Light & Leopard

Wait I'm not ready ...

OK, let's do this.  Unless you're a new reader everyone knows I LOVE animal prints.  I'm open to all of the markings on God's creatures but I do have my favorites.  Leopard is at the top of the list.  I know that there are gals out there that shy away from animal prints - I truly have no idea why! They are found in nature, think of them as organic :)

Now, that's not to say that all garments in animal print are worth wearing.  Fabric, color and design all play a role.

This skirt is rather distinct in its fabric but the cut and colors are exaggerated just right.  This skirt is higher waisted as well as a tad longer creating the illusion of height - I'll take all I can get! It also has a self fabric sash to cinch in the waist, extra plus.  Now the print is in a medium to larger size and in bolder colors but the real uniqueness is in the fabric.  It's hard to tell in pictures (trust me I scouted this number out in the catalog and was shocked when I first got to touch it).  It's got a synthetic slick feel, almost like that of a rain coat.  Although I was surprised, I still took it to the dressing room because I believe in always trying on, especially the pieces that make you hesitate. It's the unexpected that become winners. 

Confession:  I originally wanted the dress version but the fit wasn't quite right for me.

Now that Summer is 'technically' over, here in the South the heat lingers for another couple more months, I would suggest pair with a darker shade like burgundy, denim or black.  But in holding on to the wonderful days of Summer, I went with a pastel pink, crisp dress shirt.  These are staples in all colors in my wardrobe. 

Gals, a leopard skirt is a year round garment that not only has style but gives you that fierce vibe you need to strut your best. Go get you one!

Pink Dress Shirt || Leopard Skirt & Similar || Pumps || Handbag & Similar || 

Earrings || Sunglasses ||

Dress Beautifully in Leopard

XOXO Sarah Louise

Black & Blue

Black and Blue - there are no battle wounds in this look.  In fact it's a very smooth confrontation between Summer and Fall.

This time of year can be tough.  All the cool weather designs are hitting the store floors with sweaters, jackets, jeans and boots. But the temps outside are still blazing.  This leather skirt is light weight and in flirty pleats and a shorter hem line you're not going to be a puddle when you step outside.  I paired it with a bright blue silk blouse to lighten the look.  I kept my heels open and a tad edgy to go with the leather vibe.

Now in the upcoming months I plan to pair with dress shirts, sweaters and for a the weekends a simple tee and denim jacket.

Tip:  When I go to purchase a garment, while in the dressing room once I've confirmed the fit is good, I go through pairing options that I already have in my closet.  This method ensures it will get the wear for the money.

Blue Top: Madewell & Similar || Pleated Leather Skirt: J Crew ||

Strappy Heels: Similar & Here || Earrings: Kendra Scott || Gold Cuff: J Crew || 

Handbag: Prada & Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Black & Blue

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Licorice & Whiskey

When it comes to brown I'm all about the lighter and richer shades, most often referred to as cognac or whiskey.  They're warm and smooth as Mr likes to say.

I find it common to pair neutrals with colors but how refreshing to go all neutral.  Typically I style my neutrals on the lighter side with ivory and tan but with Fall right around the corner I'm craving darker hues and cooler temps!

I eyed this skirt for a few weeks in the store and when a sale promotion rolled around I scooped it up!  I love the color and touch of luster in the fabric.  While the length is slightly longer, hitting right below the knee the vertical buttons down the front create a long line on the body.
Note: These buttons are 'faux' / nonfunctioning so no worries on puckering or pulling when you sit!
Midi lengths can evoke a fear of shortening for most gals.  Keep the hem no longer than the top of your calf and the waist high and you'll find your lower body will actually appear longer.

I challenged myself to incorporate more black into my wardrobe.  That's a big stretch outside my comfort zone as it's the color I wear the very least. This skirt was the perfect piece to pair with black.

Take a break from the rainbow and style your next look with browns and black.

Top: Brooks Brothers & Similar || Skirt: Ann Taylor & Similar & Here || Pumps: Nine West ||

Gold Bangle: J Crew || Handbag: Prada & Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Black & Brown

XOXO Sarah Louise

Peek a Boo

Tis the season of shoulders.  I shared this trend with you in this post, here and again here.

And today it's all about this trendy button up.  I believe in crisp dress shirts as evidence by the large inventory hanging in my closet.  They're sharp, classic and pair, layer and coordinate with everything.

All of my off-the-shoulder tops are clearly appropriate outside of business hours.  I leave a small percentage of my wardrobe for that category because those occasions are so few.

This top marries the off-the-shoulder trend with the dress shirt beautifully. The crisp collar and pinstripes bring sophistication while the ruffles and peek through shoulders give it sass.

While this top is trendy I do believe paired with trousers or as I did with a pencil skirt it could be worn to the office if your work place is fairly casual, non customer facing and for those days with no meetings.

Note: this top does run small and with the ruffle seam across the chest buttoning up all the way was restricting.  Although I don't believe I would any way as it's a bit stuffy.

Tip: A raceback bra is ideal, more like necessary, for tops like this one that cut in.

This top is also perfect for transitioning in to Fall with its long sleeves.  Pair with dark skinny jeans and booties and you're all set for the weekend.

Cold Shoulder Top: Nordstrom & Here ||  Pencil Skirt: J Crew & Similar || Pumps: Nine West  ||

Gold Bangle: J Crew || Earrings: Similar || 

More Cold Shoulder Tops: Here - Here - Here - Here  

Dress Beautifully in a Cold Shoulder Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

Seas the Day

I've always had an affection for nautical style from my days in college by the beach to now as a Naval Officer's wife.  The stripes, anchors, and gold buttons take you to a place of bright sunny days and sandy warm beaches.

Typically nautical pieces are casual because let's face it sailing on a boat or strolling along the shore calls for cool cotton and bare feet.   So when I find skirts, pants or dresses that incorporate nautical elements appropriate for the office I'm headed straight to the dressing room.

I was quite excited at the sight of these shiny gold buttons on this tailored pencil skirt.  Slightly surprised at the black color (I prefer navy) but I suppose a gal does have to have some black in her closet and contrasted against lighter shades it is quite sharp!

I didn't want to distract or take attention away from the gold button detail but I wasn't quite in the mood for my normal solid top so I went with a pinstriped shirt.  When prints are so small you can't see them from far away you can style them as a solid.

Pair this skirt with a denim top,  printed top or brightly colored top.  Swap out pumps for wedges for a more casual look.

Sailor Skirt: Loft || Pinstripe Shirt: J Crew || Pumps: Nine West || 

More Nautical Options: Here - Here & Here

Dress Beautifully in a Sailor Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Ruffles

There's nothing more classic than the contrast of a black and white ensemble.  It's crisp, clean and sharp.  When you're needing that extra umph to tackle the day ahead, a good power outfit can give you that little push to get you on your feet and energized to take on the day.

I'm all about bringing femininity to work wear.  I feel that women are under the impression they have to be plain, simple and dress like the menfolk to look professional.  You can't escape the fundamentals of a tailored jacket, and trousers but you can differentiate with sheath dresses, pencil skirts and blouses with detail.  Don't worry I'm not abandoning my dress shirts but I feel extra pretty in ladylike pieces.  This ruffle blouse does just that.  It's not too fussy and in a solid doesn't distract so it's quite perfect for a dress shirt substitute.  It's also great paired with jeans or even shorts for a casual chic look.

Swap out your dress shirt for a ruffle blouse and I guarantee you won't loose any sophistication but may actually gain some pretty awesome confidence!

Ruffle Blouse: Banana Republic || Grey Trousers: Banana Republic || Blazer: J Crew ||

Pumps: Nine West || Necklace: Similar & Here || Handbag: Prada || 

Dress Beautifully in Ruffles

XOXO Sarah Louise

Leather Leggings

A pair of faux leather pants was on my list of must haves this Fall/Winter.  Y'all, the struggle was real!  It seemed as though every pair I tried on (and there was a lot!!) was a challenge and would make me breakout into a sweat trying to shove and pull them on.  And then how in the world was I supposed to sit and move??!

sigh

You see the polyurethane synthetic material doesn't allow for much stretch. But, finally while Christmas shopping I came across these thin shiny faux leather leggings.  I can sit, move and even dance party in them.

Because they are leggings (NOT pants), your derriere must be covered! So I opted for a long tunic sweater. Add a pair of booties and your ready to strut in a chic modern look that's comfortable.

I wore these out on the town with my gal pals a few weeks ago paired with a fun fringe blouse and I may even pull them out tonight for dinner.  It's nice to have some edgy pieces in my wardrobe to add variety amongst all the ladylike garments.

Get your dance party on because it's Friday!!! 

And because dancing is fun and makes for big happy smiles :)

Sweater: French Connection & Here || Leather Leggings: Here - Similar & Here || 

Burgundy Booties: Nine West || Handbag: Tory Burch & Similar || Earrings: Kate Spade || 

More Leather Legging Options: Here (my gal pal has this pair), Here, Here & Here   

Dress Beautifully in Leather Leggings

XOXO Sarah Louise