Asymmetrical

 I love a crisp button up shirt. While classic and timeless they alone are simple but with design & styling they can be very interesting.

This top marries the sharp elements of a pinstripe print and crisp fabric with modern design in an asymmetrical hem, sleeveless cut and versatile button back collar to create a modern and chic top.

You can style this with a lot of contrast by pairing with a pair of jeans or shorts or you can maintain continuity with a pair of trousers like I did.

Style Tip: layer with a blazer, denim jacket or even leather come Fall.

SLEEVELESS ASYMMETRICAL TOP 

I also love this OFF THE SHOULDER OPTION

Dress Beautifully in an Asymmetrical Shirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Fun Pants

 TGIF! Let's first give praise for AC! It's been scorching hot outside and I can't even imagine putting on a pair of jeans. But fall styles are hitting the racks and it will be here before we know it. 

CAMO PANTS

Jeans are a foundation piece for my wardrobe. I wear them the most outside of summer. But I do like to change it up from the traditional blue with colors and prints.

Note: printed & colored pants tend to be a bit lighter in fabric than traditional blue jeans - they're also flattering on the leg!

Here are some fun pants ...

BLUE PRINT WIDE LEG

SHELL PRINT

LEOPARD

STRIPE

MEDALLION FLORAL

BOTANICAL

BOLD STRIPE

I have these & love! also in blue

Dress Beautifully in a Printed Pant

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Ring the Bell

Ring in the weekend with a fluttery fun bell sleeve.  Unless you live under a rock, you've seen elements of 70's style in almost every store.  Bell sleeves and those flare bottom jeans were a signature statement of the era.

Personally I'm loving this new embellishment.  I will say, a lot of the pieces I've tried on have had  very long sleeve lengths, covering my hands.  Now, I do have shorter arms but still I've noticed that even on the tall models these tops & dresses were designed with exaggerated hems in efforts to make a statement.  While it looks cool and fashion forward, it's not practical for every day function to have fabric hanging on your arms and hands.  I'd go crazy!

Tip:  If you find a top you love it's fairly easy and inexpensive to alter the sleeve length.

For this week's edition of Friday 5 (I know it's been a while) I've rounded up my favorite bell sleeve pieces.

I actually own the black top; it's sleeves are actually 3/4 length and the bell isn't too big or too small. It's just right :)  And with a pencil skirt or jeans it will surely to get lots of wear.

Black  ||  Blue Stripe  ||  Coral  || Green  ||  Pink Dress  || 

Dress Beautifully in Bell Sleeves

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

Scarf Blouse

I have a thing for silk scarves.  I'm talking the silk, square, hand rolled edge scarves.  My favorites are those designed by Vera.  I am always hunting for them on my trips to vintage/thrift shops.

This blouse reminded me of a silk scarf with it's dot pattern and striped border design.
I wanted to show of the print, so rather than my typical styling of tucking a blouse into a pencil skirt I opted for a relaxed look.  I left the blouse untucked and toped it over a flared shorter skirt.   The flared shape of the skirt prevents a boxy silhouette when leaving the blouse untucked (especially since the print is in a rectangle shape).

I kept my pumps neutral and complimented the blush stripe in the blouse with a matching handbag.

When highlighting a pattern or embellishment keep everything else solid and neutral so that it shines without competition.

Blouse: Loft || Skirt: J Crew Similar || Pumps: Cole Haan || Handbag: Tory Burch ||

Dress Beautifully in a Scarf Blouse

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Shift Skirt

This skirt is the perfect piece to shift on into the Fall season. The soft wool fabric and warm caramel color are the ideal fall essentials.

My favorite part is it's mod design.  High waisted, front pockets and straight, slightly mini design are a modern take on the midcentury icon.  I have so many pencil skirts it's nice to add some variety.

Wear it in the office with a secretary blouse, blue striped dress shirt or jewel toned sweater with heeled boots/booties.

For a casual look pair with a denim shirt and riding boots or if your blessed with long enough legs over the knee boots would be fabulous.
Tip:  There should be a couple of inches between the hem of your skirt and the top of your boots.

Shift Skirt: Loft || Sweater: Similar & Here & Here ||

Booties: Similar & Here || Necklace: Similar || Polish: Butter ||

Dress Beautifully in a Shift Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise