Friday Favorites: Trendy Tops & Jeans

 TGIF! I like my closet full of classics but I also like to sprinkle in trendy pieces. This keeps my outfits interesting and modern. 

I believe the trick for embracing new trends is choosing ones that YOU like, not that others. I also think you shouldn't go to an extreme design as you might not wear very often and maybe even wait a season to see if it lasts.

Statement tops are fun! I know I want to wear something unique when I head out with friends or to an event. It doesn't have to be a one time wear, pair with jeans casually and a skirt for dressy occasions.

Barrel jeans are so cool looking.  I have athletic legs and like the idea of a wider cut.  I found a pair that wasn't as exaggerated and very comfortable.

Here are some trendy pieces to explore adding to your closet ...

CROCHET WAVE SWEATER

 BURGUNDY RUFFLE BLOUSE

FEATHER TRIM SHIRT

also in white and black 

FRINGE SWEATER

LIGHT BARREL JEANS

I'm wearing these

PATCH POCKET CUFFED JEANS

SAILOR WIDE LEG JEANS

Dress Beautifully in Trendy Pieces

XOXO Sarah Louise

Trending: Hair Accessories, Smocking & Clear Bags

TGIF! Gals, what a wonderful week! I celebrated my 36th birthday yesterday, actually I celebrated last weekend too with a double date with my best friend Saturday night and birthday cake with my family on Easter Sunday. I met up with my sister at the park yesterday so that our girls could play.  Vivian's cousin is only 9 weeks younger so they're bffs. She took me out to lunch and then some Target time because that's what Mammas do #truth.  Naturally we bought stuff for the kids.
Then my other sister came over in the afternoon with more lemon cake #yolo and babysat Vivian so that Mr could take me out on a date.  He actually left the hospital on time!!!
Birthdays are one of those times for extra gratitude. Life is a precious gift, one that I cherish every day. Cheers to 36 years!

She did NOT want us to leave but date nights are a MUST and they don't include her!

AND Taylor Swift released a new song at midnight!!!!! I'm a HUGE fan and have been anxiously awaiting this big news for weeks. I consider it my birthday gift :) Vivian and I had a dance party this morning and I've been jamming out to it all day. It's one of my favorites.

"I'm the only one of me ... that's the fun of me" Mr confirmed there are no truer words haha

Let's chat fashion shall we.  There are 3 things trending big right now that I wanted to share.
Hair accessories, smocking and clear bags.

Hair Accessories:
I've been wearing barrettes, clips, pins, headbands, etc. in my large mane for years! My Mamma does too.  It's like jewelry for you hair and with as much as I have it needs to be contained with something strong and be pretty.

I also don't like wearing my hair plain and in the same way everyday.  Give me accessories, braids, and twists. Hair styles shouldn't be boring.

So here are some popular and pretty hair accessories sure to make any outfit complete from head to toe!

Pearl Clips -they add bold & classy touch. I ordered these and they hold great.

Headbands - I'm ALL about this brand out of India for headbands.  It was hard to pick just one. They are intricate and beautiful.  And not too big.  I ordered this one because it's neutral and it's named 'Vivian' #meanttobe
You must check all of the unique styles out!

Tortoise Clips - I've been wearing these for over 10 years. They blend with your hair and are perfect for ALL occasions.

You can also use silk scarves tie around your ponytails.  I have a large vintage collection that I need to wear more of.

Smocking:

I'm obsessed with smocking clothes for baby Vivian but it's everywhere in women's fashion too.  Keep in mind it is super stretchy making it very fitted where it's placed on the garment. Meaning it will accentuate curves! In my opinion it's either cute or it's not. So try it on and regardless of how pretty the piece is if it's not flattering don't wear it!

Here's some that I think are pretty...

Cherry Blossom Peplum Top
I ordered this and it should arrive any day now.  My only hesitation is having to wear a strapless bra UGH more options HERE

I love the puff sleeves on this one! It may be a bit on the shorter side but not a problem with a higher waisted pant or skirt.

This peplum top is classic and would be perfect with a pair of white jeans.


Clear Bags:

Now this trend is a challenge for me. Plastic handbags ekkkk But designers are putting them out there in mass quantities and styles. So if you like them my suggestion is to limit your investment.  I don't believe this trend will last and you'll find yourself putting it in the donate pile in a couple of seasons.
I do think they are practical for public events where they check your bag or if you work in retail where your bags are checked when leaving or even at the beach.

Personally, I like my pile concealed!

I did see some at Marshalls & TJ Maxx for around $30. Similar to this one.

I love the handle on this one.

This tote has nice trim.

And this clutch is chic.

Sooooo many options HERE!

Have a FUN weekend!

Dress Beautifully in Hair Accessories, Smocking & Maybe a Clear Bag 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Loafers

The menswear inspired loafer will be one of the sharpest addition to you wardrobe.

Back in the 90's these were all the rage.  Especially with a big block heel.  I strutted around in a pair regularly in high school.  As I slowly see the trends from my teenage years coming back, I do appreciate today's modern approach with sleeker, more feminine designs.

I'm dying to add a pair of loafers to my closet for Fall.  The only reasons I haven't yet is because it's too darn hot to wear right now and they would just be a big tease and I can't decide on which pair.

These aren't just for the office or for pairing with trousers.  They are so chic with skinny jeans or a feminine dress for contrast.  And let's not forget comfortable with their supportive soles and complete toe coverage.

Confession: I Hate toe cleavage.  Probably because I have terrible arthritis in my feet and can't stand  shoe seams to hit my joints but mostly because foot exposure is for sandals.  If you're going to wear a flat go all the way and cover the toes!

So here are 5 loafers I've got my eyes on ...

Shiny Black:  I've tried these on and they're on the very top of my list to purchase.  They're classic, but I believe the biggest reason is the exaggerated pointy toe.  It's elongating and feminine giving you the line of a pump without the pinching and heel.

Gunmetal:  I like the idea of a shiny metallic for a statement.  The layered, perforated fringe and bit across the front ice the cake.  I've tried these on as well and as always this brand never disappoints.  The only thing holding me back on these is they do draw attention to the feet and ankles and those just aren't my best asset.

Fringe:  Nude is my #1 color choice for any shoe.  I love the sleek design and simplicity of this pair.  They're in the running for sure!

Burgundy: I'm not really a red fan, but when it comes to Fall/Winter a rich pinot color is one of my favorites.  It's a neutral and goes with everything.

Two Toned Tassels: These are beautiful!! A perfect blend of masculine and feminine. They come is several two-toned colors but again I love the lighter shades.  I also like the minimal heel.

Choosing a loafer is going to be difficult! Can I have 2 pairs? or 3??  #decisionsdecisions

Shiny Black  -  Gunmetal   -  Fringe  -  Burgundy  -  Two-Toned Tassel 

Dress Beautifully in Loafers

XOXO Sarah Louise

Jumpsuit Flashback

Have I Mentioned My Love of 70's Fashion?? 
If I have you Probably tried to Ignore .... I know its Unexpected but Hey, 
You like what You like!!

Jumpsuits are Totally 70's.  I Think of them as a Maxi Dress with Legs.

They are Somewhat Difficult to Fit due to the Torso/Rise Cut & Proportion.  The Trick is to Just Try them on and be Patient. 

I found this One at Marshall's so the Price was Right (I don't like to spend on trendy items that won't get worn often) 
I Love that it's Strapless for Easy on & off for Trips to the Powder Room, and with all the Volume & Fabric I needed to show some skin. It has an Elastic Waist that Defines your Figure & the Wide Legs are Chic in my Opinion.  

The Cotton Fabric makes this Jumpsuit Comfortable Enough for Daytime Activities but Trendy & Unique to Wear at Night with Heels and Snazzy Baubles. 

Immediately I knew I'd Wear my Most Favorite Gold Chain Belt !  I can't get enough Gold in my Wardrobe and it's the Perfect 70's Accessory.  

Even if you aren't a Disco Era Gal (You're Totally Missing Out on a Great Dance Party!!!) Jumpsuits are a Fun Trend to Try! 

Navy Strapless Jumpsuit - Similar

Gold Chain Belt - Tory Burch 

Earrings - Kate Spade

Aviator Sunglasses - Target 

Don't Be Afraid to Jump on the Jumpsuit Trend!!!

XOXO Sarah Louise