Toting Ginger Jars

Gals, you know my love of ginger jars - I have the beautiful blue & white porcelain all throughout my home; Take a look here.   I have a feeling I'll be adding more of these beauties in our new house; More is more :)

So, when I saw this tote, it was meant to be.  I shared it with you from my wish list at the lovely Beaufort Linen Co.  Another reason this store is a match made for me.

This tote is made of heavy canvas and has a small zipper pocket to hold your tiny treasures.
I've decided that it's too beautiful to be my beach tote so I'm using it as somewhat of a work tote.  It's large enough to hold my computer, agenda, books, and even my camera.  Everything I need to create beautiful blog posts :)

P.S. I'm thinking of sewing in snaps on the sides so that I can adjust the dimensions.

Make it suit your own needs - beach, gym, crafting, kids, overnight .... stuff it to your heart's desire!

This is quintessentially what I mean by dressing beautifully.  From your garments, accessories to even your utility totes they should reflect you and your style.

Truth:  These pics were taken on my neighborhood dock ... beauty of coastal living!

Here's what you'll find in my ginger jar tote: Agenda, Journal, Computer, Camera (not pictured - in use) and this new read from one of my favorites - I've read ALL of MKA's books 

Ginger Jar Tote: Beaufort Linen Co || 

Necklace: Kate Spade || Sandals: Jack Rogers || 

Dress Beautifully in a Stylish Tote

XOXO Sarah Louise

Flutter

Surprise! I'm wearing black!  It's rare, so take note. I prefer white, ivory and navy as my neutrals.  And in this Southern Summer heat - black is never a consideration (unless it's a bikini).
Believe it or not this dress does come in white - I'm stepping out gals.

There is a way to wear black and not suffer from a heat stoke.  There's also a way to wear black beyond suiting.

This black dress is in a swiss dot cotton fabric.  It's light weight with textured raised balls/dots. The straight shift design combined with the breathable fabric makes it fitting for warm weather.   As if the swiss dot fabric wasn't enough. the sheer flutter sleeves give it extra interest and femininity.

I have very small shoulders and the added volume on the sleeve adds proportion.  I also like to keep the details and interest around the upper half of my garments, drawing the eye higher towards the face.
P.S.  Larger sleeves above the elbow are slimming on the arms

I chose light colored accessories to contrast the darkness.
Pair with heels for the office or sandals for weekend.

Flutter Swiss Dot Dress: J Crew Factory & in White || Shoes: Nine West || 

Mother of Pearl Earrings: Kendra Scott || Handbag: Tory Burch || 

Dress Beautifully in a Flutter Sleeve

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Embellished Clutches

Brightly colored and in bold prints, embroidered/beaded clutches are another hot trend embodying the ethnic/resort style.

Whether you've vacationed in an exotic location or not, carrying one of these will at least give you a worldly look.

And, you can check of those elements of print, texture and color off in a big way!

Personally, I think they'd be great with a LBD for a beautiful pop of interest ... but for your everyday/weekends they go with everything.

Tassel Foldover

Beaded Envelope

Wristlet

Black and White

Peacock

Woven

Chandelier Pouch

Thailand Embroidered

Dress Beautifully in an Embellished Clutch

XOXO Sarah Louise

Graphic Embroidery

Embroidery is one of my favorite embellishments.  I find it to be classic and sophisticated.  Sure rhinestones and beading are fun but save that for special occasions or use jewelry.

I've noticed that colorful, floral 'boho' styled embroidery is trending for this year's spring and summer.   Especially in a front bib design, like this sundress. I appreciate the detail and ethnic vibe, but my style's a bit more ladylike and polished.

This top brings a sophisticated take on the embroidered trend.  In a graphic design, this front bib detail is sure to be noticed.  There are even little dark beads on the bib giving a little luster and texture.  The geometric lines add a modern touch.

The embroidery is black but honestly you could easily style as navy because the detail is so small.  My personal rule - if you can't tell if it's black or navy, you style as both!

I love to mix my dark shades with pastels.  It's a way of transitioning those fall/winter pieces into the warmer season and spring/summer pieces into the colder season.  It also conveys unexpected contrast.

I paired this top with powder blue straight trousers (check out the side slit hem) black shoes & handbag to compliment the black embroidery.  Powder blue is one of my favorite colors to wear - It literally goes with everything!

This top is all year with blazers/jackets and all occasion paired with dark jeans and colored skirts/shorts.

Embroidered Top: Ann Taylor (Dress & Jacket Version) || Trousers: J Crew Factory || 

Heeled Sandals: Nine West || Handbag: Prada || Bracelet: David Yurman ||

Dress Beautifully in an Embroidered Top

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Around Here ...

I'm sorry there hasn't been any posts recently - rest assured beautiful outfits are coming soon!

Here's a look at the what's been going on around here....

Vacation!
      Every year for the 4th of July we head to my family's beach house with our friends to celebrate

Location! Location! Location!

There's nothing like sitting on the dock 

And of course coffee 

Pj's: Malabar Bay 

Sittin in the Sand

Beachin 

Bikini: Trina Turk

There's Always Fireworks 

Dress 

Ice Cream - a beach tradition 
Shorts: Lilly Pulitzer 

We bought a House!
Our days of coastal living are numbered and we are headed back to city living in Charlotte!
The Queen City is where I was born and raised and I couldn't be more exited to return.
Sadly, Mr won't be joining for the first year. He will be living overseas protecting our freedom as a Naval Battalion Surgeon  - I'm focusing on how proud I am of him, embarking on a new career, decorating our new home and soaking up time with family and friends

You must always find the silver lining

Keys!

Dress: J Crew

Home Sweet Home

It took 5 years of hunting but finally found the perfect buffet! 
Can't Wait to Put This Antique Beauty in our New Home 

I must confess, it's been nice to take a break from the computer and just enjoy life's moments but I've missed sharing beautiful looks with you! 

Dressing beautifully is a lifestyle to me, whether it's casual or professional it makes me feel good  :) 

Dress Beautifully Even on Vacation

XOXO Sarah Louise