Built-In Bourbon Bar

 When we purchased our home over 5 years ago, Ryan was very enthusiastic about having a room dedicated for his work and things. A manly room all to himself. Well, he's married so the reality is I'm going to go in there and zhoosh things around and add decorative touches.  He finds this very offensive but  has endured.

His room, the front office, has builtins on one wall that serves as a desk, adds storage and has shelves for display. As I've been slowly decorating his space with a new rug and dark moody paint, I had the idea to turn one side of the shelves into a bourbon bar. 

Ryan loves bourbon and has started quite the collection.

Originally these built ins were stained wood that we had painted white prior to moving in. I then went in and painted the backs a dark charcoal color - Wrought Iron by BM. 

To make this bourbon bar I wanted an antique mirrored backing but I couldn't find mirrored tiles in my budget and they were also fragile and required tools to install.

I found peel and stick mirrors that were the perfect solution.

Turns out when my gal pal and I were putting up the faux mirrors, due to the texture of the wood backing there was a rippling appearance that gives an antique look (WIN!)

I added decanters purchased from vintage shops and home goods.

The Waterford crystal glasses belonged to Ryan's dad that he purchased in Italy while on a deployment in the military. They're very special.

I added sentimental pieces from Ryan's time as a medical officer in the US Navy that are very important to him as layers of decor. 

And there's always Trixie, his beloved puppy that sits in what used to be Ryan's dad's chair and watches all the birds, cars and other puppies. She never lets me miss a delivery!

I'm far from a DIY gal but I will say this quick project was easy and a lot of fun to do with a friend.

You could use any type of bookcase or shelving to recreate this.

PEEL & STICK MIRROR TILES

Dress Your Home Beautifully with a Bourbon Bar

XOXO Sarah Louise

Velvet + Plaid

Velvet and plaid are the signature textiles for the Winter season.  They're warm, soft and add lots of texture to your look.

There's no need to keep it separated, mixing it up creates interest and style.  Velvet tends to have a fancy vibe while plaid can be more on the casual side, so together you get a nice balance.

I styled them both for the office with a crisp white shirt and classic mary jane pumps.

Tip:  All of my blazers have functional button cuffs so that I can fold them up. I am on the petite side and I find that for easy of movement and work it's practical and quite frankly it's sloppy to have your sleeves hanging over your hands.  I also find it slimming to highlight your small features like your wrists. 

Styling Options with a Velvet Blazer:
Casual - tee, jeans and flats
Dressy - cocktail dress, strappy heels and a clutch

Styling Options with Plaid Pants:
Casual - tee, denim jacket and flat booties
Dressy - cashmere sweater and statement necklace

P.S. How precious is this locket necklace to hold a sweet picture of what's near and dear.  It's a timeless piece and makes a great gift.

Velvet Blazer || Dress Shirt || Plaid Pants || Mary Jane Pumps || Necklace || 

Dress Beautifully in Velvet & Plaid

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Houndstooth

Gals, so yesterday I shared with you this silk houndstooth drop waist dress with a ruffle hem.  I also shared the importance of investing in quality, timeless and versatile pieces.

So, as promised, here are 5 different ways I plan to style this dress for the Winter season.
Now, come Spring/Summer I'll be ditching the jackets and boots for sandals and maybe a fun silk scarf and/or bright colored jewelry.

Cheers to TGIF!

Houndstooth Dress

Casual:  Denim Jacket  -  Saddle Bag  -  Boots

Girls Night Out:  Leather Moto Jacket & Here  -  Red Handbag  -  Booties

Church:  Coat  -  Quilted Handbag  -  Mary Jane Pumps

Holiday:  Red Coat  - Velvet Clutch  -  Heels

Office:  Blazer  -  Dress Shirt  -  Handbag  -  Pump
(Try layering under with a crisp white shirt)

Dress Beautifully in Houndstooth Wherever You Are

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Separate Split

Earlier this week I shared with you my maiden voyage in styling a cardigan.  I decided to go all out and purchase the twinset (coordinating shell).  I find that most closets, including my own, are full of separates but I believe it's essential to incorporate matching sets when possible.  It's an effortless way of looking put together.  And if you're afraid of looking too monochromatic a printed scarf, skirt or statement necklace are great ways to add some interest.

While I respect and embrace matchy matchey ensembles I feel that it's important to take advantage of their styling options and utilize them separately.  Optimizing the functionality of your wardrobe is key.  I find that you'd be surprised at just how many looks you can create with a moderate amount of pieces.  Ask yourself, what good is a piece that can only be worn in a single capacity?

I showed you how I styled the cardigan earlier this week.  Today I'm taking this amber shell and pairing it with ivory trousers for a lighter brighter palette and a printed scarf to break up the color block. I love the mix of light and rich neutrals - goes to show you don't have to have bright colors to make a statement.

I'm going to assume none of you are new to these pieces but if you're looking to add to your closet I do recommend this twinset as it's constructed out of light weight wool which is durable and resistant to stretching and fading.

 I must admit I'm pretty enthused about this new-to-me cardigan thing.  My gal pals shake their heads as it's an over worn piece for just about all women and as a collector of classics it's just surprising I haven't taken part.

I have brunch with the gals tomorrow and I'm thinking of wearing the coordinating twin set with a pair of jeans and bright red flats for a pop of color.  Swapping out your trousers or skirts for jeans and flats is the perfect way to transition a week day look to the weekend and still look polished while being comfortable.

Shell: J Crew || Coordinating Cardigan: J Crew || Trousers: Similar ||

Scarf: Ann Taylor || Pumps: Tory Burch || Handbag: Prada || 

Dress Beautifully in Separates 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bourbon & Blush

This is a first.  I have a twin set in my closet.  With my affinity for classic and timeless pieces  it's ironic, even to myself, that I don't own such a fundamental garment as a cardigan.  I've always chosen blazers over cardigans.  I prefer the structure, durability, and sophistication that a jacket brings.
And now I'm enjoying the softness and movement of the warm wool snug against my skin.

Tip:  To avoid the cardigan cons of stretching, and piling choose a set made of wool or a silk blend.  And invest in this Gleener Ultimate Fuzz Remover to gently remove those pesky fuzz balls. 

I'm guilty of stereotyping cardigans as mature, and frumpy.  The key to avoiding the librarian/granny look is styling. Pair with modern, edgy and streamlined pieces. Avoid old school traditions such as pearls, broaches and overly conservative garments.  Also, split the shell and cardigan up.  They're both layering pieces and can lead to countless outfit options.

Another thing that drew me to this set was the rich amber color.  It's a unique neutral.  I have all the other neutrals covered in my blazers and suiting garments so this addition adds a particular uniqueness.  At first glance it reminded me of a lowball glass of bourbon, something Mr would drink on a date night (I see things that remind me of him constantly, sometimes it in the funniest of ways - there's clearly no limit to how much I miss him).

I paired the cardigan over a soft blush sheath dress and added some contrast with black pumps & handbag. I also accessorized with a modern gold hoop eating.  This color combination is sharp, unexpected and sure to impress at the office.
It's a classic look but I surely don't look mature or frumpy.

If you haven't added this year's Pantone color 'Rose Quartz' to your wardrobe this dress is a pretty piece to start with.  The piping detail streamlines your shape and highlights the waist.
Note:  I purchased in petite, it's designed in a longer length.

Later this week I'll share with you how I styled the matching shell :)

Cardigan: J Crew || Blush Sheath Dress: Ann Taylor || Pumps: Nine West ||

Handbag: Prada || Earrings: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Bourbon & Blush

XOXO Sarah Louise

Ruffles

This look incorporates the essentials color, femininity, and sophistication.

There is no need for us women in the corporate world to dress like a man to look professional.  Sure I love a crisp dress shirt and blazer but I feel just as confident and more ladylike in a blouse and some color.

The ruffles on this blouse were irresistible.  They add interest and movement in a soft delicate way.  Ruffles can be tricky, you often see them on little girl's garments and when it comes to women's wear sometimes designers go overboard.  Ruffles should add a feminine touch and detail, not distract. Keep them small and understated around the neckline, cuffs or hems.
I paired this blouse with jeans and a blazer a couple weekends ago for a casual look.
Tip: Since this blouse is ivory not white layer an ivory or nude camisole underneath. It's more subtle.

I often pair ivory with taupe as it's super soft and low contrast, a perfect canvas for a pop of color.
Emerald is my go-to and a red head's best friend. It's rich and makes our locks shine. If I had to pick a color to wear that wasn't white/ivory it would always be emerald green.  It's not the most common color to find on the racks so when I do and it's a nice piece, I bring it home to my closet :)

Note: I just painted my formal dining room emerald green this past weekend ... sharing soon! 

Add a feminine touch with ruffles and color.

Ruffle Blouse: Banana Republic || Taupe Suit Skirt: Similar -Here & Here ||

Pumps: Nine West || Emerald Topper: Similar and Here || Earrings: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Ruffles 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Graphite

The colors of winter are cool and neutral.  I'm digging a break from the bright and bold.
I've noticed that industrial decor and colors, like dark grey, are huge in the interior design world when it comes to lighting, fixtures and decorative items.  I have light grey walls & fireplace in our family room, grey slate tiles in our sunroom and a dark grey slate in our master bathroom. Years ago it was all about the warm browns so even neutral shades and styles change with the times.
I'm excited to be trying dark grey in my wardrobe.

For neutrals I prefer white/ivory and navy but I do like grey and taupe especially before I'll opt for black.  Most of my grey pieces are in wool (suits and sweaters) but I was intrigued with this grey silk dress.  I adore silk for it's luster, feel and movement.  This dress has a flattering cross over front and elastic waist for definition and shape.  In being honest, it is a bit on the shorter side for me but I'm making strides in burring my insecurities and a few inches above the knee is ok but no more!

This graphite silk dress is a blank canvas for styling.  Of course pairing with black is complimentary, but you could combine any color or neutral.  I topped it off with my bright red coat yesterday for church.

I encourage you to try a color or shade that isn't your typical go-to and maybe stretch it a little further with a different silhouette or design.

Grey Silk Dress: Madewell || Pumps: Nine West || 

Dress Beautifully in Graphite

XOXO Sarah Louise

Shift Skirt

This skirt is the perfect piece to shift on into the Fall season. The soft wool fabric and warm caramel color are the ideal fall essentials.

My favorite part is it's mod design.  High waisted, front pockets and straight, slightly mini design are a modern take on the midcentury icon.  I have so many pencil skirts it's nice to add some variety.

Wear it in the office with a secretary blouse, blue striped dress shirt or jewel toned sweater with heeled boots/booties.

For a casual look pair with a denim shirt and riding boots or if your blessed with long enough legs over the knee boots would be fabulous.
Tip:  There should be a couple of inches between the hem of your skirt and the top of your boots.

Shift Skirt: Loft || Sweater: Similar & Here & Here ||

Booties: Similar & Here || Necklace: Similar || Polish: Butter ||

Dress Beautifully in a Shift Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise