Bourbon & Blush

This is a first.  I have a twin set in my closet.  With my affinity for classic and timeless pieces  it's ironic, even to myself, that I don't own such a fundamental garment as a cardigan.  I've always chosen blazers over cardigans.  I prefer the structure, durability, and sophistication that a jacket brings.
And now I'm enjoying the softness and movement of the warm wool snug against my skin.

Tip:  To avoid the cardigan cons of stretching, and piling choose a set made of wool or a silk blend.  And invest in this Gleener Ultimate Fuzz Remover to gently remove those pesky fuzz balls. 

I'm guilty of stereotyping cardigans as mature, and frumpy.  The key to avoiding the librarian/granny look is styling. Pair with modern, edgy and streamlined pieces. Avoid old school traditions such as pearls, broaches and overly conservative garments.  Also, split the shell and cardigan up.  They're both layering pieces and can lead to countless outfit options.

Another thing that drew me to this set was the rich amber color.  It's a unique neutral.  I have all the other neutrals covered in my blazers and suiting garments so this addition adds a particular uniqueness.  At first glance it reminded me of a lowball glass of bourbon, something Mr would drink on a date night (I see things that remind me of him constantly, sometimes it in the funniest of ways - there's clearly no limit to how much I miss him).

I paired the cardigan over a soft blush sheath dress and added some contrast with black pumps & handbag. I also accessorized with a modern gold hoop eating.  This color combination is sharp, unexpected and sure to impress at the office.
It's a classic look but I surely don't look mature or frumpy.

If you haven't added this year's Pantone color 'Rose Quartz' to your wardrobe this dress is a pretty piece to start with.  The piping detail streamlines your shape and highlights the waist.
Note:  I purchased in petite, it's designed in a longer length.

Later this week I'll share with you how I styled the matching shell :)

Cardigan: J Crew || Blush Sheath Dress: Ann Taylor || Pumps: Nine West ||

Handbag: Prada || Earrings: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Bourbon & Blush

XOXO Sarah Louise

Garden Dress

If a poem could be a dress this would be it!  The mixed print of floral and patches of literature make it a summer's dream.  The cut and design is just a beautiful as the print.  It's a classic fitted sheath but the added details of elbow sleeves, front pockets and exposed back zipper make it one of a kind.  The fabric is a cotton sateen - polished and comfortable!

P.S. I'm seriously obsessed with elbow sleeves!

This dress is designed and made by a fellow blogger DressCorilynn I've been following for several years.  She inspired me to take up sewing and make my own clothes and to take the leap in writing Dress Beautifully.  Shop her designs Corilynn & Co.

Garden Dress: Corilynn and Co. || Lace Up Pumps: Similar & Here || Earrings: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in a Garden Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mustard + Black

Mustard is one of my most favorite colors to wear.  

It reminds me of gold and I rarely go a day without accessorizing with gold.  I love how the mustard hues brighten the black.  The cut of this dress is a favorite too.  It's a classic design with a V-neckline, fitted bodice and sheath skirt with a few tiny pleats allowing more room for movement. 

Amongst the abstract painted blooms on this dress is a hint of a light sage green.  I wanted to bring out this muted green with these heels.  I love these heels for their unique shade and stacked heel with gold bars.  They were definitely a #fabfound from Marshalls a few years ago! 

P.S. This Firebloom Sheath dress is on Sale at Anthropologie! 

Firebloom Sheath Dress: Anthropologie || Green Pumps: Similar || 

Earrings: Kate Spade: 'Mrs' Necklace: Kate Spade || 

Ring: Similar || Sunglasses: Target || Polish: Butter London ||

Dress Beautifully in Mustard & Black

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Mid-Century Modern

This Look Incorporates my Favorites:

Color: White/Ivory

Style: Mid Century Inspired 

Cut: Sheath

Print: Leopard (Calf Hair is Best)

Pop: Color & Shine

I Adore Mid Century Fashion,  Defined by the Stylish & Classy Jackie O.

This Crop Top Dress Looks like it Came Right Off the Set of 'Mad Men', And it's in my Favorite Color to Wear,  Naturally it Came Home.

When wearing a Vintage Inspired Piece You want to Pair it with Modern Accessories to Prevent a Costume Look.  I Added Color, Print, & Shine to Complete the Look.  

This Necklace is a Favorite for it's Simplicity and it Reminds me of the One Joan Wears on Mad Men.

You could Definitely Call this Dress an Illusion as it Looks like 2 Pieces.  The Copped Top Layer is Flattering Because it Hits High, Right Below the Rib Cage Creating a Small Waist Line. 

Dress: Banana Republic Outlet Similar & Here || Handbag: Marshalls (old) Similar ||

Leopard Calf Hair Pumps: Brooks Brothers Similar ||Necklace: Stella & Dot || 

Sunglasses: Target || Polish: Butter London || 

Dress Beautifully in a Crop Top Dress 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Camel & Pinot

Let's Go Outside the 'Neutral' Box.  
Not to Confuse You but Branching Outside the World of Black, White, Grey, Brown, and Navy Opens a Door to Fresh Style Options. 

The Key for a Color to Behave as a Neutral is it's Soft Hue - Nothing too Bright and it Falls in the Shade Spectrum of a Common Neutral.  For Example, Light Blue is a Lighter Shade of Navy, Camel is a Lighter Shade of Brown etc....  Pairing these Lighter Shades with a Darker Hue will Ground Your Color Palette like this Burgundy Sheath Dress.

I Styled this Look Outside the 'Neutral' Box. I added a Pop of Bright with a Royal Blue Pump, a Play off of the Light Blue Button Down. 

Tip: Sheath Dresses can be Utilized in the Colder Months by Simply Layering them with Dress Shirts & Blouses Underneath and /or Blazers and Cardigans Over Top.

Camel Blazer: J Crew Now at Factory Similar in a One Button Style || 

Burgundy Sheath Dress: Similar || Light Blue Dress Shirt: Brooks Brothers || 

Blue D'Orsay Pumps: Nine West Similar || Tassel Necklace: TJ Maxx Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Camel & Pinot

XOXO Sarah Louise