Dearest Lou

Brickyard Buffalo Coupon Code

Berkeley Dress c/o Brickyard Buffalo also loving this women midi dress

I'm still alive and well! I have just been super busy the last several months juggling personal and work life! If you didn't see the news on my Instagram last month we announced that Baby #3 is joining our family this fall! We are so excited!!! I'm 19 weeks pregnant and can't believe I'm almost halfway done, time sure flies the third time around.

My friends over at Brickyard Buffalo sent me this gorgeous Berkeley Dress to style. Brickyard Buffalo is also extending a 20% off coupon for all Dearest Lou readers! With the coupon code, this dress comes out to $14.99! Such a steal right?!

Use code cecilia20 for 20% off your purchase now thru 6/1/2019 at 11:59pm MST!

5 Steps To Dress Like A Dancer

Photo Credit: Cecilia Harvard

Have you ever questioned why it is that you will often see clothes in high fashion that are standard to the dance industry? Maybe it is because their lean and fit bodies look almost fluid when they are dancing, and their clothes seem to be part of their bodies. While we expect them to look flawless when they are in costume, it is their ability to look at ease and comfortable in their daily attire that impresses us.

Even people who are famous for their fashion sense often look to the world of dance for trendy dance clothes. For example, the popcorn sweater is trending for 2019. This is a cardigan that has lots of volume and depth. It may be a fuzzy cashmere or just a thick and bumpy knit. Dancers wear this over their leotards and tights and it is rocking the fashion world. There was a recent post about these cool sweaters on Refinery29. We just saw it and it got some good reviews.

Photo credit: Chelsea Fernando

5 ways you can incorporate dancewear into your wardrobe.

  • Leotards as tops
    • This has been making news since the 1970s. These great “tops” do not ride up. They hug the body and give you the support of a blouse and bra and they come in many cuts. Wear a halter leotard, a capped sleeve, backless, or long sleeve. Wear them with anything.
  • Tulle skirts
    • Full tulle skirts are showing up in all kinds of events. Kim Kardashian was seen recently in a sexy pink tulle skirt. These skirts are being worn with cashmere, off-the-shoulder sweaters or sexy little silk numbers. Ballet flats are cute with them, but since they are usually worn to semi-formal events, pairing them with high heels is a better option.
  • Tights
    • Tights are replacing hosiery this year. The fishnet tights of 2018 are still rocking the fashion world. This year, look for animal prints. Leopard print tights under a leotard or some cute shorts are in the dance studio. The same tights under a flirty little skirt are showing up at the clubs.
  • Elephant pants
    • Elephant pants are back. They are a bit smaller than the 90’s hit. You will see loose pants with a high waist that are gathered and cuffed at the ankle. Pair them with a hot crop top and ballerina flats, and you are ready to go.
  • Leggings
    • Leggings are here to stay and every year they get better and better. This year look for shiny metallic fabrics. Big name sporting companies are putting out shiny gold, silver, and rose gold. If you look closely, you may find a few pieces in rust that are awesome. Match these up with a cool sports bra and you have the hottest look on the floor.

The lines between fashion and dancewear are always blurred. As long as there are people who want to dress fashionable and people who want to perform uninhibited, these groups will stay close. If you are ever curious about the hottest thing on the runway, just take a look at the dance studio, and you can’t miss.

How to Tap into the Great Cardigan Comeback


For quite a few years now, wearing cardigans has not been considered fashionable. But, this season, that has definitely changed. Cardigans have quickly gone from being associated with grannies to being the must-have knitwear item. I for one am very happy to see them making a bit of a comeback. They look fantastic, are comfortable and are a really versatile item of clothing. Everyone should have at least a few in their wardrobe.
If you need one, or two, I suggest that you start your search by going to the JD Williams site. They have an exceptionally big range of cardigans, in stock. So, you are bound to find something you like there.
Long cardigans
One of the strongest trends for 2019 is the long cardigan. Most of them finish mid-thigh, but you can also find mid-calf ones too.
These look good whether you wear them with a dress, a top and skirt or a pair of trousers. They are a great way to add a touch of class to an informal outfit, especially if you are wearing jeans.
If you choose one that is thick enough, it could potentially be worn as an alternative to a coat on a balmy day. But, it is wise to check that it is not going to rain before wearing your longline cardigan.
Should you get caught in a shower while wearing it you are going to get absolutely drenched. Plus, it is very likely that your cardigan will be ruined.
Sophisticated cardigans
If you fancy wearing knitwear to the office, check out some of the sophisticated cardigans that are currently available. Most of them are styled to look like a smart, semi-tailored jacket. If you like the iconic Chanel jacket, this year, you will be able to pick up a sophisticated cardigan that looks very similar.
A glamorous cardigan
For an evening out a glamorous cardigan can be a great addition to your outfit. They keep you warm for the walk between the car and the bar, club or restaurant and do not have to be checked into the cloakroom.
There are some really lovely, generously cut versions out there that are lined or trimmed with faux fur. If that look is not for you opt for a tasseled or waterfall style instead.
You could even forget about wearing a coat or cardigan and go for a cape. There are some surprisingly stylish ones available, right now.
A few more cardigan outfit ideas
I have always had a bit of a soft spot for cardigans. So, if you are looking for more ideas about how and when to wear a cardigan you can find plenty here. Start by reading this article, then use the “explore the blog” box to find more outfit photos that feature cardigans.

If you are unsure which cuts are likely to look good on you, just click here. When you do, you will be taken to an article that explains how to correctly identify your body type and choose a cut which is likely to flatter you.