One for One

A week ago I traveled to Austin TX to celebrate a dear friend and fellow red head at her bachelorette party.  I've been to every major city in TX: Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, but finally was able to cross Austin off the list.

It's a unique city to say the least but definitely fun! It didn't hurt that my company was 9 gorgeous and hilarious gals.  The bride is engaged to marry a man named Tom and she herself along with her sisters and friends love 'Toms' shoes.  She's wearing an ivory grosgrain pair with her wedding gown. Apparently, Austin houses the only storefront for the brand and it was a must item on the itinerary for us to visit.

These casual slip-ons don't fit my style however I decided to be open minded.  I'm not a big shoe collector, probably because I have difficult feet to fit and I'm super particular on comfort and quality.  I prefer nice leather, low heels, dressy, neutral and italian made when it comes to shoes.  But you can't strut around in pumps all the time, so I tested the waters and slipped on a few pairs of Toms.

They are light weight, comfortable, easy on & off, and made of fabric for a stretch fit.  Again, super casual for my taste but when learning about the mission of Toms, giving support to those in need for every purchase I couldn't resist!

We are all blessed far beyond what we deserve and it is important to give back!

Since I wasn't sure how often I would wear them I was cautious on my spending and to my luck, since I have itty bitty feet I was able to find a fun pair in children's sizing!  They were less expensive than the adults and came in this fun colorful print :)

I have found that I wear these quite often running errands, strolls in my neighbor hood, and super nice for travel - easy comfort and light weight in my luggage.

If you don't have a pair I encourage you to try them.  They come in so many different styles, prints, and fabrics that you are sure to find one or a few that suit.  Aside from slip-ons they have wedges and sandals all comfy and stylish!  And it's a feel-good purchase.  You're not just adding another pair to your collection, you're also giving something back!

Shop mine Here - for reference I wear a 5.5-6 in adult and purchased a kids size 3  Check out Toms for a look at the styles they offer and learn more about their mission.

Dress Beautifully in TOMS

XOXO Sarah Louise

This Way & That Way

Let's talk stripes.  I don't gravitate to stripes, I'm more of a floral gal but done right stripes are classic and create flattering lines.  In looking through my wardrobe the stripes I do have are small/pinstripes and majority are navy & ivory.

The great thing about dressing is that you can use pieces to accentuate and enhance the beauty you already have.  Like this skirt, the design and placement of the stripes and panels create a slimming elongated fit.

Graphic prints can be 'busy' and 'too much' but because these ombre stripes are in a neutral palette, the same width throughout and the directions fit the body's shape it's pleasing to the eye.

Panels are just amazing.  Their seams allow for a closer fit and make lines on the body that are long and shapely.  The vertical stripes on the sides of the skirt are narrowing on the hips and elongate the legs, - they're like encasing columns bringing the body in and up.  The lighter stripes on the waist band draw the eye upwards and highlight the small waist, the chevron stripes on the middle panels draw the eye upwards to the points again giving the illusion of height.

Oh and the fabric is unique.  It's textured and holds it's shape.  If you're like me and have a collection of pencil skirts it's key to differentiate with prints and fabrics - it also helps to justify why I have so many :)

I was hesitant to try this skirt at first but visually was so intrigued by it's design.  When I checked myself out in the dressing room mirror I was sold!  I felt slim and tall - that feeling is rare for petite gals so I embraced it and bought the skirt!

I wanted this skirt to get all the attention so I paired it with a matching ivory blouse for continuity and neutral shoes. I did add a pop of color with my favorite lemon bauble.   Summer is all about the citrus.

Skirt: J Crew || Blouse:  J Crew Factory || Pumps: Nine West ||

Lemon Necklace: Kate Spade Similar || Clutch: Tory Burch || 

Dress Beautifully in Stripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pretty in Pink

I love wearing pink.  It makes me feel pretty and ladylike.  I'm such a girlie girl and have been gravitating to pink my whole life.  Baby or carnation pink is my favorite shade so this dress immediately caught my eye.

It's a classic shirt dress.  Cool, comfortable and polished.  Mr think's it's a bit retro but I find it to be timeless and ladylike!

 I will tell you, like a lot of sleeveless pieces the past few seasons, the shoulders are cut in ever so slightly, so I recommend a racerback bra to avoid exposing bra straps - Oh so tacky!! Having a racerback bra is a an essential piece for the summer for underneath tanks, because nobody likes a strapless... tight, tugging nuisance.

The construction of crisp cotton with covered buttons & pockets are perfection! The a-line design is flattering creating the line of a small waist.

These pumps were a present to myself a while back when they were on sale.  I eyed them for several weeks trying them on several times as they are a bit expensive.  I'm obsessed with nude shoes (they elongate and my legs need all the help they can get!) I also prefer mid heels for comfort and these are perfect for the office.

I've been saving this dress to wear tomorrow for my Mamma's birthday. It's so her style!  She's a classic beauty and I can't wait to see her later today xoxo

Pink Dress: Ann Taylor || Pumps: Tory Burch || Earrings: Honora || Bracelet: Honora ||

Dress Beautifully in Pink 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Skortin Around

Skorts were my jam back in the 90's! 

Skorts are shorts & a skirt all in one. On the outside it looks like a skirt but underneath there's a pair of shorts.  So why should you design shorts sewn underneath a skirt??  Skorts are typically mini in length and by sewing in legs underneath it creates coverage and mobility. 

Shorts can be hard for gals, personally I've struggled with them most of my life.  My legs aren't my favorite and I felt that the leg openings in my size were always too snug.  The skirt topping offers a roomy and modest fit.

Kudos to Lilly Pulitzer for their line of skorts in bright fun prints! 

Skort: Lilly Pulitzer || Top: Similar & Here || Wedges: Kate Spade Similar & Here & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Skorts

XOXO Sarah Louise

LWD

LWD- Little White Dress

I can not have enough white in my wardrobe! It's seriously an addiction.  I would wear head-to-toe white everyday if I could, ok that's a little much and I can't just abandon color but I truly love wearing white. So, naturally between Easter and Labor Day most of my looks incorporate white. 

White is crisp and clean.  It brightens with a it's blank canvass.  It's contrast, black, is the staple neutral for most gals - for me I own very little black.  Yes, black is classic, slimming and not so fragile but white is just as essential.  Anything can be slimming in the right cut and fabric.  White is equally as classic, just a lighter version but I can't argue that it is a 'careful' color to wear. Meaning no one wants to wear visible dirt or stains and when wearing white that's something to consider.

This white dress caught my eye for it's fabric, sleeves, and waist sash!  I'm digging the trending rolled sleeve.  I've seen it a lot on dresses over the past 2 seasons and I find it adds a touch of casual. It creates a large cap sleeve giving lots of room for movement and also slims the arms with it's larger opening. 

The waist sash is the best thing you can do for any gal to create shape.  The pleated cummerbund sits right below the rib cage/above the belly button at the smallest part of a lady.  The side attached sash allows you to further pull in the waist and add extra femininity with a bow. 

The fabric is a light weight cotton perfect for the heat of Summer.  Because it is white and in a light weight fabric lining is key - no one needs to see what's underneath!

I paired this dress with nude pumps and added a pop of color and interest with a large bib necklace made of purple stones.  This necklace was a find! It's not in my usual taste of delicate and shiny baubles but it's a natural beauty. 

Wear this dress to the office or to a summer soiree!

Replace your LBD for a LWD this Summer

Dress: Anthropologie || Pumps: Nine West || Necklace: TJ Maxx ||

Bracelet: Hermes || Polish: Essie ||

Dress Beautifully in a Little White Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise