Stretchy

'I wish I could wear stretchy pant to work' - You can!

Elastic waisted pants are not at the top of my list of professional pieces - however there are ways to style that won't give the pajama/sloppy vibe.

1st - Please do NOT wear elastic pants that also have elastic ankle cuffs - Uncool!
2nd - Choose a heavier fabric, preferably lined
3rd - Pair with a pretty blouse & heels to add polish
4th - Tuck your blouse in to create a waist, shape and balance proportions
5th & Final - Add simple accessories for a sophisticated & understated look

This pair is in lined crepe fabric in ivory for all year wear.  What sold me was the zippered details on the hips.  They're a statement element that adds contrast to the ultra casual elastic tie waist.

This is a design that I would not recommend buying more than 1-2 pairs - for example one solid neutral and one fun print.  I also wouldn't wear them more than once a month in an office setting.

For casual weekend looks go for a light weight sweater, tee & denim jacket and a pair of low heeled booties.

Elastic Waisted Pants: The Limited || Blouse: Similar  Here & Here || Pumps: Nine West || 

Shop More Elastic Waisted Pants Below

J Crew - The Limited - Ann Taylor - Banana Republic - Madewell - Loft  

Dress Beautifully in Elastic Waisted Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise

Aqua

Another crop-top dress!  I told you I'd be sharing this 2-piece look this week.  This is a prime example of liking a style and buying multiples!  The key is to keep them all different in fabrics, patterns and colors.  

Monday I shared this peach dress with scalloped detail.  This one is in another pretty spring shade, aqua.  The fabric is a thick, heavier weight and instead of a solid color this dress is a textured pattern.  I'm quite fond of woven fabrics; meaning the colored threads are intertwined to make an abstract blend.  From far away it looks like a solid but up close you can see the detail. 

The aqua swirled pattern reminds me of tropical waters ... I really need a sunny warm vacation! 

I paired this bright dress with hot pink patent leather pumps for a fun pop!  

Aqua Crop-Top Dress: The Limited || Pink Pumps: Nine West || 

Earrings: Kate Spade Similar || Polish: Essie || Sunglasses: Target || 

Dress Beautifully in Aqua

XOXO Sarah Louise

Sage

This Sage Dress with it's Curved Edges is Sensational! 

It takes a sheath dress from basic to interesting.  And it's from the Scandal Line at The Limited. Who doesn't want to look like the classy Olivia Pope??!!!

There are several features that make this dress flattering and a favorite.  

The thick cap sleeves are awesome because they help create an hour glass shape (making your waist appear smaller) and provide ample coverage for your brassiere straps (pet peeve of mine is A - my straps slipping off my shudders B - exposed brassiere).

The faux wrap skirt and curved hem remind me of layered tulip petals.  When I say 'faux' wrap skirt, what I mean is that the two panels are sewn into the waist seam so there's no risk of indecent exposure when sitting or in a windy situation. 

The left peplum panel adds a touch of detail and asymmetry to the dress. It also accentuates the waist.  

This dress came with a self fabric belt, but since belts are somewhat of a collection for me I swapped it out for one with print & texture. 

Oh, and let's just speak on this Sage color!  As a red head, greens compliment best.  This sage green is soft and not a shade you see all the time.  I feel that it's more of a neutral making it professional, great for all seasons, and pairs nicely with other colors & prints.  

Dress: The Limited Similar and Here || Belt: Similar || Pumps: Nine West ||

Sunglasses: Ray Ban || Earrings: Kate Spade || Ring: QVC || 

Dress Beautifully in Sage

XOXO Sarah Louise

Long Cardi

This Long Drapey Asymmetrical Cardigan is Another Piece from The Limited Scandal Line. 

We Saw Olivia Pope Wrap Herself in a Long Cream Colored Cardigan with a Big Glass of Red Wine on the Screen and We All Wanted One for Ourselves. 

Confession:  I Only Own 2 Cardigans! Shocking I know as they are Classic Wardrobe Staples.  I Choose Blazers Over Cardigans and am Almost Afraid to Admit the Number I have ...   Close to 20 ekkk!

I was Nervous about the Length of this Cardigan as I'm a Shorty ... 5'2" if I Tease My Mane Just So :) but the Cascading Front Hem Creates a Long Flowing Line on the Body.  

I wanted to Show Off the Pretty Lines of this Ribbed Cardigan and the Soft Ivory Color so I paired it with Contrasting Oxblood Trousers and an Abstract Leopard Shell in Neutral Tones.

Long Cardigan: The Limited ||  Oxblood Trousers: Loft Similar || 

Leopard Shell: Ann Taylor Similar || Blush Pumps:  Nine West Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Long Cardi

XOXO Sarah Louise

Cape Trench Coat

This Thursday it's Scandal Style!  #TGIT Means it's TV Night with Grey's, Scandal & Project Runway (My Sewing Inspiration).

I've Always had an OP (Olivia Pope) Style so it was Validating to See my Fashion Favs on Screen.  So Imagine my Excitement when The Limited launched their Scandal Line!  I Immediately Called my Local Store and had a Sales Associate Hold Pieces for Me.

I Tried on Almost Every Piece in the Collection and Loved it All.  Construction is of Great Quality and Sure to Bring Confidence with Each Wear.  Since I Can't have it All, I Narrowed it Down to the 'Must-Haves'.  Some are being Put Away for Christmas (Torture!) and I'm Hitting the Streets with a Couple Pieces ASAP.

Here are my Try-Ons (I Opted Out of the Pink Coat, Waiting til Christmas for the Cape, Gloves, the Dress in Green (not pictured) and Blouse, and Will Dish on this Amazing Long Cardigan Next Week!)

Shop my Must-Have Picks: 

Pink Coat || Grey Cape || Gloves || Blouse || Trousers || Long Cardigan || Tulip Dress (Not Pictured) 

This Jacket wasn't in the Store but it was my at the Top of my 'Must-Have' List so I Ordered it and Have been Stalking my Mailman All Week.

It's a Cape Trench Coat in Ivory. What a Unique Piece!  I haven't seen Anything like it.  I Love that it's Ivory (My Favorite Color to Wear), that the Cape Sleeves are Short (Allowing for Movement), and that it's Belted (Creating a Great Shape against the Voluminous Sleeves).

I've Paired it with Flare Legged Trousers for a Business Look, but Plan to Also Top Sheath Dresses, Pencil Skirts, Skinny Pants and Even Jeans for a Causal Look.  I Even have Plans to Change Out the Belt! 

Cape Trench Coat: The Limited || Trousers: old Similar || Handbag: Prada ||

Dress Beautifully in a Scandal Style Cape Trench Coat 

XOXO Sarah Louise