Dots for Decades

 

Princess Diana & Kate are proof that polka dot dresses are always a beautiful choice. I've had this dress a while and intentionally wanted to post it as often blogs & social media can portray a perspective that you always need new & current pieces. 

Note:  I was able to link several current polka dot dress, more proof that they're a forever piece!

Having a wardrobe full of classics is a wise and pretty investment as you'll wear them over time.  I believe the key is choosing design elements that suit you (I love collars and cuffs) and silhouettes that flatter.  I'm fond of a-line cuts and longer lengths. 

One may think that that 'classic' means matronly or mature but on the contrary I find them to be feminine and elegant.  Jazz them up with modern shoes & handbags.  Now if you do add pearls, a broach and/or a silk scarf you'll look more like a costume more than an outfit. 

I choose black riding boots over a heel to add a casual element.  A wide textured leather belt would have the same affect.  Also, try a sweater over top or Moto jacket. 

I love trendy pieces but in a much smaller amount and often paired with my staples. I encourage you reach into your wardrobe and pull out an oldie but goodie and give it new life and wear!

Polka Dot Dress & Here & Here & Here & Here & Here | Boots |

Dress Beautifully

XOXO Sarah-Louise

A Little Warm - A Lot of Cool

Gals, it may be sweater weather most places but down here in the South we can have some down right warm Winter days which makes a sweater vest a perfect fit. I absolutely love sleeveless tops for layering and a knit adds texture and warmth.

A pretty button up/blouse underneath or jacket on top and you won't be too cold or hot. 

I loved this one for it's mix of classic cable knit and modern exaggerated shoulders and shorter hem. I paired it with the most comfortable faux leather pants! These pants fit higher on the waist and have a straight cropped leg allowing for easy movement and show off a pair of sassy shoes! I also love the neutral burgundy color for something that's dark but not as harsh as black. 

Sometimes you just need something else besides a pair of jeans and leather is a chic option. You don't have to dress them up with pumps, although 2020 has lit a fire to get dressed up and go out! A sneaker and denim top/jacket with a graphic tee is a very cool & casual option. 

Sleeveless Sweater - Here - so many pretty ones Here | 

Leather Pants | Studded Pumps | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Sweater Vest

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Organza Blouses

TGIF! Gracious what a week, so let's share some pretty news shall we?!  Organza is a sheer fabric that's typically silk.  Because it's sheer it's most commonly designed in dressy garments and often styled during the holidays.

I find the fabric to be delicate and feminine. When styled casually with jeans you get a contrasting look that's modern & chic.

Tip: Go out side the typical box and pair soft dressy pieces with textured casual pieces.  This creates versatility in your wardrobe, maximizing the investment of you pieces and it creates interesting & current outfits.

Here are beautiful organza blouses ...

My Organza Blouse 

Collared Blouse

Pink Blouse

also in black

Short Sleeve Blouse

Elbow Puff Sleeve

Puff Sleeve Blouse

also in pink, ivory & black

Rib Sweater Blouse

Button Up Blouse

also in black

Please for Heaven's sake wear a cami #keepitclassy

Knit Jacket

Floral Blouse

Knit Little Puff Sleeve Blouse

also in black

Dress Beautifully in an Organza Blouse

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Extra Padding

Gals, 2020 should have come with a little extra padding to endure all the knock downs it has given us.

I remember thinking the shoulder pads of my Mamma's time in the 80's and 90's were horrendous and I still think that.

Confession: I once stole a set of shoulder pads out of my Mamma's dresser drawer and used them to stuff my bra! 
Your welcome for the laugh :)

But, I'm all over this toned down shoulder pad trend.  I have very narrow shoulders and I feel a like I look like I'm standing taller and more confident with a little extra volume. When you emphasize an area, such as a padded shoulder or a puff sleeve it makes other areas appear deemphasized.  In other words the waist and lower body appear smaller.  This also creates an hour glass shape. #goals

While you may be skeptical to try this trend, it's a pretty subtle one and gives a very modern vibe. Pair it with classics like trousers, a pencil skirt or jeans.

I love this cut of denim.  A high waist, slim wide leg with a raw hem and just a tad of distressing is modern and comfortable. Also if you're going to wear a light wash, a looser fit is more flattering.

I dressed this look up with a heel but a nice flat or sneaker is perfect for casual days.
Do we even have days that aren't casual any more??

I refuse to give up on dressing up! 💯

Shoulder Pad Top - Here - Here  | Jeans | Similar Pumps | Earrings

Dress Beautifully in a Shoulder Pad Top

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Fresh as a Daisy

It's a weird Wednesday, isn't it?? Whenever Monday is a holiday it makes the whole week seem off. And it looks like we are facing a second week with day after day of rain. BLAH

So I picked this fresh as a daisy dress to share today to lift our dreary spirits.  Y'all know I love a statement detail and these exaggerated flutters sleeves are amazing!

While puff sleeves are such a chic trend, I prefer sleeveless for movement and to stay cool ... if you're southern living you know! These flutter sleeves draw attention up towards your smile making you appear taller and your waist/lower body slimmer! (playing with volume emphasizes shape).

This blue color is so bright and the cheerful daisies make it such a fun piece for summer.

Flutter Sleeve Dress | Sandals | Pearl Bag | Earrings | Sunglasses |

Dress Beautifully in a Happy Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Party Piece

While having a party might not be how we'd describe our days of late, this month does hold a lot to celebrate, including my birthday (37!) And my most favorite day of the entire year, Easter Sunday.
That's a whole lot of blessings!

Personally, I don't feel a day over 27 - is it delusional to say I look just as young??

I want to have fun and party a little, or a lot, this month - even on this blog. I've added sharing our home updates on Tuesdays and for the fashion segments its all about party pieces!

I fill a majority of my closet with classic pieces but I believe you should sprinkle fun ones in too.
Isn't this party top so much fun?!! I mean, it's hard not to smile just looking at it.
Wearing it on the other hand equals so much sass.

With Winter behind me I was wanting some happy looks but as I was searching I found that a lot of party pieces were so unique they'd be a one time wear, showed too much skin and just plain unrealistic.

I loved this one because it's uniqueness wasn't too outrageous and pairing options were versatile to carry it through multiple occasions. Think shorts or jeans for a night out and a skirt for church.

Note: It has a very low neckline but I was easily able to pin it.

I encourage you to add some fun to your closet this season, even if you have to wear it on a backyard date night.

Polka Dot Bow Top | Black Pants | Pumps & Here | Sunglasses |

Dress Beautifully in a Party Piece

XOXO Sarah-Louise