Rich & Bright

One of the best parts of Spring is the introduction of white into my wardrobe.  White is my most favorite color to wear.  It's clean, crisp and bright. 

This olive dress I purchased last fall and since it's silk you can style it for all seasons with a simple change in pairings.  I added this sleek white blazer and hot pink pumps for fun.    

Don't pack up those garments in rich darker shades, mix them up with lighter colors to bring them into the light of Spring & Summer. 

I have a lot of fun playing with various color combinations.  It keeps things fresh and utilizes the pieces you already have. 

Dress: Madewell Similar & Here || Blazer: J Crew || Pumps: Nine West || Handbag: Tory Burch || 

Dress Beautifully in Both Rich & Bright Colors

XOXO Sarah Louise

Spring Polishing

The key to impeccable style is in the details.

Sure you can add jewelry, belts and scarves to a accessorize but lacquered nails truly polishes the look.  Polishing takes effort, planning and time. It shows that you go the extra distance.  Personally, I can't stand for my nails to be naked.  I have micro-mini hands and in turn itsy bitsy nails, so I like the added color to help them look pretty.  

All polish is not created equal.  I save money by skipping manis & pedis and opt to manicure my own nails. I splurge on quality polishes that are free from harmful chemicals.  I also am particular when selecting my colors, I stick to the pinks & reds; colors that are classy & appropriate for a professional setting - save the crazy colors for teenagers! 

To make my paint job last I keep my nails trimmed fairly short & filed and always use a good base & top coat. 

Now that spring is here, it's out with the dark polishes and in the with pastels and bright colors. 

Here are some favorites from my collection for spring:

Butter Shades (left to right): Orange - Soft Pink - Coral

Essie Shades (left to right): Pink - Lavender - Ivory - Hot Pink - Blush

Dress Beautifully in Spring Polishes

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Blush

Blush is big on the color scene.

This soft subdued hue makes a feminine statement that can't be ignored. I think of it as a happy neutral since it's in the pink family - pink makes everything better! 

Blush is great paired with other pastels as well as with darker shades for contrast - black, charcoal and navy are great for professional office looks. 

Since Spring is officially here I chose a light floral blouse and white - in case you didn't know white is seriously my favorite to wear and would wear it head to toe every day all year if I could - but you can't ignore the fun other colors bring to your wardrobe. 

Blush Pants: J Crew Similar & Here || Blouse: Target || Pumps: Nine West || 

Handbag: Michael Kors ||  Earrings: Honora || 

Dress Beautifully in Blush

XOXO Sarah Louise

On the Grid

This skirt is a modern match made! 

When you mix sharp graphic lines with soft feminine lace you get a perfect blend of style.

Lace & graphics are on two opposite ends of the spectrum.  For some, lace is too feminine and vintage feeling, while graphic can be too harsh and modern.  Combining the two is genius - best of both worlds.  

I call this 'grid lace' - because that's what it looks like to me :) 

I'm obsessed with all things white, so my eyes gravitated to this skirt.  I love the shape - not too poofy.    The grosgrain waistband, pockets and unlined hemline are details that make this skirt shine in it's uniqueness. 

One of the cool things about a-line skirts is that you can vary your size giving you the ability to choose how high or low it sits on the waist. I went down a size in this one so that it would sit slightly higher - a more classic shape and so that it would fall slightly shorter on the leg line - I'm petite so I must be careful of pieces that fall below the knee. 

For skirts that are more mini in design I often choose a size larger than normal for added length or for comfort.  Ladies, you've heard it over and over but seriously don't get caught up in the numbers! Rather concentrate on fit and shape. 

We've had lots of warm sunny weather here in the South so I styled this look fitting for the season.  When I have a garment that is structured I like to pair it with a piece that's soft and flowy.  These strappy tops are my favorite - so naturally I have 6 in all different colors :)

This grid lace skirt is going to be on serious repeat! Pair it with button downs for office or tees, denim tops, sandals/wedges for those casual days in the sun. 

Grid Lace Skirt: Loft || Silk Tank: J Crew & Factory || Pumps: Nine West || 

Dress Beautifully in Grid Lace

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Crisp Illusion

This look completes this week's series on crop-top dresses.   There has to be a limit.  

Let's recap the reasons I adore this design:

     Illusion - Looks like a 2-piece 

     Modern - but reminiscent of mid-century design 

     Flattering cut - crop top hem highlights the smallest part on the waist

     Skirt Options - sheath, tulip, a-line

     Detail Options - open back, pockets, scalloped hem 

     Elongating - Higher waist line creates illusion of longer legs

This dress is made of a light weight poplin cotton in an a-line skirt design - keeping you crisp and cool.

Don't let the solid navy fool you, this dress has interest with pockets and a small open/vented back - not too open so you can avoid the strapless bra.  I added some more fun with a pair of floral pumps. 

I love this one for it's easy breeze feel - makes you wanna take a twirl!  

Pair it with a pair of sandals and you'll be chic in the summer heat.  

Crop-Top Dress: Loft || Floral Pumps: Nine West || Pink Handbag: Tory Burch ||

Earrings: Moon & Lola || Ring: Similar || Polish: Essie || 

Dress Beautifully in a Crop-Top Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise