Friday Favorites: Quilted Pieces

My Top & Jeans & Sunglasses

I know when you think of quilting, you probably imagine seasoned ladies sitting at a table with pieces of printed fabric sewing them together to make a blanket.  Well, you'd be correct! I've always had a big admiration for gals that can quilt.  I was given handmade blankets when I was born and when Vivian was born and I cherish those works of art. 

Taking this mosaic like pattern of patterned fabric into clothing is a huge trend this year and personally, I find it very pretty! 

Sure it has a little bit of western style to it but it's so girlie and brings back memories of watching 'Little House on the Prairie' as a girl.

Here are some lovely quilted pieces:

Dress Version of My Top

Floral Vest

Patchwork Maxi Dress

Kimono Jacket

Blue Patchwork Jacket

Pullover

Blouse

Maxi Skirt

Paisley Jacket

Gingham Vest

Long Sleeve Dress

Jacket

several prints & colors

Balloon Sleeve Dress

Dress Beautifully in a Quilted Pieces

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: 90's Baby

TGIF! This has been a strong week.  After battling a horrific germ I was able to return to my regular workout routine and gracious did I go hard! It felt beyond good to be back in the game.  I also got to have a really nice date night with Ryan Wednesday night.  His work schedule has been more crazy than normal but we make time for just us two so that we, as husband and wife, can stay strong.

Gracious may your coffee always be strong!

Today I feel that there are going to be some strong feelings about these fashion choices.

Do you gals remember the angst our Mammas felt when the styles of their youth returned? Well, I'm here to tell ya that we are now in our Mammas' shoes because our glory days are back in the form of acid wash, tiny floral slip skirts, tapered jeans, tie dye and square toe strappy sandals!

Here are 5 reinvented trends I'm all about with a nostalgic sense of fun....

Acid Wash

Acid Wash Dress

You probably cringed at the image of the splotchy patterned denim and I'm with you when it comes to the high waisted pleated pants BUT in this puff sleeve shift dress I find it cool!

Note: When it comes to the fun trendy pieces, I do not invest! I do balance the fad with classic elements so that I don't appear too outlandish.

Tiny Floral Slip Skirt

Ribbed Tee - Floral Slip Skirt

My gal pals & I wore these proudly on Sunday mornings to church (we are still BFF's). When they reappeared last year I had to have one and even purchased 5. Each and every one was unbearably unflattering. The nature of the skimming cut and light weight fabric with it's high luster is not forgiving on the shapeliness of a lady.

But THIS skirt gals, is beautiful.  The fabric has enough weight to skim and not cling, the tiny print of flowers and saturated sky blue conceal and a hidden elastic waist band allows it to sit snug on the waist for a very flattering and feminine shape.

The best part is that it comes with a guarantee of twirling and extra spring in your step.

Mom Jeans

Modern Mom Jeans

The high waisted, lighter wash and tapered leg jeans became cringe worthy once they were replaced dark flat front jeans.  Today designers have taken those designs and reworked them with modern elements to give us a comfortable feminine fit that's cool.

Tie Dye

Tie Dye Tee

The splattered pattern of color has such a fun and youthful vibe and it's really hard not to be happy wearing it. But if you're not careful in neon colors and excess it can be tacky. In muted and softer shades it can be casual and cool.

Square Toe Sandals

Square Toe Sandal

I find the strong lines of a square toe sandal fun and comfortable.  It is unexpected and gives a sassy flair.  The trick is for the rest of the shoe to stay light, so no platforms or thick straps.
I spared you a picture of my feet in these heels for 2 reasons, 1: my toe nails are unpainted during the winter & 2. I have extremely hideous feet with bunions & callouses. #yourwelcome

Here are some 90's trends that should NEVER be resurrected ....

Fanny Packs, Low Rise Pants, Choker Necklaces, Neon, Torso Revealing Tops, Skin Tight Mini Dresses, Butterfly Clips, Platform Slip On Sandals & Combat Boots ... Just to name a few :)

Dress Beautifully in the Trends of the 90's #GloryDays

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Sweater + Skirt + Sneakers = Cozy, Chic & Comfy

Gals, Winter has just crashed our party! Playing outside is our favorite but gracious these cold temperatures have us looking wishfully through the windows.

Sweaters have always come second to blouses and jackets in my wardrobe but the past two years I've found that if I invest in more quality sweaters that have interest I will actually wear them and be warmer. Sweaters were either boring in just solid colors or the material was synthetic so it wasn't comfortable or they were just too casual in design.

I'm loving chunky knits, patterned designs and statement sleeves on sweaters! I've also figured out that I don't like long sweaters but prefer them to hit right at my hips.

Here's how to style them to avoid the predictable pairing of just jeans and boots.

- with a midi slip, pleated, printed or tiered skirt
- over top of a midi dress
- with a mini skirt with over the knee boots
- with a pencil skirt (Tip: either the sweater or skirt is best printed)
- with bright/printed pants

I found this amazing sweater at a local boutique and absolutely LOVE it for its pattern and thick knit.  It almost looks handmade.

I paired it with this tiered skirt that at first glance most would say is just for Spring/Summer. But with this sweater it takes on a Winter feel. Sneakers are styled with EVERYTHING these days and while my style is the farthest from 'Sporty Spice' I'm embracing the comfort it brings!

I wouldn't suggest this look for the office but grab a gal pal and wear it to lunch, shopping or a fun party.

Get creative with your pairings and make the most of your wardrobe!

*The outtakes are my favorite :)

Similar Sweater & Here & Here | Similar Skirts | Sneakers | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Sweater, Skirt & Sneakers Combo

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Lace Up

Lace up shoes have stormed the scene over the past few seasons and now this criss cross tie-it-up trend has hit apparel. Necklines of tops and dresses are adorned with grommets and ties creating a peek through low cut design.

The only hesitation I have is that if constructed too low or not laced up appropriately it may call for exposure or elimination of a bra.  Gals, it is not ok to expose your bra. And VERY rarely is it appropriate to ditch the boulder holder. 

So check yourself before you wreck yourself - choose a lace up top that is classy not trashy!

Here's a multitude of options ...

Romper  -  Tee  -  Denim shirt  -  Sleeveless Top  -  Lace Up Dress  -  Navy Dress

  Shirtdress  -  Striped Shift  -  Utility Shirt   -  Shift Dress

I wore this lace-up blouse from the Target Who What Wear collection last week to work.  I couldn't find it online but have seen it in the stores as of yesterday and it comes in black. I did roll up the cuffs (petite problems).  My floral pencil skirt is a few years old from J Crew but here, here, and here are similar options. My shoes are Tory Burch. I can't say enough about how comfortable they are - I even have them in Red.

Dress Beautifully in a Lace Up Neckline

XOXO Sarah Louise

Lady Gladiators

The lace-up pointy toed flat is trending huge! To me they are ladylike, resembling ballerina shoes.
I miss my ballerina days when I was young and regret it constantly that I quit.  but we all know as a teenager we think we know best and the quest for cool trumps. Oh to guide our younger selves!

The luxury lace-up flat from Aquazzura was at the forefront of this shoe trend and as beautiful as they are they also come with an unaffordable price tag.  Slowly more affordable options are becoming available.

One of the highlights of my weekend was bringing home this pair from Monkee's, a local Charlotte boutique.  I personally love these because they're nude matching my skin which is elongating on the leg. Also, I loved that the ties didn't wrap around the ankle.

So here's what I've found for you .....

  Black   Taupe Suede   Floral   Snake   Red   Studded   Blue Suede   Leopard   Nude (mine)

Note: Almost all of these come in several colors!!! 

Dress Beautifully in Lace Up Flats

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Flare

TGIF! Most weeks I'm super excited for the end.  This week is unique, Mr and I have been enjoying our 2 week vacation in our new home - we've slept in (anything past 5:30am is late to us). We've shopped for our home, enjoyed meals in our sunroom and even hosted lots of friends and family.  I thrive on routine and structure in my world but I must admit it's refreshing to just slow down and enjoy the moments that matter.

Now that the weekend is ahead, we look forward to lots of cheers with each other and our friends but a part of me is broken hearted as these are the last days having Mr in our home until next summer.  I know he's needed overseas to practice medicine, serving marines and sailors and I'm proud of his sacrifice but I honestly can't comprehend not seeing his face or hearing his voice for 9 months :(

Oh a brighter note, lets talk about this Friday's Findings - Flare Jeans! I can honestly say I can now sympathize with the disappointment my mamma had when trends from her past would resurface - the 90's are coming back gals .. sigh There are some things I wore I simply must forget (like big clunky shoes!)
But Flares, I'm ok with. Because 70's fashion - the origin of flares, is my favorite!  I'm probably the only gal besides Rachel Zoe that loves the 70's but I don't care.

Since skinnies have been the go-to for several years now, I'm sure like me, most of you have donated your old-school flares.
I'm not saying we should prepare for switching our skinnies for bigger legs - but adding a pair of flares can be a fun break in your denim collection.

If you're apprehensive to embrace the trend I have a solution.  I hit up my favorite thrift/consignment shops to scout out a pair of flares. There are a lot of benefits to buying used: it's green, economically savvy, and they're already broken in  for a perfectly comfortable fit!  I scored these 'Citizens of Humanity' flare jeans for less than $20!  #winning

Tips for for finding the right flares:
Mid to high waist rise
Flare should begin right above the knee
Hem should come all the way to the ground
If pairing with a loose top, tuck in to balance

Broken in Flares - Citizens of Humanity

Shop these Flares I Found ..... 

High Waisted Flare

Dark Wash Flare - More Here 

Vintage Wash Flare 

Black Flare

Distressed Flare

Shop more Flare washes and fits HERE

Dress Beautifully in Flares

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bucket of Fun

Buckets Bags are bountiful on the handbag scene! 

It's a returning trend from the 90's.  I've held off on slinging one over my shoulder as I'm not quite sure how I feel about these bitty buckets.  If you think about it, they're an interesting looking bag - it's like an oversized leather pouch or sachet.  Since my handbag style is more on the structured & ladylike side, it would have to be of quality leather with a touch of sophistication - maybe some gold hardware and I'd go with a neutral shade.

Trends can be tricky.  

My advise: 

Don't invest too much money into something you're unsure of or that may not be cool in the upcoming seasons.  

Just because everyone else is doing it doesn't mean you should 

Stay true to your stye but don't be afraid to branch out either

Now I'm even more conflicted!

What do you think??? 

I've rounded up a variety of bucket bags from Nordstrom below...

Bucket Bags: Stripe   Cognac   White   Red   Canvas   Blue   Gray   Black

Dress Beautifully with a Bucket Bag

XOXO Sarah Louise