LBD + Extras

BRRRRR! Baby it's cold outside!  ... and time for my first outfit post of 2017!

Here in Charlotte, NC the word (or hashtag) snow has been overused to say the least over the past 3 days.  We don't get to use it very often and we're not quite sure what to with it other than to make sure we have bread and milk on hand. hahaha - neither of which I eat so it didn't bother me that the shelves were empty.

Out home in the city got a mere dusting while the suburbs got several inches.  I honestly woke up disappointed Saturday morning as the inner kid in me really wanted to make a snowman. But I lived vicariously through everyone else's posts and took advantage of our clear roads to venture out to the gym & target (the only places open to get our wiggles out).

If you know me or have been following along, you know I LOVE fur!  All of mine is vintage so animals lovers please don't freak out.  If it's not for you stick with faux - I have some of that too.

Over the summer the go-to Douglas Montaldo's Hertzberg Furs had a huge estate sale that I took advantage of.  Must confess, it was a bit difficult to shop for fur in July. 

But I was counting on colder temps for the winter and sure enough they're here and I'm wearing this beauty! 

So the point of this post is not the fur but how this fur and other elements can take a little black dress (LBD) and add style. There are occasions that call for the minimum (interviews & funerals or days that's just the best you can do) but by adding a few extras your LBD can have maximum style.

Vintage furs often have the original owner's name embroidered in the lining.  I find it sentimental and added a patch with my name embroidered over the owners.  It's as if I'm carrying her memories as I make my own.  Her name was done in a matching ivory thread. I decided to be fun and went with a bright cherry red. In the South we like to leave a personal marks with monograms or all out with our full names ... some of us even have double names :)
If a fur coat isn't your thing, opt for a colored coat.

This dress was designed with an attached bow sash around the neckline with contrasting white piping. It adds feminine and timeless detail that doesn't overwhelm.  It's professional for the office but can certainly be fun with a pair of colored heels. The classic aline design with natural waist seam and subtle pleats create a very flattering fit!  This dress is perfect for all year wear I certainly plan to do just that for years to come.

For another extra element of style I paired with polka dot tights.  The dots are tiny so they have the Monet effect ... from far away you wouldn't even know, up close super fun!
And mary jane pumps or any pump with straps are great when wearing tights as they prevent your foot from sliding out.

Dress - Similar & Here || Mink Coat || Tights || Pumps || Handbag || 

Dress Your LBD Beautifully with Style Extras

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pop Fizz Clink

Break's over - back to blogging ...

with a hot cup of black coffee #naturally

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

What a refreshing time.  Time to reflect and time to look forward.  It's a blank slate, and a new beginning.

I have a sense of accomplishment at the new year as I close one year full of life events and milestones and begin filling up a new year.  I have to admit, not all of last year's happenings were happy.  Some were sad and down right heartbreaking but that's life.  It makes you stronger and better. Just remember all your undeserved blessings.

With that, I like to start off by sending some cheer. Snail mail is the best mail.
A hand written note is a such a sweet and sentimental kindness, an art I believe in.

New Year Note Cards

First step in setting up my new year, a new planner!  I look forward to this.  I'm obsessed with paper.  I'm constantly making a list and crossing things off.  In an age of technology, I'm all old school when it comes to staying organized. For the past 4 years I've had the same planner (different prints).  It's just the right size and layout for keeping track of the elements of my life.

Note: I immediately start filling it out month by month with birthdays and important events.

2017 Planner 

I also use this weekly note/mouse pad & this Little Gold Book kept in my purse for jotting down ideas as they strike

The word resolution is on everyone's mind this time of year. Right after Christmas we can finally take a minute to relax and think about ourselves and what we want to change.

I don't make resolutions.  I make goals.

What do I want to accomplish?
How can I grow?
In what ways am I going to serve?

While I keep my body healthy with good nutrition and daily exercise keeping my mind and heart healthy I find to be more difficult.  The world is full of ugly so guarding yourself is a huge challenge.  We are drowning in overindulgence and temptations.

One of my goals is to glorify God in everything.

That sounds impossible, but it's something I want to work hard to do.  That means spending time in the Word, loving others and being a ministry through your life and works; including this blog.

Remember my gift guide for gal pals post I shared before Christmas? Well, I had to treat myself to the books that I actually did gift a few ladies. I've really enjoyed reading Grace Not Perfection.  It's uplifting and encouraging.  The pressure of perfection can wear you down paper thin.  While I may not have thousands of readers, lots of 'likes' or immaculate pictures each and every post is created and written with 100% authenticity. XOXO SL

Another goal of mine is to wear my grace goggles.  With myself and others.  Give the benefit of the doubt, love the unlovely and forgive.  You hear it all the time "I am so busy", remember to slow down  and stop to smell the roses.

My imperfectly perfect space 

I took this not with my 'fancy' camera but just a quick snap with my iPhone 

I didn't stop and adjust the bags under my desk, the hanging cords, or placements  

This is where I sit to write to you gals - all natural 

So when I think about this blog of mine now that it's 3 years old!!! #hbd and where to take 'Dress Beautifully' in 2017 this verse came to heart ...

"She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future" Prov 31:25 

Let's Pop. Fizz. Clink. to 2017 and strive to dress all aspects of ourselves beautifully.  

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Luxury Look-a-likes

Whew, the holiday hustle is in full swing! While I may not be running around store to store shopping for presents (I made my list early and tackled it quickly), I am enjoying all the holiday soirees and cheers with dear friends.  This weekend is all about Christmas musicals at my church and my Mamma's.  At my church the kiddos are putting on the show and my Mamma is in the choir performing at hers.  I'm so proud of the hard work that goes into putting on these beautiful shows that fill us with the true spirit and love of Christmas! #Jesusisthereason 

When it comes to shoes I'm not your average gal.  I am not overly enthusiastic and have a small inventory compared to most (Mr has a hard time grasping this) but it's the truth.  Like I am constantly sharing with you gals, quality over quantity.  I purchase well made shoes that check the top box of comfort. I also believe that low heeled shoes are far classier and a wise investment. 

Nothing is worse than painful shoes - Can I get an Amen?!!

High end designers make beautiful shoes but they also come with a sky high price.  While I have noticed that recent styles have embraced a lower heel height the cost is still too steep for my wallet.  So, I scout out shoes whose outer, lining and soles are made of leather and look for sewn in soles rather than glued.  These are trademarks for a well constructed shoe.  Just like your garments, shoes should be made of natural elements.

This allows for breathability and for the shoe to conform to your foot for a glove like fit. 

These look-a-likes maybe be a fraction of the cost but they are 100% full of quality and style.

Confession:  I am guilty of owning 4 of the 5 lood-a-likes below. (the exception of the red loafer because I already own these red shoes and don't need 2 pairs of horse bit loafers and my lace up flats are nude)

Gucci is on FIRE and I'm grateful to have found similar looks for less. But I won't be scouting out any impostures when it comes to this handbag - It's #1 on my wish list!

Luxury: Metallic Loafer  ||  Horsebit Loafer  ||  Red Horsebit Slipper  ||  

Velvet Slipper  || Lace Up Flats ||

Look-a-like: Metallic Loafer  ||  Horsebit Loafer  ||  Red Horsebit Slipper  ||  

Velvet Slipper & Here  || Lace Up Flats  ||

Dress Beautifully in Luxury for Less

XOXO Sarah Louise

Leather & Sweater

Talk about contrast - mixing a soft warm sweater with edgy cool leather makes for a super chic look.

Both textiles are full of texture and essential for a winter wardrobe.

This outfit also combines classic & modern with these block heeled booties and saddle cross body bag.

Pull from the extremes to create your next look and I promise the mixed vibes will have you winning in the style category!

Sweater || Leather Skirt || Booties || Handbag || Earrings || 

Dress Beautifully in Sweater & Leather

XOXO Sarah Louise

Ribbons & Lace

Lace used to be for those special dress up occasions.  Today, you can find lace in all types of garments. It adds texture, detail and lots of femininity!

While lace hasn't lost any of its fanciness, you can tone it down with simple styling.
This dress has casual elements with its piped collar and pockets.

I styled this black lace dress with layers, because it's finally getting cold down here in the South.  With added coverage it creates a more modest look that is appropriate for day/office.  I kept it extra classy with pearls and a patent clutch.

Note: I went up a size.  I wanted to be able to layer easily and I find that shift dresses really shorten with sitting. Since that's a necessary aspect of life a little more room & length is a good thing. Pay attention to the arm holes when sizing up, often they become too big and it is NOT classy to expose undergarments!

To take it to the weekend, try brown boots/booties and a denim jacket.  I believe that shoes and a jacket have big power to completely change your look.

I wanted to amp up the girly and nothing says girly like a bow.  But because I'm in my thirties (seriously where does the time go?!!) it needed to be small and understated.  I recently purchased a velvet choker necklace with my youngest sister (#flashback - everything that was cool when I was young is back!) and decided it's perfect to repurpose in my mane.

This dress is not only great for the holiday season but because it's sleeveless and light weight you can ditch the layers and pair with sandals come Spring.

Tip: Pairing tights with heels can be a slippery mess, a Mary Jane style holds down your feet for easy walking.

Lace Dress || Silk Blouse || Mary Jane Pumps || Similar Clutch || Chocker Ribbon || 

Dress Beautifully in Layered Lace & Ribbons

XOXO Sarah Louise