LBD & Color

Today is day 2 of wearing this black dress.

First, let's recap yesterday's experience.  The day started off exciting and full of energy as I met up with other ladies in the JLC to film about LBDI and what we are doing to fight poverty with a local Charlotte news station.  I then spent the rest of the day at my desk which included sharing emails and lots of social media posts about my participation in LBDI and the fight against poverty.  It was a rainy day here and all I could think is how lucky I am to have a nice rain jacket and boots that I can put on.  Choices are a blessing!  I cooked dinner for my family (trying very hard not to get my dress dirty on the 1st day!), then headed out to an evening meeting and wrapped up the day cheering on the Tarheels! Mr is a UNC alumni so you can imagine the enthusiasm in our home.

The highlight was when after I had clicked 'send' 'post' 'share' online and my family was the first to support my efforts with a large donation! Love them :)  I am so VERY grateful for all of those that are supporting me and the fight against poverty.  We are changing lives!

YOU can help feed children, clothe children, provide medical care and educational tools by clicking the link below
Help Fight Against Poverty

Today I didn't have to walk into my closet and scan through all the colors and garments to pick out my outfit.  My LBD was hanging right on the door.  I'm going to be out and about today and I'm eager to spark conversation around the city.

Here's some interesting info on why YOU are essential ...

In our state of North Carolina, over half a million children are living in poverty.  It is estimated almost 1 in 4 children in North Carolina are living in a household where there is uncertainty regarding access to food.  The Junior League of Charlotte will deliver over 10,000 backpacks of weekend food during the current school year at Reid Park Academy. 

Education on Poverty is Key

This databook contains a wealth of information on national economic wellbeing as well as how North Carolina stacks up against national averages:

http://www.aecf.org/m/resourcedoc/aecf-the2016kidscountdatabook-2016.pdf

The Junior League of Charlotte has invested over $300k and committed more than $500k worth of volunteer time at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Title I school Reid Park Academy. Our dollars & volunteers helped build a collaborative system of care model that provides families living in poverty access to resources & services to meet basic housing, food & physical & emotional health needs. Why should you give? Because your dollars make a difference in what we do for our neighbors in Charlotte. 

"To help children grow into successful, productive adults, their parents need well-paying jobs, affordable housing and the ability to invest in their children’s future. When parents are unemployed or earn low wages, they may struggle to meet their children’s most basic needs. Economic uncertainty also increases parental stress, which, in turn, can compromise parenting. The negative effects of poverty on children also increases the chances of poor outcomes for youth and young adults, such as teen pregnancy and failure to graduate from high school."  - The Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2014 Kids Count Data Book

For the second installment on styling a LBD I'm using pops of color. I chose pink but absolutely any color adds beauty to this dark canvass.  The trick to bringing color to a solid black look is to use shades of that color. The easiest way is with texture and print.  A neck scarf, handbag, shoes and jewelry are all elements that do just that.

LBD  ||  Pink Sandals  ||  Handbag  ||  Scarves  ||

Dress Beautifully in a LBD & Color

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

Mid-Century Modern

This Look Incorporates my Favorites:

Color: White/Ivory

Style: Mid Century Inspired 

Cut: Sheath

Print: Leopard (Calf Hair is Best)

Pop: Color & Shine

I Adore Mid Century Fashion,  Defined by the Stylish & Classy Jackie O.

This Crop Top Dress Looks like it Came Right Off the Set of 'Mad Men', And it's in my Favorite Color to Wear,  Naturally it Came Home.

When wearing a Vintage Inspired Piece You want to Pair it with Modern Accessories to Prevent a Costume Look.  I Added Color, Print, & Shine to Complete the Look.  

This Necklace is a Favorite for it's Simplicity and it Reminds me of the One Joan Wears on Mad Men.

You could Definitely Call this Dress an Illusion as it Looks like 2 Pieces.  The Copped Top Layer is Flattering Because it Hits High, Right Below the Rib Cage Creating a Small Waist Line. 

Dress: Banana Republic Outlet Similar & Here || Handbag: Marshalls (old) Similar ||

Leopard Calf Hair Pumps: Brooks Brothers Similar ||Necklace: Stella & Dot || 

Sunglasses: Target || Polish: Butter London || 

Dress Beautifully in a Crop Top Dress 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Dapper Duds

With the Holidays Just Around the Corner, it's Good Idea to Start Thinking About the Men in Your Life.  From Parties to Presents, Dapper Duds are Essential.

My Mr (I've called him 'Mr' since the day we married xoxo) has Equally as Much Style and Love of Fashion as I do ... Ok Maybe not 'Equally' but He is Very Enthusiastic About Dressing Handsomely.

We Both Enjoy Getting Gussied Up in Our Nice Duds, Putting Our Best Foot Forward for Each Other and in Whatever Environment We are In. 

Mr's Style is Traditional, but with Pops of Color and Unexpected Details ... Dapper!

Just as Gals Incorporate Color - Pattern - Texture & Shine so Can Gents.  

He Adds Interest in his Pocket Squares, Socks, Cufflinks and as a True Southern Gentleman, Always a Bow Tie for Neckwear. (Mr Attests: Great for the Medical Field as they Don't Hang Down During Patient Exams)

When it Comes to Leather, Regular Polishes and Avoiding Rainy Weather are Key to Preserving.  Storage is also Very Important!  

For Shoes - Cedar Shoetrees to Absorb Moisture and Felt Bags to Prevent Dust Settling in the Seams and Perforated Design.  

For Belts - Rolled and in Felt bags Laying Flat in a Drawer (Do Not Hang Your Belts, it Warps their Shape).

Ways to Add Interesting Details:

- Neckwear - Necktie or Bow Tie - Always Silk - Opt for Knots, Size, Prints, Colors that Showcase Your Personal Style

- Socks - Bold Colors & Prints (Wool are Best for Wicking Moisture)

- Pocket Square - Silk Hand Sewn Rolled Hem in Fun Prints & Colors that Compliment Rather than 'Match'

- Monogramming Shirt Cuffs - Choose a Font or Personal Signature that Suits

- Color/Printed Lining for Jackets

- Personalized Patches & Pockets on the Jacket Interior

- Functional Cuff Buttons

- Contrasting Stitching on Outer Cuff Button Holes and/or Label 

Man Accessories:

- Cufflinks (You can Find Almost Anything in a Cufflink to Capture Personality and Interests)

- Watches

- Belt Buckles

Fabrics Choices are Gender Neutral - Natural! Wools, Silks, Cottons 

Synthetics don't Breathe.  Sometimes a Hint of Synthetic is ok when Blended with Naturals if Stretch is Needed. 

Non-Iron is an Amazing Feature in Shirts for Men and Women and Super Convenient for Travel.  Brooks Brothers Bakes their Non-Iron Component into the Fabric so that as You Care for Your Shirts it's as Simple as Wash and Dry at Home. No Starch Needed! 

Just as Us Ladies Strive to Dress Our Bodies in Efforts to Flatter, Men can Do the Same with Slim Cut Blazers, Tailored Shirts, and Flat Front Trousers. Tailoring isn't a Luxury for Either of Us, it's a Necessity! When Your Garments Fit, You are Not Only More Comfortable but You Look Better; More Confident and Polished. 

So Here is One of my Favorite Dressy Looks for Mr 

Confession: I Have Never Picked out His Outfits! Confirming We Really are a Perfectly Fashionable Match! 

Every Girl's Crazy About a Sharp Dressed Man!

Tip: Pair this Blazer with a Pair of Jeans, Open Collar Shirt and Driving Moccasins for a Casual Look.

Entire Look Brooks Brothers: Sport Coat || Non Iron Shirt || Trousers || Bow Tie || 

Pocket Square || Alligator Belt || Shoes ||

Socks: Nordstrom || 

Dress Your Man Handsomely! 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Classy Occasion

I Absolutely LOVE to get Gussied Up.  This Kate Spade Dress is a Go-To for Feeling Fancy. 

Kate Spade is a Favorite Designer of Mine for All Things Beautiful!!

It's a Classic in it's Shape and Color-block Black & Ivory Design.  It's Perfectly Fitting for Any Occasion, All Year Long.  
For more Casual Styling Pair with Ballet Flats, a Cardigan/Denim Jacket, and Simple Jewelry.  
For more Dressy Styling Pair with Bright Heels, a Shaw/Fur Jacket and Statement Jewelry.

Don't be Afraid to Spring for Colored Tights for Extra Fun in the Cooler Months.

I Added Pops of Pink in my Shoes, Jewelry and Lipstick.

This Dress is a Great Investment to have for Years.  For Dresses I want to have a Place in my Closet Beyond a Season or Two, I Opt for an A-Line Cut for it's Forgiveness on the Figure.  The Box Pleats Add Movement without too much Volume. 
And they're Great for Twirling! 

I Make it a Best Practice to have a Stylist at my Most Adored Retailers.  Relationships are Key to my Life.  It's the People Around You that Shape Who You are and When it Comes to Style You Want the Best of Influences.
*Kristin at Kate Spade Center City Washington DC - She's a Doll XOXO

Dress: Kate Spade Similar Here Here & Here || Hot Pink Pumps: Nine West Similar || 

Necklace: Kate Spade ||

Dress Beautifully in a Classic Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Delight in White & Leopard

I Delight in White Pants from Easter All the Way til Labor Day.  When it Comes to Leopard, Well that's an All Year Long Print.  

It's All About Pairings.  I Styled the Darker Print with Bright Shades of White and Turquoise Giving the Look a Summer Twist. 

A Pop of Bright Color gives an All Neutral Look Interest.  One of the Easiest & Most Cost Effective is in Your Accessories.  

It's All About the Details!  When Selecting the Accoutrements for Your Look You Should Do So with Intent.  You'll Walk Talker with Confidence on Your Selections. 

Whether I'm Out with My Gal Pals or on a Hot Date with Mr, this Outfit is Sure to be a White Hot Hit!

Leopard Peplum Top: Banana Republic Similar | White Skinny Pants: Old Navy | 

Turquoise Earrings: Kendra Scott | Black Pumps: Similar | Handbag: Prada |

Delight in White & Leopard

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pretty Woman Moment

I Believe that All Women are Pretty, We were Simply Made that Way 
But a Lovely Dress, Some Lipstick and a Fun Pair of Heels Polishes a Gal Straight to Gorgeous!

When I saw this Dress it Reminded me of Something but I couldn't put my Finger on it.
I tried it on and was Uncertain about the Muted Carmel Color Washing me Out but was in Love with it's Classic Shape and Print. 
And it Hit Me.  
It Reminded me of the Dress Julia Roberts wore to the Polo Match in One of the Best Movies of All Time 'Pretty Woman'.   It's not an Exact Replica as Hers was a Chocolate Brown but I Certainly Felt Like a Pretty Woman in it!

Pops of Bright Red Set this Soft Color Palette on Fire with a Vintage Feminine Flair.

I Plan to Bring it into Fall with Shades of Navy & Burgundy in a Blazer, Scarf and/or Pump.  
Adding a Pair of Boots and a Cardigan will not Only Keep You Warm but Keep You Fall Fabulous.

I Styled this Look Fitting for a Lady with Pearls & a Summer Sun Hat 

Carmel Polka Dot Dress: J Crew Factory  | Red Pumps: Nine West |

| Essie Polish: Clambake  | Lips: Butter of London 'Lippy' |

Be a Pretty Woman in Polka Dots

XOXO Sarah Louise