Iced Velvet

'Look but do not touch' My Mamma used to say that to us kids all the time whenever we were out shopping or at someone's home. I can't tell you just how many times I've told Vivian not to touch something in our home this week alone! It's hard not to reach out and feel shiny and soft things.

Prime example, I immediately had to feel this velvet blazer when I saw it hanging there in all it's soft glory. Velvet is such a luxurious fabric!  I always think about those green velvet drapes Scarlett had turned into a gown in the movie 'Gone with the Wind' (it's my favorite of all time!). It's thick, warm, plush and has a subtle luster to it that's so rich.  I'd love to have a velvet couch one day.  But until then I'll stick to garments in my closet.

A velvet blazer is sharp and serves as a functional layer in keeping you warm this season.

I adore the long sleek cut of this blazer and especially in lighter colors.  Pastels in the winter create an 'iced' look that lightens in a typically darker time of year.

For the office it pairs beautifully over dresses, skirts and trousers but I love transitioning it in a more casual look with jeans.  You could even swap the blouse for a basic t-shirt and add flats.  The structure creates a pretty shape and will having you looking put together.

Snake Print Blouse | Velvet Blazer | Jeans | Pumps | Similar Handbag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Velvet Blazer

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Pretty Little Purses

Happy Friday Gals!  I hope that you had a spooky good Halloween.
We had major storms here so our neighborhood like most in Charlotte has decided to move the festivities to tomorrow.  Although, once the storms passed I had quite a few treaters.

But this little lady was the cutest of them all!!!

We dressed her up in the afternoon and she had a ball playing outside in her costume.
I'm so happy she loves playing dress up already. #likemotherlikedaughter

Today I want to talk handbags. Are you one of those gals that has one 'workhorse' bag that you use every. single. day.?  Personally, I change my bag several times a week - it all depends on what I'm wearing and doing.

I feel as though most gals tend to fall into the 'one bag fits all' category.  Meaning a bag that's bigger, in a neutral color such as black or brown, and they have everything but the kitchen sink in it for everyday use.

Personally, I only have 1 tote and 2 other bags that are larger but those have top handles so I carry them on my elbow.  I'm petite so I find bigger bags cumbersome and honesty I don't carry very much at all.  So I most often carry medium bags that are colorful and ladylike.

Here's what you'll find in my handbag:

A very small wallet with my cards

Keys - can't get anywhere without them

Snack

Lipsticks

Ink Pen - Constantly making lists & there's a notepad that lives in my car

Phone - not pictured b/c I used it to take this pic

I completely understand the utilitarianism of a tote for the Monday-Friday hustle but I encourage you to consider a pretty little bag for lunches, nights out and church.

Here are some pretty little bags that I think would be a darling addition to your wardrobe ...

Eclectic Tweed Shoulder Bag

I love the rinestones and mixed tweed fabrics on this 'Chanel' like bag.  

I also like that you can wear it as a crossbody.

Faux Croc Shoulder Bag

Mini Croc Bag

Orange Top Handle & Crossbody Bag
I wear my orange bag several times a week!
Such an unexpected color and compliments my outfits brightly

Canteen Bag

Ruffled Clutch
More colors & long crossbody strap

Embroidered Clutch

Leather Clutch

Leopard Calf Hair Cross Body

Circle Cross Body
Lots of Color Options

Saddle Bag
Lots of Color Options Here

Chevron Cross Body
6 color options

Classic Cross Body
8 color options

Dress Your Outfits Beautifully with a Pretty Purse

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Long Dark & Floral

Long dark floral dresses are totally my type.  At least for Fall & Winter.  Otherwise I prefer lighter florals but florals nonetheless because they are pretty! And small floral prints are my preference.  They're more delicate and dainty.

Dark dainty floral dresses were all the rage in the late 90's and I'm happy to see them back ... just not with combat boots please! (I've seen them creeping in popularity UGH heavy and NOT feminine).

I was thrilled when I found this Rebecca Taylor dress at TJMaxx. She's one of my top favorite designers for her use of silk fabric, pretty prints and feminine details. However, she's pricey so I'm happy to pick up these treasures at a discount.

I paired it with velvet heels since it is cooler weather but pumps and strappy heels would be equally pretty.  And when I'm not in my day-to-day I love mini bags.  They're precious and say 'I'm here for the occasion'. Holding just what you need.

It's hard to see in these pictures but the design incorporates a puff sleeve, seams under the bust and a dropped waist.  You don't see this silhouette very often!

Bonus: I felt a little like Princess Kate here in this dress as she tends to wear long sleeves and hem lines. #goals

Similar Midi Dark Floral Dress & Here Here Here Here  | Velvet Heels | Similar Mini Bag | Earrings

Dress Beautifully in a Long Dark Floral Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Mini Bags

TGIF! On Wednesday's post I accessorized with a mini bag.  And while they aren't practical from a stand point of carrying 'everything you need', they are super cute. Think of them as a clutch with a handle.  And besides what all do you really need? We are grown gals not babies (I can attest that they do need lots of stuff hence the diaper bag).

So here are some mini bags I find adorable ...

Top Handle Satchel

Sleek and sharp in bright white - Perfect for Spring/Summer & comes with a cross body strap

SPLURGE on this one! 

This Circle Bag is super cute - and I love the color 

Tassel Bracelet Bag - Comes in several colors! 

Blue Studded Bag - a bit edgy!

Quilted with Chain Strap Bag

Dress Beautifully in a Mini Bag

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mixed Florals

Gals! I'm back!  I was supposed to be back Monday BUT sweet baby Vivian Louise wasn't quite ready.  I decided to give myself 2 months off because maternity leave is necessary time to take care of your newborn (and yourself).  Also the priority list has been permanently rearranged.  I'm doing my best to keep Mr #1 but baby girl is right at the top.  Let me back track God is first Amen! Following that it's my relationships, my health (workouts will always trump a blog post) my home and then all the work/other stuff.

This blog is a hobby and something I enjoy however when it's inconsistent my type A self gets antsy so I'm doing my best to create a new structure/routine and distribute my time as best I can.
Putting my planner to work!

Disclaimer:  My figure is NOT back to it's pre baby shape :(  While I'm slowly slipping back into my clothes and working out as much as I can I'm learning it takes time and no matter what as long as I'm nursing the boulders will remain large :( They are the HARDEST part about getting dressed.

I'll write about workouts later.

So for my first outfit post I picked this mixed floral silk midi dress.  I saw it in the catalog and loved the feminine design.  I also noticed the button front and thought 'oh nursing friendly' (although I have yet to do it outside my home - and probably won't not my thing!)

Then I was nervous about fitting.  I don't want to invest in clothing a size bigger to accommodate my chest when this is so temporary.  I believe in buying clothes that serve as forever pieces and it shows because I wear garments purchased from many years back. I also haven't changed size in over 10 years (it's all about healthy lifestyle: eat clean & exercise)

This dress has a forgiving design so when the girls are smaller this dress will still look fantastic.

I love this clothing company it's just a shame it's out of the UK so online ordering only but I find the pieces run true to size.  The fabrics and designs are modest and feminine.
There's even a baby/children's line that is adorable!

The one thing I would change, and was hoping to show you, is the belt.  When a dress comes with a self fabric sash I almost always swap it out for one of my belts.  I have quite the collection of vintage belts that have interesting buckles.  It also adds texture and personal style.
BUT the belt I ordered as a prize for myself when earning my waistline back is on backorder!  I've been waiting almost 2 months and it still isn't here UGH
I guess it's fine because those abs aren't steel yet.

Floral Midi Dress  ||  Pumps - Affordable Version  ||  Similar Mini Bag  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Floral Midi Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise