On Track

This week I've been all about getting back 'on track'.  Mr and I traveled to Charlotte last week/weekend (my home with the exception of undergrad and fingers crossed our soon to be home!!) to see our family & friends before he's gone for the next several months with very tiny breaks - duty calls! 

I have a horrible habit of not unpacking for several days - confession: sometimes a week.  It drives us both crazy to bring home clutter and disarray.  My sleep and routine are always off when I travel. I live on a fairly strict routine - type A for sure! So needless to say I love going away but happy to be back to the same old schedule.  

Mondays are getting back into the swing of things but Fridays, those are all about the finish.  You spend all week trying to stay on track with tasks and responsibilities, and then it's time to wrap it all up and cheers to the weekend!  

What better way to get weekend ready then in a comfy pair of track pants.  They're an in-between trouser and yoga pant.  Please don't wear yoga pants outside of the gym ... it's a HUGE pet peeve of mine! I could elaborate but it just makes me cringe. Just Don't Do It!!

Ok back on topic, track pants, I like pairing them with a stiletto heel - contrasting the comfy with the dressy.  They're drapey so plenty of room but have a fitted waist and ankle cuffs to create shape. 

Truth: I kinda feel like a bad-a when I wear these.

I kept the look simple with a soft tee and denim jacket.  And this bag! Seriously one of my new favs and totally unlike my go-to purse style.  All my bags are structured and ladylike but this one brings sass with it's zippered hardware and fringe details.  The leather, woah it's like butter! 

I'm back on the road this weekend to Raleigh to celebrate one of my dear friends/bridesmaid as she shops for her wedding dress ... Cheers to the Weekend - Celebrate Cheerfully!

Basic Tee: Target || Track Pants: Marshall's Similar & Here, Here, & Here || Denim Jacket: Gap ||

Black Pumps: Nine West || Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff || 

Dress Beautifully in Track Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise

Basics

Basics aren't Boring. They are Classic and Effortlessly Chic.

What makes a basic? Basics are foundation pieces.  Typically solid or traditional print, minimal to no embellishments, and without extreme design.  What do I mean by extreme? 

For blazers no crazy shoulder pads, ruffles or lapels. For jeans no loud stitching or coloring. You get the idea, stay away from funky and short-lived trends. 

A soft semi-fitted tee, straight leg medium/dark wash jean, black blazer and pumps are basics for a casual chic look perfect for Friday's at the office or a weekend brunch.

Black Blazer: J Crew Factory || Jeans: Seven for All Mankind || 

Tee: Target || Pumps: Nine West || 

Dress Beautifully in Basics

XOXO Sarah Louise

Wear to Work - Black & White

Black & White are at the Top of the List for Classic Color Combinations.

The Contrast between the Lightest of Lights and Darkest of Darks makes for a Sharp Look.

In my Stylish Opinion Audrey Hepburn Defined the Black & White Look making it a Timeless Classic.  

I Styled this Black & White Pairing for a 'Wear to Work' Look.  And in Fitting with the Summer Heat I Choose Cotton & Linen Fabrics to Keep me Cool and Took a Risk with a Tee over a Button Up.  A Charcoal Grey, a Lighter Shade of Black, Made for a Subtle Tonal Palette. 

Opting for a Tee can be Tricky yet Modern Worn with Suiting.  

Tips: 
Avoid Crew Necks - Looks too much like an Undershirt 
Thicker Fabrics - Camouflage the Fact it's a Tee as well as Undergarments
Hint of Stretch - Looks less Casual and Slouchy as well as Maintaining a Fitted Shape

Blazers are an Addiction for Me 
Confession:  I'm Afraid to Count how many Hang in my Closet 

This White Linen Blazer is Most Loved for Spring & Summer because it's:
White - my Favorite Color to Wear
Tipped in Black Grosgrain - Creates Interest & Detailing
Has Functional Brass Buttons - Ability to Roll Cuffs - Great for Gals with Petite Arms 

Another Summer Trick - Peep Toe Pumps Over Closed Toe Give More Air Flow 

For the Finishing Touches, I Coiffed my Mane in a Polished Pony and Added Pops of Red in my Sunglasses, Lipstick & Nail Polish.  I added some Shine with Gold Hoop Earrings and a Arm's Full of Sophistication with my Prada Bag. 

Linen Tipped Blazer - J Crew (now at Factory)

Black Pencil Suit Skirt - Similar

Charcoal Grey Tee - Target

Black Peep Toe Pumps - Similar

Gold Hoop Earrings - Kate Spade   Sunglasses - Similar

Essie Polish - Clambake   Red Lips - 'Lippy' by Butter London

Handbag - Prada 

Dress Beautifully this Summer & Always

in Classic Black & White 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tee - Denim - Bling

A Basic Tee Adds lots of Versatility to Your Wardrobe.

Adding a Tee to Your "Work Clothes" Allows you to Get More Wear Outside of the Office, While Making Your Causal Look Chic.  

Opt for a Printed Tee to Balance Your Solid Pieces and to Express Your Personality
Floral - Feminine
Graphic - Edgy
Baseball Tee & Camo - Sporty
International Phrases - Worldly
Etc...

Pencils Skirts Identify Most Often with Office Wear, but by Adding Casual Pieces Like a Denim Jacket and a Fun Tee You Have Instant Weekend Wear.

Add some Sparkle for Extra Contrast to your Casual Pieces.

I Chose Gray Boots and a Navy Handbag (Worn Crossbody for a Less Dressy Look) to Compliment the Tones of the Tee & Denim.

Tee J Crew, Pencil Skirt J Crew, Denim Jacket Gap, Boots Cole Haan Similar

Sparkle Statement Necklace J Crew, Watch Michael Kors Similar Styles, Sunglasses Maui Jim

Navy Quilted Handbag - Belonged to my Grandma Similar

Tee Up Your Weekend Wear

XOXO Sarah Louise