Showing posts with label ralph lauren. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ralph lauren. Show all posts

Jan 31, 2024

Western Wear

I'm a country girl at heart. I grew up with pastures down the road and country music blaring in the car. While I live in the city now the music hasn't changed!

I find western pieces to not only be stylish but also classic with a boldness to them. As with any distinct trend I find it's important to keep some modern elements to your look as to not look like you're wearing a costume. 


For a western look: denim, belts, warm prints, turquoise and of course boots are all pretty pieces but I encourage you to just pick a few not all.

Here are some pieces to create a western look but I bet you may already have some in your closet!

GEOMETRIC SKIRT

FRINGE SKIRT

DENIM SHIRT

RANCHER HAT

COIN BELT



TURQUOISE STATEMENT NECKLACE

At the Houston Rodeo last year!

Dress Beautifully in Western Wear

XOXO Sarah Louise

Oct 18, 2016

Leather Weather


Finally Fall temps have arrived.  Ok, it may be only in the mornings and evenings but the cool crisp air is here.  Texture is my favorite thing about Fall/Winter textiles.  Tweed, wool, cashmere, cable knit, suede, fur! and leather just to name a few.

Leather has an edgy vibe which is a nice break from my typical ladylike looks.  It has structured weight creating a defined shape and a luster that commands a second look.

This isn't my first post on leather/faux leather.  Read this post on a pleated skirt and this one on leggings and here on a vest from last year. I've shared how textile manufacturers have brought the faux thing to a quality that's so good it's easily mistaken for the real thing. While I will always opt for real leather (especially when it comes to shoes and handbags) it's more economical and often a better fit with the impostor fabrics.  Real leather can be stiff and thick making it hard to tailor and limits movement/comfort.

I love this leather dress because in a drop waist design it's fitted on the upper body with just the right amount of flair at the hip for ease of movement and a hint of femininity. Also, the racerback top adds a hit of sass in showing off the shoulders.
Note: A strapless or racerback bra is necessary.

I topped it with a leopard jacket and added a complimentary rich color with burgundy booties.  Rather than cover this leather dress try layering with a crisp dress shirt or blouse underneath.

A denim jacket or cardigan are also complimentary.











Dress Beautifully in Leather

XOXO Sarah Louise

Sep 19, 2016

Princess and the Pea


Welcome to my boudoir! When Mr and I bought our home here in the Queen City last year (clearly this post is a long time coming but better late than never) having a nice room for us started with the bed.

Like with all things in my life I focus on investing in quality.  While I've always liked nice things now that I'm in my 30's I'm in a place to make lasting purchases.

When it comes to furniture I'm traditional but it must also make a statement. Classic and Striking!
This bed was all of these things.  Constructed of solid dark wood with a super high canopy and spindle posters, this bed was made for a princess.  And to make it even more regal it's super high - I mean really high.  It takes a lot of effort for my petite self to climb up.  Mr and I agree as beautiful as it is, we foresee it being a physical hazard at some point.  I call it our 'Princess and the Pea' bed.
Now, we haven't been able to add any other pieces for the bedroom.  What we do have are heirloom pieces from my Mamma, a dresser and my vanity table.  We are both very particular and adamant about finding just the right pieces that are worthy of passing down through the generations.  #patience

I believe a bed is only as beautiful as its linens.  Like with my wardrobe the fabric, color, pattern, and textures are all important.  It all started with these custom monogrammed shams and one of my most favorite boutiques.  Beaufort Linen Co. is not only been one of my favorite shops for home decor, gifts and accessories, the owner is a dear gal pal.  Mr doesn't give much input into the interior design of our home as long as it's comfortable.  But I wanted our bedroom to reflect us both and knowing his favorite color is 'Carolina Blue' I decided that would be the foundation for the design.

Typically it's one piece that starts my room design.  After purchasing our canopy bed I knew that the bar was set high and demanded grander decor.  These shams were just the right statement to compliment.  Christina of Beaufort Linen Co worked with me in choosing the trim, color and monogram style.  The fabric is in a diamond pique cotton, with a bias tape appliqué monogram and chain motif trim.  These were the PERFECT pieces for a highly decorated room or as Christina likes to put it a 'Well Collected' bedroom. Choosing these shams wasn't just about bedding.  It set the tone for creating a home that was ours.  For most of our 10 year relationship, due to our careers, schooling and military we have lived apart.  This home gave us a sense of stability and togetherness.

Mr calls these shams the 'Fancy Pillows' and carefully places them on my Grandma's blue velvet bench each night before climbing into bed.  We share this bedroom together and our joint monogram front and center makes a bold and sophisticated statement!

I chose various shades of blue for all other design elements.  A pale pastel blue for the wall color (also found in the master bathroom, kitchen, breakfast room and powder room), navy silk for the drapes, navy euro shams and a chinoiserie blue and white printed duvet (Mr says it's like a ginger jar threw up on our bed - My response "Exactly!")

When it comes to dressing and decorating I like to blend multiple shades rather that matching.

Oh and to wrap up the story of our bed, I can't forget the sheets! You should be spending 9 hours every night tangled up in them so why not have something soft and luxurious?!  Mine are just that.






Shams: Matouk from Beaufort Linen Co. || Sheets: Peacock Alley ||
Duvet: Ralph Lauren & Similar || 


Dress Your Bed Beautifully in Custom Monogrammed Shams

XOXO Sarah Louise

Aug 5, 2015

Sharp Shirtdress



Every girl's crazy about a sharp dressed man.  So why not steal from the boys and create feminine pieces with the tailoring of menswear.  Sure you could take a man's shirt, belt it and be on your way - but that's just sloppy.

When it comes to menswear think Katherine Hepburn and Diane Keaton.  Structured silhouettes that incorporate fitted blazers, button down shirts and high waisted skirts & pants.

This shirtdress has the bold stripe, crisp collar & cuffs, and overall construction of a man's dress shirt but with a tailored waist and a-line skirt.  I paired it with a super wide belt to add even more definition to the waist. Shape is everything.

In the end this shirt dress made me feel pretty and polished! That's what dressing beautifully is all about - How do you feel in your clothes?

Try a shirt dress and then accessorize it with your own personal style, belts, scarves, statement jewelry, etc....







Shirtdress: Ralph Lauren Similar & Here || Pumps: Nine West || 
Belt: Similar & Here || Handbag: Prada || 

Dress Beautifully in a Shirtdress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Dec 11, 2014

Wrapped


Last month when I was home visiting my Mamma, the temps dropped unexpectedly and naturally I didn't pack a coat.  It was early November in the South who would have thought?!

Normally I would just borrow from my littlest sissy's closet but as hard as it is to believe she's grown up to be 20!! and isn't at home anymore ... so it was straight to my Mamma's Closet.  We are both petite little red heads but her coats were just a tad too long for my taste. 

And then I remembered this oversized scarf I gifted her a couple of years ago.  It's a warm caramel color made of cashmere and oh so warm.  It's like being wrapped in a blanket.  
What I did pack was my favorite vintage belt and my go to crisp white shirt.  Paired with jeans, I was styled and read to step out into the cold.

I wrapped the oversized scarf around and secured it with my belt.  It was the perfect touch, adding warmth, shine and creating shape.

I felt so classy wearing my Mamma's scarf ... I mean she is the muse behind my classic style!!

Add some warmth without the coat with an oversized scarf turned caplet with an added belt. 



Oversized Scarf: Ralph Lauren Similar & HereHere || Dress: Ann Taylor ||
Crisp White Shirt: Brooks Brothers ||  Belt: Vintage Similar || 
Pumps: Nine West || Handbag: Prada || 

Dress Beautifully Wrapped in an Oversized Scarf 

XOXO Sarah Louise