Elevated Basics

 One of my favorite looks is a crisp white shirt with a pair of jeans. It's timeless, chic and a perfect balance of polished and chic. 

SHIRT - NECKLACE - TWO TONED JEANS - BUCKLE FLATS - BELT 

Here area some ways to elevate a simple button up & jeans:

- Pop the collar

- Leave the top 3 buttons open

- Add a statement necklace

- Tuck the front and back of the shirt leaving the sides loose

- Roll the sleeves to the elbow leaving the cuff out

- Top the jeans with a belt

- Opt for jeans that have a modern cut/detail (ex: barrel, two toned, cuffed)

- Step into a pair of shoes with pointed toe

Dress Beautifully in an Elevated Classic Look

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Denim Mini Skirts

 TGIF! This has been our first week of Summer and it is off to such a fun start! I've truly enjoyed time with our darling Vivian playing outside and tackling some fun projects with her because next week starts camps and vacations.

Back (no need to share how far back) when I was in college denim mini skirts were all the rage. Particularly with a fitted tee and belt. We were all girls that shopped at Abercrombie & Fitch #iykyk 

Denim Skirt (I sized up)

I personally find them to be classic and a feminine option to the denim short. 

Here are some denim skirts to sass up your Summer style ...

Ruffle Denim Skirt

Pleated Skirt

Distressed

Shift Mini

Light Wash

Pink

White 

Dress Beautiful in a Denim Mini Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

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

Limelight

I'm always telling you gals to invest in classic pieces but it's equally as important to have fun with your outfits. A great way to do that is to incorporate statement colors, embellishments and trends.

This top clearly doesn't shy away from the limelight. In a neon hue, dramatic puff sleeve and detailed neckline it's certainly a showstopper. I like adding bold pieces like this one.  It shakes things up in my wardrobe, keeping it fresh and modern! 

Tip: Light jeans and neutral accessories are key pairings to soften a look.

Lime Top (more color options) | Jeans (size up 1) | Similar Clogs

I encourage you to embrace a piece that's outside your box and wear it proudly!

Dress Beautifully in the Limelight

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: All the Things

 TGIF! Gals, there is no slowing down for us this Summer. We are filling nearly every weekend with a trip and weekday with slashing at the pool. The best part of all the Summer fun we are having is sharing it with our friends!

Here are some of my favorite things from my travels, I've worn, found on sale, use and enjoy from day to day. It's a bit random but just maybe one will make it to your list of favorites.

Denim Jacket

I wore this one a lot in San Francisco

I love the soft fabric, modern distressing, shorter sleeve length and 

puff sleeves for a fashionable feminine touch!

Distressed Jeans 

on sale this weekend

Mother is my favorite brand for denim and this pair is not only comfortable but chic and modern.

These do run small so size up.

Sandals

I found these shopping at Neiman Marcus in SF.

They come in several colors but the bright orange spoke to me (pink was my second choice)

I like the more pointed toe (not a fan of the trending square)

and soft leather top band that's not too thick & wide

Ferragamo

One of my all time favorite designers for nearly 15 years!

I have this classic Vera shoe in 4 colors and I fell in love with this pale pink pair the moment I saw them.

I didn't purchase but they're on my wish list.

Embroidered Green Skirt

I got to see the brand Maje in person at the Saks Fifth Avenue in SF

It's now a top favorite. Pretty pieces & great quality

I brought home this skirt.

Wristlet

Perfect for going out and about with ease 

Holds everything you need: phone, cards, lipstick

Puff Sleeve Top

this one is more like a tee. Super soft bodice with casual henley neckline

but with crisp puff sleeves to add a dressy touch

I bought in white & lavender - also in navy

Smocked Flowy Shorts

I recently picked these up on sale and gals they feel like you're not wearing anything at all

From every day at home to nights out these are a winner

Neutral Tunic Dress

This one just spoke to me! I love the print, detailing, shape and sleeves.

Not as casual as most tunic dresses but not too dressy either.

Perfect for hot summer days!

French Cafe

coffee/pastry/food

best little spot in San Francisco for a treat

 

Coffee Maker

we just added this one to our kitchen and we love it

It's low profile (I detest anything on our counters)

fast, delicious and honestly really cool looking

Spruce

Elegant dining in San Francisco

we celebrated our anniversary here

While I may be the farthest thing from a foodie, this was by far the most delicious (and expensive) meal I've ever had!!! 

Pajamas

I buy a pair of these a few times a year for myself and as gifts for new mothers.

Note: when traveling with others it's good to have a nice set of pajamas to wear

Doll Stroller

I Got Vivian & her cousin these doll strollers 

They're not only sweet for playing Mommy but also for taking everywhere since they fold up

Sunglasses

I liked the color on these for something different & fun.

Blush

My sister gave me this and while it looks super bright it wears beautifully!

It's the prettiest pink.

Necklace

these color beaded pieces are all the rage!

The Summer I Turned Pretty

I just watched this and while the focus is on teenage summer relationships

I really enjoyed the friendship between the two moms

I found this very encouraging 

Pony Tails

my sister gifted me these and I wear them Every. Single. Day.

they truly hold back ALL my mane without pulling, slipping or stretching out.

Dress Beautifully in All the Things

XOXO Sarah Louise

Very into Vests

 

Gals, I'm very into vests. I have been for 2 decades now. Since I'm petite layering long sleeves can be  challenging. Not to mention, it doesn't get really cold down here in the south. I like that a vest adds polished shape and structure to a look without being too bulky or stiff. And just a touch of warmth.

This one is from Amazon! Only the 2nd piece I've purchased from amazon that I like - it's just not my go-to for apparel. It comes in a lot of colors.  I. paired it with a crisp white shirt (with puff sleeves - my jam!), distressed jeans and the hottest shoe right now, clogs.

Note: after taking these pictures I realized these jeans are a bit too long for me so I'm going to cut the hem.  I also prefer a raw hem as it's less bulky.

Vest | Blouse | Jeans | Clogs 

Dress Beautifully in a Sweater Vest

XOXO Sarah-Louise