Summer Sweater

Living in the South, sweaters aren’t a huge piece of our wardrobe.  And you never hear the word sweater come Summer time.

BUT it is indeed possible to enjoy the nice soft texture of a knit and not melt.

The key is cotton, loose knit and light design.  This sleeveless shell sweater fits the bill.

It’s not a dense weave but rather thicker yard and ‘holey’ so there is a sheer element.  Choose your undergarments wisely.

In a longer tunic design it lays nicely.

I styled it with navy trousers and pumps for a business casual look.  Pair it with distressed jeans or shorts for the weekend. 

Just for Fun :)

Sleeveless Sweater: J Crew & Similar ||  Navy Trouser: Nordstrom & Similar || 

Pumps: Similar & Here || Tortoise Bracelet: J Crew || 

Dress Beautifully in a Summer Sweater

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Travel Chic

Today rather than sitting at my office desk or Mr in an exam room we’re going to be planting ourselves on a plane! 

We have a packed itinerary for 3 days in San Fran and 5 days in Wine Country that includes trolleys, bridges, fabulous eats, shopping, hiking and all the grape juice our livers can handle!

When it comes to dressing for air travel there’ve been huge changes.  Dressing in your Sunday Best was the etiquette for the longest time and then over the past 15 years passengers have gone to the extreme casual.  Too casual in my opinion.  There’s a way to be comfortable trucking around the terminals and cramming into your seat that doesn’t include your pajamas.

Here are my tips for dressing chic, comfortable and convenient while traveling:

-          Blue jeans – straight or boyfriend cut for roomy fit and any spills/stains won’t be as damaging on darker colors

-          Blouse – loose and cotton to keep you cool and more polished than a tshirt or tank

-          Flats – easy to slip on and off at security, comfy and closed toe for cleanliness

-          Tote – holds all your necessities! Documents, wallet, snacks, book, ipad, earphones & jacket/sweater

-          Jacket – this has pockets for easy access to your boarding pass & id, also there may be a chill on the plane (better than it being hot!) and can double as a blanket or pillow for attempted rest

      

       FYI: I am wearing this outfit today & it will transition perfectly for exploring SF! 

Jacket || Blouse || Jeans || Bag || Flats ||

Dress Beautifully While Traveling

XOXO Sarah Louise

Orange You Glad ...

Orange you glad it’s almost Friday?!!!!!

I can honestly say I have ants in my pants for tomorrow as we depart bright and early for our first ‘real’ trip together in 10 years!!

This week and next are the 2 BEST weeks of Summer 2016! 

Every night this week it’s been Vacation Bible School – VBS at our church and I’ve been a group leader to 11 3^rd-5^th grade boys and girls WHEW! Talk about crashing every night.  In all seriousness, I’ve been looking forward to VBS for months and I have had as much fun as the kiddos singing, dancing, playing games, crafting and most importantly learning and growing in our faith.  My role is to teach and guide these kids as we explore the story of Noah but the reality is I’m learning just as much.  I was reminded this week of the blessing of God’s grace, the importance of obedience (no matter how old I am), trusting in Him and keeping my faith. 

Tomorrow, we are leaving on a jet plane for the west coast to visit San Francisco and Wine Country! #cheers

We have a lot to celebrate and blessings to give thanks for – Mr returning safely from deployment in the Middle East, end of US Navy military service, settling in our QC home together, new careers for both of us, 6 years of marriage, great healthy, loving family and friends, the list goes on and on …..

So getting back on the fashion track, over the past 3 years I’ve been embracing the color orange.  I have never liked or given this shade any attention beyond Halloween.  Probably because my hair has always been orange.  It all started when I found this awesome orange rug for our living room with navy and ivory shades in the print.  It’s a large rug and fills the entire room so the orange is very prominent.  I found myself gravitating to more orange in décor accessories for our home and in my clothing and jewelry.  It pairs beautifully with navy, greens and purples.  I can’t believe how much orange I’ve incorporated into my world!  I’ve definitely been missing out all these years. 

Ladies, I challenge you to take a color that you normally disregard and give it a second look.  You just might be glad you did!

Bright sundresses are staples in these hot sunny months.  They’re cool, cheerful and oh so pretty.  Consider a bright orange dress in your summer wardrobe. 

Orange Dress: Similar & Here & Here || Espadrilles: Tory Burch || Earrings: Similar || 

Sunglasses: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in Orange

XOXO Sarah Louise

Lighter & Longer

Midi length dresses and skirts have been popping up more frequently over the past year.  I’ve paid them no attention whatsoever because my instinct told me that I’m way too short and that they were too reminiscent of the 80’s & 90’s. All I could picture were the floral frocks with big white collars my Mamma wore to church. #blessherheart

The more abundant they become in stores, the more I’m slowly giving them a second look.

I have discovered that there have been modern design changes that have made drastic improvements to better flatter.

A higher waist and slimmer skirt are key.  The higher the waistline the longer your legs and body appear.  By reducing the skirt volume you prevent being overwhelmed by fabric.

This dress is perfect for embracing a midi length because it’s light and bright with a sheer upper bodice and hemline.  The tie waist allows you to cinch in your shape.

And the extra bonus is the price point!

I added a pop of fun with some candy apple red sandals!

See more of my love of feminine eyelet fabric for Summer in a black blouse from this post.  

White Eyelet Dress: Target & Similar & Here || Red Sandals: Tory Burch Similar & Here ||

Bangle: J Crew || Handbag: Prada || 

Dress Beautifully in Eyelet

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Fall Bags

Today is a fantastic Friday!!!  For so many reasons I’m extra giddy this Friday – Mr arrives this afternoon and will be in our home forever!  (With the exception of two short visits back to the coast next month to wrap up some Navy business) AND big stuff is happening in my career AND this time next week we will be at our vacation destination!.  Needless to say we will be celebrating and cheering our many blessings this weekend!

Unless you live under a rock you know about the big Nordstrom Anniversary Sale that happens every July.  The sale introduces the upcoming Fall season with select merchandise at a lower price.  This sale is for a limited time and then the price rises back up to its retail price.  It’s a great opportunity to stock up on those normally higher priced items like handbags, boots and coats.

However, I find that it can be a challenge with the current afternoon temps over 100F and no sign of a cool down any time soon to even think about cold weather clothing.

In the past I have taken full advantage of the sale and brought home some great loot.  Over the past couple of years I haven’t had much luck but that may just be because my closet isn’t lacking (not that I’m a hoarder I just tend to purchase quality classic pieces that last and so no need to repurchase).  I also have been concentrating on home décor and our upcoming trip when it comes to spending our extra funds.

I’ve been lusting after a red handbag for over a year now and I’ve finally found ‘The One’ and I’m so close to earning the achievement to warrant such a beautiful treat! Work Hard –Play Hard #Hustle

I also wouldn’t mind adding a fall handbag this season.  One in a darker color and/or texture.

Here are my 5 favorite fall bags from the Nordstrom Sale ….

Black Tote  -  Pinot Crossbody  -  Calf Hair Leopard Shoulder Bag 

Suede Satchel  -  Grey Convertible Tote 

Black Tote:  Classic and Polished. Perfect for the office (files, computer, planner etc. ) and for weekend to hold all your running around essentials – water, snacks, even a change of clothes

Pinot Crossbody:  I’m obsessed with burgundy for fall/winter!! It’s rich and warm and always makes me thing of a big glass of red wine.  This bag is very ‘Chanel’ like and it doesn’t get more classic than that!

Leopard Calf Hair Bag:  When it comes to leopard accessories (bags, shoes, belts) ALL of mine are calf hair.  It’s gives a luxurious texture and construction.  Animal prints are a great way to add interest & print.

Suede Satchel:  Suede is another rich texture for fall/winter.  I’m especially liking suede this season as the 70’s, boho vibes are in full swing. I wouldn’t mind a suede jacket in my closet either. 

Grey Convertible Tote:  I like this tote for its versatile straps.  You don’t see chain very often on totes and I like that these are designed with grommets so that you can wear on your shoulder or crossbody.  Most crossbodys are small so this bag gives you lots of function.

Dress Beautifully with a New Handbag for Fall

XOXO Sarah Louise