Friday Findings ...

TGIF!

Although I am in NO rush for summer to end, these looks are perfect for now and later when the temperature is much cooler.  It's a smart investment when pieces can be utilized across seasons with simple additions/changes.

OFFICE

*For cooler weather, Add a crisp white dress shirt underneath 

Double-Breasted Vest   Black Trousers   Slingback-Mary Jane Pump  

Handbag  Earrings

EVENING

* For cooler weather, add a black blazer and/or black tights

Marble Dress   Fringe Heels   Clutch

CASUAL

*For cooler weather, opt for riding boots and a cardigan

Denim Dress   Pointy Toe Flat    Leather Tote

Dress Beautifully in Pieces that can be Worn Now & Later

XOXO Sarah Louise

Polynesian

There are days I imagine myself sitting on an island underneath the shade of palm leaves.

I may not be on an island, but I am enjoying coastal living this summer.  Something about the bright sunshine and breeze off the water, it fills you with happy.  It's essential to keep cool in the heat of summer - I believe it's equally essential to be stylish.  This dress does both.

I may not be an islander but this palm printed dress makes me feel like one.  In neutrals, beige and black, this print is a bit more sophisticated than your typical bold multi-colored palm print.  In light weight cotton and shift design it's easy breezy.

I kept this look neutral but feel free to add color in a long necklace, sandal or clutch.

Don't worry and be happy in a polynesian print

Dress: Similar Here Here & Here  || Fedora: J Crew || Wedges: Kate Spade Similar ||

Dress Beautifully in Polynesian Print

XOXO Sarah Louise

Color Block

Black & white is the most classic combination.  It's the highest contrast between light and dark.  It gives a clean, sharp and polished look.

I tend to keep my tops and dresses fitted/tailored on my upper body as it's the most flattering on my shape.  Lately, the boxy and shorter hems are trending for tops/blouses.

I try and follow my own rules so instead of walking past I try on.  The key to wearing the boxy tops is to ensure they are fitted on the shoulders and chest and keep your skirt or pant fitted higher on the waist so you still see the shape of your body.

I adore this fit and flare skirt and have it in two other colors that I've posted here and here.  It's a fun skirt and I often do a twirl in the mirror when getting dressed :)

This blouse not only has great architectural shape but is breezy and cool to survive the summer heat.

I did add some gold accessory for some shine and a blush handbag for just a subtle pop of color.

Blouse: J Crew Factory || Flare Skirt: J Crew || Bracelet: J Crew ||

Earrings: Towne & Reese || Shoes: Similar || Handbag: Tory Burch || 

Dress Beautifully in Black and White

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Findings

TGIF!

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is still going so if you haven't taken advantage or maybe you just need to take another look, I suggest you shop soon before it's over or that piece you were watching is sold out. Here are my Picks I shared with you last week.

Here are some looks I've put together that are sure to have you dressed beautifully whatever the occasion ...

Casual

Striped Peplum Top  Slim Pant  Mules  Bucket Bag

Office

Wool Sheath Dress with Shoulder Tabs (more colors including a bright cerulean blue) 

Red Blazer  d'Orsay Pump  Black Handbag

Soiree

Off the Shoulder  Lemon Dress   Pink Peplum   Emerald Maxi 

Dress Beautifully for Day, Night and Weekends 

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Wives Club

Are you watching 'The Astronaut Wives Club' on ABC Thursday nights??
If not, get online, catch up and program your DVR.
I anxiously awaited it's premiere along with my neighbor, a fellow military wife.

You see, there is a strong and unique bond amongst the wives of men who bravely sacrifice and embark on dangerous missions.  It is us wives that are left behind to faithfully cheer them on, keep our home together and pray for their safe return.
We truly are steel magnolias wearing our smiles while often filled with fear inside.

This show depicts the wives perspective, a point of view rarely conveyed.  Though it takes place around 50 years ago, there are vast commonalities to today's military wives.
Over the past two years I have grown to lean and rely on fellow military wives for guidance, support and lots of laughter (mostly over glasses of wine)!

I served on a boards of non-profits composed of military spouses and was even president of one this past year. We come together in support of our country, husbands, each other and our community, for we know the great social and service needs.

We are often lonely, scared and wishing our husbands were home. I can count the number of days Mr has been home this year and that number isn't high. I know this next year will be a challenge but thank goodness for my 'wives' to get me through!

No matter your circumstance, we all need gal pals to cheers our good times and stand by our sides for the tough times.  If you aren't already, get together with your gal pals and form your own club (we're not too old!) single, married, mammas, what ever suits your fancy.

Book clubs are a great way to get together (supper clubs are great too but we all know the kitchen is foreign territory to me). I failed to share with you my summer readying list a couple months back - but honestly I read all year (the scenery's just better by the beach - Amen?!!)

The Astronaut Wives Club is a non-fiction book (the bases for the tv show).  I haven't read nonfiction since undergrad and surprisingly this was far from boring! It was on my book list as soon as I found out about it.  I read it in just a few days and found myself relating immensely to the astro wives.

I read almost every night before bed ... I find it to be a calming routine.

Here's what's on my list to read ....

I've read all of her books - great beach read

This one is trending on the book scene - I'm anxious to read

I recently met Kristy at a book signing! 

She's a delight and graciously gave me encouragement!

Several of my gal pals enjoy reading Elin's books - It's about time I join in

 Coming 8/4/2015

Jen is HILARIOUS! I literally LOL 

Coming  8/11/2015

Consider adding 'The Astronaut Wives Club' to your reading and watching list :)

Dress Beautifully at the Next Meeting of Your 'Wives' Club

XOXO Sarah Louise

Jacket + Shorts

Blazers & jackets are my thing.  I maybe own 2 cardigans as I prefer the structure and sophistication of a jacket.    The construction of a blazer/jacket provides shape on the body and is more durable for many years of wear.  Jackets also give a more polished look to any outfit.

Blazers/jackets have come a long way over the years and I'm loving all the fun details in the modern designs with unique fabrics, prints, asymmetric hems, and zippers.  The zippered mid-closure and functional cuff zippers bring a hint of edgy to this jacket.

It can be hard to think of putting a jacket on in this summer heat so opt for a light shades and fabrics in linen/cotton as well as for your foundation pieces.

Pairing a jacket with shorts is a chic way to be casual and cool. The geometric print on this jacket is trending but also interesting because when your really take a close look, the woven pattern is tiny little hearts!  Since I rarely wear black, blues are my go-to neutrals.  This jacket's color palette is primarily ivory and blue but with hints of black threads throughout and on the zippers you can carry it through all seasons.

Jacket: J Crew Factory || Silk Tank: J Crew || Shorts: J Crew Similar & Here || 

Pumps: Nine West || Pearl Necklace: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully Pairing a Jacket with Shorts

XOXO Sarah Louise

Home Sweet Home

Two weeks ago Mr and I celebrated a milestone with the purchased our very first home!
We are returning to the 'Queen City' Charlotte!!!

There was a time when I pouted at the 7 years we spent apart (apartment living in Charlotte for me and a 1 room studio for him in downtown DC - not ideal for a Mr & Mrs) only to finally reunite the past 2 years in military housing.  But Mr, being the amazing man that his is, always reminds me that home is where ever we are.  It doesn't have to be big or fancy or even in the desired zip code to be a home.  I may have to remind Mr when he's living on a ship/overseas for 9 months.

So when I feel like complaining, I simply go look out my living room window at the peaceful waters and I'm reminded that he's right.
This military house has it's negatives but the backyard sunsets will leave you speechless. #GodisGood

With all that being said, I literally have ants in my pants to move into this beauty!

I've been on a break with Pinterest the past 2 years, partly because I didn't want any outside influence so that I could ensure this blog was original and all me and partly because I would get sucked in and loose hours of my life (same reason why I had to cut back on Bravo TV, except for the housewives!)

But I'm back pinning away.

Here are my top inspirations for beautifying chez moi....

ENTRYWAY

LIVING
(I have a formal and den to decorate)

I actually own this mirrored console

DINING

BREAKFAST ROOM

BEDROOMS

SUNROOM

All images from Pinterest

Those Front Steps are my Favorite!

I Can't Wait to Show You How I Decorate My Home Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise