Tom Boy Chic

I am sooooo far from a ‘Tom Boy’ it’s not even funny.  I never played a sport but I was a twirling ballerina. I never wanted to get dirty but I did love to play dress up and Barbie dolls – some things never change!

The closest I get to being rugged or outdoorsy is my love of running, hiking, and shooting.  As for my wardrobe, ball caps and distress denim is as casual as it gets.  And even still I have to polish up my holey jeans.

I paired these distressed denim shorts with a crisp cotton popover shirt and a belt for a more put together look.  Add simple jewelry and a pair of espadrilles and I call this ‘Tom Boy Chic’. 

Mixing the ultra-casual with pieces that have a bit more structure or design is a great way to step up your weekend style game.

Crisp Cotton Shirt: J Crew || Distress Denim Shorts: Here Here & Here || 

Belt: Madewell || Espadrilles: Tory Burch || Earrings: Nordstrom || 

Dress Beautifully in Distressed Denim Shorts

XOXO Sarah Louise

Orange You Glad ...

Orange you glad it’s almost Friday?!!!!!

I can honestly say I have ants in my pants for tomorrow as we depart bright and early for our first ‘real’ trip together in 10 years!!

This week and next are the 2 BEST weeks of Summer 2016! 

Every night this week it’s been Vacation Bible School – VBS at our church and I’ve been a group leader to 11 3^rd-5^th grade boys and girls WHEW! Talk about crashing every night.  In all seriousness, I’ve been looking forward to VBS for months and I have had as much fun as the kiddos singing, dancing, playing games, crafting and most importantly learning and growing in our faith.  My role is to teach and guide these kids as we explore the story of Noah but the reality is I’m learning just as much.  I was reminded this week of the blessing of God’s grace, the importance of obedience (no matter how old I am), trusting in Him and keeping my faith. 

Tomorrow, we are leaving on a jet plane for the west coast to visit San Francisco and Wine Country! #cheers

We have a lot to celebrate and blessings to give thanks for – Mr returning safely from deployment in the Middle East, end of US Navy military service, settling in our QC home together, new careers for both of us, 6 years of marriage, great healthy, loving family and friends, the list goes on and on …..

So getting back on the fashion track, over the past 3 years I’ve been embracing the color orange.  I have never liked or given this shade any attention beyond Halloween.  Probably because my hair has always been orange.  It all started when I found this awesome orange rug for our living room with navy and ivory shades in the print.  It’s a large rug and fills the entire room so the orange is very prominent.  I found myself gravitating to more orange in décor accessories for our home and in my clothing and jewelry.  It pairs beautifully with navy, greens and purples.  I can’t believe how much orange I’ve incorporated into my world!  I’ve definitely been missing out all these years. 

Ladies, I challenge you to take a color that you normally disregard and give it a second look.  You just might be glad you did!

Bright sundresses are staples in these hot sunny months.  They’re cool, cheerful and oh so pretty.  Consider a bright orange dress in your summer wardrobe. 

Orange Dress: Similar & Here & Here || Espadrilles: Tory Burch || Earrings: Similar || 

Sunglasses: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in Orange

XOXO Sarah Louise

Chartreuse

Chartreuse is the color precisely between green and yellow, so it’s 50% green an 50% yellow.  If that’s hard for you to picture just think about mixing lemons and limes.

Personally, I feel that it’s a forgotten color.  You could even say it’s a ‘unique’ color and somewhat stringent.  It’s bright and bold but on the other hand it plays well with other colors.  Mixed with pastels, jewel tones and dark neutrals, chartreuse pops!

I find that a lot of gals including myself find it difficult to wear bright yellow.  Chartreuse is the perfect shade to give you that lively look but slightly toned down.

Side Note:  I’ve brought chartreuse into the interior design of our home … stay tuned to see how and where!

I went with a bright summer look and paired this chartreuse blouse with a white eyelet skirt for pattern and texture, a soft pastel pink bag for softness & added color and a dark tortoise bracelet for a pop of contrast and shine.  With all my outfits I strive to incorporate the elements of color, texture, pattern and shine. 

Chartreuse Blouse: Similar & Here & More Options || Eyelet Skirt: Similar & Here ||

Espadrilles: Tory Burch || Tortoise Bracelet: J Crew || Handbag: Tory Burch ||

Dress Beautifully in Chartreuse

XOXO Sarah Louise

P.S. Pairing Options ...

Crisp Black Shirtdress

The shirtdress is just what it sounds like - a dress version of the button up shirt.  Think of it as feminizing the man’s dress shirt.  Made of crisp cotton and with the traditional curved hem and a touch of modern and casual with rolled sleeves, it’s the perfect balance.

To me this is the picture of polished style.  The style is timeless. The fit is feminine, skimming the body not swallowing or hugging too tightly.  And it’s a blank canvas for endless accessorizing!

I shared with you that my goal was to incorporate more black into my wardrobe and I’m pretty proud of myself for actually braving the darker side.  I started with this eyelet blouse I shared with you last week, and added this dress next.  I stayed within my style perimeters just opted for the opposite of my go-to shade of white.

Confession: I snagged this dress in white a few months ago – I have no shame in multiples when it comes to the classics!

I find that gals instinctively pair black ensembles with black shoes.  Personally, nude shoes are my favorite pairing for black.  It’s not matchy-matchy and because it blends with your skin it doesn’t distract. 

I went with a pair of espadrilles for a more casual and comfortable look.

I did however add color and texture with this statement stone necklace in red & turquoise.  I’ve been obsessed with natural elements when it comes to jewelry lately – stones, leather, sea glass, wood etc…

This dark shirtdress will not only keep you cool in it’s easy cotton design but brings lots of chic to your summer wardrobe!  It’s perfect for the office or weekends with changes to your shoes; pumps, flats, wedges or sandals you can’t go wrong!

Just be sure to also have fun with your accessories on this blank canvas. 

Black Shirtdress: J Crew || Wedges: Tory Burch & Similar || Handbag: Tory Burch & Similar ||

Necklace: Similar & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in a Crisp Black Shirtdress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Black Eyelet

So one of my goals from my Summer To-Do List was to incorporate more black into my wardrobe.  I have more white and ivory than anything else.  I have to stay true to what I like and be confident in my personal style but I also feel it's equally as important to embrace items and styling that isn't your typical.  Most gals don't have a shortage of black more like an overload.

I didn't make it easy on my self choosing the season of heat to bring on dark pieces. However, I find it quite chic to wear black in the Summer. The key to incorporating this ebony hue is all in the fabric.  Linen, Poplin, Cotton and the loveliest of all, eyelet.  Eyelet is a light weight fabric containing holes that are finished with embroidery.  These 'holes' are often designed in graphic or floral patterns.

I have to confess, I didn't scout this top out on my own.  One of my gal pals was wearing it a few weeks ago and I knew at first sight I had to have it too.  Naturally I surround myself with fashionable friends.

Let me just share the details that make this number a top favorite. The mixed media of cotton and eyelet, the cut-in design at the shoulder, crisp collar, the high waisted eyelet peplum, the scalloped hem, the eyelet back and a whole lot of sass in the see-through waist and back.

I went with contrast and paired it with bright white skinnies but I think this weekend I'll go with a pair of denim cut off shorts.

Tip:  A black racer back bra is the perfect undergarment to compliment the transparency of the eyelet.

You can absolutely go dark with your summer pieces but do so in light weight feminine fabrics to avoid melting!

Black Eyelet Top: Madewell || Jeans: Loft || Espadrille Wedges: Tory Burch || 

Earrings: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Black Eyelet

XOXO Sarah Louise