Orchid Vest 3 Ways

 Where do I begin? 

To me, style is a way to showcase you, your personality, your likes and a way to make you feel your best.

I love color - especially pinks & purples. I also find that structured pieces add sophistication to my wardrobe and enhance my confidence. Put them together and you have this vest that's not only pretty but makes me feel pretty! 

It's also versatile ... Here's 3 ways to style it:

ORCHID VEST - SIMILAR

JEANS - STRIPED BUTTON UP - BLACK PANTS - BUCKLE FLATS

Dress Beautifully in a Structured Vest

XOXO Sarah Louise

Golden

Last week I wore this golden color and my sister says to me, 'that is your color!'.  I was perplexed. I don't gravitate to this shade of yellow, had never thought about it being a complement to my personal tones and yet I don't think she's wrong. 

It's just the right amount of bright and bold but in a rich and soft way in this feminine blouse. I easily could have paired it with my go-to light wash jeans but I want to show you more ways to mix colors with other colors, giving your neutrals a break.

I wish I had added a necklace, one that's a bit of a statement with some soft colors to add some texture and print. But also I'm happy with just letting the gold shine.

I love these pants for their high waist and minimal pleating for comfort. They add just the right amount of room so that the fabric skims (more flattering that super fitted). 

Tip: If I don't replace the self fabric belt (rare) I will tie it beyond the belt loop so it hangs more on the hip.

I kept my handbag and shoes very soft and neutral as these jewel tones need no competition.

Gold Blouse - More Gold Options - Purple Pants

Dress Beautifully in Gold

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Trousers

 TGIF! Today I want to share my take on trousers. I've always loved them when I was in the office. They made me feel professional and sophisticated.  Now, I'm seeing them everywhere styled for all types of occasions and I'm thrilled.

My Trousers - Handbag

I find true to size - I'm wearing petite and only need a low heel

In a high waisted and wide leg design I find them super flattering. They highlight the waist and float away from the legs which is slimming. Similar to a maxi skirt but with separated legs. While I'm normally opposed to an elastic waist because it tends to create volume on the lower abdomen and derriere I'm seeing a lot of trousers with a wider waist band with a flat front and elastic just on the back. This is actually very comfortable and shapely. 

When styled with pieces that don't resemble work wear like an embellished top or basic tee/sweatshirt you get a balance look that's polished, modern and comfortable. 

I'm not cool enough to do it, but wearing sneakers with trousers is super on trend!

Here are some trousers that I think are pretty:

Ivory Trousers

Also in black which I have too! and petite sizing 

Wide Leg Chino

also in ivory

Hot Pink

also in beige 

Yellow Plaid

I think these are so fun. - treat the golden color as a neutral and pair with other colors like plum and royal blue!

Jean

would really add variety to your denim collection

Sailor

Tab Waist in plaid

also in black here

Dress Beautifully in Trousers

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Summer Pants

 TGIF! Gals, every day I see more signs of Spring. There are new blooms, warmer afternoons and there's also pollen coating everything and allergies that have Vivian and I very uncomfortable. 

My Chambray Paper Bag Pant

As the weather continues to warm I find that the thick structure of jeans is a bit too heavy.  A pant or short in a lighter fabric is not only more comfortable but cooler and dressier.  Fabrics other than denim also give opportunity for colors & prints!

Here are some pretty pants for Summer ...

Wide Leg Crop

6 colors - flattering comfortable fit pairs with any shoe

I love this pant & have added several colors over the years

Gingham Crop Pant

Floral

Classic Slim 

6 colors

Light Floral Wide Leg

Wide Leg Paperbag

also in yellow and cream

Linen Cargo Pant

3 colors

Boyfriend Chino

6 colors

Wide Leg Floral

also in 3 solid colors

Cropped Wide Leg

4 prints - 8 solid colors

Dress Beautifully in Summer Pants

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Tailored Vests

Now that I'm working gal again I've been reminiscing on the years of dressing up in all the blazers, pencil skirts and pumps.  I loved it.  They made me feel powerful and ready to conquer the tasks at my desk. I believe that what you wear can help give you confidence and encouragement to approach situations. 
In my mom life it's been a pretty blouses with jeans or a printed skirt and sandals. 

Button Up | Vest Ralph Lauren many years ago | Jeans | Earrings |

Now I'm mixing in a WFH (work from home) set of outfits. They'll be a mix of business on the top & casual on the bottom. It's not far from how I've been dressing.  I wore a lot of vests in the office and I'm happy to pull them back out (although it shouldn't have taken this job).  

Vests are the '3rd piece'.  It's simple to put on a top and bottom but by adding an additional layer like a vest, scarf, statement necklace or jacket really seals the look.  

I encourage you to go beyond the button up and jeans when adding a vest. Over a dress or with a tee and skirt it adds so much shape and structure. Better yet, try one alone with high waisted jeans! 

Here are some great vest options ...

White Vest

Tailored Vest

also in polka dot & faux leather

Halter Vest

layer during the day but alone it's sassy for a night out

Asymmetrical Vest

love it paired with all white

Scoop Neck Vest

this is along that can also be worn alone

Cropped Linen Vest

Dress Beautifully in a Tailored Vest

XOXO Sarah-Louise

All Season Leopard Shirtdress

Oh how I love a good leopard print dress! This one in particular for its silk fabric and soft shades.  A lot of times animal prints can be dark and bold but this one is simple and fair.

At first glance you may think it's too dressy for everyday wear, but not to me. Removing the belt for a looser fit, adding a denim jacket, layering with a cozy sweater and wearing a casual bootie can really tone it down.  But, if you're on my side of the style spectrum a blazer, nice belt and heeled boot/pump is just the right amount of chic for the office or night out.

I believe this dress is a smart investment for all season wear. For fall & winter layer it and pair with rich colors like burgundy, plum, navy or hunter green.  For spring & summer add a straw bag and fun sandals. 

I'm always swapping out the self fabric belts of dresses. By choosing a contrasting belt it adds texture & contrast.  It also adds a whole lot of style and makes your outfit look expensive.

Leopard Dress | Red Boots | Belt | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Leopard & Rich Color

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Dots Like Diana

Polka dots are a classic print that's sophisticated while also very fun! Royals have worn the pretty print for decades inspiring me to incorporate it into my own wardrobe. My Mamma and I have thoroughly enjoyed the fashions of Princess Diana and Princess Kate and after watching The Crown on Netflix and reading lots of style books (I love this one that my sister gifted me for Christmas) I've come to really enjoy the dot print.

While black, navy and white combinations are striking, pink is my favorite color paired with the print. 

This dress instantly made me think of Princess Diana when she wore polka dots and Princess Kate as she often wears the pretty print too.  I ordered it and upon tryin it on felt like the long sleeves that it had not only overwhelmed my frame (I rarely wear long sleeves for this reason) but also limited the piece to cooler occasions. I decided to alter the sleeves to an elbow length for more versatility. The shorter sleeves create more balance in the proportions. With a longer length and high neck there needed to be some visibility of my body in the bodice. In a bold color and print, covering me head to toe was just too overwhelming. 

I encourage you to consider hemming or shortening the sleeves of your dresses to create the balance that best suits you! It's an inexpensive way to create a custom fit! This cost me $15 and a 3 day wait. 

Example: If the Upper body is covered - make the hem a bit shorter vice versa if the hem is long or voluminous expose the upper body with the neckline or lack of sleeves.

I did add a vintage belt to add definition, structure and to break up the print.  This isn't necessary as the dress has a unique off center pleat for an asymmetric design but belts are my thing! 

Polka Dot Dress & Here & Here & Here | Pumps & Here | Similar Belt |

Dress Beautifully in Pink Polka Dots

XOXO Sarah-Louise