Friday Favorites: Tees & Long Skirts

TGIF! I hope that your week was full of sunshine because ...

'Darkness cannot drive out the darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive our hate; only love can do that.' - MLK Jr.

One of my favorite ensembles is a casual cotton top and long skirt. Pair with sandals or sneakers and you're cute and comfortable for summer occasions.
I decided to share some great finds at everyone's favorite, Target.

Tip: when styling a graphic tee, choose one that reflects an element of your personality and feel free to let the prints pair confidently. 

Fitted Tank

I have this in white and black and love it. Comes in lots of other colors.

Racerback Tank

I have this one in white & like to knot the front hem for a shorter fitted look.

Cuffed Tee

Botanical Tee & Here

Flag

Butterfly Crop Tee

Floral Tiered Maxi Skirt

Eyelet Midi Skirt

Floral Tiered Midi Skirt

Wrap A-Line Skirt

Floral Circle Skirt

Also in gingham print and matching top - blouse & shorts

Flutter Sleeve Dress

And this because it is so cute and would be great as a nice swim cover up 

Have a fun weekend ... and when the 'mood' is less than fun keep your smile, it's contagious!

Dress Beautifully in Casual Top & Long Skirt

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Summer Breeze

If you live here in the South you know that in order to survive the Summer heat you must dress for function.  And that means easy breeze light weight garments and hats!  Hats aren't just a fun accessory, they protect your skin and shade you from the bright scorching sun.

We all want to be cool and look chic at all our Summer socials.

Well gals, this outfit does just that!  A tank and a light as a feather skirt paired with the most elegant sun hat will keep you cool and looking chic even on the hottest of days.

PS I'm 100% midi length over maxi!  I get the long length without having to hem and I can wear flats or heels. Also, being petite I find it flattering.

My dear friend owns this shop in the cutest NC coastal town and when she posted this beach hat I was just a few clicks away from placing my order.

On a personal note: we are celebrating 8 years of marriage tomorrow and Vivian Louise's turns 6 months on Thursday!!! Time certainly flies when you're having fun and babies really don't keep!
I never thought I'd be the type of Mamma to want to be at home but this time with baby girl has been the most special.  I wouldn't change it for anything in the world! Baby or no baby cherish the moments in your life wherever you are :)

Sun Hat | Tank | Skirt | Similar Wedges | Similar Basket Bag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Easy Breezy Pieces & a Sun Hat

XOXO Sarah Louise

Easy Breezy

Linen is one of my most favorite fabrics.  For summer in the South it's essential for staying cool in the humid hot temps.  These cotton linen pants are easy breezy! 

In a wide leg cut and drawstring waist they're an easy fit.  The trick with white linen is to ensure the weave of the fabric is thick enough so that it isn't transparent - your undergarments are not to be a visible aspect of your outfit!

I styled these linen pants for a weekend/resort look with a simple tank, fedora and wedges. 

Tip:  If your pant or skirt is voluminous keep your top fitted - it's the same for the reverse, if your top is voluminous keep your bottom fitted.  It's all about balance. 

These pants are too long for me, hence the wedges.  They're going in for a hem so that I can pair with simple flat sandals for ease and comfort. 

Linen Pants: Target || Tank: Similar || Fedora: J Crew I like this one too || 

Dress Beautifully in Linen Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise

On the Grid

This skirt is a modern match made! 

When you mix sharp graphic lines with soft feminine lace you get a perfect blend of style.

Lace & graphics are on two opposite ends of the spectrum.  For some, lace is too feminine and vintage feeling, while graphic can be too harsh and modern.  Combining the two is genius - best of both worlds.  

I call this 'grid lace' - because that's what it looks like to me :) 

I'm obsessed with all things white, so my eyes gravitated to this skirt.  I love the shape - not too poofy.    The grosgrain waistband, pockets and unlined hemline are details that make this skirt shine in it's uniqueness. 

One of the cool things about a-line skirts is that you can vary your size giving you the ability to choose how high or low it sits on the waist. I went down a size in this one so that it would sit slightly higher - a more classic shape and so that it would fall slightly shorter on the leg line - I'm petite so I must be careful of pieces that fall below the knee. 

For skirts that are more mini in design I often choose a size larger than normal for added length or for comfort.  Ladies, you've heard it over and over but seriously don't get caught up in the numbers! Rather concentrate on fit and shape. 

We've had lots of warm sunny weather here in the South so I styled this look fitting for the season.  When I have a garment that is structured I like to pair it with a piece that's soft and flowy.  These strappy tops are my favorite - so naturally I have 6 in all different colors :)

This grid lace skirt is going to be on serious repeat! Pair it with button downs for office or tees, denim tops, sandals/wedges for those casual days in the sun. 

Grid Lace Skirt: Loft || Silk Tank: J Crew & Factory || Pumps: Nine West || 

Dress Beautifully in Grid Lace

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Tres Tropical

We're in the Midst of Summer aka Vaca Season!  

The Weekdays are Simply Obstacles til We Reach the Promised Sand!
Beachin is the Best Part of Summer; This Summer I've been Singing along to Jake Owen's Song 'Beachin'

And it's sunshine, blue eyes, tan lines, slow tide rollin'
White sand, cold can, koozie in my hand, just a summertime strolling
Chillin', breezing, sippin', singin' whoa

Beachin'

Vaca also Means Trading in your Blouses, Pencil Skirts & Pumps for 
Tanks, Shorts and Sandals.

I've Always been a Gussied Up Kinda Gal but I don't Hesitate Once the Work Day is Complete to Let my Hair Down and Slip into a Comfy Cotton Ensemble.

Note:  Mr Adores me Casual & Less Fussy ... Most Men do Ladies! 
Opt for a Minimal Look on the Weekends with Just a Touch of Make-Up, a Relaxed Comfy Outfit and Simple Hair. 

This Look Says Take me to a Tropical Island and Hand me a Fruity Drink. Yes Please!!

Tropical Tank - J Crew      Denim Shorts - J Crew Factory

Panama Hat - J Crew        Wedges - Michael Kors

Be Tres Tropical in this Fruity Tank

XOXO Sarah Louise