Shades of Sand

 

Sand often gets a bad rap. It's messy, bland in color and sticks to everything. On the contrary it's also fun to play in, houses beautiful treasures and is a soft path to the sea.

While stark white may be crisp and bright I find off-white to be soft and warm. Shades of ivory and beige have a lower contrast for a beautiful palette that has a natural appearance. 

These shades in a monochromatic style enhances these elements.

The feminine embroidery adds texture and dimension in a classic way while the puff sleeve, cropped hem and perforated eyelet add modern design.

These pleated wide leg pants are actually a light weight denim! I find them flattering in that they have a light structure and aren't see through like most white & linen pants are. They're also an off white which is better for all year styling and keeping clean!

Top (also in black) - Wide Leg Jeans

Dress Beautifully in Shades of Sand

XOXO Sarah Louise

Monochromatic but Give it Dimension

There's a lot of elements at play with this outfit. The monochromatic shades, pairing of textures and proportions. It's all of those things that make it interesting for me.

I find monochromatic looks sophisticated, sleek and unexpected (which is what's fun about style - it's ability to surprise). I like to use a jewel toned shades paired with a pastels. 

The textures are equally as important. You want them to contrast to add dimension otherwise the color blocking falls very flat. A soft knit sweater like this pointelle one and a slip skirt is a prime example of this. Another example would be a silk blouse with tweed. Think smooth against not smooth.

The suede on my boots also adds texture.

Now onto proportions. I like to always keep the waist line right under my ribcage. This creates a longer looking silhouette particularly on the lower body. I folded and tucked in my sweater a bit for cropped look. To keep the line of the outfit from breaking I paired with boots that overlap the hem of the skirt. 

Note: These boots are a mid height in the shaft - several inches below the knee. This is my favorite for boots! 

Sweater | Slip Skirt | Boots 

Dress Beautifully in a Monochromatic Look

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pure as the Driven Snow

 

Gals, if I'm going to go monochromatic, hands down I'm going to choose white - or winter white in this case. There is something elegant, sharp and fresh about a clean palette. 

Disclaimer: do not try wearing this with toddlers!

Now, just because there's no color doesn't mean this look is plain or lacks style.  In fact, I still incorporated print with my handbag, texture with my croc boots & knit sweater, shine with my gold earrings and rings and modern detail with the exaggerated shoulder & puff sleeve.

These concepts apply if you were to create a monochromatic look with any color.  They add dimension and detail.

I encourage you to find a shade that suits your fancy and go all out with it! 

Sweater | Pants & Similar | Boots | Handbag & Similar | Earrings | Ring 1 & Ring 2 |

Dress Beautifully in Winter White

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Beige is All the Rage

Beige is not bland.  It's soft and simple.  It takes the edge off of harsh white.  

Monochromatic ensembles aren't bland either.  They're cohesive and showcase the details, like the luster of the satin fabric of this blouse, the cowl neck and high waited shapes of these pieces and the shine and texture of this gold chain belt. 

You don't have to stick to neutrals when wearing within a hue.  Shades of a color paired together is very pretty.  For example, a hot pink pair of pants with a lighter pink top or even a hot pink blouse that has a print detail will create a beautiful and bold look. I'll add that to my list of posts to share :)

I know that a complete white out is not for everyone (it's certainly not kid friendly) but it is my favorite and honestly not as fragile as you think. Just don't have spaghetti for supper!

Cowl Neck Blouse | High Waisted Pants | Chain Belt | Pumps | Handbag |

Dress Beautifully in Beige

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Ivory Romance

Isn't it romantic? The lace, soft sweater and flowy skirt all in a creamy ivory color exude a feminine and light look. I could wear an all white outfit everyday! I find 'Winter white' which is just another term for ivory, cream, or off-white fresh and unexpected during these cold months.  And since down here in the South we don't actually get white Winters we can still have that 'pure as the driven snow' sensation.

While the outfit is monochromatic I did incorporate contrast with the textures of the fabrics & shoes. The delicate lace neckline against the thick pointelle knit (woolen fabric with small eyelet holes) paired with the light pleated skirt creates a balanced combination that keeps you seasonally appropriate.

Now these loafers! My oh my they stopped me in my tracks when I saw them on the table in the shoe department.  First, they're ivory so they spark color joy and second the two toned bit shines so bright and third the block heel elevates to the perfect height.  These are timeless and just so sharp!
The sophisticated, menswear inspired style adds so much chic to so many outfits!

Fashion is out there everywhere but style, style is how you put it all together. For me it's light palettes, feminine details and classic pieces.

Find what speaks to you and wear it beautifully!

Lace Sweater | Ivory Pleated Skirt | Ivory Loafers - Similar Option |

Dress Beautifully in Ivory

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Shades of Sugar

I would wear head-to-toe white everyday if I could - I know, broken record, I say that a lot!  But since I'm not a boring gal, I don't, and it goes again the Southern rule of 'no white after Labor Day and before Easter'.

But sometimes I just want a no fuss, monochromatic blank canvass.  Quite honestly I think it's super chic.  The way to pull it off without looking plain is to incorporate texture and slight variances of the color.  My slouchy tee is a linen blend, and in a buttercream while my jeans are fitted in a cotton bright white.  I chose a pair of tan peep toe booties to add richness.

Try a monochromatic look but keep it simple with minimal jewelry and let your lipstick and nail polish add the pops of color.

And remember to squeeze in those summer whites - because August is the Sunday of Summer!

Linen Tee: Loft || Jeans: Loft || Booties: Similar & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Whites

XOXO Sarah Louise

Poncho

Ponchos make Comfy & Cozy Oh So Chic.

I have to be honest, I've loved the poncho trend this winter but because I'm petite I felt that they would swallow me whole and look like I had wrapped a couch blanket around myself.  And who wants to look like a big blob of blanket??! 

I fell in love with this poncho the moment I tried it on.  First it's ivory, my favorite color to wear, second, it isn't too long and third, the sides are designed high allowing my arms to move freely.  

It's easy to wear over tops and super soft and warm.

I paired this sweater poncho with ivory jeans and a simple tee underneath for a monochromatic look. 

The brown crocodile pump boots add some contrast and texture. 

Sweater Poncho: Talbots (sold out) Similar & Here & Here || Jeans: Ann Taylor || Tee: Target ||

Boots: Ralph Lauren Similar || Ring: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Poncho

XOXO Sarah Louise

Porcelain

Though You May be Missing the Bright Whites of Summer, You can Still Present the Striking Clean Palette with the Softer Spin in Ivory.   

White is my Favorite Color to Wear and I'm not Shy in Creating a White-Out/Monochromatic Look.  For the Fall & Winter Months I Opt for Creamy Shades (Winter White) in Wools, Silks and Tweeds.  

To Keep the Look Fresh I Choose Soft Neutrals with Blush Pumps & a Taupe Handbag.  I Kept my Jewelry Simple with a Rose Gold Long Pendant as to not Disrupt the Pristine Canvass of Ivory.

Blouse: Loft (old) Similar || Wide Leg Trousers: Ann Taylor (old) Similar || 

Blush Pumps: Nine West || Handbag: Kate Spade Similar || Rose Gold Necklace: Stella & Dot || Polish: Essie Clambake ||  Eyeshadow: Naked 3 ||

Dress Beautifully in Porcelain

XOXO Sarah Louise