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

Shoulders & Seersucker

Every year just before Easter I get all excited about bringing my favorite light weight fabrics in their fresh light colors out of storage. I smile as I hang each piece back in my closet remembering the occasion and memories I made in it the year before.  My seersucker suit is one of those special and  distinct pieces that I treasure.

Seersucker is the Southerner’s signature summer swag. The seersucker suit is a staple for church and weddings in the warmer months, not only for keeping cool in cotton vs wool but for its pastel stripes.

I think that most think of the seersucker suit is for the menfolk and a sundress for the gals.  I mean let’s be honest I do have a seersucker sundress but I also love a good set.

The key to embracing the suit as a lady is to opt for a dress and/or skirt as opposed to pants.  Yes, you must have pant suits but embrace the feminine side and add variety.  Especially in the summer, we are made of sweet sugar that melts!

I like to get the most out of my investments and the key to doing so is to separate the pieces for endless outfit options.

For this look I took the skirt from my seersucker suit and paired it with THE hottest trend right now, an off the shoulder top. 

An instant weekend look that’s casual yet very polished.  I swapped out the heels I would normally wear with my suit for wedges. 

I love this blouse for its short sleeves and the option to not show your shoulders by pulling the neckline up for those occasions where you might want more coverage or ease of movement.

Gals, get creative and mix up your classic and trendy pieces! 

Off the Shoulder Top: J Crew || Seersucker Skirt: Brooks Brothers - Similar & Here || 

Wedges: Similar & Here || Sunglasses: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in an Off the Shoulder Top & Seersucker

XOXO Sarah Louise

Off the Shoulder

One of the biggest trends this Spring and Summer is the off-the-shoulder top.  They've hit the fashion scene and quickly became a must have!

I quickly jumped on board and ordered this top back when the weather was still cold. So it's been staring at me for weeks every time I walk into my closet, teasing me.  I NEED warmer weather so I can shimmy around in it!

Tibi's design kick started this fabulous trend and thank goodness designers have all created their own versions at a variety of price points.

Not all off-the-shoulder tops are created equal.  I like this one because the top elastic only spans the shoulders and back leaving the front neckline smooth and stationary.  It makes for a more comfortable fit and easier movement with wear.  Elastic of any design or placement can be restrictive but it can also create functionality.  It's a piece by piece evaluation - hence the rule of always trying things on.  With an off-the-shoulder top make sure the elastic isn't too snug and that you can move your arms without the top springing up.

Back in the 80's off-the-shoulder tops were super tight and fitted and often worn tucked into high waisted pants.  And while that look can be snazzy, I'm all about the causal, tunic cut of today's top.  It's light and loose and easy to wear for all body types. Although ladies, you will have to switch to a strapless bra. But it's worth it!  Showing off your shoulders, one of the smallest features on the feminine frame is very flattering.

I paired this top with a pair of distressed jeans and wedges for a casual look.  Come summer time wear with shorts and sandals or for evening skinny pants and heels.

You must jump on this trend and add an off-the-shoulder top to your wardrobe!
Truth: I've also added an off-the-shoulder dress to mine :)

Off the shoulder top: Free People || Jeans: J Crew || Wedges: Tory Burch - Similar & Here ||

Lots of off-the-shoulder tops Here 

Dress Beautifully in an Off-the-Shoulder Top

XOXO Sarah Louise