Friday Favorites: Cool Cotton Tops

 TGIF! The heat is on! It feels like the devils kitchen outside so getting dressed is all about staying cool. Cotton is king when it comes to fabric as is a loose fit for airflow.

MY TOP

Here are some cool cotton tops to wear this summer ...

SMOCKED NECK

4 colors

BUTTON BACK LINEN SHELL

8 colors

DIP DYE

also in floral

matching skirt!

LINEN POPOVER

5 colors

POPLIN BUTTON UP

also in white & light blue

LACE SWING TOP

also in black

LINEN CUTOUT

in my cart!

RUFFLE SWING TOP

Dress Beautifully in a Cool Cotton Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

The 3 P's of Pretty

Gals, it's time! Time for all the whites. Easter is Sunday and that means it's officially the season of light and bright styles.  Personally, I'd wear white all day every day if I could - if you've been reading this blog for any length of time or know me in real life you know that's true.

I also believe in classic styles but you need to mix in some statement details so that you're wardrobe isn't too simple. This top is the ticket!
It has the 3 P's of Pretty: Pink, Polka Dot, & Peplum.  And as a bonus Puff Sleeves! They are a trending detail that I'm so happy about.  I have a very petite upper body so they give me balance and draw the eye upwards.
Puff sleeves were all the rage in the 80's & 90's - let's not go to that extreme, but a little pleating and volume will most definitely elevate your style.

The polka dots are in a precious shade of blush and the peplum adds a crisp flare.  I swapped out the fabric sash for a belt of my own because the colors matched and I tend to always add my own belts.  Belts are one of my favorite accessories and I have some fantastic vintage pieces.  They add texture and accessorize in a way like jewelry.

I feel that most gals tend to style tops and bottoms with contrast. Meaning if one is light the other must be dark. That's not a rule to be followed.  I find it very pretty to pair lights with lights and darks with darks.

I also feel that just because a piece is a statement that it shouldn't be kept for special occasions. Style this top with a pair of shorts for a day with your gal pals, a skirt for church, trousers for the office and jeans for date night.

These pants are a comfortable staple.  Easy breeze and great for weekdays and weekends. In a cropped length they can also highlight any shoe.

These Shoes!!! They were my Valentine's Day gift.  They are so shiny in a pretty rose gold and oh so comfortable in a mid heel.  They come in a higher heel (and more colors) but I prefer moderate height. You'll see these on my feet a lot!

Reminder: Laughter is Always Pretty :)

Polka Dot, Peplum, Puff Sleeve Top | Wide leg Crop Pants | Rose Gold Sandals |

Dress Beautifully in a Statement Summer Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

Lighter & Longer

Midi length dresses and skirts have been popping up more frequently over the past year.  I’ve paid them no attention whatsoever because my instinct told me that I’m way too short and that they were too reminiscent of the 80’s & 90’s. All I could picture were the floral frocks with big white collars my Mamma wore to church. #blessherheart

The more abundant they become in stores, the more I’m slowly giving them a second look.

I have discovered that there have been modern design changes that have made drastic improvements to better flatter.

A higher waist and slimmer skirt are key.  The higher the waistline the longer your legs and body appear.  By reducing the skirt volume you prevent being overwhelmed by fabric.

This dress is perfect for embracing a midi length because it’s light and bright with a sheer upper bodice and hemline.  The tie waist allows you to cinch in your shape.

And the extra bonus is the price point!

I added a pop of fun with some candy apple red sandals!

See more of my love of feminine eyelet fabric for Summer in a black blouse from this post.  

White Eyelet Dress: Target & Similar & Here || Red Sandals: Tory Burch Similar & Here ||

Bangle: J Crew || Handbag: Prada || 

Dress Beautifully in Eyelet

XOXO Sarah Louise

Short Suit

Summer is the season for shorts.  Dressing in this Southern heat is all about comfort and keeping cool.  Shorts aren't my favorite as they by nature expose more leg than I'd like.  I choose shorts that are what I call a mid-length.  Not too short and not down to my knees - a 4"-5" inseam is my preference.

Since I'm a dressy kind of gal, I added chic to this causal garment by pairing with a blazer; Creating the 'short suit'.  Typically causal pieces, such as shorts, designed in a nicer fabric takes the piece up a notch.  I like mixing my my work wear and weekend wear garments.  It makes for an stylish ensemble.

I went with a monochromatic palette in crisp, clean white.  I went with a neutral wedge and kept my accessories simple.  Gals, it's better to keep your accessories to a minimum as you want to achieve an effortless look.  Like Coco Chanel said "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory".

Over styling = gaudy!

Try dressing up your shorts with blouses and blazers for a chic look for weekend brunches, parties or date nights.

Jacket: Ann Taylor || Camisole: J Crew || Shorts: Loft || 

Wedges: Tory Burch || Earrings: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Short Suit

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Findings ...

August is like the Sunday of Summer ... Not ready for it to end!  There are still a few weeks left and that means squeezing in your whites because after Labor day they are no longer, until next Easter.  At least for us traditional Southerners.

Since Summer is coming to a end *sniff *sniff you can score some pretty white pieces on major sale! It's my most favorite color to wear so I'll be strutting in my bright Summer whites as much as possible over the next few weeks.

Here are some lovely looks in White ...

Office

White Sheath Dress -  Crossover Strap Pump -  Orange Satchel  

Casual

Botanical Blouse  -  White Skinny Jeans  -  Perforated Pump  -  Cognac Satchel

Evening

Culotte Jumpsuit  -  Chrome Heels  -  Chevron Quilted Clutch/Crossbody

Dress Beautifully in Summer Whites

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

Crisp White Shirtdress

I consider the crisp white shirt not just a classic wardrobe staple but a favorite!  Let's just say, if I could only choose 10 pieces from my closet and the rest were gone forever, a crisp white shirt would be the first thing I'd grab.  I have plenty (I will refrain from confessing how many) but my favorite is the non-iron from BrooksBrothers.

As sharp as the shirt is - a crisp white shirtdress is extra sharp! From collar to shirttail hem, this dress is polished. It's a take on the whole 'woman in a man's shirt' look.  Menswear can be ladylike with a tailored fit and feminine accessories.

I love that this dress has a lining that is detached but stays in place via shoulder snaps.  What sold me on it was that the buttons do not go all the way to the hem.  I don't wear dresses that button past the waist because with movement and sitting they tend to pucker and open - not cool!

This shirtdress came with a self fabric tie-waist sash but I get excited to add accessories to a blank canvas for an opportunity to show my personality and style.  To me, there is great beauty in vintage fashion.

I have been treasure hunting at vintage/thrift shops on the weekends for years.  Something about the quality and uniqueness of older items is intriguing to me.  Even my wedding rings are old - 1920's old!  I often sit back and wonder what kind of gal wore these pieces, how did they style it, and what did they feel when they picked it up at the store?  Did they get as excited as I did?

Belts, broaches and silk scarves are my favorites to hunt. Most recently now that we're purchasing our first home ekkkkkk - I've been scouting more antique furnishings.  This belt literally made me say 'Ahh' out loud when I saw it. I love lions - they remind me of my cat Scragley.  The lion buckle is a bit heavy but it's detail and solid construction makes a statement. Molded behind the buckle are initials and the year 1976. Sooo cool!  The red/cognac color leather strap is adjustable making it wearable high and low on the waist for dresses and pants.  There's some gold lettering on the inside of the leather but it's too worn to make out.

Belts are a great way to accessorize and define the waist. If belts aren't your thing, add print/color with a silk scarf, jewelry or in your handbag/shoes.  Keep it simple - opt for one accessory as the focal point.  And don't forget to roll up the cuffs and pop your collar for chicness!

Slide on a pair of wedges or sandals for an easy weekend look.

Shirtdress: J Crew Factory || Belt: Vintage Similar Buckles || Pumps: Nine West ||

Clutch: Similar || Lipstick: Giorgio Armani 'Spice' || 

Dress Beautifully in a Crisp White Shirtdress

XOXO Sarah Louise

LWD

LWD- Little White Dress

I can not have enough white in my wardrobe! It's seriously an addiction.  I would wear head-to-toe white everyday if I could, ok that's a little much and I can't just abandon color but I truly love wearing white. So, naturally between Easter and Labor Day most of my looks incorporate white. 

White is crisp and clean.  It brightens with a it's blank canvass.  It's contrast, black, is the staple neutral for most gals - for me I own very little black.  Yes, black is classic, slimming and not so fragile but white is just as essential.  Anything can be slimming in the right cut and fabric.  White is equally as classic, just a lighter version but I can't argue that it is a 'careful' color to wear. Meaning no one wants to wear visible dirt or stains and when wearing white that's something to consider.

This white dress caught my eye for it's fabric, sleeves, and waist sash!  I'm digging the trending rolled sleeve.  I've seen it a lot on dresses over the past 2 seasons and I find it adds a touch of casual. It creates a large cap sleeve giving lots of room for movement and also slims the arms with it's larger opening. 

The waist sash is the best thing you can do for any gal to create shape.  The pleated cummerbund sits right below the rib cage/above the belly button at the smallest part of a lady.  The side attached sash allows you to further pull in the waist and add extra femininity with a bow. 

The fabric is a light weight cotton perfect for the heat of Summer.  Because it is white and in a light weight fabric lining is key - no one needs to see what's underneath!

I paired this dress with nude pumps and added a pop of color and interest with a large bib necklace made of purple stones.  This necklace was a find! It's not in my usual taste of delicate and shiny baubles but it's a natural beauty. 

Wear this dress to the office or to a summer soiree!

Replace your LBD for a LWD this Summer

Dress: Anthropologie || Pumps: Nine West || Necklace: TJ Maxx ||

Bracelet: Hermes || Polish: Essie ||

Dress Beautifully in a Little White Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise