Friday Favorites: Cut Out Dresses

TGIF! Gals what a whirlwind of a week!!! I feel like I've been buried in to-do's from being away on my trip.  I've been catching up on hours at work, chores, extra hard workouts and all the fun playtime I can get with my darling. I'm still behind but come Sunday I'll be ready for a new week.

Blue Floral Cut Out Maxi Dress - Sandals 

One of the hottest trends in dresses is cut outs. I'm going to be very honest, I'm not a big fan. First of all, they're most often not flattering and they make a perfectly lovely dress unwearable outside of vacation or a night out. And that, gals, is not a good investment. I'm also disappointed that a lot of designs include an open back and I'll just say this: Bras are necessary! #facts

I do believe that these cut out designs can in fact be fun for the appropriate occasions. It is key that the exposed area be high on the ribcage and that the fabric lays smooth (not tight).

I encourage you to be savvy when purchasing a cut out dress as it is not versatile. Mine above is $37.

Here are some that I find fun ...

Eyelet Maxi Dress

Short Sleeve

also in green

Retro Maxi

Bright Yellow

Mini Dress

also in yellow, green & black

Pale Blue

Lavender

Tie Front

also in white & black

One Shoulder

also in pink

Tie Back

also in coral

Dress Beautifully in a Cut Out Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Maxi Skirts

Maxi skirts have climbed so high up on my wardrobe ladder they're almost up there with jeans. What got these skirts promoted to such a powerful place is their beauty, comfort and style versatility.

From solids to florals, pastels to jewel tones, tiers and ruffles, a maxi skirt exudes so much femininely.  In a long length there's ample coverage (no need to shave your legs) and you can move with easy especially with a pair of sneakers. And as for styling options ... the sky is the limit.

Here are some of my favorite pairings:

Causal: Tank, Knotted graphic tee or cropped sweatshirt

Dressy: Embellished Blouse, crisp button up or even blazer

In between: Denim jacket or sweater

Resort: Over swimsuit or crop top

And then there's shoes: sneakers, sandals, block heels and boots

A maxi skirt can transition across seasons and occasions.

Here are some great maxi skirts ...

Lemon Floral

this print and color palette is so pretty

Tropical

A splurge but so gorgeous for the summer

Bananas 

This one is sooo fun to me!

Purple & Navy Floral

Pink Drawstring

Linen Blockprint

Love the matching top

Paisley

Floral

2 options $40

Palm 

Yellow

Tiered Hem

I have this and love! $28

Black

also in Yellow

Leopard

Dress Beautifully in a Maxi Skirt

XOXO Sarah-Louise

1 Dress 6 Styles

It's the first day of November, a new month, new week and so close to the end of this year. Let's make it good, shall we?! 

I'm going to start with a pretty dress that comes at a pretty price and flatters all body shapes and sizes.  I'm going to style it several ways sure to fit any occasion and personality. 
This dress in a small floral print with lots of color, a waist seam and ruffled hem gives you so many options.

Fashion is what you buy. 

Style is what you do with it! 

THIS DRESS

Add a statement belt - This wide belt is going to be worn a ton!

Add a sleeveless sweater & Clogs

Tip: pull from one of the colors in the print to compliment

A blazer really makes for a sharp office look.

Keep warm adding a cozy sweater in a bright color

Go for an edgy look with a Moto jacket and combat boots.

Personally, I find a fur vest to be the best winter accessory!

Dress Beautifully Styling 1 Dress in Many Ways

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Miss Americana

 

Gals, I love America. I'm proud to live in this country and of the principles of freedom it was founded on.

So much that our family contributed to protecting them. Several years ago Ryan served in the US Navy as a medical officer following the completion of school.  He even deployed to the Middle East for nearly a year with a Marine infantry battalion as their Battalion Surgeon. Gracious that was a hard time!

So naturally it makes me happy to see Americana style trending.  Think of it as a style that celebrates America's heritage & culture. It incorporates casual elements like denim, our flag colors, and antique patterns like those found in quilting.

Quilting is an art.  I have a friend who's mother is an amazing quilter and made Vivian the most exquisite one as a gift before she was born.  I have it hanging on display in her room. It is an art to piece the fabric shapes together with various patterns of stitching. It fascinates me!

This skirt really exemplifies Americana style with the quilting and gingham print. Now, no gal wants to go around looking like Martha Washington so the key is to pair it with modern pieces, like this acid wash ruffled chambray top and heeled booties. Knotting your shirt gives a chic look and adds shape.

I added a hint of color and shine with my jewelry. 

I haven't been including my purses in my outfit posts but I'm going to try a bit more.  This one I received for Christmas last year and I carry it daily! It's the perfect size for carrying everything I need. It's comfortable as a crossbody (handsfree is essential when wrangling a toddler on errands) and the color is rich and neutral complimenting any outfit casual or dressy. It comes in several colors and style variations.

 

Chambray Top | Quilted Skirt & Here | Similar Bootie | Handbag |

Dress Beautifully in Americana Style

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Bargain Buys

TGI-Summer! I love a good bargain! Who doesn't?! Money doesn't grow on trees and it's important we are intentional.  When I am able to acquire something beautiful for a beautiful price I feel victorious.  The key to being a savvy shopper is patience and luck.  Patience to wait and frequently search for items and well shear luck of being at the right place at the right time.

Just Wednesday, I popped into Anthropologie for a browse and found a pair of my favorite designer jeans, Mother brand.  I tried them on but they had no price and were hanging solo with no other matching pairs.  When I took them to the register the associate informed me that they were on sale for merely $29 from $228! #winner

Now aside from purchasing items on sale, you can also find pieces that look like a splurge for a steal.

Here are some of my favorite finds at a fabulous fare ...

White Denim Dress

Ruffled Peplum Top

also in white & brown

Floral Flutter Sleeve Top

also in a dark pattern

Gingham Puff Sleeve Top

also in light blue

Eyelet Flutter Sleeve Top

several colors - I wear it often 

Ruffle Sleeve Top

Collared Puff Sleeve Top

My Mamma and I both have this

available in white and blue too

Eyelet Elbow Sleeve Top

Several Colors

Puff Sleeve Top

Embroidered Blouse

also in white & light blue

Elbow Sleeve Button Down

also in black and floral

Collared Sweater

also in black

Cardigan

4 additional colors

Ruffle Hem Skirt

also in green & coral

Button Up Dress

8 additional color ways

Dress Beautifully in a Bargain Beauty

XOXO Sarah-Louise