Everyday Face

I get asked A LOT what kind of make-up I wear.
I find that over the pass year I've been more open to trying new products but there are always those that will remain my 'go-to' for an everyday face.

I do try and choose make-up that is face 'friendly' meaning free of icky chemicals. I have very fair and sensitive skin that is prone to blemishes ugh! I also combat redness in my face, primarily in the T-Zone area.

What's on your everyday face??

Foundation: it CC Cream - I use this brush to apply.  I love that it has sunscreen! 

Bronzer:  I love Bare Essential products for their natural ingredients & this bronzer add the perfect sun kissed glow. 

Blush: I jumped on this shade because it seemed every gal pal I have was using it. Now I know why!

Highlighter:  I apply with a fan brush in a c-shape from the underneath eyes/top of cheeks around on temples to right above mid-eyebrow and above my top lip in the center bow.

Eye Primer:  I've been using this one for probably 10 years!  It holds the shadow in place and saturates the shades.

Eyeshadow:  I have green eyes so I like the pinks & purples to make them pop.  This palette was in my stocking last Christmas over a year ago and it looks like it may be around for another! 

Eyebrow Filler:  It's super hard to find brow filler in a red shade & my brows are super light (red head problem) filling them in adds major definition! This one is super affordable & lasts forever.

Note: I curl my lashes prior to liner and mascara

Eye Liner:  I used liquid black from 19-30 years old! I loved the dark definition. I still use it but I've opted for a more softer line for day wear.  Again I leaned on my gal pals for recommendations and several use these jars of gel liner applied with this brush.  Hesitant to invest tons of money, my sis recommended this drugstore jar.  I compromised and splurged on the brush, as I feel brushes are key to application. 

Mascara:  I used this in my mid-twenties (back when it was $18, my have times changed!) and then switch to Bare Minerals and have been super happy with it the past 5 years.  Like most gals sometimes we get the itch to find something greener so I went back to my old fav this month.  It's great for separation and length but I'm going back to BM's. "If it's not broke don't fix it!" 

My lashes are so light they're practically see-through so I need all the help I can get!  Always wear black ladies if you want to bat those lashes like Minnie Mouse! 

Tip:  Purchase where you can return. Nothing's worse than being stuck with a pricey product that doesn't work for you.

Make Up is a Gal's Best Friend (& Hair Color)! 

Remember God made you BEAUTIFUL - Make Up just Enhances What's Already There :)

Happy Primping!

XOXO Sarah Louise

Poncho

Ponchos make Comfy & Cozy Oh So Chic.

I have to be honest, I've loved the poncho trend this winter but because I'm petite I felt that they would swallow me whole and look like I had wrapped a couch blanket around myself.  And who wants to look like a big blob of blanket??! 

I fell in love with this poncho the moment I tried it on.  First it's ivory, my favorite color to wear, second, it isn't too long and third, the sides are designed high allowing my arms to move freely.  

It's easy to wear over tops and super soft and warm.

I paired this sweater poncho with ivory jeans and a simple tee underneath for a monochromatic look. 

The brown crocodile pump boots add some contrast and texture. 

Sweater Poncho: Talbots (sold out) Similar & Here & Here || Jeans: Ann Taylor || Tee: Target ||

Boots: Ralph Lauren Similar || Ring: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Poncho

XOXO Sarah Louise

Basics

Basics aren't Boring. They are Classic and Effortlessly Chic.

What makes a basic? Basics are foundation pieces.  Typically solid or traditional print, minimal to no embellishments, and without extreme design.  What do I mean by extreme? 

For blazers no crazy shoulder pads, ruffles or lapels. For jeans no loud stitching or coloring. You get the idea, stay away from funky and short-lived trends. 

A soft semi-fitted tee, straight leg medium/dark wash jean, black blazer and pumps are basics for a casual chic look perfect for Friday's at the office or a weekend brunch.

Black Blazer: J Crew Factory || Jeans: Seven for All Mankind || 

Tee: Target || Pumps: Nine West || 

Dress Beautifully in Basics

XOXO Sarah Louise

Black Tie

The Neck Sash is Back!

Women have adorned themselves with fabric sashes tied in bows around their neck collars for decades.  I remember my Mamma had a light pink and ivory striped blouse with a big ivory bow tied around the neck.  It was her favorite and looking back at pictures it was mine too!  She looked so classy in that blouse paired with a black skirt and pearl studs.

The Secretary Blouse:  Women's top made of loose fabric with a neck tie, typical worn for office wear. 

Truth: I own 5 secretary blouses. Everything's better with a bow!

You can create your own secretary look by tying a sash around any button down or blouse.  It doesn't have to have a collar.  I like the idea of black as it's so versatile and will pair with a range of looks from flannel plaid to solid silks.  

For this look I kept it clean and sharp with classic black & white.  

I've had this black satin sash since undergrad! See, it is good to hold on to things! It's been a workhorse for so many looks. 

Neck Sash: Old Similar & Blouse || Blouse: Similar || Pants: BCBG || Cage Heels: Nine West || 

Handbag: Prada || Earrings: Kate Spade || Polish: Butter London || Sunglasses: Ray-Ban ||

Dress Beautifully in a Neck Tie

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bar None

Matchstick Jewelry is on trend and everywhere.

I love the simplicity of the clean shiny lines.  I started with a pair of earrings (below) and can't wait to add a necklace for layering and a ring to my collection.

These are, bar none, the prettiest little accessories!

Here are some of my favorites ...

Personalized Necklace || Long Bar Necklace || Small Bar Studs ||

Pave Bar Studs || Bar Ring || Bar Necklace || Bar Bracelet || 

Set of 2 Bar Rings || Bar Earrings || 

More Matchstick Pieces

Dress Beautifully in Bar Jewelry

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Mustard + Black

Mustard is one of my most favorite colors to wear.  

It reminds me of gold and I rarely go a day without accessorizing with gold.  I love how the mustard hues brighten the black.  The cut of this dress is a favorite too.  It's a classic design with a V-neckline, fitted bodice and sheath skirt with a few tiny pleats allowing more room for movement. 

Amongst the abstract painted blooms on this dress is a hint of a light sage green.  I wanted to bring out this muted green with these heels.  I love these heels for their unique shade and stacked heel with gold bars.  They were definitely a #fabfound from Marshalls a few years ago! 

P.S. This Firebloom Sheath dress is on Sale at Anthropologie! 

Firebloom Sheath Dress: Anthropologie || Green Pumps: Similar || 

Earrings: Kate Spade: 'Mrs' Necklace: Kate Spade || 

Ring: Similar || Sunglasses: Target || Polish: Butter London ||

Dress Beautifully in Mustard & Black

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Casual Camo

For this Southern raised gal and now even more married to US Navy Officer, Camo is an all too familiar print.

I wouldn't say it's a 'favorite' but it is quite the trend and done right can be super cute.  You want to mix your camo prints with modern and feminine pieces to avoid the 'out of the woods' look.  

These pants are super soft and the print is subtle with darker olive green and brown shades.  It's like a 'Monet' far away you can't even tell it's camo print.

I've styled them here two ways Rustic & Sporty:

Camo Pants: Gap Factory Similar || Blue & White Oxford: Polo || Cable Sweater: Loft Similar || 

Booties: Sam Edelman || Handbag: Tory Burch || 

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban |||| Denim Jacket: Gap || Sneakers: Converse || 

Dress Beautifully in Camo

XOXO Sarah Louise

Polish Party

I Love Nail Polish!

It's somewhat of an addiction.

I believe that adding color to your nails is such a feminine finishing touch.  It's an intentional expression that shows you put forth effort with your appearance and in styling your look.  I mean let's face it, it takes effort and planning when it comes to polishing.

You have to prep - removing current color, manicuring - cut and file, patience - painting layer on layer and a statuesque existence for a good 15 minutes.  

Truth:  I do my own nails.  I can change the color as often as I want/need and it's a major cost savings!  I was shocked at comparing the cost of frequent manicures along with what I was spending on bottles of polish.  I do treat myself every  now and then especially as an outing with my gal pals :)

I have micro-mini hands (my wedding rings are a size 3.75) and tee tiny nails (think little girl size) so I feel that nail polish adds some much needed beauty. On the plus side, a bottle of nail polish lasts since my nails are so small.

All nail polishes are not created equal.  It's a bottle of chemical pigmented paint that you put on your body so I'm thrilled to find quality products that are less bad for you. Just with all products some adhere, shine and are stronger than others.  I'm deeply in love with Butter London Nail Lacquers!  The brush is super small for paining my tiny nails and they are free of harmful chemicals.  They aren't cheap but they are better for your nails and making healthier choices are always a good idea.  I pick my shades carefully and retailers like Ulta & Nordstrom will accept returns should the shade not compliment like you thought it would.

Note:  In a professional setting keep your polish traditional (no neon or glittered shades).  Also, if they are chipping it's better to go bare (Keep a bottle of remover/cotton balls in your desk drawer).

Here are Some Favorite Winter Shades from my Collection:

From Top Left Clockwise: Royal Purple || Blood Red || Classic Red ||  Red Wine ||

Dusty Pink || Dark Green || Brick Red || Navy || Top Coat || Base Coat || 

Dress Your Nails Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Winter Lace

This is not your grandma's lace blouse.  This lovely lace blouse exudes modern femininity with faux leather trim in a soft nude shade. I wanted to make it pop so I contrasted it with a sleek red pencil skirt.  

I love texture especially in the mix of the leather collar and cuffs against the delicate scalloped lace.  The leather has a luster that adds interest and makes the details pop. 

I kept it simple allowing the textures and color to shine & paired this look with a nude camisole, pumps and pink pearl stud earrings.

P.S. This look is perfect for Valentines Day!

Lace Blouse: Ann Taylor || Pencil Skirt: Similar || Earrings: Honora ||

Pumps: Nine West || Sunglasses: Target || 

Dress Beautifully in Winter Lace

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mane Maintainence

My red hair is my most favorite thing about my appearance!  I believe that every gal should make a point to find things about their appearance that they love! It gives confidence and reminds us that God made us all beautiful.

I don't have 'wash &go' hair, it's more of a mane because it's thick, corse and I have enough for 3 gals! (my sisters tease me and call it my 'weave' because to them it's unnatural to have so much hair on one head!)

Another truth, my mane is also naturally curly.  I detested it's unruly texture most of my life, but over the years I've learned how to work with my tresses and use the curl to my advantage.  In high school it was a hot mess (I had no idea how to manage) - In College, stick straight hair was the thing (I sure did try but living in a beach town I was fighting an uphill battle) so for those 4 years I had a big frizzy  fro on my head or I just wore it organically aka 'skip the blow dryer and go curly'. 

The key to maintencing one's mane is to work with what you have and to avoid comparing - Everyone is different and by sticking to the natural you achieve the most flattering style for you. 

So for me I wear mine large and curled most of the time and just occasionally I'll put in the energy to straighten it out. 

Lucky for me I LOVE big hair - Higher the Hair Closer to Heaven! 

Length: For me, I keep it just below the shoulders and longer (pinning up is key for the gym and in creating a variety of style options & it's just too darn big to go shorter - I'd block the view of others at the movies!) 

Cut & Color: I don't trim as often as I should due to my Fear of bad chopping.  I was born a ginger but like blondes over the years it has gone from strawberry to muddy!  But because it's so dry & corse I use a semipermanent  wash-in glaze to avoid harsh chemical dyes and to give it some umph! 

Washing: OK here's the shocker ... I clean my mane 2 times a week WHAT?!!! AND I don't use shampoo ... I use a cleansing conditioner Wen.  It's one product that cleans and conditions but that doesn't use chemicals that strip the hair.  It takes some getting used to because it doesn't lather, it's like a thick lotion and you apply it by coating sections of your hair and then combing it through.  

You're probably thinking it's gross that I don't wash my hair (I have intense sweat sessions at the gym 5-6 days/week!) So I basically use a round brush and blow dry the sweat out and keep going.

I just don't have time to process (wash, dry, style) more often and it would just kill my hair!

So here's my routine:

Wet hair completely in shower

Flip hair upside down

Pull 1-2" sections of hair & coat with Wen concentrating at the roots and pulling through to the end

Once all of your hair is coated and comb through with a wide tooth comb

Let sit for 5 mins (get clean)

Add at little water to your hair and massage 

Rinse

After Shower I apply face & body creams and make up allowing my hair to air-dry a bit

Blow dry in sections using a paddle and large round brush

Clip sections of hair and curl with iron

Hairspray optional if so just a little (b/c I have natural curl it tends to hold without spray but for special occasions I spray lightly) It contains alcohol and can dry out & cause breakage

1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7. | 8. | 9. |

Dress Your Mane Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Sage

This Sage Dress with it's Curved Edges is Sensational! 

It takes a sheath dress from basic to interesting.  And it's from the Scandal Line at The Limited. Who doesn't want to look like the classy Olivia Pope??!!!

There are several features that make this dress flattering and a favorite.  

The thick cap sleeves are awesome because they help create an hour glass shape (making your waist appear smaller) and provide ample coverage for your brassiere straps (pet peeve of mine is A - my straps slipping off my shudders B - exposed brassiere).

The faux wrap skirt and curved hem remind me of layered tulip petals.  When I say 'faux' wrap skirt, what I mean is that the two panels are sewn into the waist seam so there's no risk of indecent exposure when sitting or in a windy situation. 

The left peplum panel adds a touch of detail and asymmetry to the dress. It also accentuates the waist.  

This dress came with a self fabric belt, but since belts are somewhat of a collection for me I swapped it out for one with print & texture. 

Oh, and let's just speak on this Sage color!  As a red head, greens compliment best.  This sage green is soft and not a shade you see all the time.  I feel that it's more of a neutral making it professional, great for all seasons, and pairs nicely with other colors & prints.  

Dress: The Limited Similar and Here || Belt: Similar || Pumps: Nine West ||

Sunglasses: Ray Ban || Earrings: Kate Spade || Ring: QVC || 

Dress Beautifully in Sage

XOXO Sarah Louise

Ice Blue

Pastel Colors aren't Just for Spring.  

Sure When it Comes to Winter Shades I think of Dark Hues but there's something fresh, clean and snow-like about Light Pastels in the Colder Seasons.  

Now, us Southerners have strict rules when it comes to colors and fabrics worn  in their appropriate time and place.  I'm talking about White specifically. It only comes out from Easter to Labor Day.  I'm conflicted.  I'm a rule follower and I Love my Southern culture and it's traditions. But, my white jeans are THE most comfortable, soft and well White/Ivory are my Favorite Colors to Wear! 

So I broke the rule. 

With all outfits, there's a way to style in making a look appropriate.

When incorporating light colors do so in cold weather items and fabrics.  Sweaters, scarves, and coats in wools, cashmere and tweeds.  This will bring the cool shades right into the right season. 

This Popcorn Cable Turtleneck sweater fits right into winter because it's made in a thick textured design.  I can't say the same for the white jeans but by pairing with boots you get a winter appropriate look. 

I also love the side slits on this sweater, a trend this season.  It allows longer lengths to lay flat on the body.

Sweater: Ann Taylor Sold Out Similar and Here || Jeans: Ann Taylor ||

Boots: Tory Burch || Earrings: Kate Spade Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Pastels

XOXO Sarah Louise

Planner

I'm a Planner!

Are You?

Not Only am I a Planner, I Love to Plan in my Agenda. Old School, I know. 

I'm All Into Efficiency and Technology but Something About Opening Up a Pretty Book, Writing and Crossing To-Do's Off a List, Seeing Fun Events Written Across the Month in my Own Handwriting Beats Pulling Out an Electronic Device and Pecking Away. 

It's a Great Thing that Large Handbags are In :)

I Remember My First New Year's Day with Mr.  I had to Explain to him that my Tradition was to go out and Buy a New Planner for the Year.  He Found it Odd (Menfolk they just don't get it).  Now my Family and Friends have Caught on to my 'Overly Type A - Need to Plan' Personality and Often Gift me a Planner for Christmas. 

Now, Not All Planners are Created Equal.  I'm Particular ... Most Planners are.  In College I was All into the Super Colorful and a Large Size wasn't an Issue.  Now as a Professional, I Prefer a More Subdued Design and a Medium Size.  I need a Full View Calendar so that I can see the Month's Events at a Glance, and Enough Writing Space for the Week to Make my Lists and Add Notes. 

Planning, Whether you are Using a Book Agenda or an Electronic Calendar/App helps you Achieve your Goals, Stay on Task, and to Avoid Forgetting or Missing an Appointment/Event.  I don't know about you but my Brain has Limits and Requires Assistance to Remember it All. 

So for the Past 4 Years I've been Using the Kate Spade Large Agenda to Plan my Days. 

I Love the Classic Designs and Feminine Soft Colored Pages.  They also Feature a Fun Quote on the Page Prior to Each New Month! 

This Year I'm Full Steam Ahead with this Emerald (My Color ... ok Every Red Head's Color) Ikat Agenda

Kate Spade Planner 

Some Other Great Agendas ....

This Planner is Available in Various Sizes, Colors and Leather Finishes 

Southern Gals oh How We Love Our Lilly, This Planner will Surely Bring Color to Your Day 

Love this Gold Polka Dot Planner

Dress Your Plans Beautifully 

XOXO Sarah Louise