Christmasy

 There are so many 'holiday' outfits out there with sparkle and plaid and vibrant reds. While I find them to be very festive they're often a one time wear. Red is a color I rarely wear, but I do have a few pieces. 

When I style red I believe it makes any outfit look Christmasy! 

Here are some ways to style red for all your holiday fetes ...

LEOPARD JACKET - PUMPS

This dress I found at target a while back and is easy to layer over.

Jacket & Shoes Vintage - JEANS

Blazers are always chic and this one in leather adds a lot!

Accessories do a lot for an outfit. Go all out in monochromatic.

MESH TOP  - BOOTS

A vest adds a warm layer

and allows for additional layering and easy movement.

Dress Beautifully in Red for Christmas

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Red White & Blue

TGIF! I sure do hope you had a fun 4th of July celebrating the blessing of our country, our freedom and the service/sacrifice of those that make it possible. 

It's my second favorite day of the year and I enjoyed grilled hamburgers & hot dogs, sparklers and of course wearing red, white and blue!

Vivian & I spent it with Grandma & Grandpa this year and did our best to avoid melting in the intense heat. 

Dress Beautifully as a Proud American

XOXO Sarah Louise

Unexpected Red Theory

 Have you heard of the "Unexpected Red Theory"?

 It was coined by interior designer Taylor Simon and is defined as:

 'adding anything that's red, big or small, to a room where it doesn't match at all – and it automatically looks better'

I have to admit, I do not have red in our home nor have I ever considered it. In fact our powder room was painted red when we purchased our home and I referred to it as a murder scene (it was immediately painted white before we moved in).

BUT after seeing beautiful images of rooms online with pops of red, I'm a believer.

Outside of Christmas or formal occasions I don't see many gals wearing red.

What if we added red to our wardrobes ... even if it doesn't match, for an outfit that has unexpected style?!!

Here are some ways I styled a classic red dress ...

If a you're more comfortable with smaller amounts of red try a red shoes, a scarf, a handbag or belt!

Fact: if you have red hair like me you CAN & SHOULD wear red! more is more!

RED SHIRT DRESS | RED SHIFT DRESS

Dress Beautifully in Red

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Ruby Red

 TGIF! Gals it was straight up hot this week! Vivian keeps asking how much longer until Summer so we can go to the pool & beach ... not much my darling! 

I recently cleaned out and organized my seasonal clothing in my closet and realized I don't own any red outside of 1 sweater and 1 pair of pants.  I wear both at Christmas time.  I do have a red handbag and pair of crocodile knee high boots but for some reason red accessories (my favorite being 2 ruby bracelets) appeal to me more than clothing. My only guess is that I wear a big red mane on my head every. single. day. so I feel no need for more.

I've actually encountered a lot of gals who let their hair or skin color hold them back from colors. I say, Nonsense! 

My Red Floral Ruffle Top

This red blouse spoke to me with the ruffles and classic print. I also find it versatile for all year wear.

Here are some ruby red pieces sure to make you feel like a gem!

Belted Midi Dress

Flutter Sleeve Tunic Dress

Ruffle Neck Dress

Ruffled Mini Dress

Maxi Dress

Embroidered Tunic Dress

Ruffled Shoulder Top

Wrap Blouse

Cropped Blouse

Flowy Camisole

One Piece Swimsuit

Espadrille Flats

Studded Flat Sandal

Dress Beautifully in Red

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Ready Set Reds

Red is a powerful color.  It's bold and bright and grabs attention.  According to the old song 'Lady in Red' men love a gal in red.  I have to say I agree, it's my red hair that grabbed Mr's attention :)

I want to talk about pops vs continuity.  There's the concept of styling where one element of color is added to a neutral look.  It showcases that one element of color such as shoes, statement jewelry or handbag.

I prefer continuity, where the elements flow throughout the entire look.  Today's look is all about a stream of red.  Now, the shades of red are not all the same which creates depth and interest.  I'm not a matchy matchy gal.

I also like to mix my casual and dressy pieces.  It's more unexpected and a great way to balance out your wardrobe.  This tweed jacket with it's gold buttons is very ladylike while the striped muscle tank  in stripes is very casual.  The jeans are polished in a dark wash while still casual in nature paired with my super shiny shoes in bright patent leather create a nice mix.  These shoes are my MOST FAVORITE shoe design!!! I have this shoe in patent black and brown croc (these shoes are a post all in themselves - stay tuned).

The reds, textures and prints in this look all compliment each other creating a continuity of reds amongst themselves.

Rather than one element of color in your next look, try going more cohesive tying in a color throughout.

Striped Muscle Tank: Madewell & Similar & Here || Jacket: Similar & Here ||

Jeans: Banana Republic || Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo || Earrings: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Reds

XOXO Sarah Louise

Lady in Red

TGIF!  I look forward to saying that all week for many reasons.  Another week comes to an end and I like to look back and reflect on the accomplishments, the laughter and the blessings.  I'm a goal oriented person with an obsession with lists (they're everywhere! purse, desk, kitchen, car etc..) I check back on my lists and see how I measured on completing what I had aimed to do that week.  I don't always get it all crossed off but I sure do make a great effort and that's what counts.  There's always another week so cheers to the weekend!!!

This weekend will be slammed full of cheers as I host my first soiree in our new home and celebrate being back home in Charlotte 'SL in the QC' - Stay tuned for a recap next week :)

P.S. The champagne emoji for iPhone is finally here! I've already used it with almost every text/post in excess!

For this edition of Friday Findings I'm sharing the color red.  I'm not sure why, but I feel very Parisian when I wear red.  I always tell Mr when I'm begging him to take me to Paris that I will need red shoes, handbag and jacket.  He laughs knowing darn well I'll make sure I really do have them when we go.

I find that some gals are intimidated by vibrant reds and I'm often asked with my red hair if I wear it, Yes!  Wearing a bold color can be empowering. Own it!

So here are some gorgeous candy apple red beauties I'm lusting over ....

Topper Coat

I love this vibrant red topper coat!  The bracelet sleeves, popped funnel collar and side slits make for gorgeous detailing. The fabric is mid weight so perfect for the mild winters in the South.

Dress

This sheath dress is perfect for office or evening.  

It's also an all year dress when you layer in the colder months.

Skirt

The gold zippers give this skirt modern shine.

Blouse

Wrap blouses are chic and very flattering

Handbag

Wear this peopled leather bag on the elbow or cross body. 

It holds all you need with it's expandable sides. 

I've got this bag on my dream list!

Shoes

Red suede pumps are sure to stop traffic 

I just recently added these bright beauties to my collection - The Salvatore Ferragamo Vara pump is iconic and are by far my most adored shoes and worth every penny.  I wear my black pair so much that I actually resole them. 

A smart investment for my feet. And who doesn't love bows on toes?!!

Scarf

Keep warm in this cashmere scarf

Lipstick

This lipstick is on my lips the most! 

P.S. Almost all of these items are currently 50% off at Ann Taylor through the weekend!

Dress Beautifully in Red

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Red + Leopard

Bright red and a pop of leopard are two components for style greatness.  They're bright and bold yet classic.  Making a statement doesn't have to be funky.  Saturated color and striking prints are all you need to have an eye-catching look.  With vibrant accents you must balance with soft neutrals.

For the office I would pair this red blazer and calf hair leopard pumps with a neutral sheath dress or blouse/pencil skirt combo but to carry these investment pieces through the weekend/evening I chose a basic white tank and loose skinny jeans.

What makes investment pieces an investment is not only the quality of the garments but the ability to transcend.  I'm obsessed with blazers and pair them with everything!  They add instant sophistication.  Simply roll/push up the sleeves and pair with comfy casual pieces to remove the 'office' vibe.

Red Blazer: J Crew || Jeans: Loft || Calf Hair Pumps: Brooks Brothers & Similar || 

Tank: Target || Handbag: Tory Burch || Earrings: Towne & Reese || 

Dress Beautifully in Red & Leopard

XOXO Sarah Louise