Friday Favorites: Gingham Goodies

TGIF! Gals, I love a gingham print come Spring. It makes me thing of fun outdoor picnics. Personally, I prefer the check pattern in pastels. It's classic with the crisp lines yet soft and feminine in light colors.

Here are some gingham goodies ... 

Tiered Voluminous Dress

also in solid colors & prints

Midi Dress

Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

also in orange

Maxi Skirt

I ordered this one!

Maxi Dress

Wrap Skirt

Pink & Blue Top

Peplum Puff Sleeve Top

also in tan

On my wish list!

Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

also in blue

On my wish list!

Maxi Skirt

also in green

Ruffle Top

also in pink

Wrap Dress

Ruffle Neck Top

also in navy

Carmel Ruffle Top

Paperbag Shorts

Swimsuit

Ruffle Swimsuit 

Love adding a rattan belt to Summer Outfits!

Dress Beautifully in Gingham

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Atypical

Typically, winter fashion consists of dark rich colors, thick soft fabrics and strong bolder patterns.

But I'm not a typical gal, so neither are my outfits. When you dress inside the typical box of the season your wardrobe pieces are limited. Wearing the unexpected can evoke a unique sense of style.

Now of course shorts and linen belong strictly in the Summer however pastels and lace dress beautifully all year long. Approach your wardrobe with a view that extends beyond the typical.
I love wearing lighter colors and patterns so I don't  limit them to just Spring and Summer.  I make them work in the Winter.  This skirt is constructed of a very light corduroy which gives it an appropriate weight for the colder season and light enough for Spring. Now, here in the South we've had some unusually warmer days so I had the luxury of wearing a satin top  however I imagine I'll wear a light colored sweater when I wear this to church on an upcoming Sunday.
A pair of booties will also warm this look up.

Get the most out of your wardrobe by styling pieces across the seasons.

I've shared with you gals about the importance of detail and this outfit embodies just that.  Details are what make outfits interesting and details are what share your personality through your outfit.

The sleeves have layers of ruffles and lace trim while this skirt has a drop waist and asymmetrical lace hem.  Even the floral print is unique it it's vintage design and pastel colors.
These feminine elements definitely speak to things that I love!

When the wind blows up your skirt just right!

Similar Blouse & Here | Floral Asymmetrical Skirt - Similar -similar - Similar | Pumps | Handbag |

Dress Beautifully in Atypical Details

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Blush

Blush is big on the color scene.

This soft subdued hue makes a feminine statement that can't be ignored. I think of it as a happy neutral since it's in the pink family - pink makes everything better! 

Blush is great paired with other pastels as well as with darker shades for contrast - black, charcoal and navy are great for professional office looks. 

Since Spring is officially here I chose a light floral blouse and white - in case you didn't know white is seriously my favorite to wear and would wear it head to toe every day all year if I could - but you can't ignore the fun other colors bring to your wardrobe. 

Blush Pants: J Crew Similar & Here || Blouse: Target || Pumps: Nine West || 

Handbag: Michael Kors ||  Earrings: Honora || 

Dress Beautifully in Blush

XOXO Sarah Louise

Peachy

Isn't this dress just Peachy?!!!

I've always loved the color peach.  It's sweet and soft and reminds me of warm weather.  One of my favorite treats are ripe juicy peaches bought on the roadside while traveling on vacation.  Something about the spontaneity of pulling off the road for fresh air and picking up homegrown elements for a backyard supper filled with carefree happiness that makes me smile ... and want to go pack my bags!  

I'm all about a good sale - I don't believe in paying full price - unless I absolutely can't avoid it.  Loft is amazing for it's generous promotions.  I find myself frequently taking advantage.  This dress along with a couple other pieces made it in my shopping bag for a steal! 

Besides the color, the laser cut scalloping, crop top design and open back are delicate details that make it ladylike and yet very modern.

The open back is just a sneak peak of interest but still provides ample coverage. 

This week I'm going to share my love for these trending crop top dresses.  They create flattering lines and are a modern twist on the ever so popular styles of the 1960's.  

Mid-Century fashion - it's my muse! 

Scalloped Crop Top Dress: Loft || Laced Pumps: Similar ||

Clutch: old Similar & Here || Earrings: Honora || 

Dress Beautifully in Peach

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bright Blooms

I can't help but notice all the budding plants and trees around me. I've been running a lot outside thanks to the warmer temps and longer hours of sunshine. I often take a minute mid-run, in awe of God's beautiful creation, to stop and take in the scenery.  I love seeing the transition  from Winter to Spring.  It's like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.   

This blouse with it's bright blooms is a pretty blend of aqua and pops of yellow & blush.  It's silk, my favorite fabric, and feels light and airy; essential for surviving the southern heat that's just around the corner.  

I pulled from the hints of yellow and blush in the blouse and paired it with a deeper golden-yellow pencil skirt & quilted pink handbag for an office look.  Now these pumps are bright white and sharp, but they are not to be worn until after Easter Sunday.  

For casual styling add to white jeans/shorts/skirt and  a comfy pair of sandals. 

Speaking of blooms, most of my gal pals love flowers: tulips, hydrangeas, daisies, lilies, roses .... the list goes on.  I personally like my flowers in prints on my garments.
Confession:  I'm not a flower person and haven't owned a living plant in several years! 
If I had to pick a favorite, it'd be a magnolia flower.  I plan to add magnolia prints in my home decor this year!! Stay tuned :)

Floral Blouse: J Crew || Skirt: J Crew Similar & Here || Pumps: Nine West || 

Handbag: Tory Burch || Earrings: Kate Spade || Bracelet: David Yurman ||

Dress Beautifully in Bright Florals 

XOXO Sarah Louise  

Easter Dressing

Easter Sunday is my MOST FAVORITE day of the year!!

The reason: 'He is Risen!" is the most important.  To celebrate the sacrifice so that we can be free is the greatest blessing! Can I get an Amen?!!!!

So, let's chat about the other reasons this day is my all time favorite.  It comes down to tradition.  For me, the memories of Easter are my most cherished so I cling to them caring them on every year.

Shopping for my Easter dress is the most fun shopping I do all year.  My mamma alway got me and my sisters pretty new dresses every year for Easter (and Christmas) and almost always they were matching ... I wasn't so crazy about twining back then, but I sure do miss it now!  The ruffles, lace, pastels, florals and twirling round and round are essential!  We didn't always get new shoes, purses and a hat but they were included in every Easter ensemble.

Our Easter dresses were always purchased at Belk, another tradition I continue.  It's the department store my family goes to for all our stylish needs.  They're customer service and great merchandise keeps me loyal.

And then there's the basket of pretty presents on Easter morning, Sunday supper, egg hunts, and cute little candied treats to fill the day with joy.

PSA: You can official begin wearing white! ... until Labor Day.  That's the rule for us Southern Gals.

When choosing your Easter look keep your colors light, jewelry classic (pearls), heels dainty and your hat big!

Shop these pretty Easter Dresses from Belk ...

White   -  French Blue  - Lavender  -  Peach  -  Mint

                Striped  -  Pink  -  Yellow  -  Watercolor   -   Polka Dot               

Dress Beautifully this Easter

XOXO Sarah Louise

Ice Blue

Pastel Colors aren't Just for Spring.  

Sure When it Comes to Winter Shades I think of Dark Hues but there's something fresh, clean and snow-like about Light Pastels in the Colder Seasons.  

Now, us Southerners have strict rules when it comes to colors and fabrics worn  in their appropriate time and place.  I'm talking about White specifically. It only comes out from Easter to Labor Day.  I'm conflicted.  I'm a rule follower and I Love my Southern culture and it's traditions. But, my white jeans are THE most comfortable, soft and well White/Ivory are my Favorite Colors to Wear! 

So I broke the rule. 

With all outfits, there's a way to style in making a look appropriate.

When incorporating light colors do so in cold weather items and fabrics.  Sweaters, scarves, and coats in wools, cashmere and tweeds.  This will bring the cool shades right into the right season. 

This Popcorn Cable Turtleneck sweater fits right into winter because it's made in a thick textured design.  I can't say the same for the white jeans but by pairing with boots you get a winter appropriate look. 

I also love the side slits on this sweater, a trend this season.  It allows longer lengths to lay flat on the body.

Sweater: Ann Taylor Sold Out Similar and Here || Jeans: Ann Taylor ||

Boots: Tory Burch || Earrings: Kate Spade Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Pastels

XOXO Sarah Louise