Prepster

Preppy was my overall style in my 20's. All the pink & green, pearls, and girlie details I could put on my body. While I have matured quite a bit (in so many ways!) I still appreciate the classics that make up a preppy look.

Preppy Essentials & Modern Style Tips:

COLLARED SHIRT - preferably popped

A crisp button up in a cropped design is current and chic.

CARDIGAN SWEATER 

I chose a thick stripe in a boxy designs & draped it over my shoulders

SCARF

An opportunity to add luxe, color & print.

Let the print be something that really shows off your personality

JEWELRY

I chose a modern and shiny gold hoop over a pearl 

JEANS

Timeless straight leg in a medium wash (my most fav pair!)

LOAFERS

These pink ones are so me but these are a fabulous buy with a designer look.

HANDBAG

Girly but also sophisticated in a top handle design

Don't forget your all American dog!

Trixie the golden lab :)

Preppy is all about timeless pieces in happy colors

I encourage you to create a preppy look

and especially using what you already have in your closet! 

Dress Beautifully & Preppy

XOXO Sarah Louise

Fairly Preppy

Gals, this look takes me back! Back to my younger days when my style was sweet and preppy.  I still love prim classic girlie pieces and it's feels nice to wear them.  

This fair isle sweater is truly timeless and full of color. Oh, and of course warm!  I actually get really excited about printed knits because most of the time it's tables and tables of solid sweaters in stores.

I highly recommend giving your sweaters it a little front tuck for shape!

This denim skirt is a goodie. So are the boots.  The skirt I've had for 3 years and the boots close to 10! Quality and versatility are so important when choosing pieces for your wardrobe. I can style both of these countless ways with what is in my closet. I take care of my clothing with dry cleaning and never putting them in the dryer. And for my shoes, I store them neatly and give them a good polish and sole repair when needed. 

With all the trendy embellishments out there, don't neglect the timeless pretty ones you already have! 

Fair Isle Sweater | Denim Skirt | Riding Boots

Dress Beautifully in a Fair Isle Sweater & Denim Skirt

XOXO Sarah-Louise

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

Varsity vibes

This sweater is so me! That's exactly what Mr said when I picked it up.  We were at the mall together on an afternoon date, he wanted to go to the apple store and I went across the hall.  When I tried it on he said I looked like I should be on a yacht.  I agree. Put me on a yacht Mr!
I also got the varsity prep vibes from it.

Either way it's super cute, soft and warm. It definitely has an all American classic look that will never steer you wrong.

I paired it with these flair jeans I shared with you here, actually the sweater is on this post too.  I wanted to add some variety to all my skinny jeans but decided the wide leg crops were just too wide for my petite frame. But these trouser/flares were just enough without being too much. And they're not super long! I did size down.  I was able to get them on epic sale which is great because I'm not sure how much I will wear them.  They may become my new favs and in that case extra win.  I kinda miss my flares from back in the day. I could share an old school picture but NO haha

I've been meaning to write a post on these sneakers for you gals.  Let me just say this, I know they are expensive but in my opinion, worth it! When it comes to shoes I invest in quality and have fewer pairs.  I make sure they are comfortable and versatile to maximize wear. Now, admittedly these are outside my style box but as the 'IT' sneaker I had to try them and they are soooooo comfortable and I wear them all the time! I'll get on that post for you :)

You could also dress this sweater up with a pair of navy or gray trousers/pencil skirt for the office or church.

Sweater | Jeans | Sneakers | Earrings

Dress Beautifully Channeling those All American Preppy Vibes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Shoulders & Seersucker

Every year just before Easter I get all excited about bringing my favorite light weight fabrics in their fresh light colors out of storage. I smile as I hang each piece back in my closet remembering the occasion and memories I made in it the year before.  My seersucker suit is one of those special and  distinct pieces that I treasure.

Seersucker is the Southerner’s signature summer swag. The seersucker suit is a staple for church and weddings in the warmer months, not only for keeping cool in cotton vs wool but for its pastel stripes.

I think that most think of the seersucker suit is for the menfolk and a sundress for the gals.  I mean let’s be honest I do have a seersucker sundress but I also love a good set.

The key to embracing the suit as a lady is to opt for a dress and/or skirt as opposed to pants.  Yes, you must have pant suits but embrace the feminine side and add variety.  Especially in the summer, we are made of sweet sugar that melts!

I like to get the most out of my investments and the key to doing so is to separate the pieces for endless outfit options.

For this look I took the skirt from my seersucker suit and paired it with THE hottest trend right now, an off the shoulder top. 

An instant weekend look that’s casual yet very polished.  I swapped out the heels I would normally wear with my suit for wedges. 

I love this blouse for its short sleeves and the option to not show your shoulders by pulling the neckline up for those occasions where you might want more coverage or ease of movement.

Gals, get creative and mix up your classic and trendy pieces! 

Off the Shoulder Top: J Crew || Seersucker Skirt: Brooks Brothers - Similar & Here || 

Wedges: Similar & Here || Sunglasses: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in an Off the Shoulder Top & Seersucker

XOXO Sarah Louise

Purple & Orange

I'm totally loving this color pairing!  Mixing bright colors makes me happy.  It's sunny and Springtime, so give your darks and neutrals a time out. 

When I mix my colors I make sure there's print involved to add interest.  Gingham is a favorite! Check out these gingham pants from last week.  

I kept it cool with rolled up sleeves and a collar pop.

Gingham Shirt: Brooks Brothers Similar & Here || Skirt: Skirtin Around Similar & Here ||

Shoes: Franco Sarto Similar & Here || Earrings: Tory Burch || 

Dress Beautifully in Purple & Orange

XOXO Sarah Louise