Friday Favorites: Crisp Button Up Shirts

 TGIF! This has been such a FUN week!!! Activities are in full swing not just for Vivian but for me too! I had two events last night and it was wonderful to get gussied up and enjoy time with friends. 

I find that this time of year can be tricky dressing for a day with cool & warm temperatures. 

MY SHIRT

I love the contrasting collar & cuffs

A crisp button up is a classic option. It pairs beautifully with just about everything, it's sophisticated while also comfortable and is just right for the in-between weather.

Here are some pretty crisp button up shirts ...

STRIPE POCKET SHIRT

BOLD STRIPE

CLASSIC WHITE

EMBELLISHED

also in sold colors

SLIM

also in stripe

CROP

in solid colors & stripes

Dress Beautifully in a Crisp Button Up Shirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bold & Beautiful

Bold prints make a statement #duh but it doesn't have to be outlandish.

Take a classic pattern such as stripes or animal and with an enlarged size and/or a rich color, it provides a strong look that's pretty.

What's even better is you can mix bold prints together!!

Style Tip: Layer this look with a sleeveless sweater or jacket (blazer - denim - leather). 

Another Style Tip: Shop your closet! I've had these pieces ranging from 12-1 years.

Here are some pretty bold prints:

STRIPE MIDI DRESS

STRIPE SHIRTDRESS

STRIPE SHIRT

SNAKE BOOTS

CALF HAIR BOOTIE

WIDE BELT

Dress Beautifully in Bold Prints

XOXO Sarah Louise

Nautical

I love a classic nautical style for Summer. It can make you feel like you're in Nantucket, on a yacht or at least that you should be! 

There's a few key elements that make this timeless look beautiful ...

NAVY & CRISP WHITE

Sailor Shorts & Here - Pants

A color palette of navy and white is sharp! 

Navy is actually my preferred neutral (as it is my Mamma's & was my Grandma's)

STRIPES

Sweater Jacket

These clean lines add pattern in a timeless simple way.

GOLD BUTTONS & ACCESSORIES

The shiny buttons in a sailor design really give a nautical aesthetic! 

Add gold jewelry like knot earrings or a link bracelet to really tie it all together.

RATTAN BAG

A wicker handbag is quintessential for Summer and there are so many unique designs.

My basket bag is vintage and one I carry the most.

It also adds texture & a natural element to your look.

TOROISE SUNGLASSES

These sunglasses give an old school look that also adds a natural element and chic shade!

SILK SCARVES & AMERICANA

Consider a printed silk scarf around your neck, hair or handbag for added color & print.

I proudly enjoy wearing a touch of Americana during the Summer & this sweater has been on my wish list for two years!

Dress Beautifully in Nautical Style

XOXO Sarah Louise

STRIPES

Big bold stripes make me want to transport myself to the Italian coast and sit under a big umbrella with limoncello.

Top - Yellow Stripe Skirt by Loretta Caponi

While I can dream, I can also dress the part!

Here are some classic bold stripes ...

Maxi Skirt

Maxi Dress

also in blue

Midi Slip Skirt

Colorful Maxi Skirt

Mini Dress

Halter Maxi

Dress Beautifully in Big Bold Stripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Memorial Day Weekend

 This is a special Friday! It begins the weekend where we honor those that served our country, protected our freedom and sacrificed it all doing so. We do this enjoying this life on this land with each other having fun - hopefully outside including grilling, splashing and a whole lot of laughing! 

This weekend also includes a lot of red white and blue to color the occasion properly and some perks, like sales! 

My Dress

Here are some pretty pieces to celebrate Memorial Day that are on sale ...

Smocked Waist Eyelet Midi Dress

Stripe Sweater Lady Jacket

Ruffle Linen Top

One Shoulder Swimsuit

I have 4 of these!

Classic Tee

Light Sweatshirt

Wrap Neck Satin Maxi

Smocked Cami Dress

Star Sweater

Red Check Top

Belted Chambray Shorts

Dress Beautifully & Patriotically 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Nautical

You don't have to be at sea or on a ship to rock a nautical look. You need navy, white, light fabrics, rattan accessories, brass buttons, stripes and maybe even some red! You could get really specific and have a piece with printed sea accessories (I'm thinking a scarf).  These are all sharp coastal elements. 

I'm partial being married to a prior sailor (Ryan was a US Navy medical officer) but there's something about the coastal look that makes you want to escape to somewhere new and fun.  Like you should be on a vacation escape to New England or better yet Italy ... I'm going to have to settle for North & South Carolina beaches :)

For this outfit I paired a classic navy striped collared dress shirt (I've had for many many years!) and knotted it at the waist for a causal look. A crisp white maxi skirt and rattan accessories tie in the Summer style and add texture.

Striped Dress Shirt | White Maxi Skirt (9 colors available)|

 Rattan Heels | Gold Hoops |

Dress Beautifully in a Nautical Style

XOXO Sarah Louise

Geometric

A bit of a break from your usual florals can refresh your warm weather style.  The feminine and colorful nature of petal prints will always be a go-to smile maker. However, adding some contrast to such a softness keeps your looks from going stale and predictable.

A geometric design is a striking way to do just that! The lines of the pattern are sharp and crisp, and in this colorful dress design, a sure show stopper.

I saw this dress a few months ago but gracious it was a splurge.  It went on sale just in time for my recent birthday and was gifted to me by my mother-in-law.  It was such a treat!
The cotton is so light and the shorter flared skirt is so sassy.  You don't need much jewelry, practically any neutral handbag will compliment and you can make this look as casual or dressy as you like with sandals or heels.

Long sleeved short flared dresses are a strong trend this year. While I typically prefer sleeveless and longer hems I'm branching out of my comfort zone and embracing these proportions.

This dress gals is what I'll be wearing for my first night out with Ryan or my gal pals ... I'm not going to be picky on who goes first :)

Dress & Here & Here | Sandals | Earrings

Dress Beautifully in Geometrics

XOXO Sarah-Louise