Friday Favorites: Mini Skirts

TGIF! Gals, Summer's heat and humidity is here! Give me all the AC on full blast. But since I want to spend my Summer under the sun not just looking at it through the window, my wardrobe has to be functionally cool and still aesthetically cute.

I've shared that shorts aren't my favorite because neither are my legs. I find that dresses and skirts, even minis, give me more coverage and better suit my girlie style. 

Until recently, you'd never ever see me in a hem line above my knees. Not because I didn't like them, but because of my insecurities. I'm overcoming them one day at a time.

Now, when I say mini, I mean mid thigh. Let's keep it classy shall we ladies. I don't care how thin, tall or young you are, if you wouldn't wear it in front of your Grandma, it's too darn short. Finger tip length is a good measurement.

Personally, I love an elastic waist tiered mini skirt as you can adjust the waist placement, it can hold a top tucked in and has sassy movement when you walk. It also flatters all body shapes and allows for a good breeze on a hot day.

Here are some of my favorite minis ...

 My Skirt (Last Year) : Misa Los Angeles Current Version

Embroidered Eyelet Skirt

Crisp Black Cotton Skirt

Orange Lace Skirt

Ruffled Mini Skirt

White Tiered Skirt

Floral Ruffled Skirt

Tie Waist Pocket Skirt

Orchid Floral Skirt

Navy Floral

Tiny Floral Skirt

Dress Beautifully in a Mini Skirt

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Rosy Posy Romantic

Airy eyelet, delicate lace and romantic ruffles are some of the sweetest design elements in making a pretty piece. This dress is full of so much of these details making it anything but simple yet at the same time one that isn't so elaborate it fades with the times.

I'm loving shorter dresses this season!  But let's keep it classy so not too short. An a-line shape on a shorter dress or skirt allows for more movement and coverage while sitting.  It also makes for a really fun twirl!

This muted rosy dress breaks my typical crisp, classic style with more whimsy.  I'm excited to continue to add more romance to my wardrobe with pieces that mix vintage vibes in modern ways.

Eyelet Mini Dress - Similar  | Sandals | Earrings | Sunglasses |

Dress Beautifully in a Romantic Mini Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Carolina Girl

Carolina girls are the best in the world! #truth

I must also say that nothing can be finer than to be in Carolina ... especially under the clear 'Carolina' blue skies of Spring. Ok, enough Carolina isms but in all seriousness I'm born and raised right here in NC and I wouldn't change it for anything.  Mr loves NC even more than I do.  He's lived here most of his life with the exception of a couple military moves and grad school.  Together we've lived on the coast and here in Charlotte.

While I chose not to got to UNC Chapel Hill for undergrad Mr did and I can't even tell you how intense his school spirit is.  And in true Carolinian fashion the pastel blue hue is a favorite.  Our kitchen, breakfast room, master bed and bath are all painted Carolina blue.

I'm a fan of it in basically all things.  So when I saw this skirt it was a must.  Not only is the soft blue color pretty, it's also a neutral and will go well with just about anything.  The construction is super cute.  It has a hidden elastic waist, so you just pull it on.  The cuteness comes from the flippy shape.  It highlights the waist and gives way to lots of movement.

I paired it with an equally as feminine top that has ruffles on the shoulders.

Blue and white are forever a fav!

Ruffle Blouse  ||  Blue Skirt  ||  Pumps  ||  Handbag  ||

Dress Beautifully in Carolina Blue

XOXO Sarah Louise

Houndstooth

The weekend is just a hop, skip and a jump away!  I know we just had a big long Thanksgiving holiday ... about that, sorry for the blog break but a timeout was just what I needed and besides I'm hoping you were like me, soaking up moments with the ones you love and focusing on all there is to be grateful for!

When it comes to the holiday season, tis the time to dress beautifully for all those festive fetes. As much as I love sparkle, lace and shine I don't find it wise to invest in cocktail dresses that get worn once maaaaybe twice.  I believe in owning pieces that are versatile and that means investing in classic, quality pieces that fit for multiple occasions and this dress fits the bill.

This dress is not only fun with it's flirty hem ruffles but it's in a brushstroke houndstooth print, my Most Favorite print EVER! Houndstooth has been my favorite since my college days.  It's timeless and not overly anything.  What I mean is isn't not too feminine/masculine, not too graphic/abstract, not too warm weather/cold, not color/neutral specific and perfect in any home designed in drapes/upholstery.

You can wear this beauty to the office, date night, holiday party, church, basically anywhere you want. The silk fabric gives it a luxurious sheen and all season wear.

Stay tuned - Five ways to style this houndstooth number on tomorrow's Friday 5 post!

Oh and I finally jumped on the tassel earring trend!  I went with black as I knew they weren't an everyday kind of bauble and black goes perfectly for dressy occasions. I must say, I wish I had jumped on board sooner.  Despite their slightly heavy weight they're fun, elongating on the face and show off nicely with a pulled back hairdo.

Houndstooth Dress || Over the Knee Boots || Tassel Earrings || 

Dress Beautifully in Houndstooth

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pink & Plaid

Til the season for layers which is great because more is more right?! Well, it depends, but when it comes to style I love that cooler weather allows for endless combinations of textures and colors.
This time of year in the South can be a struggle.  Down right cold in the mornings but by lunch you're breaking a sweat. And then it's cold again come supper time.  #SMH

Yes it can be annoying but use this indecisive weather as a styling opportunity to pile on the pieces.

Take this look for example, it's has all the elements of chic style: color, pattern, texture and shine.

Let's break it down ...

Color: Pink is all year pretty ladies and it's fun to add lighter shades to the season of darks

Pattern:  Plaid Plaid Plaid is everywhere come September, this patterned plaid is called 'Glen plaid' and it's my favorite.  It's more sophisticated than your typical lumberjack check

Texture:  This jacket in a structured warm wool contrasted with the delicate ruffled blouse adds interest and depth to the look.  Not to mention these soft suede boots!

Shine: Those gold block heels are strut worthy! You can always use jewelry for this element.

Layer on Ladies!

Blouse || Jacket || Skirt & Similar || Boots 

Dress Beautifully in Plaid & Pink

XOXO Sarah Louise

Blues

There's no Sadness in These Monday Blues.  I Love Pairing Shades of a Color Together. When Styling a Tonal Look be Sure to Incorporate Interest with Detailing or Accessories.

Here in the South Light Blue is Referred to as 'Carolina' Blue from the Signature UNC- Chapel Hill Color - Mr's an Alum so it's Favorite!
This 'Carolina' Blue Blouse Brings Interest & Femininity with it's Pleated Ruffles.

I'm Definitely a Blues over Blacks Gal.  While Most Gals Can't Get Enough Black Pieces in their Closet, I Hunt for Blues, Navy Blues.  Navy isn't Nearly as Easy to Find as Black, so When I Find a Great Navy Piece it Almost Always Comes Home.

P.S. You Can Totally Mix Blues & Blacks! (Sounds like a good post ... stay tuned)

I Added Some Bright to the Look with my Handbag and Spectator Pumps in White & Navy.

Carolina Blue Ruffled Blouse: ASOS || Navy Suit Pencil Skirt: Banana Republic ||

White Handbag: Michael Kors || Spectator Pumps: Brooks Brothers Similar ||

Sunglasses: Target || Essie Polish: Butler Please ||  

Be Beautiful in Blues

XOXO Sarah Louise

Designer Crush Elizabeth McKay

My Crushes are Rarely of the Hollywood Type.  I Find Awe in the Talent & Artistry of Designers.  Sure the Fancy Haute Couture Pieces are Beautiful and Sometimes Fascinating but What Gets my Heart Fluttering are Simple, Feminine and Colorful Designs.

Elizabeth McKay, Holds the Top Spot on my Favorites.  She's an American Designer (Her Family originated from NC!) who Studied in NYC.  Her Designs Make a Statement with their Detailing and Prominent Prints (Usually Graphic or Safari Inspired).  
McKay is my Muse for my Future Design Goals!

Her 2 Signature Designs the 'Scotland Wrap Dress' and 'Elizabeth Blouse' Live in my Wardrobe by the Multiples!  They Each have a Ruffled Neckline that Adds a Feminine and Sophisticated Touch.  The Dress comes with 2 Sashes: One with 2 Large Shiny Gold Buttons and the Other Made of Self Fabric for Tying.  The Blouse Contains Cufflink Style Hardware Holding the Ruffles in Place (I've Interchanged with my Own Collection of Cufflinks for a Personal Flair).  

It's All About Quality.  EMcKay Pieces are Constructed from Beautiful Silks and Cottons with Rich Colors and Distinctive Patterns.  It's these Fine Qualities that Make Each Garment Perfect for All Occasions: Office, Church, Weddings, Luncheons/Showers Etc...

For the Past 5 Years I've been Collecting EMcKay Designs.  Mr Showers me with at Least One Piece, Sometimes 2 or 3! Every Birthday and Christmas.  I Own Over 30 Tops & Dresses and Just Can't get Enough!  Mr Even Took me to Her Showroom Store in NYC a Couple Years Ago ... Amazing!! Mr & The Store :)

You can Find EMcKay in Specialty Boutiques, I Frequent Charlotte's in Raleigh, NC and Sherman Pickey in Georgetown, DC for All My Must Haves. 

This Summer Scotland Wrap Dress is in a Cotton, Orange Striped Fabric.  The Gold Button Sash Suited My Fancy for this Look but I've been Know to Shake it Up with Various Belt Options. 

Scotland Wrap Dress: Elizabeth McKay | Wedges Kate Spade: Similar |

Turquoise Earrings; Kendra Scott | Handbag: Michael Kors |

Sunglasses: Maui Jim | Essie Polish: Clambake |

Who's Your Designer Crush?!

XOXO Sarah Louise