Soft Neutrals

Today baby girl is 32 WEEKS!!!

Half the time I’m like ‘Woah! time is flying by how am I ever going to be ready?!!’ Then the other half of me is panicked that I can’t survive another 8 weeks!

I will almost always opt for a lighter palette over a darker.  Even in the winter, I find light and bright looks refreshing! Just like snow – that I never ever see because #southernliving.

This sweater is the perfect blend of soft in color and comfort. AND it’s not maternity – so if you do have a bump you’ll probably need to layer a shirt underneath for added coverage.

I went with my normal size because I want to wear it for seasons to come.  And since it’s a looser fit it will be nice for the transition once she’s here.

  

If you’re a rule breaker pair this sweater with white jeans – if not black or blue are good too!

Can I just add that I’m loving my new bag?!! I can’t remember if I shared with you #babybrain that Mr surprised me with it at one of my baby showers a few weeks ago – best baby daddy ever! I have my planner with me and it often has a jacket or sweater in it because I’m constantly shedding due to internal heat waves.

For years I’ve shared with you that this shoe is my ALL TIME FAVORITE EVER!!! I have them in 4 colors black patent, brown croc, red patent and nude patent – they are classic and comfortable.  So much that I’ve resoled 2 pairs over the years.  They’ve been my go to for work & travel and even more so now that my heels are being neglected.

Sweater & Layering Tee ||  Pants - Non Maternity  ||  Shoes  ||  Handbag & Similar  || 

Dress Beautifully in Soft Neutrals

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

So 'Coco'

Pearls, tweed, fringe, and black/white color palettes are what come to mind when I think of the iconic Coco Chanel. This black tweed dress is light weight ideal for all year wear and because it's not too thick it lays nicely on the body rather than adding bulk or restrictive movement which is common of thicker weaves.

I adore the cross body fringe layers!  They elongate the body and add beautiful detailing. Because it's sleeveless you can easily layer or wear alone with sandals in warmer weather.

I honored Coco in my styling with pearls and a pop of red in my forever favorite shoes. I say 'forever favorite' because Salvatore Ferragamo is my most loved shoe designer of all time.  The 'Vara' shoe is a classic and oh so comfortable.  I wear them all year long with everything.  They are a go-to for work and a life saver for my crazy travel schedule. The Vara shoe has been around for decades and I see myself wearing them for the next several decades of my own strutting years.  They come in all sizes and a large range of widths (essential for accommodating those painful foot issues).
I wear them so much that I've had to resole my black patent pair twice!

Channel your inner Coco with fringe, tweed and pearls.

Fringe Tweed Dress: Ann Taylor ||  Dress Shirt: Brooks Brothers || 

Red Shoes:  Salvatore Ferragamo || Pearls: Similar & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Fringe Tweed

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