Go Big

Gals, in a mere 3 days I will be celebrating my 37th anniversary on this earth! It's a true testament to the phrase 'time flies when you're having fun'. When it comes to special occasions I go big with my ensembles.

I loved this dress when I saw it for 3 primary reasons, cotton poplin fabric (most favorite for it's crisp coolness), straight midi length (most longer dresses are a-line and for a petite gal that's often overwhelming) and the oh so fabulous balloon sleeves.  I mean let's not be basic.

I also found the colors of the tiny floral print cheery and fitting for the season.

Now, I'm all ready with a dress and nowhere to go. If you're are optimistic like me, you're holding on to attending Summer soirees and this dress will be perfect for them. Weddings, showers, gals' night out and hopefully vacations are times when a little something with pizazz is what you need.

I added a white belt to break up the long line of print but because this dress has a slim silhouette it's not necessary for shape.

Tip:  When wearing an outfit with ample sass, no need for competing accessories such as jewelry. Keep it simple. 

Balloon Sleeve Dress | Pumps | Belt | Sunglasses | 

Dress Beautifully in Balloon Sleeves

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Peek a Boo

Tis the season of shoulders.  I shared this trend with you in this post, here and again here.

And today it's all about this trendy button up.  I believe in crisp dress shirts as evidence by the large inventory hanging in my closet.  They're sharp, classic and pair, layer and coordinate with everything.

All of my off-the-shoulder tops are clearly appropriate outside of business hours.  I leave a small percentage of my wardrobe for that category because those occasions are so few.

This top marries the off-the-shoulder trend with the dress shirt beautifully. The crisp collar and pinstripes bring sophistication while the ruffles and peek through shoulders give it sass.

While this top is trendy I do believe paired with trousers or as I did with a pencil skirt it could be worn to the office if your work place is fairly casual, non customer facing and for those days with no meetings.

Note: this top does run small and with the ruffle seam across the chest buttoning up all the way was restricting.  Although I don't believe I would any way as it's a bit stuffy.

Tip: A raceback bra is ideal, more like necessary, for tops like this one that cut in.

This top is also perfect for transitioning in to Fall with its long sleeves.  Pair with dark skinny jeans and booties and you're all set for the weekend.

Cold Shoulder Top: Nordstrom & Here ||  Pencil Skirt: J Crew & Similar || Pumps: Nine West  ||

Gold Bangle: J Crew || Earrings: Similar || 

More Cold Shoulder Tops: Here - Here - Here - Here  

Dress Beautifully in a Cold Shoulder Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

Denim Dance

Combining the Classics with the Current is the way to Chic.  As a gal in her 30’s I want to look both timeless and modern. 

Denim is forever, while the off-the-shoulder neckline is a something that may drift in and out of popularity.

This denim number with its ruffles literally made me shimmy in the dressing room.  It’s of lighter weight and in a swing shape keeps you cool and gives lots of movement.  Ok it may make you want to twirl too!

I scored this designer dress at my local Marshalls for a steal compared to its msrp.  Let me touch on this, personally I love shopping at Marshalls and Homegoods.  I find unique home décor as well as clothing for great prices.  Living in Charlotte I find my local stores offer high end labels from time to time, but it’s a game of luck catching your size and pieces you like.  A lot of my gal pals find these stores overwhelming and too time consuming to shop.  Eh it’s all about your personal preference.  But in case you didn’t know, you can shop online!

I paired this dress with neutral wedges but a pair of gladiator sandals, perhaps a fedora and a cross body and you’re easy breezy casual for any weekend shenanigans you find yourself getting into.  Add a pop of color in your accessories such as a jewelry or a neck scarf.

I’ve linked several denim off the shoulder dresses below … 

Denim Dress: AG - Similar - Here - Here - Here & Here || Wedges: Clarks || 

Dress Beautifully in a Denim Off the Shoulder Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise