Friday Favorites: Velvet

 TGIF! This has been a wonderful week for my family. We were together!!! We go extended periods apart with Ryan's travel job in the ER, and this season includes some long stretches. 

There's a lot of girl dinners and giving gratitude to endure the challenges. 

VELVET VEST

There's SO MUCH holiday on the racks with sparkles, satins and embellishments.

Velvet is an elegant and rich fabric that translates to both special occasions and the every day in this season. The soft texture and weight makes it lovely for dressy occasions but not limiting. 

Style Tip: Pair with cotton (tees, button ups), sweaters and jeans for a casual look.

Beautiful Velvet Pieces ...

ONE SHOULDER TOP

BLAZER

also in black, navy & lilac

the trim is beautiful!

WRAP MINI SKIRT

WIDE LEG TROUSER

4 colors

BARREL PANTS

PUFF SLEEVE MINI DRESS

MARY JANE FLAT

BLAZER DRESS

KNOT HANDBAG

RELAXED BLAZER

Dress Beautifully in Velvet

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: 20 Skirts

TGIF!  I hope you gals have had a fun week.  I know I surely have.  I spent Sunday and Monday in Raleigh with my 2 best gals from college for a quick little getaway.  We saw Carrie Underwood in concert Monday night and Oh. My, Goodness! She is absolutely amazing!! We even got upgraded to floor seats (thanks to Meghan's good looks and flirting abilities).  It was such a nice time away from the 'work' at home.  But I missed my sweet Vivian Louise something fierce! And of course she missed me right back and practically wouldn't let me go once I picked her up from school Tuesday.  I loved every squeeze :)

Me, my girl and her cracker :)

I feel like skirts have much bigger share on the fashion scene this year.  And in longer lengths.

My favorite thing about skirts right now is that you can pair them with tees and sneakers, maybe even add a denim jacket for casual occasions.
Or, a chunky sweater and booties for a casual/dressy occasion.
Or a pretty blouse and heels for an all the way dressy occasion.

Here are some of my favorite skirts ... 20 to be exact!

Leopard Midi Skirt

Pleated Midi Skirt (also in Navy & Snake)

I have it in navy and love it!

Denim Skirt

I share this one with you on this post! 

While I've been wearing it with sandals the past few months I'm ready to put boots with it!

Faux Suede Skirt

Faux Leather Skirt

I have this one (yes I fall victim to the 'come out with extras' on a target run) 

It has pockets and slightly a-line so you can move and it flatters!

Tiered Floral Skirt

I saw this one in a local boutique yesterday and I'm still thinking about it!

I wanted to try it on but time was ticking and I couldn't be late to pick up Vivian from school.

Not only are the tiers of tiny flowers pretty, but it's an all year round skirt so you could wear and style it endless ways! Just wishing it was a bit lower in price :)

Velvet Floral Mini

Slip Skirt

Corduroy

Sequined Pencil Skirt aka Party Skirt

Lace

Perfect for the holidays

 Perfect Pink Belted Skirt

Plaid (available in 2 other colors)

soooo British

Ruffle Hem Skirt

Dot Skirt

Jungle Pencil Skirt

Tweed Skirt

Striped Skirt

Paisley Scarf Print

Velvet

Dress Beautifully in Skirts

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Velvet & Bows

Velvet is probably one of my favorite fabrics.  Even in my home I've incorporated it into my decor with pillows and chair upholstery.  It's a heavier textile but sooooo soft and it has a subtle luster in the light.  For the holidays I'd rather wear velvet over sparkles!

It's an understated glamor and doesn't limit you just to the holidays but for all season long.

I was drawn to this top for all of its details.  The velvet has an added shimmer to it, and in a leopard print design. The neck & shoulders have shear ruffles and I could picture myself wearing it dressed up or down with a pair of jeans. I lightened the look with ivory trousers.

The best part .... these velvet bow shoes!!!! I found them a couple months ago and fell in love.  They look so high fashion.  The price tag was also way too high for a special occasion shoe. But come Black Friday they were over half off so I pulled the trigger #noregrets

They have a low heel and a quilted satin lining for comfort.  I couldn't wait to wear them to church this past season.
They're basically going to dictate every outfit I wear this month :)

Also, mini handbags make an outfit not-so-everyday.

Velvet Blouse | Wide Leg Crop Pants | Velvet Bow Mules | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Velvet (and Bows)

XOXO Sarah Louise

Statement Sleeves

It seams like a majority of tops (and dresses) these days all have statement sleeves and for a gal that prefers sleeveless I find my self a bit frustrated.  You can go overboard designers.

It's not that statement sleeves aren't pretty, I just find them overwhelming and in the way.  I also have petite arms so not always a good fit.

This top hit the mark for fit and embracing the trending statement sleeve.  I actually purchased it when I was still pregnant with baby girl as a potential top for her newborn pictures.
The top is made of a heavier off-white fabric so it lays nicely without being see through.  The sleeves work because the 2 layers of ruffles start at the elbow leaving the upper arm slim and end far above the wrist as to not be in the way.

I paired it with these frayed crop jeans and velvet heels for a more casual/night out look.  Because that's what I have on my mind being cooped up with a baby all day!  When I'm back at work a skirt or trousers will pair perfectly.

Note:  I wore this top to church this past Sunday with a pink skirt and the sleeves were never in my way. Meaning I managed to not dip them in my plate during Sunday supper because again length was just right!

I always like to add some print somewhere in my outfits and animal is my first choice most of the time so I chose this snake bag. Subtle and neutral.

Statement Sleeve Top  ||  Crop Frayed Jeans  ||  Velvet Heels  ||  Snake Handbag  ||

Earrings  ||  Initial Necklace  || 

Dress Beautifully in a Statement Sleeve Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Festive Tops

TGIF! And it’s going to be a good one! Mr is off of work this weekend (that NEVER happens!) ok well technically he’s on call Saturday but I’m choosing to believe that he won’t have to go in and I can soak up two days in a row of his greatness.  The times of just us two are quickly coming to an end so we plan to take advantage.  We never did get around to taking a baby moon (see reason above) but we are going to go on a dinner date, decorate our home for Christmas and work on organizing the nursery because gals, it’s 90% done!!!!  I’m so excited I can’t stand it! After we organize and put away all of her gifts and I finish her drapes I’ll be able to share pictures with you.

We are also helping to decorate our church for Christmas Saturday morning – it’s over 100 years old and such a beauty!  We are going to try and squeeze in a tour of the maternity center I’ll be delivering at after – ekkk it’s getting real!

Now that our calendars are turned to December tis the season for festive parties and that means festive outfits. Ruffles, bows, plaid, velvet and sequins - I've rounded up a bit of everything for you! Personally, I’ll be in a black maternity dress accessorized with sparkly baubles and furs.

BUT, if I didn’t have the bump I’d be wearing one  of these party tops – In fact I think I’m going to order the ruffled off the shoulder one for Valentine’s Day next year J

Ruffle Off the Shoulder  |  One Shoulder Bow  |  Plaid  |  Velvet  |  Sequins  |

Dress Beautifully in a Festive Top this Holiday Season

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Luxury Look-a-likes

Whew, the holiday hustle is in full swing! While I may not be running around store to store shopping for presents (I made my list early and tackled it quickly), I am enjoying all the holiday soirees and cheers with dear friends.  This weekend is all about Christmas musicals at my church and my Mamma's.  At my church the kiddos are putting on the show and my Mamma is in the choir performing at hers.  I'm so proud of the hard work that goes into putting on these beautiful shows that fill us with the true spirit and love of Christmas! #Jesusisthereason 

When it comes to shoes I'm not your average gal.  I am not overly enthusiastic and have a small inventory compared to most (Mr has a hard time grasping this) but it's the truth.  Like I am constantly sharing with you gals, quality over quantity.  I purchase well made shoes that check the top box of comfort. I also believe that low heeled shoes are far classier and a wise investment. 

Nothing is worse than painful shoes - Can I get an Amen?!!

High end designers make beautiful shoes but they also come with a sky high price.  While I have noticed that recent styles have embraced a lower heel height the cost is still too steep for my wallet.  So, I scout out shoes whose outer, lining and soles are made of leather and look for sewn in soles rather than glued.  These are trademarks for a well constructed shoe.  Just like your garments, shoes should be made of natural elements.

This allows for breathability and for the shoe to conform to your foot for a glove like fit. 

These look-a-likes maybe be a fraction of the cost but they are 100% full of quality and style.

Confession:  I am guilty of owning 4 of the 5 lood-a-likes below. (the exception of the red loafer because I already own these red shoes and don't need 2 pairs of horse bit loafers and my lace up flats are nude)

Gucci is on FIRE and I'm grateful to have found similar looks for less. But I won't be scouting out any impostures when it comes to this handbag - It's #1 on my wish list!

Luxury: Metallic Loafer  ||  Horsebit Loafer  ||  Red Horsebit Slipper  ||  

Velvet Slipper  || Lace Up Flats ||

Look-a-like: Metallic Loafer  ||  Horsebit Loafer  ||  Red Horsebit Slipper  ||  

Velvet Slipper & Here  || Lace Up Flats  ||

Dress Beautifully in Luxury for Less

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Velvet Touch

Velvet is everywhere this season! From clothing to shoes, the soft warm fabric with it's eye catching sheen adds elements of luxe to any look.  See some of my velvet favorites from this post a few weeks ago.

P.S.  I'm stalking my front door for this pair of velvet shoes to arrive.

This blouse blends classic and modern components with an embellishment of a velvet medallion.

The design incorporated the foundation of a poplin dress shirt and reworked the construction with a shorter hem and oversized elbow sleeves.

I feel that this top is one of those pieces that you can wear all year long for so many occasions.  For the office, ditch the boring solids and pair it with a pencil skirt or trousers.  For casual days you can't go wrong with denim and come spring white will make it pop!

If the shorter hem line has you concerned, wear it on top of a sheath dress or with a higher waisted a line skirt.  Personally, I'm a tucker but I like adding variations to my wardrobe - keeps things fresh.

Velvet Embellished Top || Pencil Skirt || Pumps || Earrings || 

Dress Beautifully in Velvet

XOXO Sarah Louise