Friday 5: Houndstooth

Gals, so yesterday I shared with you this silk houndstooth drop waist dress with a ruffle hem.  I also shared the importance of investing in quality, timeless and versatile pieces.

So, as promised, here are 5 different ways I plan to style this dress for the Winter season.
Now, come Spring/Summer I'll be ditching the jackets and boots for sandals and maybe a fun silk scarf and/or bright colored jewelry.

Cheers to TGIF!

Houndstooth Dress

Casual:  Denim Jacket  -  Saddle Bag  -  Boots

Girls Night Out:  Leather Moto Jacket & Here  -  Red Handbag  -  Booties

Church:  Coat  -  Quilted Handbag  -  Mary Jane Pumps

Holiday:  Red Coat  - Velvet Clutch  -  Heels

Office:  Blazer  -  Dress Shirt  -  Handbag  -  Pump
(Try layering under with a crisp white shirt)

Dress Beautifully in Houndstooth Wherever You Are

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

Black & Blue

Black and Blue - there are no battle wounds in this look.  In fact it's a very smooth confrontation between Summer and Fall.

This time of year can be tough.  All the cool weather designs are hitting the store floors with sweaters, jackets, jeans and boots. But the temps outside are still blazing.  This leather skirt is light weight and in flirty pleats and a shorter hem line you're not going to be a puddle when you step outside.  I paired it with a bright blue silk blouse to lighten the look.  I kept my heels open and a tad edgy to go with the leather vibe.

Now in the upcoming months I plan to pair with dress shirts, sweaters and for a the weekends a simple tee and denim jacket.

Tip:  When I go to purchase a garment, while in the dressing room once I've confirmed the fit is good, I go through pairing options that I already have in my closet.  This method ensures it will get the wear for the money.

Blue Top: Madewell & Similar || Pleated Leather Skirt: J Crew ||

Strappy Heels: Similar & Here || Earrings: Kendra Scott || Gold Cuff: J Crew || 

Handbag: Prada & Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Black & Blue

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Graphite

The colors of winter are cool and neutral.  I'm digging a break from the bright and bold.
I've noticed that industrial decor and colors, like dark grey, are huge in the interior design world when it comes to lighting, fixtures and decorative items.  I have light grey walls & fireplace in our family room, grey slate tiles in our sunroom and a dark grey slate in our master bathroom. Years ago it was all about the warm browns so even neutral shades and styles change with the times.
I'm excited to be trying dark grey in my wardrobe.

For neutrals I prefer white/ivory and navy but I do like grey and taupe especially before I'll opt for black.  Most of my grey pieces are in wool (suits and sweaters) but I was intrigued with this grey silk dress.  I adore silk for it's luster, feel and movement.  This dress has a flattering cross over front and elastic waist for definition and shape.  In being honest, it is a bit on the shorter side for me but I'm making strides in burring my insecurities and a few inches above the knee is ok but no more!

This graphite silk dress is a blank canvas for styling.  Of course pairing with black is complimentary, but you could combine any color or neutral.  I topped it off with my bright red coat yesterday for church.

I encourage you to try a color or shade that isn't your typical go-to and maybe stretch it a little further with a different silhouette or design.

Grey Silk Dress: Madewell || Pumps: Nine West || 

Dress Beautifully in Graphite

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pink & Green

Traditionally when I think of pink & green a preppy, summer, Lilly Pulitzer look comes to mind.  They are both my 2 most favorite colors so why put them away for the colder months?  I chose darker shades of the colors and texture in a leather pencil skirt.

My blouse is silk so it will carry you all year long.  Once it's get a bit colder opt for a sweater. I've had this leather skirt for many years - it made me think of Barbie.  I mean a pink leather skirt is a rare find!

Don't throw out you favorite colors with the seasons, just opt for lighter or darker and incorporate them with different fabrics/textures.  Pastels are my favorites for styling in the winter, they're fresh and light and totally unexpected outside of spring.

Green Silk Blouse: J Crew || Pink Skirt: Similar & Here || 

Grey Booties: J Crew || Necklace: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Pink & Green 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Gingham

I love a nice printed pant. For some that's just plain scary.  I get it.  I carry my wight in my lower body/legs and the last thing I want to do is draw attention.  

Prints don't have to be big and loud.  In fact, subtle small prints are treated like solids when it comes to styling - because from far away that's exactly what they look like.

Now, gingham is a classic print and one of my favorites!  It's like plaid but with less colors and uniformed square checks.  Think red and white picnic pattern. Gingham has been a hugely popular print over the past several years and it's still going!  Don't limit the print to your button down shirts - branch out to pants and dresses.

These pants are awesome for their sliming stretchiness and in neutral black & white you can pair with any color.  I choose pink and white just about anytime I can :) 

Pink Silk Blouse: Similar Here & Here || Gingham Pants: Peck & Peck Similar & Here ||

White Pumps: Nine West || White Handbag: Michael Kors || 

Dress Beautifully in Gingham

XOXO Sarah Louise

Olive

Olive.  It's the "It" Shade for Fall ... and There's Nothing Drab About it!

As a Redhead, I Gravitate to Shades of Green; They Compliment Best.  I Particularly Like Olive for it's Softer and Slightly Dull Hue.  But Don't Hesitate to Compliment with Vibrant Colors like Hot Pink.

This Dress has a Very Luxurious Feel in Silk and Feminine Shape with the Defined Waist, Subtle Pleating & Keyhole Neckline.  It Also Incorporates Some Casual Elements with the Dolman Cap Sleeve and Pockets.

The Waist has Hidden Elastic in the Back Creating a Perfect Fit and Shape.

I Kept my Pairings Simple with Carmel Booties and a Long Necklace with Neutral Brown/Green Gemstones and a Patent Cream Handbag for some Shine.  

For Weekend Wear Add Riding Boots and a Leather Jacket and for Date Night I Plan to Change out the Booties for Hot Pink Pumps!

Olive Dress: Madewell || Booties: Louise Et Cie || Handbag: Old Similar || 

Necklace : Belk Similar || Polish: Essie Smokin' Hot ||

Dress Beautifully in Olive

XOXO Sarah Louise