Lady in Red

TGIF!  I look forward to saying that all week for many reasons.  Another week comes to an end and I like to look back and reflect on the accomplishments, the laughter and the blessings.  I'm a goal oriented person with an obsession with lists (they're everywhere! purse, desk, kitchen, car etc..) I check back on my lists and see how I measured on completing what I had aimed to do that week.  I don't always get it all crossed off but I sure do make a great effort and that's what counts.  There's always another week so cheers to the weekend!!!

This weekend will be slammed full of cheers as I host my first soiree in our new home and celebrate being back home in Charlotte 'SL in the QC' - Stay tuned for a recap next week :)

P.S. The champagne emoji for iPhone is finally here! I've already used it with almost every text/post in excess!

For this edition of Friday Findings I'm sharing the color red.  I'm not sure why, but I feel very Parisian when I wear red.  I always tell Mr when I'm begging him to take me to Paris that I will need red shoes, handbag and jacket.  He laughs knowing darn well I'll make sure I really do have them when we go.

I find that some gals are intimidated by vibrant reds and I'm often asked with my red hair if I wear it, Yes!  Wearing a bold color can be empowering. Own it!

So here are some gorgeous candy apple red beauties I'm lusting over ....

Topper Coat

I love this vibrant red topper coat!  The bracelet sleeves, popped funnel collar and side slits make for gorgeous detailing. The fabric is mid weight so perfect for the mild winters in the South.

Dress

This sheath dress is perfect for office or evening.  

It's also an all year dress when you layer in the colder months.

Skirt

The gold zippers give this skirt modern shine.

Blouse

Wrap blouses are chic and very flattering

Handbag

Wear this peopled leather bag on the elbow or cross body. 

It holds all you need with it's expandable sides. 

I've got this bag on my dream list!

Shoes

Red suede pumps are sure to stop traffic 

I just recently added these bright beauties to my collection - The Salvatore Ferragamo Vara pump is iconic and are by far my most adored shoes and worth every penny.  I wear my black pair so much that I actually resole them. 

A smart investment for my feet. And who doesn't love bows on toes?!!

Scarf

Keep warm in this cashmere scarf

Lipstick

This lipstick is on my lips the most! 

P.S. Almost all of these items are currently 50% off at Ann Taylor through the weekend!

Dress Beautifully in Red

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Native

Fine fabrics get me all tickled pink.  I love the look and feel of quality textiles such as silk, wool, tweed, cashmere, embroidery and at the top of my list are woven tapestries.  Particularly a fine antique/classic rug.  I've had a thing for rugs for over 10 years and have a few eye-catchers in my own home.  Something about the handmade designs and rich colors brings beauty to a room.

I make it a mission to support local businesses and designers right here in North Carolina.  It's the American dream and also one of mine to be entrepreneurial with one's talent, bringing one of a kind goods and services to your community.
Native does just that.

This gal refurbishes tapestries into wearable accessories that add culture to your look.
Pair them over your classic pieces, like a crisp white shirt or denim, to add a pop of texture and interest or be extra fun and layer on the prints.  These unique textiles are sure to bring admiration.

With a variety of colors and patterns you're sure to find one that suits your fancy.

Check out this similar collection of clothing and accessories I'm swooning over!

Shop these wearable art pieces at Native or at a boutique near you Here

Dress Beautifully in Tapestries

XOXO Sarah Louise

Burgundy Leather Vest

Let's talk about leather and long vests.
1. Leather is a natural texture that adds depth and structure.  I dare say even a bit edgy but not in a 'where'd you park your Harley?' way.
2. Long vests are chic, elongating and a practical way to layer.

The key to styling the long vest is fit.  It needs to be tailored creating long lines that follow the natural curve of the body so that it highlights the waist.  Think of  a blazer stretched long and removing the sleeves.  If it's boxy or too big it will overwhelm.

I don't know about you but I like having my arms free for movement.  Nothing (ok some things) is more uncomfortable than a binding piece - it's almost claustrophobic.

I saw this vest on the rack and it was an instant must have.  I tried it on right there in the middle of the floor rather than taking the time to walk to a fitting room.  I checked myself out in one of those columns with mirrors and knew it was coming home.

Burgundy is one of my most favorite colors for Fall/Winter.  I paired it's masculine leather with a soft cream silk blouse, black skinny jeans & tan booties and handbag. I couldn't resist adding my new favorite hat in blush felt.  This look has somewhat of a 70's vibe and I love me some 70's fashion!

I plan to style this leather vest with navy, pinks, powder blue, and grey.

For the office add this burgundy leather vest over a printed dress or over a blouse and pencil skirt to give your office style a modern look.

Burgundy Leather Vest: Belk || Blouse: Similar & Here || Jeans: Hudson ||

Booties: Louise et Cie Similar & Here || Handbag: Tory Burch ||

Hat: J Crew || Necklace: Similar || Polish: Butter of London || 

Dress Beautifully in a Leather Long Vest

XOXO Sarah Louise

Charlotte's in Charlotte

It's here!!! Finally a Charlotte's in Charlotte!  I've been waiting all summer to say that :)

Charlotte's is a boutique that I discovered during undergrad in Wilmington, NC.  Since then, they have moved that store and have 2 locations in Raleigh at North Hills & Cameron Village.  Charlotte's is where I purchased my first pair of gold Jack Rodgers over 10 years ago (before anyone was really wearing them), where Mr purchased my first Valentine's Day gift, a strand of baroque pearls, and where I got beautiful gifts and accessories both for myself and my home.
It's one of my absolute favorites!!!

The store's inventory has certainly grown to carry even more of my favorite things.  From apparel, jewelry, gifts, home decor, baby, even things for your beau and so much more.

Beyond the fabulous collections you'll find, the staff is over the top!  You're always greeted with a smile and they are graciously helpful in finding just what you're looking for, and sometimes what you didn't know you were looking for but must have :).

My in-laws were in town visiting to see our new home and after breakfast at one of my favorite spots, I insisted we visit Charlotte's for their grand opening.  We arrived just a few minutes after they opened their doors for the first time in the Queen City and I was immediately impressed.
I had an idea of what it would look like as I frequent the other locations and I've been following on Instagram & Facebook.

Charlotte's is celebrating 25 years this Friday!  Cheers to you!!

What gorgeous and shiny decor for your home! Including art by Anne Neilson, glassware, and frames

Candles, books and frames that make great gifts

A mix of modern and classic home decor and even fine leather boots

I've added many pieces fine pieces to my wardrobe over the years from Charlotte's that include designers Elizabeth McKay, Sail to Sable, Trina Turk, Annie Griffin, and so many more

The jewelry is sure to sparkle and be noticed!  Baubles from Julie Vos, Kate Spade, Moon & Lola, Sylvia Benson, Boho Beads and even fine pieces such as Michele Watches and designer vintage. 

The menfolk can be hard to shop for, here you'll find classic gifts your beau will love

How precious are these?!!  I have a feeling I'll be gifting a lot of these as all my gal pals seem to have baby fever 

And for us Southern gals and our love to monogram Everything 

Confession: I refuse to count the monograms throughout my home 

I came home with this framed mirror and have it displayed on my antique secretary in my formal living room.  

If you're a NC gal you must visit Charlotte's here in Charlotte or in Raleigh!!

Or shop online

Dress Beautifully in Gifts from Charlotte's

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tweed Layers

Gals, It's a been a long break, too long, but I'm back embracing a new season of looks to keep you dressed beautifully in the fall/winter season.
Forgive me for my absence but my heart and mind were needed with my personal life :)

The key to Fall, especially in the South is to layer.  Every day the weather is different and throughout the day we can experience temps that range from the 40's in the mornings to 80 in the afternoons.

This look is quintessential SL! Most of my dresses are sleeveless sheaths and I have a large collection of dress shirts.  From October to March you'll find these worn together. I like to make the  most of my wardrobe with pieces that can be styled all year long alone or together.  
For those rare days of cold I'll add a blazer and/or coat.

These Brooks Brothers dress shirts are my Favorite!! I've shared them with you now for almost 2 years and I'll tell you again gals, a crisp dress shirt is a foundation piece and essential for the office (although I do wear mine with jeans on the weekends).

Another favorite for me are the textures that come with Fall/Winter: Tweed, Cashmere, Wool, Boucle, Knit, Leather, Fur .... Fashion just gained a whole lot of depth as the temps dropped.

This sheath is in a vertical light weight tweed in cream and navy.  Because it isn't heavy it's perfect for all year wear and the vertical design is the icing for those of us who are petite.
I chose a lavender dress shirt and blue pumps to compliment the navy in a subtle way. I also pulled out an oldie but goodie with a leather quilted handbag that once belonged to my Grandma - who inspired my love for white tops and navy blue.

Tweed Dress: J Crew || Dress Shirt: Brooks Brothers || Pumps: Similar || 

Earrings: Honora || Handbag: Similar & Here || Polish: Butter || 

Dress Beautifully in Tweed 

XOXO Sarah Louise