Friday 5: All about the Texture

TGIF! The end of this work week is welcomed with open arms! I just have to get through these meetings and my weekly presentations and then I’m free.  It totally sounds like a hate my job but gals, being a sick Mamma while having a demanding career isn’t exactly the happiest of situations but hey, girl bosses don’t cry they push through!

Bonus: I received some sparkle with an unexpected date night with Mr last night – just a casual dinner and some shopping but it was truly nice to spend some time together.

So while we were shopping, I happen to come across a few things that I just have to have.  He just simply shakes his head.

Shopping isn’t as fun when you’re growing a belly but I have next year to look forward to and accessories (shoes, handbags, jewelry) always fit. 

This is the season for texture;  Knits, suede, velvet, fur, tweed, etc…

So here’s what I found to add to my closet …

Taupe Suede Jacket  ||  Red Suede Bootie  ||  Metallic Pleated Skirt  ||

Snake Bag  ||  Lace Cap Sleeve Top  ||

Taupe Suede Jacket:  I pulled the trigger and bought this!  I don’t own a suede jacket and I’m in love with the taupe color.  It will compliment everything.  I went with my normal size – just won’t be zipping it up until next year J

Red Suede Booties:  I didn’t feel like trying them on, but I can assure you I’m going to revisit and more than likely take them home.  I love the bright color and the wearable heel.  Jeans or dresses these red suede shoes will stop traffic!

Metallic Pleated Skirt:  I ordered this one earlier this week.  Slightly silly since I have NO waist to even try it on but I love it and envision myself wearing it all year long! Can’t wait to style it next year.

Snake Skin Bag:  Gals it was love at first sight! Even though Mr just gifted me a designer bag at my baby shower (sharing on Monday) I’m obsessed with this one and it’s #1 on my Christmas list!!! It’s chic, edgy and you know I love all things animal when it comes to fashion.

Lace Top:  I actually stumbled across this one on Instagram.  It has delicate feminine details with the lace neckline and cap sleeves.  It will be nice postpartum since it’s a loose fit but will help me feel pretty as my figure transitions.

Embracing texture will add tons of style to your look!!!

Dress Beautifully in Texture this Season

XOXO Sarah Louise

Texturized

Well, today's the first day, wait I guess 2nd day, details, as 34.  Yesterday was so special and full of celebration with the ones I love!

I don't know about you but one of the perks of your birthday month are the birthday coupons you receive in your email or via snail mail so you can treat yourself.  And gals, I surely do every April.

Anthropologie is one of my favorite stores for unique designs.  Although I'm going to be honest, it is a bit pricey so I try and be savvy watching their sales.  But for your birthday month they send you a discount on your purchase and I took this number (and maybe a couple more) home.

Anthro is not my go-to for my every day wear, again their designs are very distinctive and typically casual, but come spring and summer I appreciate the dresses especially.
While 80% of my wardrobe is polished and classic I like to throw in some fun and comfortable pieces.  I still want them to be wearable, meaning they're still modest and can be dressed up or down.

This dress is mix of elements making it very versatile. Sure the fabric, texture and cut is fairly casual but you can easily dress those factors right up with accessories.
I added colored heels for instant sass but I foresee pairing with wedges or flat sandals and rocking it at the beach this summer.

I also want to add that while a sheath & fit and flare dress is the most flattering for an hour glass shape I am finding that a drop waist or ruffled hem is a nice option for something less fitted. There is still an a-line shape that doesn't hide your proportions. The drop waist doesn't make me feel like I'm wearing a sack that a shift dress can often do when your curvy.

Add some texture, a touch of neon and a swing to your strut in this summer ready dress.

My face when I buy more than I should ... 'But you can't let a discount go to waste' Right?!!

Textured Striped Dress  ||  Heels  ||  Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Textured Sundress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Leather & Sweater

Talk about contrast - mixing a soft warm sweater with edgy cool leather makes for a super chic look.

Both textiles are full of texture and essential for a winter wardrobe.

This outfit also combines classic & modern with these block heeled booties and saddle cross body bag.

Pull from the extremes to create your next look and I promise the mixed vibes will have you winning in the style category!

Sweater || Leather Skirt || Booties || Handbag || Earrings || 

Dress Beautifully in Sweater & Leather

XOXO Sarah Louise

Velvet + Plaid

Velvet and plaid are the signature textiles for the Winter season.  They're warm, soft and add lots of texture to your look.

There's no need to keep it separated, mixing it up creates interest and style.  Velvet tends to have a fancy vibe while plaid can be more on the casual side, so together you get a nice balance.

I styled them both for the office with a crisp white shirt and classic mary jane pumps.

Tip:  All of my blazers have functional button cuffs so that I can fold them up. I am on the petite side and I find that for easy of movement and work it's practical and quite frankly it's sloppy to have your sleeves hanging over your hands.  I also find it slimming to highlight your small features like your wrists. 

Styling Options with a Velvet Blazer:
Casual - tee, jeans and flats
Dressy - cocktail dress, strappy heels and a clutch

Styling Options with Plaid Pants:
Casual - tee, denim jacket and flat booties
Dressy - cashmere sweater and statement necklace

P.S. How precious is this locket necklace to hold a sweet picture of what's near and dear.  It's a timeless piece and makes a great gift.

Velvet Blazer || Dress Shirt || Plaid Pants || Mary Jane Pumps || Necklace || 

Dress Beautifully in Velvet & Plaid

XOXO Sarah Louise

Textured

You can have the prettiest of colors and prints but it’s the fabric that brings them to life.

Fabric literally makes the garment. It determines the weight, luster and structure. 

I love a good peplum for its waist defining design and feminine ruffle hem but add an Aztec woven print in a tapestry fabric and fringed raw edge and you have a unique and worldly looking piece!

I feel as though this fabric could have originated from the other side of the world.  The thick woven composition gives it an expensive & substantial look.

I wanted to add color but rather than go with a bold compliment, I’m really feeling pastels alongside the stark ‘black & white’ combination.  It’s unexpected and softens the palette.

You could pair this top with pencil skirts, trousers, jeans of any color!

And if you want to go the neutral route go for white jeans or ivory suiting.

Look beyond the garment and add textured fabrics to bring interest in your wardrobe. 

Textured Peplum Top: Banana Republic || Pants:  J Crew ||

Shoes: Nine West || Handbag: Prada || 

Dress Beautifully in Textured Fabrics

XOXO Sarah Louise

Spruce

Y'all it's Fall!  Per the calendar the first day of Fall isn't until 9/23 but in every practical sense Summer's end is Labor Day.  Pack up your bright whites and cool linens because the changeover is here.  It's going to take a while for the South to cool off so over the next month I'll be sharing transitional looks - layering and mixing of seasonal pieces.

I hope you spent your Labor Day weekend outside soaking up the sun!   Since I no longer live on the coast and Mr was playing in a golf tournament I proposed a hiking trip to my Charlotte pals (never having hiked before) and they were game!  It was so much fun and I loved being in nature trying something new.  We hiked 7 miles at the White Water Center and I'm officially addicted!  Next on the agenda is to hike Crowders Mountain ... I'm still a priss-pot but it's nice to venture outside the box - and I love to be active!

Gals, green is my color to wear and if you're not wearing it you need to.  Also, leather is a favorite.  I love the texture, weight and richness.  I'm going to go ahead and throw this out there - I have no issues with animal products.  In fact I'm not a fan of faux or synthetic textiles.  However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find genuine leather & fur garments - and expensive.  For my shoes and handbags I do not compromise! Leather is a must.

This dark green skirt is faux leather.  Textured polyurethane fabrics have come a long way - they are very close to the feel and appearance of the real thing and honestly move and fit better than real leather as they aren't as stiff.
Tip:  Opt for a dark shade of faux leather - it camouflages it's artificial texture. 

In transitioning from Summer's cool to Fall's heavier fabrics style your looks with elements of both.

I paired this dark spruce green skirt with a pastel blue chiffon blouse.  As we get further into Fall I'll pair it with sweaters and rich hues such as navy and charcoal. I'll also put a pair of tights underneath .... I can't wait to give up tanning lotion on my legs (without it they'd blind you)!!

I'm a huge fan of pastels in the cold months - next to saturated colors they enhance one another due to the large contrast.  I think a carnation pink or lavender would look fabulous next to this evergreen skirt!

Spruce up your entry into Fall with darker colors and textures!

Dark Green Faux Leather Skirt: Ann Taylor || Light Blue Blouse: Ann Taylor ||

Pumps: Nine West || Necklaces: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Spruce Green

XOXO Sarah Louise