Silk Scarf Vibes

While I'm not a 'stay in pajamas all day' kind of gal, I do like to be comfortable but in my own way, one that's still polished and put together.

These pants have the beauty of a silk scarf and the comfort of lounge wear.  The silk fabric, paisley print and contrasting pop of yellow piping paired with a draw string waist gives you the best of both a dressy and casual garment.

I share my love of vintage items with you often but it's been a while since I've shared about my affection for silk scarves. I have a entire box full and just about all of them are vintage.
File this topic under posts to come.

Top options are easy with either a basic semi-fitted tee in any color, denim or a crisp cotton top like I'm wearing.  Even though mine has a blue pinstripe it doesn't compete or add too much because the print is so small. You treat it like a solid when styling meanwhile it adds just the right amount of detail.

I chose to wear my loafers because I gravitate towards dressier styling; heels would work great too. A sandal or flat is also just as pretty.  It's essential to chose what YOU like and feel confident in!

Poplin Popover Shirt | Paisley Silk Pants | Loafers & Similar | Earrings | Sunglasses |

Dress Beautifully in Pieces that are as Pretty as they are Comfortable

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Pinstripe

A pinstripe is a very narrow stripe typically found in suiting.  Sometimes the stripe is subtle and sometimes, like in this dress shirt, it's nice a bold.  This high contrasting stripe makes a sharp statement , but balanced with the femininity of a bow.

I'm all about dressing polished for the office and staying true to yourself as a woman.  There's no reason that professional has to be boring.  This isn't my only dress shirt with a bow tie neck sash.  I featured this same dress shirt in white on this post.  The great thing about these tailored crisp dress shirts, is that the sash is buttoned underneath the collar allowing you to have style options with or without it.  Sometimes you may want to embrace the secretary vibe and others you may want to play it cool. Either way the stripe will steal attention!

I paired this navy dress shirt with ivory trousers, complimenting the stripe and a camel blazer to warm it up.  This time of year the excitement of cooler temps and changing colors of the leaves has me craving rich warm tones and textures.

And if the bow wasn't enough for your girlish liking, I added a pop of color with a pair of magenta suede heels.

Tip:  Don't limit your dress shirts to the work week, go open collar and pair with jeans for a casual chic look.  Also, if you're one of those gals that struggles pairing navy with blue jeans, try with grey or black denim.

Pinstripe Bow Shirt & Similar || Trousers & Similar || Blazer || Shoes || 

Dress Beautifully in Pinstripes

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

Pinstripe

Pinstripes are very very thin stripes running vertically in fabric; primarily in suiting.  These subtle stripes create a long and lean look and I'll take all the help I can get to appear taller than I am.  A high waist and wide leg design also aid in creating a longer leg.  By tucking in the blouse the waist line is emphasized and gives the illusion that your legs begin much higher.

The brightness of the pant contrasted with the black is clean and crisp.  Sometimes the subtle details, though minimal, are just as enhancing as the bold accents but with more versatility.

I wouldn't consider pinstripes a 'print' but more as detailed solid.  Meaning, style as though they are solid but your look certainly won't be plain!

Pinstripe Trousers:  Similar & Here || Black Blouse: Similar & Here ||

Peep Toe Pumps: Here || Clutch: Similar || Bangle: J Crew || 

Dress Beautifully in Pinstripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Polished Popover

Crisp dress shirts are a favorite for a professional look.  For the weekends I like to be a bit more casual while still looking 'put together', This popover shirt is a perfect balance of easy and polished.  When it comes to weekend wear I don't believe in going to extremes.  Sure abandoning pumps and pencil skirts is freeing but you don't have to revert to looking like a sloppy mess or like you've borrowed clothes from a teenager's closet.

Opt for pieces that have casual elements - like the cuffed sleeves, longer shirt tail hem and pull over style of this shirt.  It's comfortable yet still conveys a hint of sophistication with it's pinstripe print and crisp construction.  Style is important all the days of the week!

I believe in making the most out of your wardrobe and than means pieces that can go from day to night and workplace to weekend. Depending on your office this look may be appropriate for casual Fridays.  This shirt pairs nicely with trousers or pencil skirts and with jeans or shorts.
Versatility is key gals!
Styling Tip:  Tucked for the week and untucked for the weekend

Popover Shirt:  J Crew || White Jeans: Loft || Shoes: Similar ||

Earrings: Kate Spade Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Popover Shirt

XOXO Sarah Louise