Tunic Turtleneck

I gravitate to sleeveless garments.  For me, it's functional.  Sleeveless dresses and tops allow for layering under with dress shirts/blouses or over with blazers or jackets without having the hassle of stuffing sleeves.

For fall, when the temperatures can vary sometimes a span of 30 degrees in a day, layering pieces are key.  This sleeveless sweater is warm and cozy yet your arms are free and as the day warms with sunshine you won't melt. You can easily add a long sleeve tee as we get closer to winter weather.
Note:  You will need to wear a camisole/tank underneath as the side arm holes are long.

I originally styled this with a pair of jeans and suede booties - but that's just so typical, although I have worn it that way on the weekend. But you gals know that dressing for the office is more my inspirational mission.

I paired this with one of my favorite skirts - I call it the 'Flippy Mini'
Confession: I have it in 3 colors

Add a pair of dress boots and not only are you office appropriate but with the high/low hem design of the sweater you're right on trend.
I kept this look neutral but the heather gray would pop next to dark neutrals or bright colors - think burgundy,  hunter green, cobalt blue and pink.
Perfect for a pair of skinny trousers too.

P.S. Life is better when you're laughing :)

Sleeveless Turtleneck: Banana Republic || Skirt: J Crew & Similar  ||

Boots: Nine West || Camisole: Target (the adjustable straps are essential) || 

Dress Beautifully in a Sleeveless Turtleneck

XOXO Sarah Louise

Lady in Red

TGIF!  I look forward to saying that all week for many reasons.  Another week comes to an end and I like to look back and reflect on the accomplishments, the laughter and the blessings.  I'm a goal oriented person with an obsession with lists (they're everywhere! purse, desk, kitchen, car etc..) I check back on my lists and see how I measured on completing what I had aimed to do that week.  I don't always get it all crossed off but I sure do make a great effort and that's what counts.  There's always another week so cheers to the weekend!!!

This weekend will be slammed full of cheers as I host my first soiree in our new home and celebrate being back home in Charlotte 'SL in the QC' - Stay tuned for a recap next week :)

P.S. The champagne emoji for iPhone is finally here! I've already used it with almost every text/post in excess!

For this edition of Friday Findings I'm sharing the color red.  I'm not sure why, but I feel very Parisian when I wear red.  I always tell Mr when I'm begging him to take me to Paris that I will need red shoes, handbag and jacket.  He laughs knowing darn well I'll make sure I really do have them when we go.

I find that some gals are intimidated by vibrant reds and I'm often asked with my red hair if I wear it, Yes!  Wearing a bold color can be empowering. Own it!

So here are some gorgeous candy apple red beauties I'm lusting over ....

Topper Coat

I love this vibrant red topper coat!  The bracelet sleeves, popped funnel collar and side slits make for gorgeous detailing. The fabric is mid weight so perfect for the mild winters in the South.

Dress

This sheath dress is perfect for office or evening.  

It's also an all year dress when you layer in the colder months.

Skirt

The gold zippers give this skirt modern shine.

Blouse

Wrap blouses are chic and very flattering

Handbag

Wear this peopled leather bag on the elbow or cross body. 

It holds all you need with it's expandable sides. 

I've got this bag on my dream list!

Shoes

Red suede pumps are sure to stop traffic 

I just recently added these bright beauties to my collection - The Salvatore Ferragamo Vara pump is iconic and are by far my most adored shoes and worth every penny.  I wear my black pair so much that I actually resole them. 

A smart investment for my feet. And who doesn't love bows on toes?!!

Scarf

Keep warm in this cashmere scarf

Lipstick

This lipstick is on my lips the most! 

P.S. Almost all of these items are currently 50% off at Ann Taylor through the weekend!

Dress Beautifully in Red

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Friday Flare

TGIF! Most weeks I'm super excited for the end.  This week is unique, Mr and I have been enjoying our 2 week vacation in our new home - we've slept in (anything past 5:30am is late to us). We've shopped for our home, enjoyed meals in our sunroom and even hosted lots of friends and family.  I thrive on routine and structure in my world but I must admit it's refreshing to just slow down and enjoy the moments that matter.

Now that the weekend is ahead, we look forward to lots of cheers with each other and our friends but a part of me is broken hearted as these are the last days having Mr in our home until next summer.  I know he's needed overseas to practice medicine, serving marines and sailors and I'm proud of his sacrifice but I honestly can't comprehend not seeing his face or hearing his voice for 9 months :(

Oh a brighter note, lets talk about this Friday's Findings - Flare Jeans! I can honestly say I can now sympathize with the disappointment my mamma had when trends from her past would resurface - the 90's are coming back gals .. sigh There are some things I wore I simply must forget (like big clunky shoes!)
But Flares, I'm ok with. Because 70's fashion - the origin of flares, is my favorite!  I'm probably the only gal besides Rachel Zoe that loves the 70's but I don't care.

Since skinnies have been the go-to for several years now, I'm sure like me, most of you have donated your old-school flares.
I'm not saying we should prepare for switching our skinnies for bigger legs - but adding a pair of flares can be a fun break in your denim collection.

If you're apprehensive to embrace the trend I have a solution.  I hit up my favorite thrift/consignment shops to scout out a pair of flares. There are a lot of benefits to buying used: it's green, economically savvy, and they're already broken in  for a perfectly comfortable fit!  I scored these 'Citizens of Humanity' flare jeans for less than $20!  #winning

Tips for for finding the right flares:
Mid to high waist rise
Flare should begin right above the knee
Hem should come all the way to the ground
If pairing with a loose top, tuck in to balance

Broken in Flares - Citizens of Humanity

Shop these Flares I Found ..... 

High Waisted Flare

Dark Wash Flare - More Here 

Vintage Wash Flare 

Black Flare

Distressed Flare

Shop more Flare washes and fits HERE

Dress Beautifully in Flares

XOXO Sarah Louise

Red + Leopard

Bright red and a pop of leopard are two components for style greatness.  They're bright and bold yet classic.  Making a statement doesn't have to be funky.  Saturated color and striking prints are all you need to have an eye-catching look.  With vibrant accents you must balance with soft neutrals.

For the office I would pair this red blazer and calf hair leopard pumps with a neutral sheath dress or blouse/pencil skirt combo but to carry these investment pieces through the weekend/evening I chose a basic white tank and loose skinny jeans.

What makes investment pieces an investment is not only the quality of the garments but the ability to transcend.  I'm obsessed with blazers and pair them with everything!  They add instant sophistication.  Simply roll/push up the sleeves and pair with comfy casual pieces to remove the 'office' vibe.

Red Blazer: J Crew || Jeans: Loft || Calf Hair Pumps: Brooks Brothers & Similar || 

Tank: Target || Handbag: Tory Burch || Earrings: Towne & Reese || 

Dress Beautifully in Red & Leopard

XOXO Sarah Louise

Chambray & Chiffon

I shared this pleated shirt with you earlier this year. Not only is it pretty, it's so much fun to twirl in!
I wanted to dress it down and get more use out of it.  Pairing dressy pieces with denim is a greta way to transition to casual.

I like chambray shirts because they are a lighter weight and literally go with everything.  The button tab on the sleeves is not only functional for rolling and creating shorter sleeves but for petite gals with shorter arms like myself it's essential!

Try pairing your dressy bottoms with a denim shirt to create a causal chic look.

Chambray Shirt: J Crew || Pleated Skirt: Kohl's & Similar || 
Pumps: Similar & Here ||  

Dress Beautifully in Casual Chambray  

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Shades of Sugar

I would wear head-to-toe white everyday if I could - I know, broken record, I say that a lot!  But since I'm not a boring gal, I don't, and it goes again the Southern rule of 'no white after Labor Day and before Easter'.

But sometimes I just want a no fuss, monochromatic blank canvass.  Quite honestly I think it's super chic.  The way to pull it off without looking plain is to incorporate texture and slight variances of the color.  My slouchy tee is a linen blend, and in a buttercream while my jeans are fitted in a cotton bright white.  I chose a pair of tan peep toe booties to add richness.

Try a monochromatic look but keep it simple with minimal jewelry and let your lipstick and nail polish add the pops of color.

And remember to squeeze in those summer whites - because August is the Sunday of Summer!

Linen Tee: Loft || Jeans: Loft || Booties: Similar & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Whites

XOXO Sarah Louise

Polynesian

There are days I imagine myself sitting on an island underneath the shade of palm leaves.

I may not be on an island, but I am enjoying coastal living this summer.  Something about the bright sunshine and breeze off the water, it fills you with happy.  It's essential to keep cool in the heat of summer - I believe it's equally essential to be stylish.  This dress does both.

I may not be an islander but this palm printed dress makes me feel like one.  In neutrals, beige and black, this print is a bit more sophisticated than your typical bold multi-colored palm print.  In light weight cotton and shift design it's easy breezy.

I kept this look neutral but feel free to add color in a long necklace, sandal or clutch.

Don't worry and be happy in a polynesian print

Dress: Similar Here Here & Here  || Fedora: J Crew || Wedges: Kate Spade Similar ||

Dress Beautifully in Polynesian Print

XOXO Sarah Louise