Friday 5: Velvet

I'm obsessing over velvet!  It's the fabric of the season and trending huge.

Velvet can be reminiscent of those Christmas dresses you wore in years past.  It has a fancy vibe.
But today, in a variety colors and modern designs velvet is a must have for any occasion.  Even velvet shoes have me swooning.
Not to mention it feels sooooo soft and eye catching as it shines when you move.

Here are some of my favorite velvet pieces I've scouted ...

Blazer  -  Pants  -  Pink Flats  -  Blue Flats  -  Crinkled Dress  -  Velvet Shirtdress  -  Top   

Blazer:  I love a good blazer and in these colder months it's just the time to change it up with texture like velvet.  

Pants:  Fits like a jean but so much softer!  Love the rich colors of burgundy and navy.

Shoes:  I love both of these!  Especially the lighter shades. Pretty sure one of my gal pals is going to purchase the pink pair. 

Dresses:  Adore both of these.  The crinkle on the shift gives lots of interest. But the shirtdress fit so much better with it's waist line.  I brought it home in this grey color :)

Top:  A relaxed yet slightly fancy tee you could dress up or down and be extra comfortable.

Dress Beautifully in Velvet

XOXO Sarah Louise

Cowhide

Hide yo kids, Hide yo wives!  Clutch yourself for these cowhide beauties!

I've been called 'Fancy Pants' more than a few times but regardless of my typical ladylike luster I'm a southern gal through and through.  I may never leave my front door 'au naturel' but I love to incorporate natural elements not only in my personal style but in my home decor as well.  Textures found out in nature give an organic, grounded sense to your look or room as well as adding interest and beauty only God could design.

It was truly serendipitous when I met owner/designer of Set in Stone a while back at the Southern Women's Show.  She's got spunk, heart and endless creativity.  My kind of gal! Her designs are one of a kind, handmade from the finest of elements bringing beauty from blends of color, shine, pattern and textures. Her talent can be found right here in Charlotte, NC.

Whether you're a glam gal or more casual chic these accessories will surely add show stopping style to your look.

Because each piece is made of natural hides and stones no two are alike, which can make for quite a dilemma when trying to decide between such beauties.

I carry this cowhide envelope clutch everywhere!  From inside my everyday tote holding my small necessities to outings with the gals or date nights with Mr this clutch is not only functional but a conversation starter wherever I go.

I've incorporated cowhides with a rug in my breakfast room and in a serving tray in my family room so why not in my outfits?! Not only did I bring home this clutch, I had to have some cowhide cuffs from the collection.  But that's not all you'll find from Set in Stone.  A diverse jewelry line and the most amazing modern napkin rings I have set on my dining room table. (Coming soon to a new post).

Go shop Set in Stone and check them out on Instagram @setinstonejewelry

This hide holds all my Essentials

Dress Beautifully in Cowhide Accessories

XOXO Sarah Louise

Charcoal

Charcoal jeans are my favorite addition this Fall.  They still go with everything your standard blue jeans go with because grey is a neutral.  Think about how you style your grey trousers for the office, the same color pairings apply but in a more casual way.

One of my struggles with traditional blue jeans is that styled with dark blue tops/sweaters your look becomes monochromatic and the prettiness of the top/sweater can get lost in the sea of blue.

Charcoal jeans will show off those blues and for that matter all colors.  Go light or dark the sky's the limit.  Grey is one of those soft neutrals that adds freshness to a look.  It also add an edgy element/vibe.  After wearing these grey jeans, 2 of my gal pals have now added them to their closets. They're a great fit, wash and price point.

I went with the classic black and white palette.  Since Fall temps can literally swing 50 degrees throughout the day, a sleeveless sweater is a nice balance of warmth.  Now, these over the knee boots have been front and center the past few posts #sorrynotsorry.  To say I love them is an understatement.  They're a soft black suede, fit my legs like a glove and have cute ties in the back to hold them in place.  But the Best part is the gold block heel! Swoon!
These shine with style and comfort.

One of my sweet readers and gal pals requested for me to show you how to wear these over the knee boots with pants.  I'm all about it as my inventory of hemlines that fall above the knee is limited. Just keepin it classy.

There's a method here gals ....

- Opt for skinny snug jeans or riding pants
- Thin ankle socks
- Fold the boots down (if there is no zipper) and place your foot into the boots
- Fold the boots up and over your pants similar to how you would put on tights

This will eliminate the struggle of shoving/bunching that happens when stepping into the boots from the top as your pants come up too.

This season add some variety to your denim with charcoal jeans and chicness to your look with over the knee boots.

Charcoal Jeans & Similar & Here || Sleeveless Sweater & Similar & Here || 

Over the Knee Boots || Handbag & Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Charcoal Jeans

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pink & Plaid

Til the season for layers which is great because more is more right?! Well, it depends, but when it comes to style I love that cooler weather allows for endless combinations of textures and colors.
This time of year in the South can be a struggle.  Down right cold in the mornings but by lunch you're breaking a sweat. And then it's cold again come supper time.  #SMH

Yes it can be annoying but use this indecisive weather as a styling opportunity to pile on the pieces.

Take this look for example, it's has all the elements of chic style: color, pattern, texture and shine.

Let's break it down ...

Color: Pink is all year pretty ladies and it's fun to add lighter shades to the season of darks

Pattern:  Plaid Plaid Plaid is everywhere come September, this patterned plaid is called 'Glen plaid' and it's my favorite.  It's more sophisticated than your typical lumberjack check

Texture:  This jacket in a structured warm wool contrasted with the delicate ruffled blouse adds interest and depth to the look.  Not to mention these soft suede boots!

Shine: Those gold block heels are strut worthy! You can always use jewelry for this element.

Layer on Ladies!

Blouse || Jacket || Skirt & Similar || Boots 

Dress Beautifully in Plaid & Pink

XOXO Sarah Louise

Texture & Shine

Tweed is one of my favorite textured fabrics.  It's soft, warm and adds depth to a garment with its blend of threads.  This peplum top is a perfect transition piece for Fall.  The fabric adds just the right amount of warmth and with elbow length sleeves just the right amount of coverage.

What sold me on this top was the structure and tailoring.  Everything about its construction is flattering!  The straight elbow sleeves slim the arm, the front pleats cinch the waist and the peplum hem creates curves. #winner

I used the threads of the tweed in the top to create the palate for this look.  A shorter ivory skirt to compliment these AMAZING black over the knee boots creates a cohesive pairing to the top.

These boots!  I love the suede over the knee boots that have stormed the scene for the past few years but I've found it to be a challenge as I prefer a low/mid heel, the price needs to be right (no offense Stuart Weitzman but you are too rich for my feet!) and I struggle finding boots that fit my legs. When I saw the shiny gold block heel on this pair, I said a great big prayer that they would fit my legs. Amen! they fit beautifully! I often have to go up in size for the extra room in the shaft and have to wear extra thick socks.  Not this time gals, they hug my legs like a glove and the back tie secures them in place.

These will be on epic repeat all season long! Obsessed with the gold heel!!!

Tip:  When wearing over the knee boots, your dress/skirt hem should be slightly above the top of the boot; but not too short #keepitclassy

Tweed Peplum Top || Skirt || Boots 

Dress Beautifully in Tweed 

XOXO Sarah Louise