Stylish Sunny Day Top

 

The simplest way to add style is with a fun top. What I mean by fun top is one that has unique detailing and design.  It doesn't mean super fancy or outlandish.  While those types of tops are great for special occasions or nights out they are typically one time wears and not a good investment for your wardrobe.  

This top has fun puff sleeves, two draw string pulls at the neckline for a fun scoop and at the waist for a literal waist cinching peplum shape and button front. These details aren't flashy but very interesting making it versitale from casual with shorts to dressy with a skirt. 

I've seen this top in silk for the winter, a tank version for summer and lots of colors in the short sleeve cotton. I neglected to get a picture of the back but it's partially open but still accommodating for a bra. 

Top & Here | Similar Jeans | Raffia Sandal & Here

Dress Beautifully in a Stylish Top for Spring

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Lady in Red

It's the month of LOVE!  Valentine's Day is in 2 weeks and while I'm not super into the lovie dovie day I'm 100% into love.  Even if I wasn't blessed to have my great love, I believe that we are all called to love one another more than ourselves.

A Lady in Red = Hot. Red is bold and striking and will most certainly grab attention.  It doesn't mean you have to look promiscuous.  Dressing modestly is classy and more attractive.  It shows that you have self respect.

Shockingly I realized that I didn't have a red dress in my closet!  I used to, but after some thought, I realized that I had gifted the one I had to a gal pal who loved it and really wanted a red dress.  I also realized I don't have a red top or skirt.
I came to the conclusion that my red mane that I wear everyday checks that color box. Oh wait, I do have a couple pairs of red shoes .... AND there's this handbag I'm dying to have (gotta reach those goals)

So, when I saw this dress and with the upcoming love day on my mind I decided to give it a try.

It's fantastic! With lots of stretch and those little side peplums (instant tiny waist)  it creates a flattering silhouette and freedom to move.  The longer hem line is also nice to create a long line on the body and how awesome are the front vent pleats?!! Typically those are in the back of the dress but I'm digging the unexpected design. I also love the cut in shoulders.
Note: You will need to wear a racerback bra and problem solved - whew thank goodness because strapless is avoided at all costs.

This dress while smokin hot is just as appropriate for the office especially with it's longer length - but I would recommend a blazer and a pump.

Red Dress - More Options & Here || Heels  || 

Dress Beautifully in a Red Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Texture & Shine

Tweed is one of my favorite textured fabrics.  It's soft, warm and adds depth to a garment with its blend of threads.  This peplum top is a perfect transition piece for Fall.  The fabric adds just the right amount of warmth and with elbow length sleeves just the right amount of coverage.

What sold me on this top was the structure and tailoring.  Everything about its construction is flattering!  The straight elbow sleeves slim the arm, the front pleats cinch the waist and the peplum hem creates curves. #winner

I used the threads of the tweed in the top to create the palate for this look.  A shorter ivory skirt to compliment these AMAZING black over the knee boots creates a cohesive pairing to the top.

These boots!  I love the suede over the knee boots that have stormed the scene for the past few years but I've found it to be a challenge as I prefer a low/mid heel, the price needs to be right (no offense Stuart Weitzman but you are too rich for my feet!) and I struggle finding boots that fit my legs. When I saw the shiny gold block heel on this pair, I said a great big prayer that they would fit my legs. Amen! they fit beautifully! I often have to go up in size for the extra room in the shaft and have to wear extra thick socks.  Not this time gals, they hug my legs like a glove and the back tie secures them in place.

These will be on epic repeat all season long! Obsessed with the gold heel!!!

Tip:  When wearing over the knee boots, your dress/skirt hem should be slightly above the top of the boot; but not too short #keepitclassy

Tweed Peplum Top || Skirt || Boots 

Dress Beautifully in Tweed 

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Kick Crop

Jeans are far from simple.  There are so many washes, cuts and just over the past several years distressing that a pair of jeans can have.  Jeans are universally the hardest to fit.  Personally, I feel it can be more difficult than swimsuits!

When you find a great fitting pair of jeans it's like finding a pot of gold.  For me the challenge is that my legs are full and my waist is smaller so finding a pair that can fit those proportions can be somewhat of a treasure hunt.  And let's not forget my derriere, it isn't lacking in fullness either.

I look for darker washes with some slight color shading, a higher waist and a lower back pocket placement. I believe that you don't have to have tons of jeans but definitely a variety.  A dark wash, medium wash, skinnies, boyfriend/distressed and of a course a couple pairs of white jeans for the summer. A pair for casual Fridays, a pair for a night out and a pair for casual situations.

One of this season's trends is the kick crop jean.  It's basically the boot cut from the early 2000's in a crop/ankle length design. Some other elements you'll see on denim this season is a selvage hem and wide leg cuts.

Over the past year I've fallen for Madewell's denim.  It's super soft just a hint of stretch (I find that too much stretch is unflattering as I don't want a second skin on my legs but rather a slight skim). I like their washes and slightly higher waists.

I'm not afraid to try new things and this pair was no exception.  I rarely hop on the latest trends, I like to watch them play out for a hot minute to see if it's something that's going to stick around and worth investing in. But I must say I'm digging this kick crop denim.

It's almost like a straight leg but with an ever so slight flair.  It's definitely slimming on the leg and shows off a great pair of shoes.  The undone hem detail gives them a modern, more casual vibe.
To me I find them reminiscent of the 70's and I Love me some 70's fashion!!

This top has a kick crop flair to it as well.  It's a little shorter in length but far far from a 'crop top' and it has a peplum.  It's a fun version of the crisp white shirt.

Since both this blouse and jeans are casual I went with a polished pump to dress it up, but try an ankle strap sandal or for easy comfort a ballet flat.

If you look closely you find a sneak peek at a fun clutch I'll be sharing with you next week :)

Kick Crop Jeans & Similar || Peplum Blouse || Pumps || 

Dress Beautifully in a Pair of Kick Crop Jeans

XOXO Sarah Louise

Textured

You can have the prettiest of colors and prints but it’s the fabric that brings them to life.

Fabric literally makes the garment. It determines the weight, luster and structure. 

I love a good peplum for its waist defining design and feminine ruffle hem but add an Aztec woven print in a tapestry fabric and fringed raw edge and you have a unique and worldly looking piece!

I feel as though this fabric could have originated from the other side of the world.  The thick woven composition gives it an expensive & substantial look.

I wanted to add color but rather than go with a bold compliment, I’m really feeling pastels alongside the stark ‘black & white’ combination.  It’s unexpected and softens the palette.

You could pair this top with pencil skirts, trousers, jeans of any color!

And if you want to go the neutral route go for white jeans or ivory suiting.

Look beyond the garment and add textured fabrics to bring interest in your wardrobe. 

Textured Peplum Top: Banana Republic || Pants:  J Crew ||

Shoes: Nine West || Handbag: Prada || 

Dress Beautifully in Textured Fabrics

XOXO Sarah Louise

Stars & Stripes

Today is Memorial Day - a day to remember those so brave that sacrificed for our freedom.  We celebrate today with weekends at the beach, backyard barbecues, and the company of great friends cherishing the blessing to live in America!  For me, married to a US Naval Officer and with family members who have served, I have a greater appreciation for what that sacrifice means.  

Just recently we came to learn that Mr will not be completing his service in January but rather continuing as the battalion surgeon for a marine unit overseas for 9 months.  We will be separated almost a year -NOT our plan.  I have moments of sadness as I prepare to move into our new home (Excitement to share soon!) alone but days like today, I'm proud to sacrifice my Mr for a short time as there are others that sacrificed much more! 

So I ask you to take a moment and give gratitude for those that made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can freely enjoy this beautiful day! 

Now, this top! As soon as I saw it in the catalog fresh out of my mail box I had to have it. I instantly knew it would be perfect for summer holidays and soirees! The construction with bands of heavy elastic, create a strong shape.  The sweetheart crossing lines and peplum flair have a vintage look with a modern touch added in the exposed back zipper.   I paired it with high waisted white skinnies but plan to style with navy/denim shorts, black culottes, and perhaps a pencil skirt. 

This top is fun, flirty and forever a festive piece for your wardrobe! 

Top: Anthropologie || White Jeans: Loft || Heels: Similar || 

Earrings: Kate Spade || Polish: Essie || 

Dress Beautifully in Stripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Sage

This Sage Dress with it's Curved Edges is Sensational! 

It takes a sheath dress from basic to interesting.  And it's from the Scandal Line at The Limited. Who doesn't want to look like the classy Olivia Pope??!!!

There are several features that make this dress flattering and a favorite.  

The thick cap sleeves are awesome because they help create an hour glass shape (making your waist appear smaller) and provide ample coverage for your brassiere straps (pet peeve of mine is A - my straps slipping off my shudders B - exposed brassiere).

The faux wrap skirt and curved hem remind me of layered tulip petals.  When I say 'faux' wrap skirt, what I mean is that the two panels are sewn into the waist seam so there's no risk of indecent exposure when sitting or in a windy situation. 

The left peplum panel adds a touch of detail and asymmetry to the dress. It also accentuates the waist.  

This dress came with a self fabric belt, but since belts are somewhat of a collection for me I swapped it out for one with print & texture. 

Oh, and let's just speak on this Sage color!  As a red head, greens compliment best.  This sage green is soft and not a shade you see all the time.  I feel that it's more of a neutral making it professional, great for all seasons, and pairs nicely with other colors & prints.  

Dress: The Limited Similar and Here || Belt: Similar || Pumps: Nine West ||

Sunglasses: Ray Ban || Earrings: Kate Spade || Ring: QVC || 

Dress Beautifully in Sage

XOXO Sarah Louise