Friday Favorites: Shirt Dresses

TGIF! Summer dressing is all about keeping cool and dresses are an easy breezy way of doing just that. A shirt dress is one of the most classic and timeless designs. 

The collar keeps it crisp while the button front keeps it structured. 

Style Tips:

• Swap out the self fabric sash for a belt such as rattan, braided or a designer one for a more sophisticated look.

• Choose a size that prevents the buttons from puckering and if there are areas that are too big you can take in using a tailor.

• Heels for a dressier occasions but sandals and sneakers are so chic for the casual days.

• Make it modern with accessories. An edgy bag and jewelry like gold hoops or stack of bracelets

Here are some pretty shirt dresses for Summer ...

Yellow Floral Tiered Midi

Relaxed Fit Linen

4 other colors

Tie Waist Linen

also in ivory

Stripe in Crisp Poplin

also in black stripe

A-Line

also in light blue

Liberty Floral

Flounced Mini

Eyelet Maxi

Windowpane Mini

Chambray

Zebra

also in leopard

Sherbet Stripe Midi

Dolman

Sleeveless Drop Waist

also in white & hydrangea print

Pink Shirtdress Circa 2015

Still hanging in my closet!

Dress Beautifully in a Shirtdress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday 5: Spring Squad

TGIF! Now that it's March I can see Spring just around the corner.  Until I saw the weather for this weekend and the cold front that's going to rain all over my excitement for time outside. sigh.

BUT there's a silver lining!  It's Banana Republic's friends & family sale through Sunday where you can score 5 full priced pieces at 50% off.  Gals, this is a fabulous opportunity to get classic pieces with modern elements!  Whether you're looking to amp up your work wardrobe or to add fun frocks for upcoming soirees I promise you'll find the perfect fit!

Here are the 5 pieces I brought home ... Stay tuned for how I style them in upcoming posts!

Tiered Sleeve Tie Blouse  ||  Green Wrap Dress  ||  Scallop Shirtdress  ||

Navy Jumpsuit  ||  Gingham Top  ||

Dress Beautifully in Spring Style

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Velvet

I'm obsessing over velvet!  It's the fabric of the season and trending huge.

Velvet can be reminiscent of those Christmas dresses you wore in years past.  It has a fancy vibe.
But today, in a variety colors and modern designs velvet is a must have for any occasion.  Even velvet shoes have me swooning.
Not to mention it feels sooooo soft and eye catching as it shines when you move.

Here are some of my favorite velvet pieces I've scouted ...

Blazer  -  Pants  -  Pink Flats  -  Blue Flats  -  Crinkled Dress  -  Velvet Shirtdress  -  Top   

Blazer:  I love a good blazer and in these colder months it's just the time to change it up with texture like velvet.  

Pants:  Fits like a jean but so much softer!  Love the rich colors of burgundy and navy.

Shoes:  I love both of these!  Especially the lighter shades. Pretty sure one of my gal pals is going to purchase the pink pair. 

Dresses:  Adore both of these.  The crinkle on the shift gives lots of interest. But the shirtdress fit so much better with it's waist line.  I brought it home in this grey color :)

Top:  A relaxed yet slightly fancy tee you could dress up or down and be extra comfortable.

Dress Beautifully in Velvet

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Denim Dresses

I'm ready to start the weekend! Who's with me?!!

One of my favorite things about Fridays, is that most offices allow for casual dressing.  I absolutely love polished and professional pieces but it's nice to ditch the wool and super tailored for cotton and comfortable.

Denim is the foundation for casual and comfortable.  Denim doesn't just denote pants.  It's a common fabric to find jackets, tops and dresses made of this durable blue cotton.
Denim comes in a variety of  washes, blends and densities to provide just the right design and fit.

When it comes to a denim dress the weave should be light weight for easy breezy movement.  And in this Summer heat essential to prevent heat stroke.  Denim is a blank canvass for styling. EVERYTHING goes with denim - all colors, prints and textures compliment.  So embrace your personal style and create a look that presents your uniqueness.
Dress it up with a statement necklace, a vintage broach, or printed scarf. Dress it down with a baseball hat, cross body and cute sneakers.

Here's some denim dresses I've rounded up for you ....

Sleeveless  -  Off The Shoulder  -   Shirtdress  -  Lace Up  -  High / Low Trapeze

Dress Beautifully in a Denim Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Crisp Black Shirtdress

The shirtdress is just what it sounds like - a dress version of the button up shirt.  Think of it as feminizing the man’s dress shirt.  Made of crisp cotton and with the traditional curved hem and a touch of modern and casual with rolled sleeves, it’s the perfect balance.

To me this is the picture of polished style.  The style is timeless. The fit is feminine, skimming the body not swallowing or hugging too tightly.  And it’s a blank canvas for endless accessorizing!

I shared with you that my goal was to incorporate more black into my wardrobe and I’m pretty proud of myself for actually braving the darker side.  I started with this eyelet blouse I shared with you last week, and added this dress next.  I stayed within my style perimeters just opted for the opposite of my go-to shade of white.

Confession: I snagged this dress in white a few months ago – I have no shame in multiples when it comes to the classics!

I find that gals instinctively pair black ensembles with black shoes.  Personally, nude shoes are my favorite pairing for black.  It’s not matchy-matchy and because it blends with your skin it doesn’t distract. 

I went with a pair of espadrilles for a more casual and comfortable look.

I did however add color and texture with this statement stone necklace in red & turquoise.  I’ve been obsessed with natural elements when it comes to jewelry lately – stones, leather, sea glass, wood etc…

This dark shirtdress will not only keep you cool in it’s easy cotton design but brings lots of chic to your summer wardrobe!  It’s perfect for the office or weekends with changes to your shoes; pumps, flats, wedges or sandals you can’t go wrong!

Just be sure to also have fun with your accessories on this blank canvas. 

Black Shirtdress: J Crew || Wedges: Tory Burch & Similar || Handbag: Tory Burch & Similar ||

Necklace: Similar & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in a Crisp Black Shirtdress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Crisp White Shirtdress

I consider the crisp white shirt not just a classic wardrobe staple but a favorite!  Let's just say, if I could only choose 10 pieces from my closet and the rest were gone forever, a crisp white shirt would be the first thing I'd grab.  I have plenty (I will refrain from confessing how many) but my favorite is the non-iron from BrooksBrothers.

As sharp as the shirt is - a crisp white shirtdress is extra sharp! From collar to shirttail hem, this dress is polished. It's a take on the whole 'woman in a man's shirt' look.  Menswear can be ladylike with a tailored fit and feminine accessories.

I love that this dress has a lining that is detached but stays in place via shoulder snaps.  What sold me on it was that the buttons do not go all the way to the hem.  I don't wear dresses that button past the waist because with movement and sitting they tend to pucker and open - not cool!

This shirtdress came with a self fabric tie-waist sash but I get excited to add accessories to a blank canvas for an opportunity to show my personality and style.  To me, there is great beauty in vintage fashion.

I have been treasure hunting at vintage/thrift shops on the weekends for years.  Something about the quality and uniqueness of older items is intriguing to me.  Even my wedding rings are old - 1920's old!  I often sit back and wonder what kind of gal wore these pieces, how did they style it, and what did they feel when they picked it up at the store?  Did they get as excited as I did?

Belts, broaches and silk scarves are my favorites to hunt. Most recently now that we're purchasing our first home ekkkkkk - I've been scouting more antique furnishings.  This belt literally made me say 'Ahh' out loud when I saw it. I love lions - they remind me of my cat Scragley.  The lion buckle is a bit heavy but it's detail and solid construction makes a statement. Molded behind the buckle are initials and the year 1976. Sooo cool!  The red/cognac color leather strap is adjustable making it wearable high and low on the waist for dresses and pants.  There's some gold lettering on the inside of the leather but it's too worn to make out.

Belts are a great way to accessorize and define the waist. If belts aren't your thing, add print/color with a silk scarf, jewelry or in your handbag/shoes.  Keep it simple - opt for one accessory as the focal point.  And don't forget to roll up the cuffs and pop your collar for chicness!

Slide on a pair of wedges or sandals for an easy weekend look.

Shirtdress: J Crew Factory || Belt: Vintage Similar Buckles || Pumps: Nine West ||

Clutch: Similar || Lipstick: Giorgio Armani 'Spice' || 

Dress Beautifully in a Crisp White Shirtdress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pretty in Pink

I love wearing pink.  It makes me feel pretty and ladylike.  I'm such a girlie girl and have been gravitating to pink my whole life.  Baby or carnation pink is my favorite shade so this dress immediately caught my eye.

It's a classic shirt dress.  Cool, comfortable and polished.  Mr think's it's a bit retro but I find it to be timeless and ladylike!

 I will tell you, like a lot of sleeveless pieces the past few seasons, the shoulders are cut in ever so slightly, so I recommend a racerback bra to avoid exposing bra straps - Oh so tacky!! Having a racerback bra is a an essential piece for the summer for underneath tanks, because nobody likes a strapless... tight, tugging nuisance.

The construction of crisp cotton with covered buttons & pockets are perfection! The a-line design is flattering creating the line of a small waist.

These pumps were a present to myself a while back when they were on sale.  I eyed them for several weeks trying them on several times as they are a bit expensive.  I'm obsessed with nude shoes (they elongate and my legs need all the help they can get!) I also prefer mid heels for comfort and these are perfect for the office.

I've been saving this dress to wear tomorrow for my Mamma's birthday. It's so her style!  She's a classic beauty and I can't wait to see her later today xoxo

Pink Dress: Ann Taylor || Pumps: Tory Burch || Earrings: Honora || Bracelet: Honora ||

Dress Beautifully in Pink 

XOXO Sarah Louise