Stand Out Top

 

To me a stand out top with a good pair of jeans and a heel just a smidge too tall for for comfort is a perfect outfit for those 'I want to look sassy' occasions.  Maybe it's a girls night out, a date night, or a celebration and while you could wear a dress (I'll never say no), I find it modern, chic and effortlessly cool to jazz up a pair of jeans.

This top looks worldly to me in the print and muted colors while the shoulder ruffles and peplum give it lots of femininity. I like adding unique pieces to my wardrobe that break up the classics to keep my style current. And while jeans are always a good choice, skirts and shorts are cute pairing options too (especially when it gets hot).

 

Top | Jeans | Pumps |

Dress Beautifully in a Stand Out Top

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Blouses Under Dresses

TGIF! Brrrr it's been a cold week.  And a challenge not being able to play outside with Vivian but there's no shortage of laughter inside where it's warm.

Layering in the winter is my favorite way of styling my outfits because it makes the most out of my wardrobe. A majority of my dresses are sleeveless therefore giving me the option to wear all year long with the addition of pieces underneath and over during the winter months. 

One of my signature style moves is layering blouses underneath dresses. I've been doing it for 15+ years! I don't own a cardigan but I do have plenty of blazers to put over dresses. However I find it's a little more comfortable and easier to move around in blouse or dress shirt. 

A versatile wardrobe not only allows for countless pairing/styling options but also maximizes your monetary investment. These blouses and dresses are great on their own but paired together creates another unique outfit. 

Here are 5 examples of ways I've paired blouses underneath dresses ...

Note: I've had these pieces for many years! While the world is drowning us in influences to have new and more, working with what you have is so much better!

I've linked similar pieces below each picture.

Crisp White Shirt | Leopard Dress | Boots

I like a dress shirt buttoned ALL the way up.  It has a sharp menswear look to it.
I think it'd be fun to add a colored broach at the top.

Black & White Blouse | Black Dress | Pumps

Snake Blouse | Burgundy Dress | Pumps

This v-neck blouse aligned perfectly with the dress's but if it didn't the blouse would have more showcase.  Pieces don't have to fit like a puzzle.

Pink Blouse | Blue Dress | Burgundy Booties

These two necklines had the same shape but didn't align just right.  So to fill the space I added a very long layered pearl necklace to break it up. 

Bright Printed Blouse | Ivory Dress | Pumps

The clean ivory of this tweed dress really balances the bold colors and print of the blouse.

Dress Beautifully Layering Blouses Under Dresses

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Sweet Carolina Blue

This is it! This jumpsuit in it's Carolina blue gingham is the feel pretty piece for Spring.  I ordered it in February when the skies were sad grey and rainy but the sun is coming out and warming the air and I REALLY want to wear this in real life! 

Made of light cotton it's cool and comfortable.  The halter neck ties in a sweet bow and there's pockets! I won't avoid the truth, because it is a jumpsuit you will have to untie the bow unzip the back and be half naked when you go to the ladies room. Eh details.

The cut is the most flattering. Here's why, the halter neckline has angles that highlight your shoulders showing a little extra skin, elongating the arms and drawing the eye upwards to your face.  It also covers the décolletage which to me is always a good idea (cleavage is tacky!)

The waist band is at just the right spot creating a tiny waistline.  The wide leg pant balances the fitted bodice and creates lots of room for comfort. 

And because the pant is cropped you can wear what ever shoes you want.

I'm clearly in love.  I dressed it up with pumps and a pearl handbag but how cute would a pair of espadrilles or wedges be? Or even flat sandals for dinner and ice cream (at the beach would be best!)

Tip: Your hair is part of styling an outfit and you should always consider the neckline. If it's high put half or all of your hair up and if it's low/showing lots of skin wear it down. Balance. 

Gingham Jumpsuit | Pumps | Handbag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in this Carolina Blue Gingham Jumpsuit

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Walking in Whites

I know that here in the South we don't dare wear our white shoes after Labor Day But honestly, the bright whites are a fresh contrast to all the dark hues of the cold season. It just breaks all the rules.

Now 'Winter White' is perfectly acceptable. 

Winter white is the same as ivory, cream, off-white, whatever you want to call it. It's just not the bright bleached white.

I already have the tasseled loafers - they are in compliance as they are an ivory color.

Skirt the Rules Gals and walk in white this Winter! ... I think I may have to in these booties!

Here are my favorite pairs ...

Stiletto Heel Pumps  ||  Booties  ||  Block Heel Pumps  ||  Loafers  ||  Tassel Heeled Loafer  ||

Dress Beautifully in White Shoes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Crisp White Shirtdress

If I could be any dress, this would be it!  That is a HUGE statement. As much as I love a crisp white shirt it's no surprise that a crisp white shirtdress would be a favorite.  But there are other elements that make this dress #1.

In no particular order ...
- Crisp white cotton
- Pointed Collar
- Scalloped hem & sleeve
- Waist seam
- A-line Shape
- Knee Length

All of these elements make it a classic! Flattering, timeless and beautiful.

It comes in Blue and Striped too.

Because it's a blank canvass for accessorizing I added pops of gingham.  I plan to use belts, scarves and countless shoe pairings (wedges, sandals, flats, & color).

Scalloped Shirtdress  ||  Gingham Heels  ||  Gingham Clutch  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Crisp White Shirtdress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Modern Lines

We all have our favorite shops.  Whether it's for coffee and baked goods, a local wine bar, home decor or for unique clothing and accessories.

A couple years ago I found one of my favorite shops and the best thing I ever walked out with was a dear gal pal.  It's owner is a treasured relationship that I cherish no matter the distance between us. I love any excuse to leave the Queen City to visit this small town on the water.

This shop caught my eye for it's beautiful home decor and linens (and all the blue and white I could ever want) but it has grown so much, offering a wide range of must haves.  From furniture to clothing, baby stuff to entertaining ware, linens to jewelry, gifts to art and even design services .... it basically has it all!

An unexpected trip to the coast a couple weeks ago allowed me to have a surprise stop in!  Typically I scoop up home decor or local handmade creations but this time I spotted this dress and had to have it.

It blends modern and fun design with the classics.  Allow me to define.  The mirrored v-neckline (front and back) with choker combined with the black and white windowpane print creates a mix of elements that's sure to have gals stopping you to ask 'Where did you get that dress?'.  My response 'Beaufort Linen Company, You must check them out!'.

This dress pairs modern bodice lines with classic grid graphics that can go from casual with a pair of sandals or wedges to professional with a pair of pumps.  Gals, I literally go through the styling options in my mind when selecting garments.  And don't forget the unlimited amount of color you can add with accessories.

I thought I would share with you a round up of my current favorites at the shop but there are just too many and a constant influx of new things added everyday.  So you must visit their website to shop around and follow on Instagram to stay up to date on their latest arrivals.

I promise you'll want some of everything! And just maybe you'll add this dress to your wardrobe :)

Windowpane Dress  ||  Pumps  ||  Handbag  ||  Sunglasses  ||  Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in Modern Lines

XOXO Sarah Louise

Marigold Part II

Monday I shared with you gals this marigold lace top and I also shared that I'd be styling the matching skirt on Wednesday/today.  So here it is, this matching marigold lace skirt and all it's sunny glory paired with a classic chambray shirt.

Yes, these coordinating matchy-matchy pieces are bold, bright and beautiful but I do believe they need to be styled separately.  The color is so saturated along with the straight cut of the lace top making it difficult to tuck in, I feel that you maybe overwhelmed.  If I were to wear them together I'd most definitely add a printed scarf and/or jacket to add contrast.

Instinctually I went to pair this skirt with a classic blue dress shirt (because y'all know I'm all about work wear) but I decided to opt for a bit more of a casual vibe and go with something equally as classic, the chambray shirt.  It easily pairs with everything! And it's a little more laid back.
I did however stick with pumps but for the weekend a sandal/flat/wedges would do.

This skirt has the same feminine cutout lace detail as the top and with a grosgrain, slightly stretchy waist band and aline design, a super flattering fit.

More pairing Options:
Basic white tee (tucked in or knotted)
Burgundy or Olive (think Fall)
Crisp white shirt
Pastel Pink
Blue & White stripes

This marigold lace skirt truly adds a ray of sunshine to your step!

Chambray Shirt || Marigold Lace Skirt || Pumps || Handbag || Earrings || 

Dress Beautifully in Marigold

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Velvet Touch

Velvet is everywhere this season! From clothing to shoes, the soft warm fabric with it's eye catching sheen adds elements of luxe to any look.  See some of my velvet favorites from this post a few weeks ago.

P.S.  I'm stalking my front door for this pair of velvet shoes to arrive.

This blouse blends classic and modern components with an embellishment of a velvet medallion.

The design incorporated the foundation of a poplin dress shirt and reworked the construction with a shorter hem and oversized elbow sleeves.

I feel that this top is one of those pieces that you can wear all year long for so many occasions.  For the office, ditch the boring solids and pair it with a pencil skirt or trousers.  For casual days you can't go wrong with denim and come spring white will make it pop!

If the shorter hem line has you concerned, wear it on top of a sheath dress or with a higher waisted a line skirt.  Personally, I'm a tucker but I like adding variations to my wardrobe - keeps things fresh.

Velvet Embellished Top || Pencil Skirt || Pumps || Earrings || 

Dress Beautifully in Velvet

XOXO Sarah Louise