Match Set

I'm loving all these designer lines presented at the big box stores with affordable price points (I'm not going to discuss the Lilly for Target too Cra- Cra!) 

I've always loved Milly but it is definitely something I purchase on sale or for a special occasion. So I was pretty excited to see this Milly line for Kohls. It was inspired by the designer's trip to Capri, Italy and I couldn't wait to get my hands on a few pieces. 

My store didn't carry the full line so I may have to order online but I did bring home this beautiful blue and white matching set.  It's not my typical nature to coordinate to a tee but in this case I'm Matchy-Matchy all the way! The print reminds me of italian porcelain pottery.  It has that 60's vibe but in a modern design.  The cotton sateen finish is polished and comfortable. 

The crop top is shorter but not so short it's inappropriate.  The pant and top meet with a slight overlap - note I'm short waisted and barely 5'2" with my puffy hair. 

So for taller gals or for the office, pair shorter tops with high waisted pencil skirts or trousers.  Try layering a button down underneath. 

I'll be splitting these pieces up pairing each with white, navy, black and gray colors.... maybe even yellow :) 

Crop Top: Milly for Kohls || Capri Pants: Milly for Kohls || Heels: Franco Sarto Similar ||
Bracelet: Hermes || Clutch: Tory Burch || Earrings: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in a Matching Set

XOXO Sarah Louise

32 & Dancin Like I'm 22

My 32nd birthday was this past Saturday and was such a blessing that I just have to share.

Mr's been away for a month :( he's coming home on Thursday and I can hardly stand it!!! I plan on squeezing the stuffins out of him and basically kissing his face off!! I only have him for 3 days then he's back out but I'm going to cherish each moment.

But I wasn't worried, just as Mr's missed almost all my birthdays for the past 9 years - result of long distance love, my gal pals swoop in every year to celebrate!

It started Friday night with dinner and a sleepover - We watched movies and painted nails - Perfect TGIF!

Lemon Cake with Pink Frosting and Little White Candied Pearls #Perfection

Make a Wish!!!

Check out that candle we had to borrow from the neighbor's kid :) 

I can't tell you how grateful I was not to have to wake up by myself (sorry Scragley but you lack thumbs and ability to respond with words - meow doesn't count) 

I got a surprise FaceTime in bed - BESTEST present!  I hadn't seen his handsome face this month and barely have spoken.  

Then there was the delicious birthday breakfast - belgian waffles, fruit, and black coffee.  If you don't have a waffle maker, go get this one! It's amazing and perfect for hosting brunch as it makes 2 at a time - ultimate crowd pleaser for adults & kiddos. 

I was spoiled rotten with pretty pretty presents!  Even my gal pals from far away sent me love xoxo

Yes I FINALLY got a lemon tree - I've been asking for one for years but my history for killing plants has Mr refusing.  So a gal pal stepped in ...

Last year I spent 31 with my fellow Navy wife gal pals on a trip to Charleston and this year I got to celebrate with them again but this time we were feeling sporty and adventured to try Curling!!

Confession: I've never ever played a sport - unless you count dancing or the marching band and no one ever does. 

I LOVED IT!!!!!

It was so much fun!  And learning together, cheering each other on was the best part.  We even got to play each other in a game once we mastered the basics.  

Yes my birthday #ootd was neon athletic wear!  

We finished the night with pizza and a birthday song! 

When I got home I found my front lawn decorated with a fleet of ships & balloons from the Naval Hospital

Thanks to all my friends near and far for the cards, messages and wishes!  

April 25th really is the perfect date!! - one of my all time favorites! 

Birthdays are special as they are a celebration of the blessing of another year of life.

God still has a purpose and plan for me and I'm looking forward to the adventures 32 has in store! 

Dress Beautifully - Like it's Your Birthday! 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Day Tux

This black and white bib front dress screams tuxedo to me.  I feel very Coco Chanel in this menswear inspired look.  But I kept it cool and fun with rolled sleeves and silver loafers.

Black and white is the quintessential sharp color pairing.  It's classic.  I'm really drawn to bib front tops and dresses for a touch of masculine and interest to my dressing. 

The fabric on this shift dress is a textured weave giving it a luxe feel.

For a more dressy look pair with pumps. 

And as always - Pop your collar!

Dress: Ann Taylor - On Major Sale!  || Loafers: J Crew Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Menswear Look 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Floral + Denim

TGIF!!! I love this Friday because it means tomorrow is my Birthday!

I love my birthday; not because it's a day to celebrate myself but because it means I've been blessed with another year of life.  God still needs me here to continue his purpose. I'm excited to be 32 and for the new adventures that await! 

Simple and Pretty sum up this look.  A cotton floral dress, denim jacket and wedges are the perfect pieces for a causal but chic outfit.  Everyone should own a denim jacket - in my opinion.  They're soft, warm and never go out of style (I've had mine for 4 years now). Rather than a blazer, the denim jacket dresses this look down for casual fridays or weekends. 

Florals make you feel bight and cheery.  This big floral print caught my eye with it's contrasting dark abstract print against the stark white.  The cut is ideal for it's waist hem and small subtle pleating. 

I have lots of blessings to celebrate this weekend - even though it may not be your birthday weekend I say you always have reasons to grab a glass of bubbles and cheers!!

Dress: TJ Maxx Similar || Denim Jacket: Gap || Wedges: Kate Spade Similar & Here ||

Handbag: Tory Burch || Sunglasses: Target || 

Dress Beautifully in Floral & Denim

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Twirl

This accordion pleated skirt & blush tank just make me want to spin around like a ballerina!

I actually was a ballerina when I was young - and the truth is I like to twirl now just as much.

I found this skirt unexpectedly.  I've never been shopping at Kohl's, although I've always been curious about their lines.  I was surprised at the cuteness from some of their designers.

This skirt is from Lauren Conrad's collection.  It's playful, feminine and in white - From the dressing room start I had fun twisting in this skirt.  I love the grosgrain waist with light elastic for shape and the double layered pleats for lots of movement. 

I paired it with a blush tank and layers of pearls for a ladylike look.  

It totally reminds me of Carrie Bradshaw from Sex in the City's opening credits.  

Blush Tank: Ann Taylor || Pleated Skirt: Lauren Conrad || Pumps: Nine West || 

Handbag: Tory Burch || Pearls: Similar ||

Dress Beautifully in Accordion Pleats

XOXO Sarah Louise

Rosy Posey

Roses are the epitome of romance and femininity.  Their sweet smell and colorful petals just make me think of love.  

I adore this ladylike top for it's slightly cropped design in a metallic jacquard fabric.  The vibrant colors of pink, purple, red and a touch of dark, make it look almost like an abstract painting. The gold threads throughout gives off a touch of shine.  

I typically shy away from boxy tops but in a shorter length paired with a higher waisted bottom piece it actually highlights the waist line. 

In the hustle and bustle of life we often loose track of the beauty around us and what's truly important.

Stop and Smell (or Wear) the Roses! 

Rosy Top: Trina Turk Similar & Here || Ivory Trousers: Similar & Here || 

Cuff: Ann Taylor || Lace Up Pumps: Similar || Earrings: Towne & Reese || 

Dress Beautifully in Roses

XOXO Sarah Louise