Dress like a Duchess

I've been trying to dress like the Duchess Kate since her engagement to Prince William. #truth
Now, while I do believe she has input into her garments the reality is that she has access to designers and stylists that us common folk will never have.  But don't let that discourage you. You can create looks equally as classy.

What defines the Duchess's style?  Modesty, higher necklines, longer hemlines, and fabrics/construction that skims the body and highlights the waist line.  Nothing is too form fitting and honestly gals that's more slimming than pieces that are like a second skin.

What you don't want to do is look like you're attending a costume party. So no broaches, hats or gloves.  Keep your accessories modern like hoop earrings or add a colored heel or handbag.

When I saw this dress before Christmas I immediately said to myself, 'that's totally something Princess Kate would wear; I must have it'.  It fit beautifully and it came home with me.

This dress reminds me of the blue Issa dress she wore when her engagement was announced to the world.  My favorite color to wear is white so I love the lightness of this dress.  However this ivory has a blue/gray undertone which is a bit cooler than I prefer with my warm coloring.  The fabric also has a luster which makes it a bit fancy (but not too fancy for daytime wear). The wrap tie sash around the waist creates the upmost feminine silhouette.  The a-line skirt has tons of movement that may just give you a bit of pep in your step!

I wore this dress to Sunday morning worship before Christmas but it would be perfect for the office, a baby shower (no bridal events unless you are the bride then it's perfect), the theatre, symphony or any occasion you want to feel pretty!

Dress | Pumps | Handbag & Similar | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Dress Fitting for a Duchess

XOXO Sarah Louise

Ruffles & Romance

This dress has all the romantic feels.  With it's ruffles, violet mini floral print and flowy wrap design I instantly felt pretty in it.  Even Mr kept telling me just how beautiful I looked in it :)
Speaking of romance, today is 11 years since our first date! That day our lives changed forever, now here we are over 7 years of marriage and baby girl on the way! We are blessed beyond measure!
ok I could go on and on about our love but let's talk about this dress ....

Now, I'm not a fan of cold shoulder design so when I've worn this dress I didn't put my arms through the shoulder ruffles and wore this dress as if it were sleeveless.  Gals, fashion is what you buy, style is what you do with it.  And I'm all about having my own personal style rather than what the stores suggest.  I also removed the fabric sash and replaced with a leather belt.  I like to add texture and the leather adds a touch of contrast to all the feminine elements.

This dress has a higher waist line of thin elastic which makes it perfect for transitioning into maternity.  It's also a faux wrap - meaning the front layer is sewn as an overlay (so no worrying about coverage when sitting or holding your dress together on a windy day!

This dress is perfect for all year just add a layer for cooler temps, such as a denim jacket or sweater.
Trade in heels for booties for a more casual look over the weekend.

You're sure to feel pretty how ever you style it!

Ruffle Floral Dress  ||  Belt  || Pumps  ||  Handbag  ||  Earrings  || 

Dress Beautifully in a Romantic Ruffled Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Spring Squad

TGIF! Now that it's March I can see Spring just around the corner.  Until I saw the weather for this weekend and the cold front that's going to rain all over my excitement for time outside. sigh.

BUT there's a silver lining!  It's Banana Republic's friends & family sale through Sunday where you can score 5 full priced pieces at 50% off.  Gals, this is a fabulous opportunity to get classic pieces with modern elements!  Whether you're looking to amp up your work wardrobe or to add fun frocks for upcoming soirees I promise you'll find the perfect fit!

Here are the 5 pieces I brought home ... Stay tuned for how I style them in upcoming posts!

Tiered Sleeve Tie Blouse  ||  Green Wrap Dress  ||  Scallop Shirtdress  ||

Navy Jumpsuit  ||  Gingham Top  ||

Dress Beautifully in Spring Style

XOXO Sarah Louise

Graphite

The colors of winter are cool and neutral.  I'm digging a break from the bright and bold.
I've noticed that industrial decor and colors, like dark grey, are huge in the interior design world when it comes to lighting, fixtures and decorative items.  I have light grey walls & fireplace in our family room, grey slate tiles in our sunroom and a dark grey slate in our master bathroom. Years ago it was all about the warm browns so even neutral shades and styles change with the times.
I'm excited to be trying dark grey in my wardrobe.

For neutrals I prefer white/ivory and navy but I do like grey and taupe especially before I'll opt for black.  Most of my grey pieces are in wool (suits and sweaters) but I was intrigued with this grey silk dress.  I adore silk for it's luster, feel and movement.  This dress has a flattering cross over front and elastic waist for definition and shape.  In being honest, it is a bit on the shorter side for me but I'm making strides in burring my insecurities and a few inches above the knee is ok but no more!

This graphite silk dress is a blank canvas for styling.  Of course pairing with black is complimentary, but you could combine any color or neutral.  I topped it off with my bright red coat yesterday for church.

I encourage you to try a color or shade that isn't your typical go-to and maybe stretch it a little further with a different silhouette or design.

Grey Silk Dress: Madewell || Pumps: Nine West || 

Dress Beautifully in Graphite

XOXO Sarah Louise

Designer Crush Elizabeth McKay

My Crushes are Rarely of the Hollywood Type.  I Find Awe in the Talent & Artistry of Designers.  Sure the Fancy Haute Couture Pieces are Beautiful and Sometimes Fascinating but What Gets my Heart Fluttering are Simple, Feminine and Colorful Designs.

Elizabeth McKay, Holds the Top Spot on my Favorites.  She's an American Designer (Her Family originated from NC!) who Studied in NYC.  Her Designs Make a Statement with their Detailing and Prominent Prints (Usually Graphic or Safari Inspired).  
McKay is my Muse for my Future Design Goals!

Her 2 Signature Designs the 'Scotland Wrap Dress' and 'Elizabeth Blouse' Live in my Wardrobe by the Multiples!  They Each have a Ruffled Neckline that Adds a Feminine and Sophisticated Touch.  The Dress comes with 2 Sashes: One with 2 Large Shiny Gold Buttons and the Other Made of Self Fabric for Tying.  The Blouse Contains Cufflink Style Hardware Holding the Ruffles in Place (I've Interchanged with my Own Collection of Cufflinks for a Personal Flair).  

It's All About Quality.  EMcKay Pieces are Constructed from Beautiful Silks and Cottons with Rich Colors and Distinctive Patterns.  It's these Fine Qualities that Make Each Garment Perfect for All Occasions: Office, Church, Weddings, Luncheons/Showers Etc...

For the Past 5 Years I've been Collecting EMcKay Designs.  Mr Showers me with at Least One Piece, Sometimes 2 or 3! Every Birthday and Christmas.  I Own Over 30 Tops & Dresses and Just Can't get Enough!  Mr Even Took me to Her Showroom Store in NYC a Couple Years Ago ... Amazing!! Mr & The Store :)

You can Find EMcKay in Specialty Boutiques, I Frequent Charlotte's in Raleigh, NC and Sherman Pickey in Georgetown, DC for All My Must Haves. 

This Summer Scotland Wrap Dress is in a Cotton, Orange Striped Fabric.  The Gold Button Sash Suited My Fancy for this Look but I've been Know to Shake it Up with Various Belt Options. 

Scotland Wrap Dress: Elizabeth McKay | Wedges Kate Spade: Similar |

Turquoise Earrings; Kendra Scott | Handbag: Michael Kors |

Sunglasses: Maui Jim | Essie Polish: Clambake |

Who's Your Designer Crush?!

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Wrap Dress

Wrap Dresses Add Extra Wonderful to the World of Fashion!

Thanks to the Fabulous Diane Von Furstenburg DVF, for making the Iconic Wrap Dress a Forever in Women's Fashion.   I have a Small Collection of DVF Vintage Wrap Designs that are Saved for Special Occasions. 

What makes the Wrap Dress so Iconic?? 

It's Skims the Feminine Figure, Wraps the Waist with a Sash and has a Skirt that Sways with Movement.

This Wrap Dress Caught my Eye with its Vibrant Ocean Blue Color and Geographic Print.

Note:  Prints are Amazing at Camouflaging! Keep your Prints Proportionate to Your Frame.

I was Hesitant about the Long Sleeves but I've Decided it Gives this Dress a Sleek Look.

I Kept with the Blue Hues with my Navy Quilted Bag that Belonged to my Grandma.  
I like to Add Sentimental Pieces to my Looks.  Its adds Extra Swing to my Step.

Wrap Dress - Banana Republic

Handbag - Belonged to my Grandma

Nude Pumps - Nine West

Wrap Yourself in Wonderful

XOXO Sarah Louise