STUDS

Studs are the embellishment of the season. I'm seeing them on shoes, clothing and handbags ... And I love it! It adds shine, texture and an edgy look. Metal adds an element of sophistication to an outfit. 

MY JEANS

Style Tip - pair casually with a sweatshirt and sneakers

Here are some chic studded pieces ...

HANDBAG

I ordered this one!

DENIM JACKET

BELT

BOOTIE

MARY JANE

ACID WASH JEANS

Dress Beautifully in Studs

XOXO Sarah Louise

Boldly Go

Some trends are fun and easy to embrace while others are bold and harder to incorporate.

Personally, I embrace exaggerated designs. Here's the deal, if you like it then you wear it! Hold your head up, walk tall and own it!

I know the horseshoe and barrel cut jeans are a statement design but gals, I like them! 

HORSESHOE JEANS

available in several washes 

This pair is a splurge but the fit and finish is fabulous!!!

HORSESHOE JEANS

TOP

This pair is an identical wash but without the distressing and a fraction of the cost. Shipping did take a while but worth it. 

Both of these are high waisted, fitted on the hips and roomy on the legs when fits my shape perfectly!

I found they both ran true to size. 

I styled them with a cropped linen shell and heels for a dressy look but a tee and sneakers work too. That's the beauty of jeans - they go with everything! 

If you are looking to try the horseshoe jean trend, join me! I'm sure I'll receive looks & opinions but I don't care. 

Dress Beautifully in Bold Designs

XOXO Sarah Louise

Extra Padding

Gals, 2020 should have come with a little extra padding to endure all the knock downs it has given us.

I remember thinking the shoulder pads of my Mamma's time in the 80's and 90's were horrendous and I still think that.

Confession: I once stole a set of shoulder pads out of my Mamma's dresser drawer and used them to stuff my bra! 
Your welcome for the laugh :)

But, I'm all over this toned down shoulder pad trend.  I have very narrow shoulders and I feel a like I look like I'm standing taller and more confident with a little extra volume. When you emphasize an area, such as a padded shoulder or a puff sleeve it makes other areas appear deemphasized.  In other words the waist and lower body appear smaller.  This also creates an hour glass shape. #goals

While you may be skeptical to try this trend, it's a pretty subtle one and gives a very modern vibe. Pair it with classics like trousers, a pencil skirt or jeans.

I love this cut of denim.  A high waist, slim wide leg with a raw hem and just a tad of distressing is modern and comfortable. Also if you're going to wear a light wash, a looser fit is more flattering.

I dressed this look up with a heel but a nice flat or sneaker is perfect for casual days.
Do we even have days that aren't casual any more??

I refuse to give up on dressing up! 💯

Shoulder Pad Top - Here - Here  | Jeans | Similar Pumps | Earrings

Dress Beautifully in a Shoulder Pad Top

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday 5: Ring the Bell

Ring in the weekend with a fluttery fun bell sleeve.  Unless you live under a rock, you've seen elements of 70's style in almost every store.  Bell sleeves and those flare bottom jeans were a signature statement of the era.

Personally I'm loving this new embellishment.  I will say, a lot of the pieces I've tried on have had  very long sleeve lengths, covering my hands.  Now, I do have shorter arms but still I've noticed that even on the tall models these tops & dresses were designed with exaggerated hems in efforts to make a statement.  While it looks cool and fashion forward, it's not practical for every day function to have fabric hanging on your arms and hands.  I'd go crazy!

Tip:  If you find a top you love it's fairly easy and inexpensive to alter the sleeve length.

For this week's edition of Friday 5 (I know it's been a while) I've rounded up my favorite bell sleeve pieces.

I actually own the black top; it's sleeves are actually 3/4 length and the bell isn't too big or too small. It's just right :)  And with a pencil skirt or jeans it will surely to get lots of wear.

Black  ||  Blue Stripe  ||  Coral  || Green  ||  Pink Dress  || 

Dress Beautifully in Bell Sleeves

XOXO Sarah Louise

Kick Crop

Jeans are far from simple.  There are so many washes, cuts and just over the past several years distressing that a pair of jeans can have.  Jeans are universally the hardest to fit.  Personally, I feel it can be more difficult than swimsuits!

When you find a great fitting pair of jeans it's like finding a pot of gold.  For me the challenge is that my legs are full and my waist is smaller so finding a pair that can fit those proportions can be somewhat of a treasure hunt.  And let's not forget my derriere, it isn't lacking in fullness either.

I look for darker washes with some slight color shading, a higher waist and a lower back pocket placement. I believe that you don't have to have tons of jeans but definitely a variety.  A dark wash, medium wash, skinnies, boyfriend/distressed and of a course a couple pairs of white jeans for the summer. A pair for casual Fridays, a pair for a night out and a pair for casual situations.

One of this season's trends is the kick crop jean.  It's basically the boot cut from the early 2000's in a crop/ankle length design. Some other elements you'll see on denim this season is a selvage hem and wide leg cuts.

Over the past year I've fallen for Madewell's denim.  It's super soft just a hint of stretch (I find that too much stretch is unflattering as I don't want a second skin on my legs but rather a slight skim). I like their washes and slightly higher waists.

I'm not afraid to try new things and this pair was no exception.  I rarely hop on the latest trends, I like to watch them play out for a hot minute to see if it's something that's going to stick around and worth investing in. But I must say I'm digging this kick crop denim.

It's almost like a straight leg but with an ever so slight flair.  It's definitely slimming on the leg and shows off a great pair of shoes.  The undone hem detail gives them a modern, more casual vibe.
To me I find them reminiscent of the 70's and I Love me some 70's fashion!!

This top has a kick crop flair to it as well.  It's a little shorter in length but far far from a 'crop top' and it has a peplum.  It's a fun version of the crisp white shirt.

Since both this blouse and jeans are casual I went with a polished pump to dress it up, but try an ankle strap sandal or for easy comfort a ballet flat.

If you look closely you find a sneak peek at a fun clutch I'll be sharing with you next week :)

Kick Crop Jeans & Similar || Peplum Blouse || Pumps || 

Dress Beautifully in a Pair of Kick Crop Jeans

XOXO Sarah Louise

Wide Leg & Cropped

Wide leg pants are making a big appearance on the fashion scene but with a shorter twist.  Rather than full length construction forcing us petite gals into sky high heels or a trip to the tailor for hemming, designers are cropping them just at or above the ankle. 

Personally I love this length.  It wasn’t cool when we were younger because it was a sign you had outgrown your pants a.k.a. ‘High Waters’.  This cropped length doesn’t quite show the ankles but it’s perfect for showing off your shoes!  Particularly ankle strapped sandals or booties.

I’m also a fan of a wide leg pant for their slimming effect.  The line of these pants falls straight from the hip down to the hem, disguising the leg and creating a long line on the lower body.  Personally, I’m a bit self-conscious of my lower body/legs and these pants offer more confidence over leg hugging skinnies.  I also feel that I can move easily and are quite cool in the summer heat.

You may have concern that these may have a shortening effect. Combat that by keeping your top shorter like a cropped box top or more fitted.  You want to have a high waist line so maybe opt for a front tuck of your top.  I’m a full 360° tucker a majority of the time #oldschool.

I went with a fitted black tank for a more casual & neutral styling of these tan crops.  Incorporating more black into my wardrobe is on my Summer To-Do list that I shared with you earlier this week.  I know, I know, it’s odd as it’s summer the season of light colors and don’t most gals have the opposite problem of too much black?!  Not me gals, I have very, very little and honestly it’s classy and sharp so there’s no reason not to.  I just gravitate to the ivory and navy for my neutrals.  But let me be clear, I have no intentions of diminishing my inventory of white & ivory pieces!

Go get yourself a pair of wide leg cropped pants.  I promise you’ll be comfortable and chic!

Wide Leg Crop Pants: Banana Republic Similar & Here || Tank: Similar & Here ||

Shoes: Louise Et Cie & Similar || Earrings: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Wide Leg Crop Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise

Off the Shoulder

One of the biggest trends this Spring and Summer is the off-the-shoulder top.  They've hit the fashion scene and quickly became a must have!

I quickly jumped on board and ordered this top back when the weather was still cold. So it's been staring at me for weeks every time I walk into my closet, teasing me.  I NEED warmer weather so I can shimmy around in it!

Tibi's design kick started this fabulous trend and thank goodness designers have all created their own versions at a variety of price points.

Not all off-the-shoulder tops are created equal.  I like this one because the top elastic only spans the shoulders and back leaving the front neckline smooth and stationary.  It makes for a more comfortable fit and easier movement with wear.  Elastic of any design or placement can be restrictive but it can also create functionality.  It's a piece by piece evaluation - hence the rule of always trying things on.  With an off-the-shoulder top make sure the elastic isn't too snug and that you can move your arms without the top springing up.

Back in the 80's off-the-shoulder tops were super tight and fitted and often worn tucked into high waisted pants.  And while that look can be snazzy, I'm all about the causal, tunic cut of today's top.  It's light and loose and easy to wear for all body types. Although ladies, you will have to switch to a strapless bra. But it's worth it!  Showing off your shoulders, one of the smallest features on the feminine frame is very flattering.

I paired this top with a pair of distressed jeans and wedges for a casual look.  Come summer time wear with shorts and sandals or for evening skinny pants and heels.

You must jump on this trend and add an off-the-shoulder top to your wardrobe!
Truth: I've also added an off-the-shoulder dress to mine :)

Off the shoulder top: Free People || Jeans: J Crew || Wedges: Tory Burch - Similar & Here ||

Lots of off-the-shoulder tops Here 

Dress Beautifully in an Off-the-Shoulder Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

Fringe

Fringe is on the scene!  It's definitely a stand out detail that must be worn carefully and in small doses.  I first really started to look at these textured strands on the last season of Project Runway.  Fringe can be elegant, fun and modern.  What you don't want is a costume look such as Pocahontas or an 80's rock star.

Below I've scouted this trend in shoes, handbags and jewelry ....

Ankle Fringe   D'Orsay Flat   Sandal   Cage Heel   Peep Toe Bootie   

Crossbody   Hobo    Tote    Clutch   Satchel Crossbody

Studs    Art Deco Pendant   Bangle   Crystal Drop Earrings   Leather Bib   Chain Bib

Dress Beautifully in Fringe

XOXO Sarah Louise      

Blanket Scarf

The Blanket Scarf is Trending .... Just in Case You've Been Living Under a Rock and Didn't Know.

Trend: Something that is currently popular or fashionable.

Gals I Must Share this Rule: "Just because it's Trending Doesn't Mean You Should Wear it!"

So Here's My Criteria for Embracing a Trend:
- Is it Flattering?
- Can it be Worn Next Year and the Year After?
- How Often Can it be Worn?
- Price, Can You Rock it Inexpensively Until You've Decided to Invest?

When it came to Jumping on the Blanket Scarf Trend the Answers were All Positive. 
It's flattering (well it's an scarf so it's great for all shapes and sizes), it's a plaid print in traditional colors so a classic that can be worn for years, it's an appropriate accessory for work & weekend looks, and since you can find them at almost all apparel retailers in a variety of fabrics there is sure to be a price that fits your wallet. 

Bonus: It's Warm! 

I'm more of a Silk Scarf Enthusiast so I Opted for a Blanket Scarf that Looks & Feels Expensive but at a Price that You can't Walk Away from. 

And for Even More Fun, I Paired it's Many Colors with Pattern, Texture, and Shine

Stripes, Plaid, Fur Oh My!

Blanket Scarf: Target || Striped Dress: Saint James Similar || Fur Vest: Tahari Similar ||  

Gray Boots: Cole Hann Similar || Hobo Handbag: Marshalls Love this One from Madewell || 

'S' Bracelet: C Wonder Similar || Earrings: Kate Spade || 

Sunglasses: Target || Polish: Butter London || 

Dress Beautifully in a Blanket Scarf

XOXO Sarah Louise