Swing Dress

A swing dress is a fun, stylish and most importantly a cool option in the Summer! The trapeze design is flowy and full of movement (meaning it twirls a little on its own when you walk).

Since this dress has ample volume it's important to balance with a hem above the knee, and minimal to no sleeves.  My favorite part of this dress is the elongating deep v-neck and oversized ruffle on the shoulder that creates a shapely silhouette. 

I'm all about a metallic sandal! 

Clogs aren't for everyone but I find them to be comfortable 

plus they add a touch of height. 

The ruffles continue down the back!

My Dress

also in orange

Dress Beautifully in a Swing Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tickled Pink

 

I am tickled pink at all the kindness and surprises yesterday that make me feel like the most special girl!

I am truly fortunate to be 40!!!!

I giggled a little at the amount of pink my gal pals showered me with becuase they know it's my favorite color. I believe pink is just so pretty in all shades - but light is my favorite!

I used to only wear fitted dresses or dresses with a defined waist line and I do still find them the most flattering but I'm also opening to dresses that have a swing shape because gracious they're comfortable and cute! 

This particular dress is far from simple with its puff sleeve, tiered shape and covered buttons. But it is practical and can be dressy with sky high heels or for every day with a flat sandal or sparkly sneaker.

The v-neckline and above the knee hem creates a proportion that doesn't overwhelm with the volume of the dress. And the vintage rose pattern, precious as can be!

I encourage you to embrace dress styles & shapes that are unique to your typical style.

And wear pink! Which ever shade you prefer - pastel or bright they're all pretty!

Note: I purchase unique clothing like this dress, gifts & accessories at Charlotte's Boutique

My Dress - Similar & Here - Platform Sandals

Dress Beautifully in Pink

XOXO Sarah Louise

Swan Beauty

 

I Can. Not. Wait. to wear this Dress! I don't care what the next shindig is, I'm wearing it. My sister sent it to me one evening and I immediately ordered it from my phone. She probably did too so maybe we can match (I can feel her rolling her eyes).

The swan print on the front and back is so designer looking and unique. I love the colors, fabric and even cut.  I don't typically wear swing dresses but find this one chic with a slight retro vibe.

Fun Fact: I went through a phase where I really loved swans when I was young.

This is the type of dress that can be worn across seasons.

I paired with black tights for a winter look.

The neck bow tie adds even more femininity. 

PS there's also pockets!

I love that the print carries over to the back!

This takes animal print to a whole new level.

Dress - Similar & Here - Handbag - Earrings - Heels

Dress Beautifully in Swans

XOXO Sarah Louise

Vibrant

This dress was love at first 'online' sight for it's bright and striking colors. It was winter when it debuted and I was full of energy for a fun and easy dress to wear under the sun.

The print was unique and had an exotic vibe like something you'd see on worldly travels. Clearly that's only happening in our dreams these days. But just because we aren't somewhere far away doesn't mean we can't dress like it. And when we dress for an occasion we feel like we're actually there and that my friends is worth the effort.

While the tiered swing style in a crisp poplin cotton makes this dress easy breezy in a very casual way, the ruffles along the neck and shoulder elevate it to add a touch of sophistication. When informal & formal elements collide it creates a very versatile piece that can be transformed across a multitude of affairs.
It's all up to the details of your styling.  For a dressy event choose heels, shiny jewelry and carry a small handbag like a clutch. For everyday wear, a flat sandal and crossbody bag will have you cute and comfortable.
Plus there's pockets!  Those are universally awesome.

I always, always evaluate the ability of a piece to be adaptable before purchasing.  It's important when investing in your wardrobe that your pieces add value and that means getting worn and in a variety of ways. This dress was a splurge of a gift and I plan to make good on it!

Dress | Sandals | Earrings | Sunglasses |

Dress Beautifully in a Vibrant Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Pink Moment

Have you ever heard the phrase 'It's as Hot as the Devil's kitchen'?? Well, that's what it feels like down here in the South during the Summer. The temperatures are high but you add humidity and a day with no breeze ... well let's just say the glow is gone and you'll be down right sweating!

I share a lot about the shape of a garment and how the silhouette and construction can accent and flatter your figure.  But just because something isn't form fitting doesn't mean it can't be complimentary. However, no one wants to strut around in a moo-moo!

To survive the Summer heat loose, easy-breezy pieces are essential!

The tiers in this dress do the trick! It has a swingy shape without making you look like you're walking around in a sack.  The tiers actually create small lines of structure adding gradual volume.  The v-neckline elongates the face and the sleeves help balance the full skirt. The fabric is so soft and light you feel like you're barely wearing anything at all.  Dress it up with some cute sandals and you're all set for any outside occasion.

It's a guarantee you'll feel perfectly pretty and cool in this delicate pink dress!

PS I dare you not to twirl around in this swingy dress :) #impossible

I adore mini bags!  They're just precious.  They don't overwhelm and it's nice not to be toting a bag full of ALL the things. I found this one at the Kate Spade outlet while we were on vacation at the beach.  I'm obsessed with the pink snake print!

Note: Most of them come with a crossbody strap you can add for convenience.

I wear these sandals all the time! With shorts, dresses and jeans they go with everything. The shiny metallic color adds a hint of fancy, while the knot bow adds a feminine touch.  They come in a higher block heel but I find these to be so much more practical for every day wear.

Pink Sundress | Rose Gold Sandals | Snake Mini Bag - Similar & Here | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Pink

XOXO Sarah Louise

Everything's Coming Up Roses

Nowadays you don’t often get the response ‘Everything’s coming up Roses’  -  Meaning life is wonderful, when asking how someone is doing.  Personally I feel it’s a shame.

Note: Peachy Keen is another phrase I like to say J

Now,  I’m going to be transparent with you, I have felt like life is wonderful from the moment Mr returned home to me from his deployment overseas 10 weeks ago.  Life wasn’t less wonderful before and life isn’t free from problems now, but something about being separated from each other has us both looking at life with a grateful heart.

Putting on this swingy dress has me also feeling wonderful.  This is the first year I’ve embraced swing dresses and I’m smitten.  I’ve always worn sheath and a-line dresses because for my body shape a waist seem is the most flattering.  I wanted to highlight my petite upper body and camouflage my lower.  While I still believe these designs are the most flattering, I like that I now have diversity in these easy breezy pieces.

To avoid being swallowed by fabric, there are a couple of things to look for in these trapeze style dresses.  They should in fact be in a trapeze cut – smaller on the top and more voluminous on the bottom – think of a triangle shape. Sleeveless and/or v-neck will elongate and show some skin which balances the shapeless body of the piece. The front hem should fall slightly above the knee; again this balances proportions in showing enough leg.

This dress in fact has all of these elements!  In addition, the print enhances its shape/design with a printed round neckline and triangular color block panels.  And to add beauty on beauty, there are sweet flowers printed throughout.  So how could you not want to swing around and around??!!!

I’ve worn this dress several times and found myself constantly receiving compliments and cool as a cucumber outside in this scorching Southern heat!

Add some swing to your summer wardrobe!

Swing Dress: Anthropologie || Wedges: Tory Burch || Earrings: Kendra Scott || 

Dress Beautifully in a Swing Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Swingy

This swing sundress is the answer to 'what am I going to wear?' when it's 100 degrees outside ... and it has been for over a week now!  I love living in the South, but there's no glistening - down right sweating!

I found this cheerful yellow dress at Anthropologie's Summer Sale. #winning

Confession:  I've never owned a swing dress or any dress with this much volume. 

To my surprise, I Love it!! No, it doesn't have a waist seam (one of my top must haves) and it's above the knee ( I like my legs covered - but I'm working on trying to love them more).
I love it for it's sunny yellow floral print - it's very garden-like and very retro.  I also am a fan of it's design,  straight cut on the front but billowy in the back.  It's light, airy and man does it keep you cool!

This dress has pockets and a ruffle on the shoulder seams.  It doesn't create shape or highlight my figure, but it's lovely in it's comfortable and cheery design.

Beat the Heat in a Swing Sundress!

Swing Dress: Anthropologie || Wedges: Steve Madden || Earrings Tory Burch ||

Dress Beautifully in a Swing Sundress

XOXO Sarah Louise