Atypical

Typically, winter fashion consists of dark rich colors, thick soft fabrics and strong bolder patterns.

But I'm not a typical gal, so neither are my outfits. When you dress inside the typical box of the season your wardrobe pieces are limited. Wearing the unexpected can evoke a unique sense of style.

Now of course shorts and linen belong strictly in the Summer however pastels and lace dress beautifully all year long. Approach your wardrobe with a view that extends beyond the typical.
I love wearing lighter colors and patterns so I don't  limit them to just Spring and Summer.  I make them work in the Winter.  This skirt is constructed of a very light corduroy which gives it an appropriate weight for the colder season and light enough for Spring. Now, here in the South we've had some unusually warmer days so I had the luxury of wearing a satin top  however I imagine I'll wear a light colored sweater when I wear this to church on an upcoming Sunday.
A pair of booties will also warm this look up.

Get the most out of your wardrobe by styling pieces across the seasons.

I've shared with you gals about the importance of detail and this outfit embodies just that.  Details are what make outfits interesting and details are what share your personality through your outfit.

The sleeves have layers of ruffles and lace trim while this skirt has a drop waist and asymmetrical lace hem.  Even the floral print is unique it it's vintage design and pastel colors.
These feminine elements definitely speak to things that I love!

When the wind blows up your skirt just right!

Similar Blouse & Here | Floral Asymmetrical Skirt - Similar -similar - Similar | Pumps | Handbag |

Dress Beautifully in Atypical Details

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Iced Velvet

'Look but do not touch' My Mamma used to say that to us kids all the time whenever we were out shopping or at someone's home. I can't tell you just how many times I've told Vivian not to touch something in our home this week alone! It's hard not to reach out and feel shiny and soft things.

Prime example, I immediately had to feel this velvet blazer when I saw it hanging there in all it's soft glory. Velvet is such a luxurious fabric!  I always think about those green velvet drapes Scarlett had turned into a gown in the movie 'Gone with the Wind' (it's my favorite of all time!). It's thick, warm, plush and has a subtle luster to it that's so rich.  I'd love to have a velvet couch one day.  But until then I'll stick to garments in my closet.

A velvet blazer is sharp and serves as a functional layer in keeping you warm this season.

I adore the long sleek cut of this blazer and especially in lighter colors.  Pastels in the winter create an 'iced' look that lightens in a typically darker time of year.

For the office it pairs beautifully over dresses, skirts and trousers but I love transitioning it in a more casual look with jeans.  You could even swap the blouse for a basic t-shirt and add flats.  The structure creates a pretty shape and will having you looking put together.

Snake Print Blouse | Velvet Blazer | Jeans | Pumps | Similar Handbag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Velvet Blazer

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Party Pants

One of my most favorite designers Kate Spade said 'Live Colorfully'.  I happily comply.

It's typical during holiday season to see lots of sequins, beading, velvet, satin and dark colors.
Personally I like making a bold statement by shining in bright colors.
These pieces also have more versatility in styling throughout the year

These hot pink wide leg pants sit higher on the waist which make me feel like I have long legs - that's a big deal for a petite gal! It's also great for tucking in tops or come Spring/Summer pairing with a cropped length top.
Note: These pants are not super long, I was able to wear just a mid heeled pump and no hemming! 

Since it's cooler weather I chose a balloon sleeve top, which I'm obsessed with.  A puffed sleeve with a snug cuff is a design element that was all the rage in the 80's and I'm thrilled that it's back! For me, I have super narrow shoulders and small arms so I like the added volume to balance my shape since I'm slightly bigger on the bottom.

I kept everything else neutral so that these party pants shine! But I'm looking forward to pairing with a fun printed top.

So much wind beneath my mane!!!

Balloon Sleeve Top | Hot Pink Pants | Pumps | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Party Pants

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Important Work

Happy Monday Mammas! It's a short week ... eh but do we ever get time off?? Being a Mamma is forever and ever but ideally we get extra hands to help this week.  It's almost Thanksgiving day and while we should always have a grateful heart I believe it's important to stop and reflect on the abundance of undeserved blessings we have and hopefully you get to do that alongside loved ones.

Today didn't go the way I had planned (I'm currently writing this sitting in my bed) but gracious if that isn't motherhood!  Vivian didn't sleep well this morning or during nap due to a cough.  She needed me today. I started to get frustrated with her as I had several things I wanted to accomplish today and I was genuinely looking forward to a long nap.

But she needed me.

What an honor to be what she needed.

Whether you're a Mamma, wife, daughter, sister, gal pal or all of these you are needed!
You have a special purpose in blessing others.
God has you here to do important work and it just so happens it may be within the walls of your home.

This past Sunday at the end of teaching my middle school class we had to go around the room sharing 3 things we were thankful for because it's tradition this week right?! Gals, my eyes filled with tears and my heart nearly burst as several of my students mentioned having me as their teacher.  I don't share this to be boastful in any way but to let you know that even if you don't think you're making an impact you are.  It's not about me but what God is doing through me.

We all do important work loving others!

Dress Beautifully Doing Important Work

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

Southern Prints and Patterns

This sweet silk blouse has all the pretty traditional prints all in one.  But not in a mix matched way, rather delicate layers of all the quintessential Southern patterns strategically placed.

The soft magnolia blooms overtop the oh so subtle stripes framed by classic blue toile sleeves captures Southern charm to it's fullest. And these prints are all in my top 5 favorites.
My Grandma had toile wall paper and I've loved it ever since.  Now the magnolia has been my favorite flower always and I can't tell you how often I stare at the magnificent beauty in our front yard.  It even has a pink swing hanging from one of it's mighty branches for Vivian Louise to swing on.

Because this blouse is silk it's light, breezy and cool for the hot temps ahead.  One of my favorite details I neglected to capture are the buttons down the back. I love good details!

I've paired this sweet blouse with trousers for more of a dressy work look, but with shorts and wedges  you'd be pretty and casual for the weekend.

Tip:  When I buy a garment I try and think of all the styling options to make sure it's versatile so that it's not just a wear it once piece.

Printed Silk Blouse | Pants | Handbag | Similar Shoes | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Southern Silk Patterns

XOXO Sarah Louise

Hint of Spring

I dare say that Spring is in the air! More like it hasn't rained in 3 days so I'm celebrating the sunshine and outside as much as possible.
Florals for Spring -  revolutionary right?!!

Sprinkling in pretty printed blooms surely does give your outfits that Springy look. Rather than mix the brighter, lighter flowers with lighter brighter neutrals, stick to the deep dark neutrals for the transition from winter to spring. Like navy, black Burgundy and plum for example.

And once Easter finally gets here (so late this year!) you can go ahead and slip into those white jeans. Or just skirt the rules and wear them whenever you want.

This blouse is one of my best additions this year. It's comfortable and the collar is absolutely gorgeous and feminine.
The paper bag pant is a must! It whittles your waist and if that wasn't enough they're super comfortable.

Also, I'm a big advocate of the ankle length pant.  It allows for any type of shoe creating a variety of looks & styles.

Top | Paper Bag Pants | Similar Pumps | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully with a Touch a Spring

XOXO Sarah Louise