Atypical

Typically, winter fashion consists of dark rich colors, thick soft fabrics and strong bolder patterns.

But I'm not a typical gal, so neither are my outfits. When you dress inside the typical box of the season your wardrobe pieces are limited. Wearing the unexpected can evoke a unique sense of style.

Now of course shorts and linen belong strictly in the Summer however pastels and lace dress beautifully all year long. Approach your wardrobe with a view that extends beyond the typical.
I love wearing lighter colors and patterns so I don't  limit them to just Spring and Summer.  I make them work in the Winter.  This skirt is constructed of a very light corduroy which gives it an appropriate weight for the colder season and light enough for Spring. Now, here in the South we've had some unusually warmer days so I had the luxury of wearing a satin top  however I imagine I'll wear a light colored sweater when I wear this to church on an upcoming Sunday.
A pair of booties will also warm this look up.

Get the most out of your wardrobe by styling pieces across the seasons.

I've shared with you gals about the importance of detail and this outfit embodies just that.  Details are what make outfits interesting and details are what share your personality through your outfit.

The sleeves have layers of ruffles and lace trim while this skirt has a drop waist and asymmetrical lace hem.  Even the floral print is unique it it's vintage design and pastel colors.
These feminine elements definitely speak to things that I love!

When the wind blows up your skirt just right!

Similar Blouse & Here | Floral Asymmetrical Skirt - Similar -similar - Similar | Pumps | Handbag |

Dress Beautifully in Atypical Details

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Bottles of Bubbles

Happy first day of Spring! While the weather isn't as bright as I'd like I'm still excited about warmer temps to come.  Baby girl and I love to go outside for our daily strolls and soak up the fresh air.

Before #momlife I would use such occasion to have a glass of bubbles, my favorite spirit.  I mean bubbles don't really require an occasion but if having a reason makes you feel better then go ahead and pop bottles.

Since sleep deprivation prevents me from pouring a glass I will celebrate in the next cutest way in this champagne printed blouse.

I saw it and had to have it!  It spoke my language with those soft pink bottles.

As did the rest of this outfit.  I mean these pink suede pumps with the silver block heel. Just Yes.
Dressy enough for the office and comfortable enough for the weekend.

Everyone has a favorite symbol or object that represents their favorites.  Mine would be lemons, champagne or magnolias for example.  Most recently the color lavender since I've decided that's Vivian Louise's color.  I know a gal who loves flamingos and pineapples (shout out Emily).

When you find things that speak to your favorites you have to have them.

That's what I told myself b/c this blouse was a bit pricey.  But it would have haunted me if I didn't bring it home.

Champagne Blouse  ||  Jeans  ||  Pink Suede Pumps  ||  Handbag  ||  Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Blouse with Bubbles

XOXO Sarah Louise

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

Marigold Part II

Monday I shared with you gals this marigold lace top and I also shared that I'd be styling the matching skirt on Wednesday/today.  So here it is, this matching marigold lace skirt and all it's sunny glory paired with a classic chambray shirt.

Yes, these coordinating matchy-matchy pieces are bold, bright and beautiful but I do believe they need to be styled separately.  The color is so saturated along with the straight cut of the lace top making it difficult to tuck in, I feel that you maybe overwhelmed.  If I were to wear them together I'd most definitely add a printed scarf and/or jacket to add contrast.

Instinctually I went to pair this skirt with a classic blue dress shirt (because y'all know I'm all about work wear) but I decided to opt for a bit more of a casual vibe and go with something equally as classic, the chambray shirt.  It easily pairs with everything! And it's a little more laid back.
I did however stick with pumps but for the weekend a sandal/flat/wedges would do.

This skirt has the same feminine cutout lace detail as the top and with a grosgrain, slightly stretchy waist band and aline design, a super flattering fit.

More pairing Options:
Basic white tee (tucked in or knotted)
Burgundy or Olive (think Fall)
Crisp white shirt
Pastel Pink
Blue & White stripes

This marigold lace skirt truly adds a ray of sunshine to your step!

Chambray Shirt || Marigold Lace Skirt || Pumps || Handbag || Earrings || 

Dress Beautifully in Marigold

XOXO Sarah Louise

Stripes and Surplus

Surplus green is often referred to as olive green, or army green after the fruit and the uniform/gear worn my military members.  It's a dark and dusty green.  It's a neutral and practically goes with everything.

Mr calls this shade of green olive drab but personally I don't think there's anything drab about it.  I love green, it flatters my red hair and I'm always game for alternate neutrals to brown and black.

I paired this textured skirt with a striped dress shirt and a blush pink bag for added femininity.

This skirt is going to be on major repeat paired with blouses in a multitude of colors and prints. When the temps start to fall with sweaters and booties/boots.

Note: these perforated lace up shoes are epically comfortable!

Just because :)

Striped Dress Shirt: Similar Here & Here || Olive Skirt: Ann Taylor & Similar & Here || 

Lace Up Heels: Vince Camuto || Handbag: Tory Burch || Bangle: J Crew || 

Dress Beautifully in Stripes & Surplus 

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 ...

Roses

It's Valentine's week!  I'm obsessed with love - Love for God, Mr, family, friends, our country and let's not forget the little loves of fashion, red lipstick, black coffee (it is Monday), lemons, fine paper (I'm all about correspondence) and of course champagne! It's Love that sustains me!

When I think of Valentine's Day the typical comes to mind, flowers, chocolate and date nights.  Sadly Mr and I haven't had but a couple Valentine's Day dates over the past 10 years but we always made up for it in other ways when we did see each other.  I was never one for flowers or chocolate, they die and well chocolate isn't friendly on the waist line.  So he always got creative with his tokens of affection. This year he's on the other side of the world but thank goodness our love knows no distance.

It's funny how gals will use any occasion to style a look.  Valentine's Day is no exception.  Magazines, blogs, store front windows and even Pinterest will all be sharing lovely looks.  Even me.
So here's what I picked to celebrate love, because aren't roses the flower of love? - minus the thorns?

This cropped shell with roses was just the piece.  Since it's still winter I paired with one of it's darker shades, bordeaux, but accessorized with lighter shades of pink.  This look is ideal for both the office and date night.  Try swapping the pencil skirt for skinny black pants or jeans for a more comfortable and casual look.

This Valentine's Day pinks, reds, florals and just your sweet heart will make the loveliest of looks!

P.S. Thanks to my gal pals & their peer pressure I'm seeing more roses than ever before, I'm watching 'The Bachelor' for the second time - I know I've lived under a rock.  Well, honestly I record it, I need beauty sleep for my 5am wake up. I want to quit but it's literally a train wreck you can't look away from!!

Rose Top: Vince Camuto more Rose styles here and here || Skirt: Similar and here || 

Pink Handbag: Tory Burch || Pumps: Cole Haan || Earrings: Honora ||  

Dress Beautifully in Roses

XOXO Sarah Louise