Friday Favorites: Blazers & Shorts

TGIF! Although Ryan just pointed out to me that every day feels like Friday.  While true, this one is especially exciting because it's my birthday eve! I always reflect around this time on the past year of my life and what I want the next one to look like.  Every year, well day actually, is a gift and I want to live like it.
I'm going to just put it out there that I'm pretty darn proud of what my 36th year looked like.  It wasn't perfect but by the grace of God I've grown and learned and hope to continue on that path for my 37th.

During my MOPS meeting on Zoom this morning we all were asked to share a quote that inspired us.  I didn't even attempt to select a bible verse because there are just way too many that encourage me so I went with this one ...

It's me to a T

And when it come to getting dressed I like a little bit of business and a little bit of fun.  It's called balance gals.  Pairing a blazer with shorts is one of my favorite ways to showcase my personality in a chic way.  Polished pieces are my favorite but I've come to love incorporating more fun in my style.  This contrasting combination speaks to both elements of me. This is also the best time to wear an outfit like this because it's warm enough for shorts but you won't melt in a jacket.

This is also a fabulous example of creating versatility in your wardrobe.  Make the most out of your investments by stretching your office apparel into a casual setting.

Note: This doesn't go the other way ... you can't make shorts work in the office. Sorry.

For your next evening or weekend outing try business on the top and party on the bottom with a blazer & shorts ensemble!

Here are some great blazers & shorts ...

BLAZERS

Black

3 Neutral Color Options

Fitted, popped collar, and 4 season stretch

Tan

6 Color Options

Linen, a light luster and hint of stretch for ease

Perfectly light and polished for the warmer months!

Open Front Linen

4 Color Options

Slim design and open front to show off your favorite top

Pleated Back

3 Color Options

Nipped waist and pleated back for an extra feminine layer.

Slim Single Button in Cotton

2 Color Options

Polished and practical for the warm seasons

SHORTS

Paper Bag Plaid

Pleated

2 Color Options

Yellow Liberty

High Rise Denim

Scalloped Hem in Linen

6 Color Options

Dress Beautifully in a Blazer & Shorts

XOXO Sarah-Louise

10 Facts You Should Know ...

TGIF! This weekend I'm escaping to the beach to meet up with my gal pals from college right where it started 15 years ago (ekkk time flies) for some much anticipated FUN!!! I'm going to miss Vivian Louise like crazy but she's going to have a blast with her Daddy and Aunts.
I've packed bikinis and fun outfits and ALL the excitement!

My best gal pal sent me this on Wednesday and it's good!

So I'll leave it here with you ...

Have a Fantastic Weekend!

Having the time of my life with her!

Dress Beautifully and Know You are Remarkable

XOXO Sarah Louise

Sweatshirt

Today's look is a bit different.  I haven't worn a true 'sweatshirt' since my college days and the two I had advertised my college and sorority.

When I think of sweatshirts I think of old school casual.  Well here lately not only have I embraced soft and comfy garments but I've noticed so has the fashion industry.

Sweatshirts are out on the racks but in a decorative way.  Basically designers have taken the long sleeve tee and incorporated the prints and embellishments onto a sweatshirt.  They've also made efforts to make the sweatshirts more fitted.

You gals know I love a good leopard print so this creamy, comfy number got my attention.  I used to never embrace a top that wasn't tailored - these days it's all about the loosey-goosey to accommodate this baby bump.

Now, I did put my SL style touches by layering a crisp white shirt underneath with statement cuffs exposed for a more dressy and polished look.
Dark jeans and burgundy booties finish it off.
I don't see why you couldn't also pair with black trousers for the office - the dress code rules soften when your expecting. Except no matter what, NO leggings. UGH Why ladies?! I can't get into it but please I can't say it enough - Leggings are NOT pants! Just NO!

I will say I'm not a fan of tees, tanks nor sweatshirts with catch phrases on them - we are not teenagers! Unless you're wearing it at the gym, that I'm down with.
Opt for a sweatshirt that has embroidery or even beading on it and keep the rest of your look put together with jeans so that you don't look like you stepped out of the 90's in a sweat suit.

I foresee this sweatshirt being a go-to this Winter season. Even after baby girl arrives it will be a nice top to throw on and still be comfortable & stylish as my figure adjusts.

Leopard Sweatshirt  ||  Maternity Dress Shirt / Non-Maternity Version  ||  Booties  ||

Maternity Jeans / Non-Maternity Version  ||  Handbag  & Similar  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Sweatshirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Plaid Season

Plaid Season is the Best Season!  Am I right?  The cool temps of Fall are so refreshing after months of a scorching hot summer.  When I think of fall the colors of the changing leaves, pumpkins, mums and plaid come to mind.

I wouldn't say that I wear a lot of plaid as it's fairly casual but a do appreciate the classic print in moderation.  I work in an office not on a tree lot.  I find plaid tops can be pretty designed in color palettes other than the primary colors.  I have pink and jewel toned plaid button down shirts and feel feminine and cozy in them. 

This top caught my eye for its unique take on the basic top.  Rather than in a button down design it's a pull over with smocking detail on the mock neck and sleeve cuffs. With a growing bump and lady lumps button downs are in maternity styles only these days.  This top has a lady like blouse look to it making it quite pretty and appropriate with trousers or a skirt to work.

I'm grateful I can still take advantage of 'normal' clothing that will transition in and out of pregnancy.

Now pants are another story - elastic has become my friend! But thank goodness you can find designer jeans to fit the bump - I prefer the under belly fit. That over-the-top itchy stuff is uncomfortable to me and won't stay up ... maybe later when she's a bit bigger.

Embrace the season in a pretty plaid top!

Plaid Top ||  Maternity Jeans & Non ||  Booties  ||  Tote  ||  Earrings  || 

Dress Beautifully in Plaid

XOXO Sarah Louise

Skirt of Many Colors

You can have it all, at least when it comes to colors. This rainbow striped skirt has all the cheer you’ll need this Spring/Summer. And all the pairing options.  From a clean crisp white shirt to matching any of the stripes with any color that suits your fancy. Or denim/chambray – it goes with everything.

For the fit, it’s just easy breezy gals.  An elastic ruffled waist band that allows you to wear it as high or low as you’d like, a thick linen fabric to keep you cool and plenty of room to move around.

Rather than pair with a solid, I had a little more fun and chose this pinstriped blue popover shirt.  Basically stripes on stripes.  For those that are fearful of mixing prints, when the ‘print’ is super fine/small treat it acts as a solid. I did keep my shoes neutral with these epically comfortable wedges.  I get to see what the world looks like for you gals that don’t ever have to look up, stand on your tip toes or pull out a step stool on the regular in these wedges.

So take yourself someone over the rainbow … or where ever the season takes you in this skirt of many colors.

Striped Popover Shirt ||  Rainbow Skirt  ||  Wedges  ||

Dress Beautifully in Many Colors

XOXO Sarah Louise

LBD & The Weekend

TGIF Gals!

Today is the 5th and final day of wearing the same black dress.  What a humbling week it’s been!  My gratitude has grown immensely for the comforts I have in my life.

By simply reading my posts this week you have supported the fight against poverty by raising awareness and for those who have donated, YOU have provided the means for us to make an even bigger impact. THANK YOU!

Today's the day!!

YOU can make a difference by clicking below

Help Fight Against Poverty

If just 10 or 20 of you gave $10, that would add up to a significant amount of money! 

 

5 days, 1 dress, 1 goal – WE are making poverty unfashionable!!!

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are for being casual and comfortable.  To relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor with the ones you love.  To kick back, laugh and celebrate the good and wonderful blessings in your life.  Tomorrow I'm going to be blessing a dear gal pal with a baby shower.  There's nothing more joyful than the gift of life! Amen!

Being casual doesn't mean you loose style.  It's a matter of choosing and swapping.  Choose lighter fabrics and looser fitting garments. Swap pumps, blazers and totes for flats, jackets/cardigans and a crossbody bag.

The easiest formula in going from weekday to weekend is to add denim.  Pair those cute blouses and tops with a pair of jeans and you've got a comfortable and chic weekend look.

I hope you've enjoy this week's series on styling a LBD and maybe gained some inspiration to style your own.  I'd love to hear about it and please send me a pic :)

LBD  ||  Denim Jacket  & Here  ||  Crossbody Bag  ||  Shoes - Similar  ||  Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in a LBD & Casual Elements

XOXO Sarah Louise

Lighter Side of Leopard

I need not remind you but I'm going to anyways, Leopard is a neutral!  My love of animal prints is no secret - plucking style right from nature so they effortlessly add a bit of fierceness to a look.

So, I know it's Monday and I always post a 'work' outfit but I want to show you more of how I take my 'work' pieces and turn them into modern chic ensembles for outside the office.  I went lighter with this after hours look.  Those 90's trends we rocked as youngsters are coming back and that means lighter denim washes.  I'm ok with it but please for the love of style don't go too far and pick up the acid wash #horror.  I find that most often leopard is paired with darker shades, black, burgundy, jewel tones which is fabulous but I almost prefer pastels and lighter neutrals. So I kept it clean & bright with a cotton crisp shirt, light jeans and added this leopard topper for the fun piece.

I believe that's the key.  Taking 'basics', solid, comfy, go-to garments and adding that one fun piece for the punch.  Whether that's a statement necklace, scarf or in this case jacket. It's the way to avoid a color block of solid boringness.

I did pair with a pump and polished bag but if that's still a little too dressy go with black flats and a crossbody bag.

This look was created from my capsule of 'Closet Classics'.  I've had each of these pieces for several years.
Gals, I can not buy all new outfits every month nor would I ever want to or suggest it.  I believe strongly and feel that I'm constantly writing to you, that investing in quality timeless pieces is far better than a high inventory of short lived trends.

But what about looking modern?  Uh I don't think I look dated. And I'm not saying I don't add to my wardrobe on the regular.  Purchase with intention.  Asking yourself, is this well made with good fabric and construction? Can this be worn in multiple atmospheres? Simply avoid the one time wear/won't be in style next season garments.

Leopard Jacket - Similar & Here || Crisp White Shirt || Jeans || Pumps || 

Tassel Earrings || Handbag || 

Dress Beautifully in a Lighter Leopard Look 

XOXO Sarah Louise