Join the mailing list

    Tag: fashionblogger

    Staying Chic During Summer

    Fashion, Style by louise

    Summer Fun

    Summer is a time for sunshine, love, and happiness. For me, the month of May usually flies by pretty quickly amidst birthday season and the last day of school activities for my littles. Then hello June, and it’s all about summer vacations and spending more time outdoors with the family.

    I really love the sun and it makes me so happy, but sometimes it can be so hot and humid in Dallas with temperatures in the triple digits! Even hotter than in Ghana, where I grew up. It almost gets to be a bit of a challenge to look stylish in the Dallas summer heat. However, after living in a tropical country for most of my early years, I have almost mastered the art of dressing in the summer heat. The key to choosing the perfect summer outfit is all about comfort and picking a fabric that is light and airy.

    So on the topic of summer, I bought this beach dress which is now on sale from ASOS and paired it with a few expensive pieces of jewelry. I love the flow of the dress, the color, and the simple cut. Now lets discuss why and how I wore these pieces.

    THE OUTFIT

    The outfit as always is easy going and comfortable.  The dress is surprisingly light and free flowing. I feel this dress could go well in the evening paired with red or yellow heels and a clutch, like what I am wearing. It can also be transformed into a daytime, more laid back look by pairing it with slippers and a straw hat and bag. I love how easy it is to dress up an outfit like that. All it takes is your imagination. What do you think?

    As always I love jewelry so accessorised this look in the same manner and added a big floppy hat against the summer heat. I wore my playful lemon earrings from ModCloth and the rest (cuff bracelet and disc necklace) is all Michael Kors. As always I have it all linked for you below. Hope you like it!

    Key Pieces to Make a Statement Outfit

    Fashion, Style by louise

    Making a Statement

    As soon as we hit Spring, Dallas starts looking like a totally different city. All the outdoor restaurants and shops are busy again, and I love how people come together to catch-up on many different interests and topics while enjoying the beautiful Spring weather.

    This is a fun time for me because it means being outdoors; whether it is spending time on coffee dates with friends or more intimate outings with my family. Whatever the occasion, finding a few key pieces can transform your wardrobe into simple chic. There are so many great ways to add texture to your outfit without resulting in you looking like you really made an effort.

    The most exciting part of personal styling is your ability to play with your look in a fun and playful light. There’s something about the feminine elegance that a skirt brings to an outfit that draws me to them. This three-layered tulle skirt is not only flattering but surprisingly versatile. It is the perfect transitional piece for the Spring season.

    Skirts just never go out of fashion and with so many textures and styles there is a flattering skirt out there for everyone. Making a fashion statement does not have to be seasonal. Selecting the right pieces can make any look absolutely cute and give you room to enjoy the outdoors.

    The Outfit

    The art of selecting the right key pieces can either make you look stylish or have the opposite effect altogether. I carefully selected this three-tiered tulle skirt because of how light and airy it feels. Maxi skirts are so versatile and feminine. The black elastic waistband adds a pop of color to the rather pale pastel color of the skirt. I simply cannot count how many times I have worn this gorgeous skirt! Since this skirt is no longer in stock, I have included similar skirts in the “shop my favorites” link below.

    This crushed velvet minaudière is on point and the perfect ensemble to any look. What I love about the minaudière is the drop-in chain strap with clasp closure. The velvet material is super soft and can be worn up or down to accentuate your style.

    For the shoes, I went with Vince Camuto. The color is neutral and it was a pleasant surprise to find that they are quite comfortable. You can wear this pair with jeans, skirt, or a dress. For someone who easily gets blisters in new shoes, these ones passed with flying colors.

    I decided to stick with my style and add a denim jacket to the look. By the way, denim jackets always look amazing with any style and we all know it was necessary for any typical spring weather! I also quickly grabbed a pair of sunglasses to protect my eyes on my day out, because we all know sunglasses are a necessary protection for your eyes.

    As with most of my outfits, I like to add a few pieces of jewelry. Jewelry pieces can make a statement too! Depending on your preference, jewelry can be an added touch to a timeless classic and effortless look.

    How do you plan to add key pieces to your wardrobe this Spring?

    The Last Minute Easter Dress For Any Occasion

    Fashion, Style by louise

    Easter Weekend

    Easter: a feast that commemorates Christ’s resurrection by Christians and is observed with variations of date due to different calendars on the first Sunday after the paschal full moon. It is also a time when children get excited by the Easter bunny and decorated egg-hunt. A game often played outdoors as a symbol of the rebirth of the earth in pre-Christian celebrations of spring and defined by early Christians as an Easter symbol of the resurrection of Christ.

    For me, it is also a reminder that Spring is here. A weekend to appreciate the peace and beauty all around. Even if it is just for the few minutes during each day when you forget all that is expected of you and all you must do.  A tradition I love to do every year is to make the most of dressing up in my finest spring outfit for Easter Sunday celebrations.

    This year, I decided to opt for a bright pastel colored dress for the Easter occasion. By choosing the right outfit, I am able to mix and match my accessories accordingly. I also selected a more neutral tan bag from Michael Kors and added some cool pieces of jewelry.

    When choosing a dress for Easter, it is important to go with an outfit that has an element of timeless classic and one that is comfortable. You also want to consider a dress you can also wear to other occasions, like a spring cocktail party or dinner with family and friends. The last thing you want is to purchase a dress that is worn once and then sits in your wardrobe collecting dust.

    Think simple lines, free-flowing dresses, and cuts that are flattering to your body shape.

    The Outfit

    This Eliza J. mock neck shift dress is totally my aesthetics. The feminine lines and coral color is fun and playful. This shape and outfit silhouette is what I love to wear when the occasion arises. I decided to style the dress with this tan Michael Kors handbag. You can shop a similar style here.

    For the shoes I went for heels, because the nice spring weather permitted that only. I purchased this pair a while back and have only worn them a couple times. They were my go-to shoes for this weekend because I needed to add some sparkle to the ensemble.

    My jewelry was kept to a minimum. The cuff bracelet is another Michael Kors piece which has such a clean design that I got it in two colors; gold and black. Finally, the rose quartz ring was a last minute touch to the outfit just because the color on the stone complimented my coral dress.  I am happy with how everything worked well together. Most importantly, this is a dress that can be worn multiple times.

    What do you think?

    Work Week Favorites – Black and White Attire

    Fashion, Workwear by louise

    I never thought it will be that much of a challenge shopping for a purely black and white/cream business casual outfit for work. You can imagine how thrilled I was when I came across this feminine cardigan and classic pencil skirt!

    As you may know, a black and white or cream outfit is anything but basic. The power of these pieces can be quite strong, edgy, and chic. To keep the look modern and fun, I paired this look with a floral purse because every woman needs just the right amount of color with their look. No matter your style preference, there is always a way to include them in any outfit.

    The Outfit

    Sleek and chic monochrome continues to be a favorite of mine especially when it comes to black and white/cream combinations. For this look, I paired this floral embellished, button-down cardigan with a basic black pencil skirt.  Even then, the skirt has decorative buttons at one side of the hem. I know that a pencil skirt may not be for everyone but I love them. Maybe not for every single work day, but they are chic when I get bored of wearing capris or other styled skirts.  I decided to wear a black camisole under the cardigan to keep with the overall color scheme. Believe it or not, the floral clutch with metal detailing is from Target! It is a fun versatile piece for any wardrobe and fairly inexpensive. The purse can be worn with the straps or you can tuck the strap in to have a chic clutch (like the look I am wearing).

    On my feet, I am wearing a licorice patent leather pump. I decided to stick with the theme versus wearing a neutral or colorful shoe with the outfit. Finally, I kept my jewelry simple with gold earrings, a gold Michael Kors monogrammed bracelet with a pearl bracelet, and gold rings.  I am really loving the black and white pieces but maybe just because it suits my personality, I guess we will never know.

    How do you like to style your wardrobe for work? Let me know in your comments below.

    The Perfect Little Black Dress for Every Occasion

    Fashion, Style by louise

    I cannot believe we are about four weeks away from Spring! The truth is that I am super excited about the upcoming season, after what seems to have been a mild Winter.  Growing up in Ghana and now living in the United States, you can only imagine how less of a fan I am of the colder season and shorter days with Winter.

    That being said, Spring is one of my favorite seasons for fashion. All the transitioning clothes and shoes, light scarfs, and cool spring evenings. I am gradually transitioning my wardrobe; putting all the Winter outfits away, organizing footwear, and planning the purchases and color palette (neutrals and pretty pastel shades) I will stick to this season.  Which brings me to my outfit now.

    Stick to your signature style

    When it comes to finding the perfect black dresses, there is a plethora of choices to select from so it is important to choose a dress that is more your style while still ensuring the dress is versatile for future occasions. A black dress is a bit like a blank canvas. You can accessorize, switch up your jewelry and layer it in unique ways, add details, all of which allow you to wear that one staple dress a multitude of ways. To keep it sleek, I paired this dress with a classic pointed-toe polka dot mesh pumps to give the overall look a timeless appeal.

    Invest in a little black dress (LBD)

    Stick with the LBD if you are unsure on the length of dress. No matter the occasion, this type of dress is likely to be appropriate; whether it is at a work function or an evening cocktail, or simply a casual lunch outing. A little secret – you can also make legs look longer by wearing nude shoes with your little black dress and rocking bare legs.

    Keep it Simple

    Invest in a dress that has simple elegance. Remember, you can always accentuate your look by accessorizing. I usually tend to have an idea of what I am looking for but it is equally important to be prepared to step outside of your comfort zone if you find the right piece. Sometimes a dress on a hanger may look like nothing special but once you try it on, could look phenomenal on you. Most importantly, have fun when shopping for a black dress and don’t overthink it.

    How do you like to accessorize your black dress? Let me know in the comments below!

    How to Dress Comfortably without Compromising your style

    Fashion, Style by louise

    At this time of year, when the days fluctuate between cold and chilly, all anyone wants to do is snuggle into your comfiest clothes and hope you still look fashionable and put-togethether, or at least stay home by the fireplace in your comfiest sweater!  In an ideal world, I would love to be able to wake each morning and easily choose an effortlessly stylish attire that I can wear to work, or to dinner with friends, or even wear at home when spending time with my family; but this very rarely happens.  As a working mom on the go, I have learned to be mindful of how I choose my daily outfits and to take care in how I invest in my clothes, so that my pieces are not only versatile but I can reach for them time and time again.

    Thankfully, with a few tips, you’ll be able to choose your daily outfits knowing you will look effortlessly put-together and still comfortable – because who doesn’t want to feel cozy and also great at this time of year?

    The Cozy Sweater

    An essential part of any winter wardrobe is choosing a comfortable sweater with a neutral palette to create a look of earthiness and sophistication.  I usually have a variety of sweaters that range from conforming to lightly loose-fitting.  I should confess that my favorites are the oversized loose-fitting sweaters because they are just super comfortable and you can almost snuggle in them. It is very rare for me to have a sweater with multiple colors but I love to dabble in colors every now and then, and pastel colors are less saturated than primary colors and have a calming effect. This sweater can equally be dressed down with sweatpants for an ultra cozy look or worn with jeans or black leggings with heels for a day out.

    Opt for Jeans

    You can never go wrong with jeans for a smart casual look or an easy relaxed style. For this look, I am wearing skinny jeans since that is a look that can complement an oversized sweater and is an essential piece to layer with heels or tall boots. Always remember, when in doubt, go with the classic skinny jean style. Skinny jeans is really a wardrobe classic and a timeless denim silhouette. You can roll up your jeans to change things up every once in a while.  Get creative with your look! Whatever your favorite jean style is, you can always count on denims forever being a big part of any wardrobe.

    The art of accessorizing

    Lastly, never underestimate the art of accessorizing! Whatever your style preferences, an accessory is a reflection of your personality, so understanding this is a very important part of choosing the perfect pieces to wear with your outfit. I usually opt for simple yet elegant pieces to add to my collection. It is key to always invest in pieces that can add a touch of sophistication and elegant luxe to your look no matter the occasion.

    I hardly ever make a designer purchase on a whim. In fact, I often buy an affordable alternative first to see how much use I will get out of it before deciding to invest in making a purchase for the designer option. A nice way to get a look of sophistication is to mix high and lower price pieces to create a fun and luxe touch to your outfit.

    Do you have any tips on how you are staying stylish and comfortable in winter? If so, please share in the comments below.

    How To Elevate Your Wardrobe With A Few Accessories

    Fashion, Style by louise

    I have recently become more interested in timeless clothing that will live on in my wardrobe for a length of time. I am usually one to stay away from the fast fashion hauling and opt more for better quality and classic designs.  For me, it is about finding creative ways to re-wear some of my favorite basics during the seasons without having an  I have nothing to wear moment.

    You would not find certain basic outfits gathering dust in my wardrobe for very long.  As a working mom on the go, wraps, pashmina shawl, ponchos, and scarfs are one of the “must-haves” in my wardrobe.  Apart from the basic white tee and a few neutral colored clothes, wraps, stoles, or scarfs allow me the freedom to style my look appropriately in a new and unique way. For this reason, I have a number of wraps and scarfs in a variety of colors and style.

    An important part of every wardrobe is to have a few bold pieces to turn a simple outfit into an effortless one. When it comes to fashion, everything is a balance. It is all about finding that thin line between practicality, accessorizing with a few bold embellishments, and learning how to wear your clothes differently. The best way to maximize what you already have is to either accessorize or add statement items that can update your look. These earrings add a pop of color to the entire look while the bold print from the wrap elevates the outfit to become effortlessly luxe.

    As I have gotten older, I have shaped and defined my personal style by embracing fashion pieces that work for me and providing an edited point of view.  A wrap, colorful earrings, or extravagant scarf or pashmina shawl can change up an entire look so that it appears completely new. Accessories are something you can dress up or down and mix and match. I always invest in a wrap since it is great for daytime casual wear but can also be worn to more formal outings or a night out.

    How do you like to elevate your basic pieces to create a luxe look?

    @LOUISEMILLEN