Friday 5: Lemons



TGIF! It's been a while since I've done a Friday 5 post ... let's not count how many Fridays!  I'm sorry gals, I want to say life has been busy but I truly despise the phrase "I'm busy". Like who isn't'??!!! I don't know anyone who just sits around bored.  And can we please not compare busyness? I've been hearing it for years "try balancing with kids" or "just wait til you have kids".

Ladies, kids or no kids one's responsibilities and commitments are no less significant.

I feel like I'm on a rant but we have to do better. I posted a quote on instagram this past Wednesday about lifting each other up; being a cheerleader not a competitor.

You don't have to have the same interests or schedules to support one another and take interest.  Embrace each other and the things in our lives that make us us.

Like this blog. I LOVE writing it. I love hustling at my job, exercising (don't even get me started on the various forms of working out and how everyone's gym or class is better - just sweat the way you want it's all about being strong & healthy!), teaching Sunday School, being on the VBS committee, holding a leadership/committee chair position in the Junior League, keeping up my home (not the cleaning the decorating), and most importantly loving my family.  Yes, just us two is a family!

Let's turn some negative lemons into lemonade ... or better yet limoncello! Cheers to the weekend!

How chic is citrus for Summer?!

If you know me in real life or have been reading along over the past 3 1/2 years you know I love lemons!  Every year my birthday cake is lemon.  My kitchen is decorated with lemon accents, I own a lemon dress, top and a gorgeous pendant necklace Mr gave me for my 31st birthday.

I'd have so much more but I must hold back.

Here are some lemon printed sundresses I've rounded up for you ...

Lemon Midi  ||  Blue and Yellow Lemon Print  ||  Off the Shoulder  ||

 Spaghetti Strap  ||  Navy Lemon  ||

Dress Beautifully in Lemons

XOXO Sarah Louise

Black & White with a Pop of Red

Gingham is just plain print goodness.  Simple boxes of contrast in a grid pattern.

And is there anything more classic than black and white with a pop of red?! Not in my wardrobe.

I did do something slightly unexpected.  Rather than pair with black shoes/sandals, I went with a cognac brown.  Still a neutral but not so matchy.

As far as the pop of red, now that’s completely overplayed but THIS BAG!!!!

Oh and I’m on the midi length bandwagon. AND I’m petite. So throw out the mindset you have to be tall and thin to rock a longer length! Key is to have a defined waist line, the higher the better and you will look longer, I promise.

Gingham Dress  -  Here & Here & Here  ||  Sandals  ||  Handbag  ||  

Dress Beautifully in a Gingham Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bells & Blues

This year it seems as Summer is not only the season for shorts but also for statement sleeves.  Whether is cold shoulder, one shoulder, off the shoulder, ruffled, embroidered, or belled embellished sleeve designs are trending hot. I’ve embraced all of these sleeve styles and I must say one shoulder is my favorite! 

I loved this top particularly for the blue embroidery and they sleeves were short enough not to hang over my hands - deal breaker! Also in a light fabric I'm not going to melt. 

Now shorts, from April through September are a functional staple down here in the South.  While I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else the heat can be miserable making shorts essential for keeping cool.  But I hate wearing shorts.  I love the look and style of them but my legs are my most least flattering feature.  It’s been a life long struggle.  I exercise daily including intense cardio, distant running and heavy lifting and while they have improved over the years due to my diligent workouts they will never look the way I’d like.  I remind myself every day how blessed I am to have a healthy strong body.  I was made in God’s image and for that I am grateful!

You won’t see shorts on this blog but maybe a couple times a year because I like to focus on classic pieces and since I'm a career gal professional dressing. Hence I don’t wear shorts on a high frequency basis but funny enough I do have over 10 pairs. Hey, I haven't changed size and like I said I opt for classic so they're always in style. They’re also all cotton in pretty colors and prints and must be 4-5” long.  Any shorter and I’m not coming out of the dressing room. Any longer and I feel frumpy. What I don’t have is a denim pair … until now.

Denim shorts take the challenge to a whole new level.  They tend to be thick and stiff, gap on the back waist band and super tight on my legs – gross!

I’ve always been on the hunt for a pair as it’s an American classic to wear a pair of cut off jean shorts in the Summer.  Mr has been begging me to wear them for years and I’ve been promising him that if I found a pair that fit comfortably I would.

Gals, I found them!  They are soft, distressed, higher waisted so no gap, long enough and roomie in the leg opening. I truly couldn’t’ believe the dressing room mirror!!!

Now all I need to do is where them in real life.  I have a date with Mr tomorrow night – not sure if they’re appropriate for an evening date but definitely for our next weekend afternoon together.

Bell Sleeve Top & Here  ||  Denim Shorts  ||  Wedges ||  Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in Bells Sleeves and Denim Shorts

XOXO Sarah Louise