nine West || 

Belt: Similar & Here || Handbag: Prada || 

Dress Beautifully in a Shirtdress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Crisp White Shirtdress

I consider the crisp white shirt not just a classic wardrobe staple but a favorite!  Let's just say, if I could only choose 10 pieces from my closet and the rest were gone forever, a crisp white shirt would be the first thing I'd grab.  I have plenty (I will refrain from confessing how many) but my favorite is the non-iron from BrooksBrothers.

As sharp as the shirt is - a crisp white shirtdress is extra sharp! From collar to shirttail hem, this dress is polished. It's a take on the whole 'woman in a man's shirt' look.  Menswear can be ladylike with a tailored fit and feminine accessories.

I love that this dress has a lining that is detached but stays in place via shoulder snaps.  What sold me on it was that the buttons do not go all the way to the hem.  I don't wear dresses that button past the waist because with movement and sitting they tend to pucker and open - not cool!

This shirtdress came with a self fabric tie-waist sash but I get excited to add accessories to a blank canvas for an opportunity to show my personality and style.  To me, there is great beauty in vintage fashion.

I have been treasure hunting at vintage/thrift shops on the weekends for years.  Something about the quality and uniqueness of older items is intriguing to me.  Even my wedding rings are old - 1920's old!  I often sit back and wonder what kind of gal wore these pieces, how did they style it, and what did they feel when they picked it up at the store?  Did they get as excited as I did?

Belts, broaches and silk scarves are my favorites to hunt. Most recently now that we're purchasing our first home ekkkkkk - I've been scouting more antique furnishings.  This belt literally made me say 'Ahh' out loud when I saw it. I love lions - they remind me of my cat Scragley.  The lion buckle is a bit heavy but it's detail and solid construction makes a statement. Molded behind the buckle are initials and the year 1976. Sooo cool!  The red/cognac color leather strap is adjustable making it wearable high and low on the waist for dresses and pants.  There's some gold lettering on the inside of the leather but it's too worn to make out.

Belts are a great way to accessorize and define the waist. If belts aren't your thing, add print/color with a silk scarf, jewelry or in your handbag/shoes.  Keep it simple - opt for one accessory as the focal point.  And don't forget to roll up the cuffs and pop your collar for chicness!

Slide on a pair of wedges or sandals for an easy weekend look.

Shirtdress: J Crew Factory || Belt: Vintage Similar Buckles || Pumps: Nine West ||

Clutch: Similar || Lipstick: Giorgio Armani 'Spice' || 

Dress Beautifully in a Crisp White Shirtdress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Day Tux

This black and white bib front dress screams tuxedo to me.  I feel very Coco Chanel in this menswear inspired look.  But I kept it cool and fun with rolled sleeves and silver loafers.

Black and white is the quintessential sharp color pairing.  It's classic.  I'm really drawn to bib front tops and dresses for a touch of masculine and interest to my dressing. 

The fabric on this shift dress is a textured weave giving it a luxe feel.

For a more dressy look pair with pumps. 

And as always - Pop your collar!

Dress: Ann Taylor - On Major Sale!  || Loafers: J Crew Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Menswear Look 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Brick & Blue

 

How fun is this skirt?!!  J Crew has the amazing ability to catch your eye with a pop of print in every collection they launch. This skirt was on the front table of the store and made it in my arms before I could even browse a rack.

The colors are saturated and unexpected.  It's somewhat contradictory having such deep hues in a floral print, I tend to think of pastels for blooms but I'm digging the darker palette. It almost reminds me of a painting you'd see in a museum from hundreds of years ago. 

Having auburn locks, I'm quite fond of the rust color. It's a muted version of red but is just as much fun.  I decided to pull from the blue with a menswear inspired, striped button down opposite the feminine floral. 

Since the ground hog was right in predicting several more weeks of winter black tights were a must!

You can find this firework print in various other pieces here.  For me, the fabric in this skirt was of a heavier wight and conveyed a more intense version of the colors. 

Skirt: J Crew || Button Down: J Crew || Tights: J Crew || Pumps: Nine West ||

Dress Beautifully in Brick & Blue

XOXO Sarah Louise

Dapper Duds

With the Holidays Just Around the Corner, it's Good Idea to Start Thinking About the Men in Your Life.  From Parties to Presents, Dapper Duds are Essential.

My Mr (I've called him 'Mr' since the day we married xoxo) has Equally as Much Style and Love of Fashion as I do ... Ok Maybe not 'Equally' but He is Very Enthusiastic About Dressing Handsomely.

We Both Enjoy Getting Gussied Up in Our Nice Duds, Putting Our Best Foot Forward for Each Other and in Whatever Environment We are In. 

Mr's Style is Traditional, but with Pops of Color and Unexpected Details ... Dapper!

Just as Gals Incorporate Color - Pattern - Texture & Shine so Can Gents.  

He Adds Interest in his Pocket Squares, Socks, Cufflinks and as a True Southern Gentleman, Always a Bow Tie for Neckwear. (Mr Attests: Great for the Medical Field as they Don't Hang Down During Patient Exams)

When it Comes to Leather, Regular Polishes and Avoiding Rainy Weather are Key to Preserving.  Storage is also Very Important!  

For Shoes - Cedar Shoetrees to Absorb Moisture and Felt Bags to Prevent Dust Settling in the Seams and Perforated Design.  

For Belts - Rolled and in Felt bags Laying Flat in a Drawer (Do Not Hang Your Belts, it Warps their Shape).

Ways to Add Interesting Details:

- Neckwear - Necktie or Bow Tie - Always Silk - Opt for Knots, Size, Prints, Colors that Showcase Your Personal Style

- Socks - Bold Colors & Prints (Wool are Best for Wicking Moisture)

- Pocket Square - Silk Hand Sewn Rolled Hem in Fun Prints & Colors that Compliment Rather than 'Match'

- Monogramming Shirt Cuffs - Choose a Font or Personal Signature that Suits

- Color/Printed Lining for Jackets

- Personalized Patches & Pockets on the Jacket Interior

- Functional Cuff Buttons

- Contrasting Stitching on Outer Cuff Button Holes and/or Label 

Man Accessories:

- Cufflinks (You can Find Almost Anything in a Cufflink to Capture Personality and Interests)

- Watches

- Belt Buckles

Fabrics Choices are Gender Neutral - Natural! Wools, Silks, Cottons 

Synthetics don't Breathe.  Sometimes a Hint of Synthetic is ok when Blended with Naturals if Stretch is Needed. 

Non-Iron is an Amazing Feature in Shirts for Men and Women and Super Convenient for Travel.  Brooks Brothers Bakes their Non-Iron Component into the Fabric so that as You Care for Your Shirts it's as Simple as Wash and Dry at Home. No Starch Needed! 

Just as Us Ladies Strive to Dress Our Bodies in Efforts to Flatter, Men can Do the Same with Slim Cut Blazers, Tailored Shirts, and Flat Front Trousers. Tailoring isn't a Luxury for Either of Us, it's a Necessity! When Your Garments Fit, You are Not Only More Comfortable but You Look Better; More Confident and Polished. 

So Here is One of my Favorite Dressy Looks for Mr 

Confession: I Have Never Picked out His Outfits! Confirming We Really are a Perfectly Fashionable Match! 

Every Girl's Crazy About a Sharp Dressed Man!

Tip: Pair this Blazer with a Pair of Jeans, Open Collar Shirt and Driving Moccasins for a Casual Look.

Entire Look Brooks Brothers: Sport Coat || Non Iron Shirt || Trousers || Bow Tie || 

Pocket Square || Alligator Belt || Shoes ||

Socks: Nordstrom || 

Dress Your Man Handsomely! 

XOXO Sarah Louise