By the Sea Shore

Living on the coast of NC for the past 2 years is a blessing.  In fact I've been blessed to have visited NC beaches my whole life via summer vacations growing up and attending college by the beach.  

FYI - These photos were taken in my backyard #amazing

The beach is a magical place.  It's peaceful and majestic with the rolling waves, colorful sunrises/sunsets and the feeling of sunshine on your skin and sand in between your toes.  I could go on and on as the beach hold countless fun memories for me!

I have a liking for things with coastal charm.  I also have a love for unique local designs.  There's a personal touch found in pieces of small businesses that you can't find in the big box stores of mass produced items.  Entrepreneurship is inspiring - it takes passion and hard work and it almost always shows!

I discovered Z & Z Designs at Beaufort Linen Co.  They design and create beautiful handmade jewelry right here in NC using shells and other natural materials from our coast.  I was tickled pink to learn they are a mother & daughter team - what a cool endeavor it must be working together.  

I chose a gold oyster pendant necklace, as you know I'm obsessed with all things gold and shiny! 

It was hard choosing just one piece - I may have to go back for this shell pendant necklace - you can never have too much of a beautiful thing :) Check out their instagram @z.zdesngs for a look at their pieces. 

Look coastal chic in locally designed and made jewelry by Z & Z Designs! 

Dress: J Crew Factory 

Dress Beautifully in Coastal Jewelry

XOXO Sarah Louise

Swingy

This swing sundress is the answer to 'what am I going to wear?' when it's 100 degrees outside ... and it has been for over a week now!  I love living in the South, but there's no glistening - down right sweating!

I found this cheerful yellow dress at Anthropologie's Summer Sale. #winning

Confession:  I've never owned a swing dress or any dress with this much volume. 

To my surprise, I Love it!! No, it doesn't have a waist seam (one of my top must haves) and it's above the knee ( I like my legs covered - but I'm working on trying to love them more).
I love it for it's sunny yellow floral print - it's very garden-like and very retro.  I also am a fan of it's design,  straight cut on the front but billowy in the back.  It's light, airy and man does it keep you cool!

This dress has pockets and a ruffle on the shoulder seams.  It doesn't create shape or highlight my figure, but it's lovely in it's comfortable and cheery design.

Beat the Heat in a Swing Sundress!

Swing Dress: Anthropologie || Wedges: Steve Madden || Earrings Tory Burch ||

Dress Beautifully in a Swing Sundress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Embroidered

Brightly colored embroidery is a huge trend for tops and dresses.  To me the embellishment is cultured - reminding me of something you'd buy on vacation in another country. Some call this style boho, tribal, or aztec; especially on non-sturured pieces such as peasant tops or dresses.

I personally love embroidery over many other types of embellishments such as beading or fringe.  I embroider all my towels and linens with our monogram as well the cuff of my dress shirts for work.

This past week the South has been hit with an intense heat wave - I seriously feel like my freckles are on fire!!! When Mr and I went to Beaufort, NC last weekend this dress was perfect to keep me cool since we were outside most of the day.
It's made of light weight linen in a shift design. I don't normally  wear shift dresses as they are designed in a straight cut with no waist seam.  Being a curvy gal, smaller upper body and larger lower body, I  feel that shifts can hide my shape making me look a bit boxy.  This dress, though it didn't define the waist, has side seams that are cut on a curve skimming the body.  When it's scorching outside you want something that's loose with lots of movement.

 The embroidered bib gives it structure and adds interest with the sunburst detailing.  I also loved the bright orange and blue together against the stark white.  I'm obsessed with the blue and white color combo and orange is seriously climbing the list.  I paired this dress with strappy blue mid-heels to show you styling for causal friday at work or for a summer soiree (showers, brunch, church, date night etc.)  Opt for flat sandals or espadrilles for casual occasions or when lots of walking is involved.

For extra measure to beat the heat, I pulled my hair back in two braids along my front hair line and pinned them in place.  I like my hair down as it's my favorite physical attribute - but it's also like wearing a furry bear on your head and will darn right 'cause a heat stroke.

Add some fun to your summer wardrobe with colored embroidery.

Embroidered Linen Dress: J Crew also in a top version & Here || 

Shoes: Similar & Here & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Colored Embroidery 

XOXO Sarah Louise

A Well Collected House

You know those times in life when you've found just what you were looking for and it's pretty much like finding a hidden treasure.  Today I'm sharing a gem with you - Beaufort Linen Co.

I discovered them through coincidence and a bit of online stalking - no judgement everyone does it!
Browsing their instagram, Facebook and website was so enticing I just had to visit.

Mr and I had planned a date day together for a trip to Beaufort, NC.  It's only hour from where we live and yet we still hadn't managed to visit.
This quaint coastal town is full of charm!  The homes were straight out of Southern Living magazine.  We strolled the streets soaking in the breeze off the water checking out local shops and restaurants while dreaming of what it would be like to be on one of the many boats docked along the downtown waterfront.  You must visit!

This dress on the blog later this week! 

I confessed to Mr the night before that I had a secret agenda while in Beaufort to visit this store I found and forced him to look at some of their pictures.  I felt he needed to be prepared to be patient as I was going to spend some time browsing/shopping and that I was already picking out things I would need - trust me their items are so beautiful they're a need!

So he made me wait all day and Beaufort Linen Co. was our last stop.

As soon as we entered we were greeted with warm smiles and as fate would have it, the owner Christina welcomed me in.  Without hesitation I introduced myself and confessed I had researched her store and was super excited to check it out in person.  We instantly became gal pals over our common love of elegant, classic style.

It must have been 30-40 mins before I got a chance to browse the store as I was consumed with our conversation - meanwhile Mr had found her husband and they found a back corner to chat for the remaining hour of our visit - Totally Serendipitous!

The store is filled with home decor, custom linens, apparel, jewelry, accessories, gifts 

and even furniture and lighting!

If I owned a store it would be something like Beaufort Linen Co.!!!

You can even register! ... I'm thinking a housewarming party is just the occasion :)

Our 5 year anniversary is approaching this month and I had my heart set on on Matouk custom monogrammed linens for our bedroom in our new house.  Christina helped me sort through the options and settle on something that both Mr and I love!

Similar to this but with our monogram in the modern style

SHR - Ladies First name - Last Name - Gentleman's First Name

Here's a look inside Beaufort Linen Co.

There are so many personal touches throughout - like this piano 

P.S.  If you don't have a bar cart shame on you - Go get one!  

So much fun for entertaining as well as endless styling possibilities 

You'll find lots of blue & white - we both love ginger jars 

Furniture and all the accoutrmonts that come along

 Christina and her lovely team! 

Here's what's on my wish list ...

Oyster Necklace - I bought one of these baubles and love it! || Parisian Light Fixture || 

Ginger Jar Tote || Bamboo Poncho - Available in several colors || Pillow || Throw Blanket || 

Serving Tray || Decor Dish || Napkin Tray || Lingerie Bags || Silver Tray || Chandelier ||  

Beaufort Linen Co. believes your home should be a reflection of your life - A Well Collected House

Dress Your Home Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Crisp White Shirtdress

I consider the crisp white shirt not just a classic wardrobe staple but a favorite!  Let's just say, if I could only choose 10 pieces from my closet and the rest were gone forever, a crisp white shirt would be the first thing I'd grab.  I have plenty (I will refrain from confessing how many) but my favorite is the non-iron from BrooksBrothers.

As sharp as the shirt is - a crisp white shirtdress is extra sharp! From collar to shirttail hem, this dress is polished. It's a take on the whole 'woman in a man's shirt' look.  Menswear can be ladylike with a tailored fit and feminine accessories.

I love that this dress has a lining that is detached but stays in place via shoulder snaps.  What sold me on it was that the buttons do not go all the way to the hem.  I don't wear dresses that button past the waist because with movement and sitting they tend to pucker and open - not cool!

This shirtdress came with a self fabric tie-waist sash but I get excited to add accessories to a blank canvas for an opportunity to show my personality and style.  To me, there is great beauty in vintage fashion.

I have been treasure hunting at vintage/thrift shops on the weekends for years.  Something about the quality and uniqueness of older items is intriguing to me.  Even my wedding rings are old - 1920's old!  I often sit back and wonder what kind of gal wore these pieces, how did they style it, and what did they feel when they picked it up at the store?  Did they get as excited as I did?

Belts, broaches and silk scarves are my favorites to hunt. Most recently now that we're purchasing our first home ekkkkkk - I've been scouting more antique furnishings.  This belt literally made me say 'Ahh' out loud when I saw it. I love lions - they remind me of my cat Scragley.  The lion buckle is a bit heavy but it's detail and solid construction makes a statement. Molded behind the buckle are initials and the year 1976. Sooo cool!  The red/cognac color leather strap is adjustable making it wearable high and low on the waist for dresses and pants.  There's some gold lettering on the inside of the leather but it's too worn to make out.

Belts are a great way to accessorize and define the waist. If belts aren't your thing, add print/color with a silk scarf, jewelry or in your handbag/shoes.  Keep it simple - opt for one accessory as the focal point.  And don't forget to roll up the cuffs and pop your collar for chicness!

Slide on a pair of wedges or sandals for an easy weekend look.

Shirtdress: J Crew Factory || Belt: Vintage Similar Buckles || Pumps: Nine West ||

Clutch: Similar || Lipstick: Giorgio Armani 'Spice' || 

Dress Beautifully in a Crisp White Shirtdress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Swizzle

Last Monday I went to my very first ever concert!  - at 32!!!

I get the mouth open wide/concerned face when folks find out - allow me to explain.  I LOVE music, in fact I can play the piano and have played the flute for 20 years.  Simply put, I never had a group of friends that were huge concert goers and honestly there wasn't an artist I was such a huge fan of that justified the expense.  I've learned that concerts can be pricey. 

Now, Taylor Swift, she's my FAVORITE! I have every single one of her albums.  She's amazing!  She's a true artist in that she plays instruments, writes, produces, and performs her songs.  And let's confess, she's gorgeous too!  I'd kill for her grandaddy long legs.  T. Swift sends a positive message to her fans and to me is a genuinely lovely gal.  Oh and she's a kitty lover #winning.  In my mind we're besties :)  She loves crop tops as much as I do - sadly they're not appropriate in my line of work but hey, keep rockin' girlfriend! Coincidentally, the day of the concert was national best friend day, how fitting!  

I got to go with fabulous gal pals!  I've been away from Charlotte for over 2 years now but we're as thick as thieves and in a few short weeks I'll be returning as a Queen City resident & homeowner - y'all I CAN'T wait to share our new home with you as soon as we officially close the deal. 

I've been jamming out to the 1989 album since it's debut and now I'm officially a fan of live, loud concert sounds! 

Ready for the Show! 

Julie - she's moving to Charlotte too (we've purchased our new homes on the same day!) 

Me - I'm Tickled Hot Pink with Excitement!

Hadley - this gal's a trooper!  we didn't know she was preggo when we bought tickets - her new baby is an instant fan

Laura - our event planner and avid concert goer!  She was equally excited for my inaugural experience  

Prior to the concert Julie, Laura and I hit the makeup counter for the perfect shade of classic red lipstick.  

When it came to outfits we all went with a casual chic look that was comfortable and cool!

All 15,000 of us wore bracelets that lit up in colors flashing to the beat of the music

Laura & Julie 

Me & Hadley 

I sung every word and danced to every beat of every song!!!

Romper: J Crew Factory || Earrings: Kendra Scott || 

Dress Beautifully and Dance to T -Swizzle!

XOXO Sarah Louise

Polished Popover

Crisp dress shirts are a favorite for a professional look.  For the weekends I like to be a bit more casual while still looking 'put together', This popover shirt is a perfect balance of easy and polished.  When it comes to weekend wear I don't believe in going to extremes.  Sure abandoning pumps and pencil skirts is freeing but you don't have to revert to looking like a sloppy mess or like you've borrowed clothes from a teenager's closet.

Opt for pieces that have casual elements - like the cuffed sleeves, longer shirt tail hem and pull over style of this shirt.  It's comfortable yet still conveys a hint of sophistication with it's pinstripe print and crisp construction.  Style is important all the days of the week!

I believe in making the most out of your wardrobe and than means pieces that can go from day to night and workplace to weekend. Depending on your office this look may be appropriate for casual Fridays.  This shirt pairs nicely with trousers or pencil skirts and with jeans or shorts.
Versatility is key gals!
Styling Tip:  Tucked for the week and untucked for the weekend

Popover Shirt:  J Crew || White Jeans: Loft || Shoes: Similar ||

Earrings: Kate Spade Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Popover Shirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Garden Dress

If a poem could be a dress this would be it!  The mixed print of floral and patches of literature make it a summer's dream.  The cut and design is just a beautiful as the print.  It's a classic fitted sheath but the added details of elbow sleeves, front pockets and exposed back zipper make it one of a kind.  The fabric is a cotton sateen - polished and comfortable!

P.S. I'm seriously obsessed with elbow sleeves!

This dress is designed and made by a fellow blogger DressCorilynn I've been following for several years.  She inspired me to take up sewing and make my own clothes and to take the leap in writing Dress Beautifully.  Shop her designs Corilynn & Co.

Garden Dress: Corilynn and Co. || Lace Up Pumps: Similar & Here || Earrings: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in a Garden Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise