Showing posts with label vince camuto. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vince camuto. Show all posts

Aug 22, 2016

Stripes and Surplus


Surplus green is often referred to as olive green, or army green after the fruit and the uniform/gear worn my military members.  It's a dark and dusty green.  It's a neutral and practically goes with everything.

Mr calls this shade of green olive drab but personally I don't think there's anything drab about it.  I love green, it flatters my red hair and I'm always game for alternate neutrals to brown and black.

I paired this textured skirt with a striped dress shirt and a blush pink bag for added femininity.

This skirt is going to be on major repeat paired with blouses in a multitude of colors and prints. When the temps start to fall with sweaters and booties/boots.

Note: these perforated lace up shoes are epically comfortable!






Just because :)


Striped Dress Shirt: Similar Here & Here || Olive Skirt: Ann Taylor & SimilarHere || 
Lace Up Heels: Vince Camuto || Handbag: Tory Burch || Bangle: J Crew || 

Dress Beautifully in Stripes & Surplus 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Jul 22, 2016

Friday 5: Fall Bags

Today is a fantastic Friday!!!  For so many reasons I’m extra giddy this Friday – Mr arrives this afternoon and will be in our home forever!  (With the exception of two short visits back to the coast next month to wrap up some Navy business) AND big stuff is happening in my career AND this time next week we will be at our vacation destination!.  Needless to say we will be celebrating and cheering our many blessings this weekend!

Unless you live under a rock you know about the big Nordstrom Anniversary Sale that happens every July.  The sale introduces the upcoming Fall season with select merchandise at a lower price.  This sale is for a limited time and then the price rises back up to its retail price.  It’s a great opportunity to stock up on those normally higher priced items like handbags, boots and coats.

However, I find that it can be a challenge with the current afternoon temps over 100F and no sign of a cool down any time soon to even think about cold weather clothing.

In the past I have taken full advantage of the sale and brought home some great loot.  Over the past couple of years I haven’t had much luck but that may just be because my closet isn’t lacking (not that I’m a hoarder I just tend to purchase quality classic pieces that last and so no need to repurchase).  I also have been concentrating on home décor and our upcoming trip when it comes to spending our extra funds.

I’ve been lusting after a red handbag for over a year now and I’ve finally found ‘The One’ and I’m so close to earning the achievement to warrant such a beautiful treat! Work Hard –Play Hard #Hustle

I also wouldn’t mind adding a fall handbag this season.  One in a darker color and/or texture.

Here are my 5 favorite fall bags from the Nordstrom Sale ….




Black Tote:  Classic and Polished. Perfect for the office (files, computer, planner etc. ) and for weekend to hold all your running around essentials – water, snacks, even a change of clothes

Pinot Crossbody:  I’m obsessed with burgundy for fall/winter!! It’s rich and warm and always makes me thing of a big glass of red wine.  This bag is very ‘Chanel’ like and it doesn’t get more classic than that!

Leopard Calf Hair Bag:  When it comes to leopard accessories (bags, shoes, belts) ALL of mine are calf hair.  It’s gives a luxurious texture and construction.  Animal prints are a great way to add interest & print.

Suede Satchel:  Suede is another rich texture for fall/winter.  I’m especially liking suede this season as the 70’s, boho vibes are in full swing. I wouldn’t mind a suede jacket in my closet either. 

Grey Convertible Tote:  I like this tote for its versatile straps.  You don’t see chain very often on totes and I like that these are designed with grommets so that you can wear on your shoulder or crossbody.  Most crossbodys are small so this bag gives you lots of function.

Dress Beautifully with a New Handbag for Fall

XOXO Sarah Louise

Jul 8, 2016

Friday 5: Tropical

It’s finally Friday!  Those were my first thoughts when I opened my eyes this morning. It’s been a short week following the 4th of July Holiday but it’s been super busy in and outside the office.  But the time did surely pass quickly and there was certainly some fun scatter throughout the crazy.

It has been so hot & humid these past few weeks that I said to a gal pal ‘it feels like we live in a tropical rain forest’.  Every year it seems as though the Summer temps get higher and higher. You’d think after living in NC my entire life these scorching conditions wouldn’t phase me but I assure you I start glistening after just 5 mins outside the AC.

Tropical palm prints bring brightness and thoughts of a relaxing escape. They take you to a place far, far away even if it is just in your mind.  Ditch reality and treat yourself to a daydream in paradise!
If you can’t actually go to a tropical island embrace the next best thing and dress like you are.  Maybe even drink a fruity drink to top it off.

Here’s some tropical printed pieces sure to make you feel almost as nice as it would to be in a tropical place J



Dress Beautifully in Tropical Prints

XOXO Sarah Louise

Jul 6, 2016

Silk & Shoulders



I've decided that this year is the Summer of shoulders! While shorts and tanks will always be a go-to in dressings for hot sunny days, showcasing your arms and legs have taken a back seat to shoulders.

Off the shoulder and even one shoulder tops, dresses and rompers are center stage and I couldn't love it more! The shoulders are universally an attractive feature on us ladies.  You're not as exposed as strapless designs while still showing off the neck, décolletage and it also draws the eye upward to the face and smile and that's where you want the attention :)

Crisp white cotton is on the top of the list of classics.  This dress combines both the coolness of cotton and the trending shoulder baring design. You can also pull the neckline up to cover the shoulders for a more modest look.  I wore it this way to work a couple of weeks ago.

Silk scarves are something I've been collecting for over 10 years now.  I prefer vintage and have hunted some beautiful treasures over the years.  Silk scarves were huge in the 60's through the 90's worn on your handbag or around the neck and/or shoulders.  Personally, I'm happy to see these printed squares making a come back!

Adding the scarf around your neck breaks up the exposed shoulders and adds fun color and print. Try replacing your typical baubles with an unexpected silk scarf.

FYI: These lace up shoes are amazing! Super comfortable with a block heel and soft suede.  They come in several colors.  A few of my gal pals have gone and purchased and love them as much as I do!







Off the Shoulder Dress: Banana Republic (Sold Out) Similar || Shoes: Vince Camuto || 
Silk Scarf: Vintage Similar Options ||

Dress Beautifully Showing off Your Shoulders

XOXO Sarah Louise

Jun 1, 2016

Louise

I consider myself lucky to have a ‘double’ name.  Louise is a hand-me-down name from my great grandma, grandma and Mamma.  I’m the 4th so it means a lot to carry it on. I was also born in the early 80’s where Sarah was on the popular list so it helped to distinguish. Louise isn’t so common, but I love it! Oh and it means ‘Beautiful’ J

So imagine my twinkle when I discovered the shoe line ‘Louise Et Cie’.  Finally my not-so-common double name was famous!  AND the shoes,  A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.!!!
I’m not what most would consider a big shoe person.  I like classic and comfortable.  Compared to most gals my shoe inventory reflects quality over quantity  Salvatore will always be my first shoe love but Louise Et Cie is high on my list of favorites.

These shoes are so well made!  The designs are traditional with a modern twist so they’re sure to last over the changing trends.  One of the defining aspects of this shoe line is that there are plenty of mid height heels.  Personally, I prefer mid heels on my painful feet.  Flats aren’t always comfortable or dressy enough and high heels just plain hurt! I also find that a mid heel height is not only more wearable but very classy.  And I’m keepin it classy everyday!

Remember those pink heeled sandals from this Friday 5 post … I couldn’t resist and ordered them! The brown box was waiting for me when I returned from Memorial Day at the beach. 

I’ve rounded up some of the beautiful shoes from the current Louise Et Cie line for you.
I shop them at Nordstrom, Dillards and Louise Et Cie.

PS.  In case you didn’t know she’s the wife of designer Vince Camuto.
P.S.S. I really want to meet her!


 1.    2.    3.    4.    5.    6.    7.    8.    9.    10.   11.

Dress Beautifully in Louise Et Cie Shoes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Apr 22, 2016

Bleached Out Blue


Denim is everywhere in my wardrobe, pants, skirts, tops but I was missing a dress.
So here's my struggle, I didn't want long sleeves because it's just too darn hot down here in the South and I like a lot of movement in my arms.  I also wanted one that wasn't a shirt dress with buttons all down the front to the hem.  I find that buttons on my lower body/legs is not a good option because I can't go through life exclusively standing and well puckering when sitting isn't good on a lot of levels.
And to top off my search I was aiming for a dress that had a waist seam for added shape.
That's a tough hunt let me tell you!

So I found this dress and I was sold.  I ordered and waited patiently for the brown box to arrive at my door.  It fit the bill for a the casual denim dress I was looking for.

It's light weight in a chambray type denim fabric, it's not the typical dark blue that I have throughout my closet, it's a bleached out pale blue and with a draw string waist it creates a flattering shape.
These design elements along with the v neck, pockets and shirt tail hem make it the quintessential casual piece.

I paired it with these oh-so comfortable lace up block heels.  I can seriously wear them all day long.

While I focus a majority of my wardrobe on work wear, over the past couple of years I've invested more in chic casual pieces.  I avoided them because I didn't see the value since most of my waking hours were spent in the office.  But putting work blouses with jeans is just boring and lacks creativity.
I've learned that casual garments don't have to be disposable.  You can still incorporate quality, classic and timeless features into the weekends.

A denim dress is a fabulous way to incorporate classic elements into your casual wardrobe.











Dress: Nordstrom || Lace Up Block Heels: Vince Camuto - comes in several colors || 
Earrings: Here || Polish: Essie || 
More denim dress options: Here - Here and Here 

Dress Beautifully in a Denim Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mar 30, 2015

Carolina



Carolina Girls are the Best in the World!

I'm a North Carolinian born and raised.  I've never lived in another state (except for when Mr studied medicine in DC our first 3 years of marriage - I considered that my second home since I only flew up for weekend visits).  I love my state. So much that I've spent years advocating for various public policies, aided campaigns and served on the leadership level of two PAC's.  Mr loves NC too.  He was born and raised here & went to UNC - Chapel Hill - Obsessed with the Tar Heels.

I've spent all my life in the Charlotte area with the exception of undergrad on the coast.  I adore the Queen City and have big plans to return this summer (house hunting is soooo hard ... and Expensive!)   It's the perfect location: southern, moderate size city, 3 hours from the coast & 2 from the mountains, international airport, and the shopping is just fabulous! Mr and I are have lived on the NC coast for the past 2 years but our time here is up.  We've never considered living in another state - It's those gorgeous Carolina blue skies!

So Carolina blue is a specific shade of blue - light and airy.  It's Mr's favorite - a 'tar heel' thing.  Some may call it powder blue or sky blue but to us it's 'Carolina Blue'. I don't have as much of it as I'd like in my closet, so when I saw this dress I had two thoughts - Easter & Mr will love it! 

Mr does love it - although he doesn't understand my massive collection of dresses ... I don't understand his collection of golf clubs so we're even in my mind.

I'm still not sure which dress I'm going to wear on Easter Sunday - we'll discuss tomorrow.  Decisions! Decisions!  It's my most favorite day of the year so it's a big deal! 

This dress is versatile by pairing a blazer and pumps for work and wedges/sandals for weekend.

Whether you're a Carolina girl or not - I definitely suggest a visit to our beautiful state, this pastel blue is a perfect shade for spring! 





Carolina Blue Dress: Vince Camuto (cobalt) Similar & Here & Here || 
Floral Pumps: Nine West || Necklace: Towne & Reese || Polish: Clambake || 

Dress Beautifully in Carolina Blue

XOXO Sarah Louise

Nov 25, 2014

Over the Knee

Boots are 'The' Shoe for Fall/Winter and Over the Years Designers have taken their Creations from Basic to Fabulous Creating Unique and Strut Worthy Shoes Gals Can't Resist. From Riding Boots to Booties and Now Trending Over-the-Knee, there's a Plethora of Styles for Every Gal.

My First Introduction to Over-the-Knee Boots was Pretty Woman ... No Offense but Safety Pins and Tiny Spandex aren't my Thing ...  Let's Keep it Classy Gals! 

I wasn't sure I Could Pull Off a Pair as I Skim 5'2" with a Little Teasing of my Mane. 
I wanted to Keep the Heel Closer to the Ground for Comfort and a Modest Look. I didn't want Any Stretchy Elastic on the Boot - It's very Common on Over-the-Knee Boots to Allow for Fit and Movement. 

Tip: I have bigger legs for my shoe size of 6, so I often go a 1/2 -1 shoe size up to allow for more room in the calf so that I can get my jeans in. Just wear a thicker sock to fill the foot space :)

Oh and I didn't want to Spend a Fortune and Let's Face it Quality Leather Boots aren't Cheap!

These Boots were it! They are Soft Black Leather, Flat, and a Pointed Toe for a Dressier Look.

How to Wear 'Over-the-Knee' Boots:

It's All About Proportions!

- Over Jeans: Skinny Jeans are Best to Prevent Bunching. Your Top Should Not Extend Below Your Hips.
- With a Skirt/Dress: The Hem Should be 1-2 Inches Above the Boots
- Leggings: Great for Comfort! Pair with a Tunic/Longer Top that Covers Your Derrière.   








OTK Boots: Vince Camuto || Ivory Flippy Skirt: J Crew Similar and at Factory || 
Beaded Herringbone Sweater: Old J Crew Similar and Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Over-the-Knee Boots

XOXO Sarah Louise