Pinstripe

A pinstripe is a very narrow stripe typically found in suiting.  Sometimes the stripe is subtle and sometimes, like in this dress shirt, it's nice a bold.  This high contrasting stripe makes a sharp statement , but balanced with the femininity of a bow.

I'm all about dressing polished for the office and staying true to yourself as a woman.  There's no reason that professional has to be boring.  This isn't my only dress shirt with a bow tie neck sash.  I featured this same dress shirt in white on this post.  The great thing about these tailored crisp dress shirts, is that the sash is buttoned underneath the collar allowing you to have style options with or without it.  Sometimes you may want to embrace the secretary vibe and others you may want to play it cool. Either way the stripe will steal attention!

I paired this navy dress shirt with ivory trousers, complimenting the stripe and a camel blazer to warm it up.  This time of year the excitement of cooler temps and changing colors of the leaves has me craving rich warm tones and textures.

And if the bow wasn't enough for your girlish liking, I added a pop of color with a pair of magenta suede heels.

Tip:  Don't limit your dress shirts to the work week, go open collar and pair with jeans for a casual chic look.  Also, if you're one of those gals that struggles pairing navy with blue jeans, try with grey or black denim.

Pinstripe Bow Shirt & Similar || Trousers & Similar || Blazer || Shoes || 

Dress Beautifully in Pinstripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Black Tie

The Neck Sash is Back!

Women have adorned themselves with fabric sashes tied in bows around their neck collars for decades.  I remember my Mamma had a light pink and ivory striped blouse with a big ivory bow tied around the neck.  It was her favorite and looking back at pictures it was mine too!  She looked so classy in that blouse paired with a black skirt and pearl studs.

The Secretary Blouse:  Women's top made of loose fabric with a neck tie, typical worn for office wear. 

Truth: I own 5 secretary blouses. Everything's better with a bow!

You can create your own secretary look by tying a sash around any button down or blouse.  It doesn't have to have a collar.  I like the idea of black as it's so versatile and will pair with a range of looks from flannel plaid to solid silks.  

For this look I kept it clean and sharp with classic black & white.  

I've had this black satin sash since undergrad! See, it is good to hold on to things! It's been a workhorse for so many looks. 

Neck Sash: Old Similar & Blouse || Blouse: Similar || Pants: BCBG || Cage Heels: Nine West || 

Handbag: Prada || Earrings: Kate Spade || Polish: Butter London || Sunglasses: Ray-Ban ||

Dress Beautifully in a Neck Tie

XOXO Sarah Louise

Cobalt

I'm Currently Craving the Color Cobalt this Season! 

Cobalt is a Rich, Saturated & Bright Blue Hue.  I Style it as a Neutral and Think of it as a Fun Alternative to Navy.  

I've Successfully Splashed Cobalt in my Closet with Dresses, Blouses, Skirts, Pants, a Coat and Shoes!! Still Missing ... A Handbag!! A much Tougher Challenge as I'm Very Particular about my Purses - Stay Tuned!

For this Wear-to-Work Look I Styled my Favorite Blouse Design the 'Secretary' - a Blouse with a Neck Tie Sash Typically Tied in a Bow.  I Adore this Design in Silk Fabric and a Big Feminine Bow. 
And The Houndstooth Glen Plaid Print - it's My Favorite of All Prints!  To Give this Blouse Interest a Pop of Cobalt Runs Through the Plaid Lines. 

Add Some Cheer to Your Look with Cobalt Blue Hues!

Glen Plaid Secretary Blouse: Brooks Brothers Similar Here & Here || Black Pencil Skirt: Ann Taylor || Cobalt Blue Shoes: Jessica Simpson || 

Dress Beautifully in Cobalt

XOXO Sarah Louise