Monochromatic but Give it Dimension

There's a lot of elements at play with this outfit. The monochromatic shades, pairing of textures and proportions. It's all of those things that make it interesting for me.

I find monochromatic looks sophisticated, sleek and unexpected (which is what's fun about style - it's ability to surprise). I like to use a jewel toned shades paired with a pastels. 

The textures are equally as important. You want them to contrast to add dimension otherwise the color blocking falls very flat. A soft knit sweater like this pointelle one and a slip skirt is a prime example of this. Another example would be a silk blouse with tweed. Think smooth against not smooth.

The suede on my boots also adds texture.

Now onto proportions. I like to always keep the waist line right under my ribcage. This creates a longer looking silhouette particularly on the lower body. I folded and tucked in my sweater a bit for cropped look. To keep the line of the outfit from breaking I paired with boots that overlap the hem of the skirt. 

Note: These boots are a mid height in the shaft - several inches below the knee. This is my favorite for boots! 

Sweater | Slip Skirt | Boots 

Dress Beautifully in a Monochromatic Look

XOXO Sarah Louise

Southern Belle

This dress is the epitome of my southern style; ladylike and feminine.

Let me explain....
A Southern Belle is a 'Princess' of the South.  My Mamma didn't have to raise me to be a southern belle, it came natural. She did teach me proper manners and ladylike behavior but it was up to me to to uphold standards as I grew up.  I wasn't born royalty by any means but that doesn't mean you can't be a princess.  It's all about carrying yourself modestly.

I feel that our society and culture has lost it's value on modesty and manners, but I strive to maintain appropriate boundaries.  Like Mamma says 'You catch more flies with honey'.  Sweetness and pleasantries go a long way!

Mr is intrigued with my collection of Emily Post's books of etiquette.  To me it's to focus on being respectful in all situations and with the most recent edition you'll find answers to more modern circumstances. Go get yourself Emily Post's Etiquette.

As I have more gal pals that aren't southern, the distinct characteristics of my culture become more apparent. I really try and embrace my southern style as much as I can, more so outside of work wear, with florals, boots and feminine silhouettes. In my home it's all about natural textures including a deer head and cowhide rug to name a couple.

Now that I've shared with you my feelings on being a southern belle, this dress to me, exemplifies the southern characteristics of my style.  It's floral, bright and fun with bell sleeves. I paired it with my grey suede boots but make no mistake my cowboy boots are a perfect pairing come spring!

The fabric is soft and design is a comfortable fit.  Dress it up with heels or down with boots.
It's definitely one of my favorite pieces I've purchased.

Even if you weren't raised in the south or your style is more sporty or edgy, embrace a bit of southern sweetness in your wardrobe.

Bell Sleeve Dress: Anthropoloigie || Boots: Sole Society || Handbag: Similar & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in a Bell Sleeve Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise  

Day Lace

Lace is a feminine, soft, textured fabric that is just so beautiful with it's intricate design yet I've struggled with it when it come to dressing myself; I embrace the delicate fabric when it comes to my vintage table linens (no doilies!)

The struggle is that it can have that old lady vibe, doesn't move/stretch much and it's primarily designed for cocktail or special occasion.

However, over the past 6 months I've seen lace with a more 'day' design in stores.  Made of cotton, with matching linings and styled casually this ladylike fabric is a lovely addition to your closet.

I hunted for quite some time for the perfect 'day' lace dress.  This one sold me as it was navy (yay for no black - it's my least favorite neutral) so I can wear it all year long, it was lined in matching navy (nude or contrasting linings are definitely for evening wear) and the fabric didn't cling and moved nicely.
Gals, nothing's worse than fabric that clings and forces you to work those abs harder than you should sucking in all day or heaven forbid you can't sit without instantly crossing your legs to avoid the dreaded rip sound. Garments should skim and float away from the body - not hug it so tight that it's practically second skin.

I also was insistent on finding a lace dress with scalloped edging.  Not that the piped hems are bad, I just prefer highlighting the floral design and nature of the lace. The sleeves are also fabulous and unexpected with their sheer elbow length.
Note: I didn't have to wear a strapless bra!  I was concerned at first and there is no way visible bra straps under that sheer lace is ok! A nude racer back bra worked perfectly as the straps went right under the lined edge.

I wore this dress for Christmas Eve church service and dinner paired with pumps and a strand of pearls.
Styled with boots, fun jewelry and a casual jacket and you're all set for day time wear.
I also encourage southern/rustic styling with a pair of cowboy boots and maybe some leather jewelry. That is definitely happening come spring!

See gals with simple changes to your shoes, and jewelry I can take this dress from fancy, to casual to even a little country.  And make it work for all seasons!

Go get yourself a lace dress and embrace your creativity in styling :)

Dress: Madewell More options here here and here || Boots: Sole Society ||

Earrings: Towne & Reese || Necklace: Kate Spade || Bangles: Hermes & David Yurman || 

Dress Beautifully in Lace

XOXO Sarah Louise