Très Chic Parisienne Luncheon

2 Big Dreams of Mine - Paris & A Graceful Host....

It may be a Long while before I Strut the Streets of Paris, but I can Most Certainly be a Graceful Host!

Last Thursday I Hosted a French Themed Luncheon for Some of my Fantastic Fellow Military Wives.

Opening Up My Home and Inviting Others to Share in Making Great Memories is the Ultimate form of Southern Hospitality.   

My Desire is for Friends to Feel Comfortable, Full and Loved.  

It's not about the Fancy Decor, Fancy Silver & China or about the Fancy Clothes.

It's about the Warm Hugs, Big Smiles, and Attentive & Caring Attitudes.

Since my Culinary Skills are lacking to say the Least, I was not Involved in Making the Parisienne Yumminess......

        Gourmet Menu:
Hors D'oeuvres
    Bacon, Gruyere & Spinach Quiche
    French Onion Toasts
    Leek Fritters with Garlic & Lemon Cream
1st Course
    Golden winter Soup with Thyme Croutons
2nd Course
    Wintergreens with Warm Goat Cheese & Champagne Vinaigrette
Main Course
    Roasted Cornish Game Hens with Tangerine-Herb Butter
    Haricots Verts & Wild Mushrooms with Hazelnuts
Dessert
    Pots de Creme a L'Orange

I was Fittingly Responsible for the Fabulous Champagne Cocktail :)

The Cocktail - Champagne & Chambord 

** I prefer French Bubbles but in Serving 16 it wasn't economical

 

Chambord Made for Perfect Pink Bubbles

This Mrs Leaves Her Mark with Red Lipstick

 Fabulous Mademoiselles 

After Party in the Sunny Waterfront Backyard

Avec Mes Amies 

Be A Très Chic Graceful Host

XOXO Sarah Louise

Wednesday Words - An Act of Kindness

Giving to Others is an Act I was Raised On.

Mamma Taught Us to Always Give Thanks for Our Many Blessings as There are Those Who Have Great Needs!

For Over 12 Years Now I have been a Member & Supporter of Several Non-Profits.
I'm a Junior Leaguer, having served on Advocacy & Public Affairs Committees.
As a Naval Officer's Spouse, I'm also the Benevolence Chairperson on the Board of a Military Affiliated Non-Profit.

My Family, Friends, and Social Engagements Bring Me Much Happiness, but There's Something Special That Comes with Serving a Greater Cause.  

This Friday I, along with my Committee and Non-Profit Members, will be Hosting Our Biggest Fundraiser of the Year Benefitting Local Military Families.

All the Hard Work, Efforts and Fun to be Had Don't Compare to the Reward of Helping Others.

Give an Act of Kindness

XOXO Sarah Louise

Python - Powerful & Poised

Python - A Print That's Oh So Exotic, Edgy and Powerful!

I have a Deep Fear of Snakes but When I Wear their Markings in my Garments,
I can't help but feel Poised and Perfectly Polished.

Animal Prints are my Go-To for adding Pattern to my Looks.
They're Found in Nature and are Abstract in Origin. 
They Tend to have a Softer look over Graphic Prints.

     I do Believe that you should keep your Animal Prints Primarily in 
Blouses, Dresses, Shoes and Handbags.

I used to think Animal Prints & Dark Colors were too Edgy for Day Time
So Not True!

I feel Confident, Sophisticated, and Even Luxurious When I Wear this Python Blouse. 

Python Blouse Similar,  Pants Michael Kors Similar

Put On Python!

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pinot Noir Pairings

Pinot Noir is Warm, Rich, & Elegant.
Pinot Noir Pairs Fabulously with Gal Pals, Dinner, and my Good & Bad Days.

Today it Pairs Fabulously in this Wool Blazer!

The Saturated Burgundy is Complimented Nicely with the Tonal Rose Tipping & Nautical Brass Buttons. Who Doesn't Love a Touch of Pink & Nautical?!!

The Two Shades of Blue in the Shirt & Jeans also Create a Tonal Backdrop making the Colored Blazer the Focal Point.

This Oxford Blue Shirt Shines with it's Sparkle Collar, adding Bling and Eliminating the Need for Jewelry.

This Rhinestone High Collar Calls for Coiffing your Mane in an Updo.  
        Hairs can get caught in the sparkles causing breakage and ouches!

Rolling the Cuffs of your Jeans can Create a Casual Look & Showcase the Shoes You're Strutting In.
Personally, I Love to Strut in Metallic Pointy Pumps, They Match Everything!!
       
     These particular jeans are too short to wear with heels, by cuffing them I'm able to wear them with any pump, wedge or bootie
So when the dryer shrinks your favorite pair it's not a total loss ...
Roll the cuffs and consider it a Happy Accident :)

I try to Incorporate a Vintage Treasure when Possible.  This Bag is a 1960's Original Made in Italy by Bettina. 
The Snake Skin Texture, Removable Long Strap and Chanel Inspired Clasp made it a Perfect Addition to my Collection!

Blazer J Crew Similar, Sparkle Collar Blouse & Jeans - Now on Sale at J Crew Factory. Silver Pointy Pumps

Take Your Pinot Noir from Glass to Gorgeous Wears

XOXO Sarah Louise

Wednesday Words ... I'd Rather Dance

I'd Rather be Anywhere than in my Kitchen!

However, my Aspirations to be a Graceful Host make it an Impossible room to avoid.

I'm not a foodie.  Mr is.  Opposites do Attract.
Nutrition is the primary focus for all my meals (non-processed, lots of fruits & veggies)

My Mamma was an Amazing Southern Cook... Sadly this Gal did not Inherit her Skills.  

Over the Past Few Months I've Hosted several Coffees, Teas, and Luncheons. 
Exuding Southern Hospitality is a Way of Life for me.
(posts coming soon)

I've decided a way to make the kitchen a little less terrible 
is to add some music and dancing while I make a mess.

Have a Dance Party!

XOXO Sarah Louise

Color, Pattern, Texture, Shine

Thank You to Stacey London & Clinton Kelly from the Show "What Not to Wear" 
Who taught us to incorporate Color, Pattern Texture & Shine into our Outfits.

This Look Does Just That....

Color: Mustard Pencil Skirt
Pattern: Gingham Shirt, Python Clutch
Shine: Confetti Sequin Tank
Texture: Leather Boots

J Crew Gingham Shirt, Pencil Skirt, & Sequin Tank

Tory Burch Boots & Clutch, Kate Spade Earrings, Butter Nail Polish

Does Your Look Have

Color, Pattern Texture & Shine?

XOXO Sarah Louise

Classic All American

Today's Presidents Day. Today we Honor the Leaders of our Country.

We are all so Blessed to Live in this Free Land.  

Being the wife of a United States Naval Officer reminds me everyday of the sacrifices made for our Freedom!

When I think of America the Colors Red, White & Blue come to mind.
When I think of Classic Style, Blazers, Jeans, and a Crisp White Shirt are at the top of my list.

Crisp White Shirt, J Crew School Boy Blazer, Paige Skinny Jeans

Belt, Hat Vintage, Sunglasses, US Navy Earrings

Love America

XOXO Sarah Louise

Lip Service

Lips have made a Huge appearance on the Fashion Seen!
You can Find Tees, Dresses and Skirts Adorned with the Classic Red Pucker.

For Lover's Day there was only one choice in my closet... 

DVF Lip Printed Wrap Dress

Dress Diane Von Furstenberg,  Similar Lip Dresses Here , and Here

Kate Spade Earrings, Ring & MRS Necklace

PUCKER UP & WEAR RED LIPS

XOXO Sarah Louise

Wednesday Words - Sweet Talk

Conversation Hearts are the Coolest Valentines Day Candies!

They are not only sugary sweetness but they are so much fun 

Saying Sweet Things to those you Love makes them feel Special and Adored

Say Something 

Sweet

XOXO Sarah Louise

I Heart Hearts

Hearts are the Symbol of Love.

I used to draw Hearts on all of my letters, notebooks and even dot the "i" in Louise with a Heart...
Confession: I still do!

I saw this Dress a Few Years Ago and it was Instantly Mine.

I Feel Lovely and Super Girly when I wear it.  

It's silk so it's an all year long look.  I simply add tights and a coat for cold days.

I save this Heart Dress for Special Dates with Mr or with my Gal Pals :)

I Heart this Dress!!!

Heart Dress Tory Burch
Find Yourself a Heart Dresses Here, Here and Here

Wear A Dress You Heart!

 XOXO Sarah Louise

Pink & Red

Pink & Red - Colors of Love

Valentines Day is Only 4 Days Away & I Couldn't be More Excited! 

What we wear can set a tone for celebrating... and it just so happens that 
Celebrating Love is the Best!

I Color-Blocked Pink and Red, Separating with my Most Favorite Gold Chain Belt! 
(It's gold and a chain ... I pretty much wear it as often as I can)

I chose Nude Kitten Heels with a Big Bow on the Toe for added Femininity.

My Clutch is a Patent Dark Black & Burgundy Ombre Grounding the Two Bright Colors.

Chain Belt Tory Burch Similar, Shoes Butter

Top, Pant & Purse - Long Time Closet Presence

Similar Top, Similar Pant

Look Lovely in Pink & Red 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Fabulous Floppy Hat

Hats are Elegant! They Make Every Outfit Instantly Chic!! 

They've become one of my favorite treasures to hunt when I'm vintage shopping.

In the 20's, 30's, 40's 50's and 60's they were all the rage and a fashion staple.

                          

           

 

It's my guess that big hair replaced the hat in the 70's & 80's and it's never quite reclaimed it's place.

This Black Wool Floppy Hat has made a frequent appearance on my weekend looks.

I had to do some work on this one, it had an awful polyester ribbon and oh so tacky brooch on the base that I had to delicately remove.  I still wonder if it's too plain, but I've decided that I like the solid black simplicity and the curved floppy brim is all the interest it needs.

Hat Vintage, Denim Shirt J Crew Similar, Rabbit Fur Vest Tahari Similar Faux Options,
Leggings BCBG Similar, Riding Boots Tory Burch, Bag Prada

Add Some Chic to Your Look

And Wear a Hat!

XOXO Sarah Louise

Wednesday Words - My Favorite Love Story

February is Lovers Month and I'm Blessed to Live Everyday Happily in LOVE!

Our Love Story is quite unique!  We were long distance (almost 7 years!) from the day we met until last May when we FINALLY  moved into our home together.

We were both hard at work with my career in Charlotte & Mr in grad school for medicine in DC.

Many hours on the road and up in the air, we endured a lot to be together!

Mr is now a medical officer in the US Navy bringing us to our waterfront home on the NC coast.

OUR STORY

10 - 3- 2006

Our First Date 

9 - 4 - 2009

She Said YES

6 - 27 - 2010

Mr & Mrs

5 - 5 - 2013

Finally Together

No Matter Your Story, May it Always be 

Happily Ever After

XOXO Mrs Sarah Louise