Shoulders & Squares

Spring is all about shoulders, stark white and row and rows of gingham squares!

This look encompasses those sweet elements and then some.  I added a bright pop of color with turquoise earrings and several inches (without teasing my hair) in these amazing wedges.

I love the feminine details on the sleeves with delicate bow ties and ruffles!

Gingham Off-the-Shoulder Top || White Jeans || Wedges ||

  Turquoise Earrings || Sunglasses || 

Dress Beautifully in Off-the-Shoulder Gingham

XOXO Sarah Louise

Black Eyelet

So one of my goals from my Summer To-Do List was to incorporate more black into my wardrobe.  I have more white and ivory than anything else.  I have to stay true to what I like and be confident in my personal style but I also feel it's equally as important to embrace items and styling that isn't your typical.  Most gals don't have a shortage of black more like an overload.

I didn't make it easy on my self choosing the season of heat to bring on dark pieces. However, I find it quite chic to wear black in the Summer. The key to incorporating this ebony hue is all in the fabric.  Linen, Poplin, Cotton and the loveliest of all, eyelet.  Eyelet is a light weight fabric containing holes that are finished with embroidery.  These 'holes' are often designed in graphic or floral patterns.

I have to confess, I didn't scout this top out on my own.  One of my gal pals was wearing it a few weeks ago and I knew at first sight I had to have it too.  Naturally I surround myself with fashionable friends.

Let me just share the details that make this number a top favorite. The mixed media of cotton and eyelet, the cut-in design at the shoulder, crisp collar, the high waisted eyelet peplum, the scalloped hem, the eyelet back and a whole lot of sass in the see-through waist and back.

I went with contrast and paired it with bright white skinnies but I think this weekend I'll go with a pair of denim cut off shorts.

Tip:  A black racer back bra is the perfect undergarment to compliment the transparency of the eyelet.

You can absolutely go dark with your summer pieces but do so in light weight feminine fabrics to avoid melting!

Black Eyelet Top: Madewell || Jeans: Loft || Espadrille Wedges: Tory Burch || 

Earrings: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Black Eyelet

XOXO Sarah Louise

Polished Popover

Crisp dress shirts are a favorite for a professional look.  For the weekends I like to be a bit more casual while still looking 'put together', This popover shirt is a perfect balance of easy and polished.  When it comes to weekend wear I don't believe in going to extremes.  Sure abandoning pumps and pencil skirts is freeing but you don't have to revert to looking like a sloppy mess or like you've borrowed clothes from a teenager's closet.

Opt for pieces that have casual elements - like the cuffed sleeves, longer shirt tail hem and pull over style of this shirt.  It's comfortable yet still conveys a hint of sophistication with it's pinstripe print and crisp construction.  Style is important all the days of the week!

I believe in making the most out of your wardrobe and than means pieces that can go from day to night and workplace to weekend. Depending on your office this look may be appropriate for casual Fridays.  This shirt pairs nicely with trousers or pencil skirts and with jeans or shorts.
Versatility is key gals!
Styling Tip:  Tucked for the week and untucked for the weekend

Popover Shirt:  J Crew || White Jeans: Loft || Shoes: Similar ||

Earrings: Kate Spade Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Popover Shirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Stars & Stripes

Today is Memorial Day - a day to remember those so brave that sacrificed for our freedom.  We celebrate today with weekends at the beach, backyard barbecues, and the company of great friends cherishing the blessing to live in America!  For me, married to a US Naval Officer and with family members who have served, I have a greater appreciation for what that sacrifice means.  

Just recently we came to learn that Mr will not be completing his service in January but rather continuing as the battalion surgeon for a marine unit overseas for 9 months.  We will be separated almost a year -NOT our plan.  I have moments of sadness as I prepare to move into our new home (Excitement to share soon!) alone but days like today, I'm proud to sacrifice my Mr for a short time as there are others that sacrificed much more! 

So I ask you to take a moment and give gratitude for those that made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can freely enjoy this beautiful day! 

Now, this top! As soon as I saw it in the catalog fresh out of my mail box I had to have it. I instantly knew it would be perfect for summer holidays and soirees! The construction with bands of heavy elastic, create a strong shape.  The sweetheart crossing lines and peplum flair have a vintage look with a modern touch added in the exposed back zipper.   I paired it with high waisted white skinnies but plan to style with navy/denim shorts, black culottes, and perhaps a pencil skirt. 

This top is fun, flirty and forever a festive piece for your wardrobe! 

Top: Anthropologie || White Jeans: Loft || Heels: Similar || 

Earrings: Kate Spade || Polish: Essie || 

Dress Beautifully in Stripes

XOXO Sarah Louise