Take Me Out Dress

Gals, This. Dress.!!! I NEED a night out so that I can strut outside my closet in this fabulous number!

I shared with you on this post my focus on more unique and detailed designed pieces.  I also shared that often times these show stopping pieces come with show stopping prices. A savvy shopper always shops the sales, and that's just what I did!

The fabric is a gorgeous, delicately printed silk.  The bodice has soft boning for structure flanked by pleated neckline and skirt (with pockets!).

Now, I'm normally not into long sleeves because I'm petite and they can often overwhelm me, but these I love because they're shear and are just past the elbow so the proportions are just right!

The shear fabric on the upper half along with the shorter length  make this more of a special occasion dress.  So I'm scheming up a plan for a night out that's as fun as this dress is to wear :)

Dress | Rockstud Pumps & Similar | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Snazzy Dress Worthy of a Night Out

XOXO Sarah-Louise

New & Navy

You gals know I'm into Navy when it comes to neutrals - well today I'm into a new trimester at 28 weeks, 3rd and final!!! I can see the end! Don't get me wrong I want her to be healthy and grow but being pregnant has been far from fun for me.  I'm ready to not be sick and to enjoy snuggling her sweet little self!

AND I passed my glucose test! I literally said 'Amen' out loud when I heard the results. I could not take another defeat.  I woke up throwing up yesterday morning so getting that nasty drink down was torture at 8am.  But with a lot of prayer, determination and Mr cheering me on holding the barf bag nearby I pushed through.

We heard her strong heart beat at 155/min - music to our ears! We will also get to see her in 3 weeks on ultrasound. I look at all these extra monitoring tests as just another opportunity to see her rather than being stressed. It's all in God's hands anyways.

So, to the topic of interest, this outfit.  I 100% prefer navy over black when it comes to dark neutrals.  I find that a lot of gals struggle with navy outside of summer because they don't want to pair it on top of jeans for fear of being monochromatic with no contrast.  The key is to opt for a lighter wash denim because those white jeans are tucked away for days between Easter and Labor Day - unless you're a rule breaker.

When it comes to maternity dressing I wanted to stay as true to my style as possible but that can be challenging because the options are so limited.  This top spoke my language in a windowpane print.  And it had a unique neckline with more of a peplum design which is very close to what I would like without the bump. It's perfect for the office with trousers but also super cute for weekends with distressed jeans and booties, as you can see.

I topped it off with an ivory jacket I already had to add a dressy element, balancing the jeans.

Prego Pals - we must use as much of our wardrobe as we can, just ignore the inability to button those blazers.

Navy Top - Non Maternity Option & Here  ||  Jeans - Non Maternity Option  ||  Jacket  ||

Booties  ||  Cuff  ||

Dress Beautifully in Navy

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pleats Pretty Please

When it came to this blouse it was a matter of which color(s) to buy! I love a crisp dress shirt and when you add feminine pleated ruffles in a modern asymmetrical design it's a must have!

The shirt itself has a hint of stretch and seams that tailor around the waist giving it a super flattering fit and it makes it easy to tuck in.  It has the classic pointed collar with the added ruffles around the neckline you get just the right detail drawing attention towards your face.  The ruffles along the sleeve hem I find flattering also as they enhance the shoulders enhancing an hourglass silhouette.
Another detail I admire on dress shirts, is covered buttons.  It's the little details that refine a garment.

While I can never ever have enough white tops, I decided to go with the blue color ... but there's a distinct possibility I'll go back :)  I liked the blue for it's subtle dot print.  You would treat the top like a solid when styling but the dot pattern again adds just the right amount of detail.  I pair the blouse with a navy pant but almost any color will compliment.

These trousers are my most favorite fit and go-to!  I have them in several colors and prints.  They skim the body and in an ankle length I don't have to hem or wear high heels. Classic in a modern cut. I can't get enough! These have a single pleat at the waist, which isn't for everyone but I find it adds just a little more room for movement. I scored them on major sale and it adds some variety. But I have to say I do prefer flat front.

Gals, this blouse isn't just for adding style during the week days.  With a pair of jeans and untucked, it's super chic!

Pleated Ruffle Blouse || Navy Trousers || Pumps || 

Dress Beautifully in a Pleated Blouse

XOXO Sarah Louise

Spring Shoes

While it may only be February the temps down here in the South are giving Spring vibes.  I know it's not going to last and that checking the weather every day is crucial before getting dressed or deciding whether to exercise in doors or out.

Stores are already filling their floors with sundresses, light colors and sandals!  My feet aren't quite ready (I keep my toenails bare during the Winter to let them breathe) I'm dying to ditch the socks and tights.

Here is a round up of spring shoe trends I'm loving (and have already embraced)  ...

Espadrille Flat  ||  Wedges  ||  Pink Suede  ||  Floral - Similar  ||  White Loafer - Similar  ||  

Blue Tasseled Mule  ||  Edgy Ankle Flats  ||  Studded Sandal  ||   Navy Block Heel 

Dress Beautifully in these Spring Shoes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Statement Skirt

This streamlined skirt not only makes a statement with it's beautiful ikat print but in a silk blend fabric has a lovely luster to it's pattern.

The high waisted band and slightly longer length gives the appearance of an extra long silhouette.  And gals, it also has pockets! And they lay flat - which is great for keeping your hips looking slim.
The pin tucks below the waist give you room for movement without adding volume.

In a navy and ivory pattern this skirt goes with everything!  I paired it with a chambray shirt and peep toe booties for a more casual look.  With a sweater/blouse of any color or pumps/boots there's lots of style versatility.

PSA: This skirt is on sale + an additional 40% off and free shipping!!! #yourwelcome

Ikat Skirt 40% Off & Free Shipping with code 'YESPLEASE' || 

Chambray Shirt & Similar || Booties & Similar & Similar || 

Earrings || Bracelet || 

Dress Beautifully in a Statement Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

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

Summer Sweater

Living in the South, sweaters aren’t a huge piece of our wardrobe.  And you never hear the word sweater come Summer time.

BUT it is indeed possible to enjoy the nice soft texture of a knit and not melt.

The key is cotton, loose knit and light design.  This sleeveless shell sweater fits the bill.

It’s not a dense weave but rather thicker yard and ‘holey’ so there is a sheer element.  Choose your undergarments wisely.

In a longer tunic design it lays nicely.

I styled it with navy trousers and pumps for a business casual look.  Pair it with distressed jeans or shorts for the weekend. 

Just for Fun :)

Sleeveless Sweater: J Crew & Similar ||  Navy Trouser: Nordstrom & Similar || 

Pumps: Similar & Here || Tortoise Bracelet: J Crew || 

Dress Beautifully in a Summer Sweater

XOXO Sarah Louise

Cold Shoulder

This shoulder baring top is perfect for summer! The flutter sleeves add the perfect touch of femininity and the strappy design adds just the right amount of sass.

I like this design for several reasons, there’s no need for elastic like you find with off the shoulder tops, the straps offer support and allow for movement and you don’t look/feel so bare and exposed having straps.  The flutter sleeve adds a delicate element and brings a hint of that 70’s style vibe.

I also like that it’s dressy enough for an evening out but is just as chic paired with a pair of distressed jeans.  I paired it with a pair of ivory trousers for a more polished look. 

This top comes in ivory and navy – my two very favorite neutrals.  I pushed myself to go with navy as my white/ivory inventory is off the charts and I’m glad I did!  It’s a nice change to add some darker shades and perfectly fitting with my white jeans. 

I’ll be shimmy-shimmy shakin in this number over this July 4^th Holiday! 

Strappy Off the Shoulder Top: Ann Taylor - More Options || Trousers: Ann Taylor || 

Sandals: Tory Burch & Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Strappy Off the Shoulder Top

XOXO Sarah Louise