Friday Favorites: Dudley Stephens Fleece

 TGIF! Gals, let me just share what an exciting week this has been.  It's been 'demo day' for most it, as we are finally renovating our guest bathroom, powder room, sunroom, laundry room and having some exterior work done.  The best and last piece of the project is installation of wallpaper in two rooms!!!

That's a whole series of posts to include the process and the amazing before & afters! 

I will share that after living here for 2 years and with a 6 month delay #corona I'm just so jazzed to have this project underway! And to have the boxes of tile, sinks and toilets out of our den! 

Today I'm sharing with you the softest, warmest, most comfortable fleece pieces ... that are made from recycled bottles! 

Note: we will NOT be recycling anything from this Reno (there was nothing pretty about those 1963 raw materials)

I found Dudley Stephens a few years ago and have been a fan ever since.  It is a female founded, family run company that manufactures right here in the USA! What started with their signature turtlenecks has expanded into a full line of cozy products for everyone!

I love the array of color options and fabric so soft you just want to hug yourself :)

Style Tip: Don't stick to just casual pairings, a midi skirt or layering over a dress is a warm and chic option! 

Here are my favorites tops ... 

Park Slope Turtleneck

available in 17 colors

This is my favorite design!

It hits at the top of your hips which is an ideal length in my opinion to create flattering proportions.

Cobble Hill Turtleneck

This one is a tunic length. 

If you must wear leggings (eye roll they're NOT pants but wear what you will)

This one is suitable as it covers your derriere (that is a MUST)

Palmer Puff Sleeve

This is on my Christmas list. It's a new design with a puff sleeve! So SL!

Brighton Boatneck

If high turtlenecks aren't your thing, this one is for you

Lots of color and 3 fabric options

Calyer Cowl Neck

This cowl neck can drape or graze your shoulder is perfect.

Prospect Pullover

A casual zippered top, perfect for weekends

The Putnam pullover is in color block 

They have a line of Bottoms, Dresses, Outerwear, Mens, Kids, & Accessories!

When you're making your Christmas list for yourself or others, I promise a Dudley Stephens piece will be a favorite to unwrap!

Dress Beautifully in DS Fleece

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Sweater + Leather

 

Sweaters & leather go together beautifully!  The two cold weather textures, one soft and the other tough when paired create a chic contrasting combination.

One of the best parts of winter dressing is all the textures, cozy knits, colorful tweeds, butter soft cashmere, thick wools, lustrous velvets and supple leather.  Add some delicate textures like silk and lace for a pretty and seasonal look. 

Sweater - also in yellow & ivory | Leather Skirt & Here | Booties | Earrings

Dress Beautifully in a Sweater & Leather

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Heirloom Keepsakes for Little Girls

 Gift giving season is upon us and while toys are terrific, I love to blessing others with something that can be cherished and last through time. 

Vivian has received jewelry since she was a baby.  These fine pieces will grow with her over the years and can be passed down through generations.  

She wears them to church and on nice occasions.  While they are delicate, I've shared with her to be gentle and that they are super special.

Note: All of Vivian Louise's pieces are from Kiddie Kraft and are sourced through fine jewelers rather than online retailers.  I recommend visiting your local jeweler to purchase a fine piece of jewelry. 

Here are some heirloom keepsakes for little girls ...

Cross Necklace

Heart Necklace

Pearl Bracelet

Gold Bangle

Heart Locket

It's not fine jewelry but so pretty and they love to open in and see a picture inside

I often gift this necklace

Long Locket

also in Silver

Mammas, you can wear and pass down

Personalized Pendant Necklace

another piece to pass down

Keepsake Trunk

I LOVE this to hold the special pieces I'm saving

Available in several colors, fabric lining & monogram options

Ballerina Jewelry Box

We are planning to give her this one for Christmas

Available in 3 colors and several sizes

Silver Brush & Comb

We gifted this to Vivian her 1st Christmas

Keepsake Box

color options and engraving

A strand of pearls is a quintessential heirloom piece for every lady's jewelry box

Dress Your Darling & Yourself Beautifully in Heirloom Pieces

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

Guest List

This is the season of gathering, or at least it used to be, and whether your hosting or a guest, dressing beautifully is important.  It shows that you care and want to be there. It shows that the occasion and the people attending are valuable to you.

I love a long dress.  It gives an elegant impression without being too fancy.  Adding a belt for shape so that the extra fabric doesn't overwhelm and a bootie is a balanced style that's just the right amount of snazziness.  

Tip: If you do get lucky with a fancy soiree to attend, pair with fur! 

For day time, style a long dress layered with a chunky sweater or a denim/leather moto jacket finished with a cute sneaker. 

This dress has so many colors, giving you pairing options of green, pink, grey, blue etc. Now, the cut is voluminous so I believe that a belt is a must!  A pretty cognac brown would give a warmer and more casual look. The fabric is light weight and has just a hit of shimmer for prettiness when you move.

Tip: Small bags give an intentional impression as well.  Leave your tote with 'all the things' for handling your responsibilities behind because all you need are a few essentials.  The fellowship is your priority!

I encourage you to wear a long dress to your next gathering, even if it's just a gals night at home catching up with chit-chat.  I'm craving one of those!

Dress | Belt | Booties | Similar Bag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully as a Graceful Host and Guest

XOXO Sarah-Louise