Simply Striped

Stripes are simply a classic print that every gal must embrace. A classic black and white striped top and dress are staples for your wardrobe that I promise you will wear over and over. 

They pair beautifully with everything – colors, textures and even other prints, like leopard!

This dress is a maternity dress.  I don’t technically need it quite yet, however I don’t want to reach a point where I literally have nothing to wear and find myself scrounging and paying full price at the store.  So, I’ve taken advantage of sales and promotions and have been purchasing ahead. 

This dress has amazing structure and shapely paneling that creates confidence for a growing silhouette.  Like I shared before I’m not a fan of cotton/jersey fitted dresses.  I didn’t wear thin unstructured fabric garments before so I have no desire to start now.  I believe clothing pieces should skim the body. It’s just flattering and classy.

I styled this dress how I would normally style a striped dress.  I plan to keep my maternity style as close to my normal as possible -  I already have crisp dress shirts, pencil skirts and A-line dresses.

Since we are technically in Fall despite the just plain hot temps, I layered with another classic, the denim jacket.  You should all have one and if not shame on you.

I added a pop of color with my red bag so I kept the shoe neutral. Check out the back of this dress J

Don’t hesitate to style with added print with a scarf or shoe.  I foresee a trench, camel sweater and boots pairing next month … maybe even tights & colored coat come November.  Seriously the options are endless.

If you do happen to be like me (there are a couple of you sweet gals aka belly buddies) on a mission of  ‘being a babe while having a babe’ you NEED this dress!

And for the rest of you I’ve linked less roomy options down below. 

Striped Dress & Similar ||  Non-maternity Striped Dress  & Here  || 

Slides & Here  ||  Denim Jacket & Here  ||  Handbag & Similar  ||  Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Striped Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Stripes

TGIF!!! That’s the first thing I say on Friday mornings on my daily call with Mr on his drive to work. 

Side Note:  I can’t wait to have him home for good and I can say it first thing when we open our eyes in person!

July 4^th is pretty much my favorite holiday!!! Right after Easter, because let’s be real nothing compares to the sacrifice on the cross.  But the sacrifice of the men and women for our country is one of utmost honor.  What a blessing to live in a free country where we are afforded such privilege!!

Growing up my family did it up big for the 4^th of July.  There were hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, lots of red white and blue decorations, always an angel food cake with berries and my Uncle Jeff manning the fireworks.  There’s something so magical about twirling sparklers in the dark!

Once I met Mr, 10 years ago WHAT?!!, we made it a tradition to celebrate at the beach.  Salty Toes and Sandy Kisses J

And since he’s been a US Naval Officer the past several years it’s been extra special.

This year we’re taking a turn from our tradition and bringing the party inland to our home in the Queen City.  We will be toasting America with our friends and I couldn’t be happier.

So finally to this Friday’s 5, I’m sharing stripes because stars aren’t for fashion but best used for wishes. 

Stripes are classic, a bit nautical and will never steer your wrong when it comes to style.

I scouted these striped pieces from J Crew.  I own the shorts and have my eye on the skirt (it’s now 40% off so it may be just the push I need to bring it home).  The dress is a forever piece.  I have a few striped dresses so no need for more.  The one piece swimsuit is so super cute, but I’m just not ready to give up my bikinis – check back in 5 years.  This off the shoulder top, if you don’t have one yet, is so pretty.  I have it in white but see no need to have multiple of the same style considering they are casual/weekend only and won’t get enough wear to justify. 

Chanel your patriotic spirit by adding stripes to your look this weekend and/or America’s signature colors red, white & blue.

FYI:  I’m wearing this red white and blue ensemble today – in case you ever wonder if I really do wear what I blog about.

      Swimsuit  -  Top  -  Dress  -  Shorts  -  Skirt 

Dress Beautifully in Stripes

XOXO Sarah Louise