Short Suit

Summer is the season for shorts.  Dressing in this Southern heat is all about comfort and keeping cool.  Shorts aren't my favorite as they by nature expose more leg than I'd like.  I choose shorts that are what I call a mid-length.  Not too short and not down to my knees - a 4"-5" inseam is my preference.

Since I'm a dressy kind of gal, I added chic to this causal garment by pairing with a blazer; Creating the 'short suit'.  Typically causal pieces, such as shorts, designed in a nicer fabric takes the piece up a notch.  I like mixing my my work wear and weekend wear garments.  It makes for an stylish ensemble.

I went with a monochromatic palette in crisp, clean white.  I went with a neutral wedge and kept my accessories simple.  Gals, it's better to keep your accessories to a minimum as you want to achieve an effortless look.  Like Coco Chanel said "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory".

Over styling = gaudy!

Try dressing up your shorts with blouses and blazers for a chic look for weekend brunches, parties or date nights.

Jacket: Ann Taylor || Camisole: J Crew || Shorts: Loft || 

Wedges: Tory Burch || Earrings: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Short Suit

XOXO Sarah Louise

ALL the Pretty!

Color, color, and more color and it doesn't stop there!  This dress has print, beading, ruffles and all the intricate detail you can squeeze into one dress. Oh My!  It's everything a sundress should be, swingy, bright and pretty.  And that's exactly how I felt when I tried it on.

I shared with you gals my new movement to embrace shift and swing dresses here & here.  I must say, I'm having a lot of fun strutting around in these numbers.

There's so much detail in this dress with the elaborate print and delicate beading throughout.  You just can't appreciate it's ornate design through pictures.  I feel that this dress is perfectly pretty for day time, evening and just about any summer soiree.

Because of the array of colors you could pair it with almost any colored shoe or purse.  I chose cobalt here but wore those pink heels from this post to church and the office. To let the dress speak for itself I believe a neutral shoe and handbag would do just that.

Simply put, this dress has all the pretty!

Dress: Anthropologie ||  Blue Heels: Similar & Here || Earrings: Kendra Scott || 

Dress Beautifully in a Colorful, Printed Sundress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Sweat Session

This edition of my Friday 5 is all about styling for your sweat sessions!  Because this weekend I’m headed to Atlanta with two of my best gal pals to run a half marathon!!!

Just looking at the weather report has me breaking a sweat! It’s going to be a scorching hot weekend.  13.1 miles in Hotlanta has a whole new meaning!!!

“WHAT?!!!”  ‘Are you crazy?!!’ That’s been the reaction I get when I tell people our race is this weekend.  Genuine concern and fear, stricken their faces in sympathy of the torturous run we are going to have in such high temps.

I have to confess, I had a moment of panic this week thinking about how taxing it’s going to be running in that heat.  But I can’t focus on that.  We have trained so hard and have enjoyed the challenge of pushing our bodies.  This isn’t a first for any of us when it comes to half marathons but life is different than it has been in our younger years, as we are all busier in our careers and those 2 gal each have a little. So our sense of accomplishment bears more weight as we balance increasing responsibilities.  Say a prayer for us!

Gals, I believe strongly in sweating almost every day!  Exercise is a passion of mine and something I thoroughly enjoy.  I can’t stress enough just how important it is to take care of your body. And let’s be real, the aesthetic benefits are great too!  Being in good health is a blessing, one you should never take for granted. I love challenging my muscles and strengthening my heart.  There’s an amazing satisfaction that comes with pushing your body beyond what you think you can do. 

Exercise is a personal thing.  I enjoy more weight lifting and plyometrics than I do cardio activities but I make sure I have a balance.  The key is to find what you like and do it!  There’s no magic routine or guidelines.  I will say, you have to do what works for you and what works for your body.  Maybe it’s running, spinning, playing a sport, weight lifting, swimming or yoga (man have I tried to like it but I just can’t embrace the calm!).  Maybe you like classes at the gym or maybe working out to dvd’s in your living room fits best.  Whatever you decide to do, make it a challenge! And do it several times a week – there is always time you just have to make it a priority.

Nobody ever regrets a work out! 

So in styling for your sweat sessions, it’s all about function … ok I’m not going to lie, it’s about looking good too.  Athletic apparel is the fastest and largest growing segment in the retail world.  I see people strutting around in their gym clothes every day and everywhere.  It’s not for me – I believe they are for exercising exclusively and only appropriate outside of those parameters if running quick errands directly after.  Wear real clothes ladies!

Mr picks on me for wanting specific colors and designs, but I see it this way.  If price is the same why not opt for the prettier one?! Right?!!  It makes me feel good to look good, even when sweating!

Always try on and pick pieces that are comfortable, functional and cool.

This is what I’ll be wearing to run the half marathon on Sunday…. 

Top  -  Sports Bra  -  Running Short  -  Running Shoes   -  Earphones

Zipper Sports Bra: 

It’s high impact and full coverage (containment is necessary!).  Lock & Load! I prefer the zippered bras as they are easier to remove when you’re sweaty and sore.

Mesh Tank: 

Because the bra is supportive on its own, I like my tanks loose and light.  The mesh does just that and in a cool design.

Shorts: 

These are new to me as I’ve worn these Nike shorts for 15 years.  I highly recommend them!  The waist band is so comfortable, no rubbing what so ever and they have a zipper pocket in the back and two mesh ones on the side.

Shoes:

 I’ve been wearing these for 15 years also.  I’ve taken the treadmill fit tests several times and still these are the best for my feet when it comes to running.  Wear quality and what’s best for your feet and stride.

Earphones: 
These are amazing!  Upbeat tunes are the key to distract from the pain as well as keep your spirits up, distracting you from being bored.  I catch myself singing and rocking a little when a good jam comes on.

Dress Beautifully for Your Sweat Sessions

XOXO Sarah Louise

Everything's Coming Up Roses

Nowadays you don’t often get the response ‘Everything’s coming up Roses’  -  Meaning life is wonderful, when asking how someone is doing.  Personally I feel it’s a shame.

Note: Peachy Keen is another phrase I like to say J

Now,  I’m going to be transparent with you, I have felt like life is wonderful from the moment Mr returned home to me from his deployment overseas 10 weeks ago.  Life wasn’t less wonderful before and life isn’t free from problems now, but something about being separated from each other has us both looking at life with a grateful heart.

Putting on this swingy dress has me also feeling wonderful.  This is the first year I’ve embraced swing dresses and I’m smitten.  I’ve always worn sheath and a-line dresses because for my body shape a waist seem is the most flattering.  I wanted to highlight my petite upper body and camouflage my lower.  While I still believe these designs are the most flattering, I like that I now have diversity in these easy breezy pieces.

To avoid being swallowed by fabric, there are a couple of things to look for in these trapeze style dresses.  They should in fact be in a trapeze cut – smaller on the top and more voluminous on the bottom – think of a triangle shape. Sleeveless and/or v-neck will elongate and show some skin which balances the shapeless body of the piece. The front hem should fall slightly above the knee; again this balances proportions in showing enough leg.

This dress in fact has all of these elements!  In addition, the print enhances its shape/design with a printed round neckline and triangular color block panels.  And to add beauty on beauty, there are sweet flowers printed throughout.  So how could you not want to swing around and around??!!!

I’ve worn this dress several times and found myself constantly receiving compliments and cool as a cucumber outside in this scorching Southern heat!

Add some swing to your summer wardrobe!

Swing Dress: Anthropologie || Wedges: Tory Burch || Earrings: Kendra Scott || 

Dress Beautifully in a Swing Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pink. Gingham. Blazer.

So can you have too much Pink? Gingham? Blazers? The answer is no!

When you’re in love with a color, print or style of garment and just can’t resist having multiples, the key is to have variation using elements such as fabrics, textures, accessories, and pairings.

For example, I love blazers and have quite the collection.  I keep it interesting by having lots of colors, prints and fabrics – wool, linen, tweed … stripes, tipped, plaids.  And I keep my styling fresh by pairing with dresses, skirts, jumpsuits/rompers, and causal pieces such as tanks and jeans.  

Shake off the typical work vibe of blazers and top off your weekend casual garb adding sophistication and structure.

Blazers tend to have the ‘boring’ or ‘menfolk’ connotation but in reality they’re very sharp and chic if you ask me.

This blazer is packed full of pink printed fun.  I styled it with a white a-line dress for church a few Sundays ago, with a pair of taupe trousers and cream silk blouse for work last week and here with a pair of distressed boyfriends and a cotton tank.  See, when you invest in classics the styling options are endless. 

Next I’d love to pair it with a romper or play with colors like a purple dress or prints with a striped or floral top.  

Gingham Blazer: J Crew || Jeans: Similar Here & Here || Wedges: Tory Burch ||

Tank: J Crew || Sunglasses: Ray Ban || 

Dress Beautifully in a Pink Gingham Blazer

XOXO Sarah Louise