Resort

This Dress!  I shared with you on this post last week that I love getting birthday offers and tend to over treat myself. #sorrynotsorry This dress is a result.

Just this past Tuesday night Mr and I were celebrating my birthday (belated because he worked nights in the ER 8 days straight UGH) and my new job! WAHOOOO Gals, I've been working and praying so very hard for this opportunity! And while poppin' and sippin' on our favorite bottle of bubbles from our Napa trip (I never wrote a post on that oops) we were discussing where we should take a trip this year.

This dress screams vacation! It's easy breezy with the pleated, flowy, light weight fabric and design.  It's also eye catching with the unique straps/neckline and printed pattern.  You won't see this color palette everyday!  It's just stunning in my book!  It has a glamorous feel and far from an evening gown.

Wear this at the beach, at a vineyard, backyard party, wedding, date night, basically anywhere but the office.

My gal pal was eyeing this dress but wanted it in petite.  I must say I was concerned about length too when I first saw it on the rack.  I'm 5'2" and even in flat sandals it doesn't drag the ground on me in regular sizing.  I did pair it with a low block heeled sandal just to give me extra walking room without getting the hem dirty or tripping on it. The lining in this dress is fairly fitted so you don't feel overwhelmed with the fabric. You can also cross the straps in the back - I prefer the front, more unique.

Disclaimer: You will twirl in this dress.  It's involuntary!

So, where are you gals headed on vacation this year? Suggestions for us? This trip we prefer short flights so East of the Mississippi.  Our goal is to alternate a small and bigger trip every year so next year we'll go big.

Maxi Dress  ||  Sandals & Similar  ||  Rattan Bag (mine is vintage)  ||  Earrings  ||  Wrap Bracelet  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Maxi Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Berry Good

One of my favorite things about Spring is all the fresh picked fruit.  I'm not into food but I love sweet and refreshing fruit.  In fact, I eat at least 3-4 types of fruit every day.

Side note: I ate watermelon last night, BIG mistake!  I was up all night visiting the bathroom.

When J Crew came out with this Berry Print, I immediately thought all american picnic.  My sister was obsessed.  She wanted all the pieces in this fun print. It's light, fun and definitely gets you into the spring/summer spirit.  Makes me want to go berry picking, bake a cobbler and head out side for a cook out.

Chambray also fits perfectly when you think of all American.  It's the 'blue' to the red white and blue color palette and denim is just timeless. Chambray being a lighter version of denim is essential to capturing the textile without having a heat stroke.
This pencil skirt brings chambray, a typically casual fabric, to a more sophisticated level with a fitted design and ruffle accent.  Perfectly acceptable in the office.

Pairing this fun fruity blouse and flirty ruffle skirt creates the perfect balance of american femininity.

Tootie Fruity for Spring!

Berry Blouse  ||  Chambray Ruffle Skirt  ||  Pumps  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Fruity Print

XOXO Sarah Louise

Texturized

Well, today's the first day, wait I guess 2nd day, details, as 34.  Yesterday was so special and full of celebration with the ones I love!

I don't know about you but one of the perks of your birthday month are the birthday coupons you receive in your email or via snail mail so you can treat yourself.  And gals, I surely do every April.

Anthropologie is one of my favorite stores for unique designs.  Although I'm going to be honest, it is a bit pricey so I try and be savvy watching their sales.  But for your birthday month they send you a discount on your purchase and I took this number (and maybe a couple more) home.

Anthro is not my go-to for my every day wear, again their designs are very distinctive and typically casual, but come spring and summer I appreciate the dresses especially.
While 80% of my wardrobe is polished and classic I like to throw in some fun and comfortable pieces.  I still want them to be wearable, meaning they're still modest and can be dressed up or down.

This dress is mix of elements making it very versatile. Sure the fabric, texture and cut is fairly casual but you can easily dress those factors right up with accessories.
I added colored heels for instant sass but I foresee pairing with wedges or flat sandals and rocking it at the beach this summer.

I also want to add that while a sheath & fit and flare dress is the most flattering for an hour glass shape I am finding that a drop waist or ruffled hem is a nice option for something less fitted. There is still an a-line shape that doesn't hide your proportions. The drop waist doesn't make me feel like I'm wearing a sack that a shift dress can often do when your curvy.

Add some texture, a touch of neon and a swing to your strut in this summer ready dress.

My face when I buy more than I should ... 'But you can't let a discount go to waste' Right?!!

Textured Striped Dress  ||  Heels  ||  Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Textured Sundress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bold Stripes

Be Bold.  Tomorrow I turn 34 and I've decided to enter into this year of life with boldness.  To trust, to be faithful and most of all to be grateful.  In all of these things I'm going to do so boldly.

I mean who wants to be so-so or half way with a mediocre attitude.  Be bold gals.

Everyone loves stripes because they're classic and go with everything.  As we enter into Spring I love to embrace a nautical vibe because who doesn't want to be on the water?! Nothing says nautical like white and navy stripes.

This top is bold. Big wide stripes. Yes!  I may just wear this tomorrow.  This top is actually designed to be worn off the shoulder but I prefer it up on my shoulders. I can move my arms with ease and honestly it creates an eye catching chic collar!

Fashion is what you buy, Style is what you do with it 

I paired it with navy trousers and ladylike slides to keep the focus on the top.

I was talking with my Mamma yesterday about how the basket bag is making a come back.  I remember her caring a rattan bag and I would play dress up with it.  Funny how things come right back around.  While I like the new modern styles I decided to see if I could find a vintage bag that would resemble the one my Mamma carried.  I love adding vintage pieces to my look. They have a story and it's true, they just don't make things like they used to. I found this one on etsy and love it!

Off the Shoulder Stripe Top  ||  Navy Trousers  ||  Navy Slides  ||

Vintage Rattan Bag - Similar  ||  Bangle  ||

Dress Beautifully in Bold Stripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Lace Toppings

Lace is one of the loveliest fabrics.  It's delicate texture exudes femininity.  I love that lace can go from day to night to even special occasion.  It's all about the styling.  Paired with trousers or pencil skirts for work.  Go casual with jeans, even distressed jeans or shorts.

This top in a muted green (It reminds me of the ferns I have by my front door) has a peplum shape for waist defining and the scalloped hem emphasized the texture.  I love all shades of green, nothing complements my red hair better!  This particular shade is great for all year wear.

I styled this dressy lace top with a pair of raw hem black jeans and heeled sandals for an after hours vibe.  I invest in tops that can be worn for day and with a simple swap are sassy enough for a night of fun.

I must say I had a hard time finding black jeans without holes in the knees.  I love distressing but you don't need more than a pair or two.  The raw hem is a modern element that adds just the right touch of casual.

Add a lace top to your wardrobe and I promise you'll be wearing around the clock.

Lace Top - Similar & Here & Here ||  Black Jeans  ||  Sandals  ||
Clutch  ||  Bangle  || Earrings  ||  Sunglasses  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Lace Top

XOXO Sarah Louise