Leather Leggings

A pair of faux leather pants was on my list of must haves this Fall/Winter.  Y'all, the struggle was real!  It seemed as though every pair I tried on (and there was a lot!!) was a challenge and would make me breakout into a sweat trying to shove and pull them on.  And then how in the world was I supposed to sit and move??!

sigh

You see the polyurethane synthetic material doesn't allow for much stretch. But, finally while Christmas shopping I came across these thin shiny faux leather leggings.  I can sit, move and even dance party in them.

Because they are leggings (NOT pants), your derriere must be covered! So I opted for a long tunic sweater. Add a pair of booties and your ready to strut in a chic modern look that's comfortable.

I wore these out on the town with my gal pals a few weeks ago paired with a fun fringe blouse and I may even pull them out tonight for dinner.  It's nice to have some edgy pieces in my wardrobe to add variety amongst all the ladylike garments.

Get your dance party on because it's Friday!!! 

And because dancing is fun and makes for big happy smiles :)

Sweater: French Connection & Here || Leather Leggings: Here - Similar & Here || 

Burgundy Booties: Nine West || Handbag: Tory Burch & Similar || Earrings: Kate Spade || 

More Leather Legging Options: Here (my gal pal has this pair), Here, Here & Here   

Dress Beautifully in Leather Leggings

XOXO Sarah Louise

Day Lace

Lace is a feminine, soft, textured fabric that is just so beautiful with it's intricate design yet I've struggled with it when it come to dressing myself; I embrace the delicate fabric when it comes to my vintage table linens (no doilies!)

The struggle is that it can have that old lady vibe, doesn't move/stretch much and it's primarily designed for cocktail or special occasion.

However, over the past 6 months I've seen lace with a more 'day' design in stores.  Made of cotton, with matching linings and styled casually this ladylike fabric is a lovely addition to your closet.

I hunted for quite some time for the perfect 'day' lace dress.  This one sold me as it was navy (yay for no black - it's my least favorite neutral) so I can wear it all year long, it was lined in matching navy (nude or contrasting linings are definitely for evening wear) and the fabric didn't cling and moved nicely.
Gals, nothing's worse than fabric that clings and forces you to work those abs harder than you should sucking in all day or heaven forbid you can't sit without instantly crossing your legs to avoid the dreaded rip sound. Garments should skim and float away from the body - not hug it so tight that it's practically second skin.

I also was insistent on finding a lace dress with scalloped edging.  Not that the piped hems are bad, I just prefer highlighting the floral design and nature of the lace. The sleeves are also fabulous and unexpected with their sheer elbow length.
Note: I didn't have to wear a strapless bra!  I was concerned at first and there is no way visible bra straps under that sheer lace is ok! A nude racer back bra worked perfectly as the straps went right under the lined edge.

I wore this dress for Christmas Eve church service and dinner paired with pumps and a strand of pearls.
Styled with boots, fun jewelry and a casual jacket and you're all set for day time wear.
I also encourage southern/rustic styling with a pair of cowboy boots and maybe some leather jewelry. That is definitely happening come spring!

See gals with simple changes to your shoes, and jewelry I can take this dress from fancy, to casual to even a little country.  And make it work for all seasons!

Go get yourself a lace dress and embrace your creativity in styling :)

Dress: Madewell More options here here and here || Boots: Sole Society ||

Earrings: Towne & Reese || Necklace: Kate Spade || Bangles: Hermes & David Yurman || 

Dress Beautifully in Lace

XOXO Sarah Louise

Beautiful Plans

I'm a planner.  I just can't seem to fly by the seat of my pants and be spontaneous.  Ok well every now and then I embrace the unexpected or schedule change but for the most part I function on routine.

Last year had very little routine and it drove me crazy! But I'm hopeful that 2016 will bring structure and consistency to my world.

In order to stay organized I function with a planner.  I know what year it is and that technology is king but with a lot of things I prefer the old way of doing it; writing things down in my calendar and daily to-do section followed by the therapeutic crossing it off is everyday joy for me.
I also find using phones and tablets rude.  We are all on them constantly so I find it refreshing to put down the electronics and use a book.

My 2016 Planner

For the past 3 Christmases I've received a Kate Spade planner.  I must say they are my favorite.  It's organized with tabs, monthly calendar view and lined spaces for daily entry.
You have to find one that's organized for your best use and of course that's aesthetically pleasing!!

Tip:  If you are in a professional setting, I suggest passing on the planners with bright colors or loud design.  Opt for neutral colors or even leather. 

Mine is already full of exciting plans, things to accomplish and goals to achieve; all to keep me on track for a happy, productive and organized year.


Here are some planners I believe you may like!

Polka Dot  -  Floral  -  Watercolor  -  Gold  - Personalized   

Recycled Leather  -  Confetti  -  Classic Black  - Striped 

Dress Your Desk & Your Schedule Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pink & Red

So back in December it was all about Christmas red, well the holidays are over and early as it may be I'm feeling the Valentine's Day love.  Walk into any retail store and the hearts and candies are out.

I started this year off with a phone call from Mr.  Gals, hearing his voice from the other side of the world, even though it's a few times a month, fills my heart so much I'm afraid it may burst.  And even though we won't be together this year for Valentine's Day (that's only happened 1 out of the 10 years together due long distance/military) knowing that I'm almost half way through this deployment and that he's coming home to me this year has me all giddy inside.

So here's a new take on red, pairing with it's sister shade pink.  To many it's a very unconventional color combination but not to me. I'm constantly styling shades of a color together.  It's the opposite of contrasting colors like black and white.  Pink is just a lighter shade of red such is lavender to purple or mint to green.

This red dress coat is classic, timeless and such a bright addition to any outfit. I adore the snaps and bracelet length sleeves - Essential for gals with shorter arms and it allows for freedom to move while also showcasing cuffs, bracelets and watches.
And what about that oversized collar?!! swoon!

To add some print (and warmth) I layered a striped dress shirt underneath my sleeveless sheath dress.
Again, another example of making the most of the pieces of your wardrobe, layering separates for all year wear.

Embrace colors and their sister shades for a fresh new styling palette.

P.S.  I've decide to start including those hilarious outtake shots - because while those barbie like poses are purposeful and the laughs, those are the all natural good stuff.

Dress: J Crew Similar  & Similar || Dress Shirt: Banana Republic || 

Red Dress Coat: Ann Taylor Similar & Here || Pumps: Nine West || 

Earrings: Towne & Reese || Handbag: Prada || Sunglasses: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in Pink & Red

XOXO Sarah Louise

Another Year ...

It's a happy 2nd birthday and new year for 'Dress Beautifully'

I've shared lots of looks with you over the past 2 years and even a few personal tidbits along the way.
The biggest being our big move last summer from military back home to the 'Queen City' Charlotte, NC and saying goodbye to Mr as he deployed for 8 months to the Middle East as a US Navy medical officer.

This year I plan to incorporate more posts related to my real life, like home decor, beauty and some DIY projects.

Cheers to 2016!! One of my besties since high school (shout out to B) has been telling me over the past few months that 2016 is going to be my year - and you know what?? She's right!!! Lots of change and blessings coming my way, the greatest being the homecoming of Mr - counting down to May!

Here's a peek at my favorites from 2015...

Dress Beautifully Every Year!

XOXO Sarah Louise