Simply Striped

Stripes are simply a classic print that every gal must embrace. A classic black and white striped top and dress are staples for your wardrobe that I promise you will wear over and over. 

They pair beautifully with everything – colors, textures and even other prints, like leopard!

This dress is a maternity dress.  I don’t technically need it quite yet, however I don’t want to reach a point where I literally have nothing to wear and find myself scrounging and paying full price at the store.  So, I’ve taken advantage of sales and promotions and have been purchasing ahead. 

This dress has amazing structure and shapely paneling that creates confidence for a growing silhouette.  Like I shared before I’m not a fan of cotton/jersey fitted dresses.  I didn’t wear thin unstructured fabric garments before so I have no desire to start now.  I believe clothing pieces should skim the body. It’s just flattering and classy.

I styled this dress how I would normally style a striped dress.  I plan to keep my maternity style as close to my normal as possible -  I already have crisp dress shirts, pencil skirts and A-line dresses.

Since we are technically in Fall despite the just plain hot temps, I layered with another classic, the denim jacket.  You should all have one and if not shame on you.

I added a pop of color with my red bag so I kept the shoe neutral. Check out the back of this dress J

Don’t hesitate to style with added print with a scarf or shoe.  I foresee a trench, camel sweater and boots pairing next month … maybe even tights & colored coat come November.  Seriously the options are endless.

If you do happen to be like me (there are a couple of you sweet gals aka belly buddies) on a mission of  ‘being a babe while having a babe’ you NEED this dress!

And for the rest of you I’ve linked less roomy options down below. 

Striped Dress & Similar ||  Non-maternity Striped Dress  & Here  || 

Slides & Here  ||  Denim Jacket & Here  ||  Handbag & Similar  ||  Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Striped Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: The IT Pant

Good Morning Gals!  I hope that you all have a great start to the week. It can be a disappointing to leave behind the enjoyment of a relaxing weekend away from the office and with your family but I try and think of it as a fresh start full of opportunities to make great impacts. 

Today is the first ‘Mamma Monday’ post and I’m starting with an essential that’s been a life saver for me.

I’m sharing with you the IT pants of all pants.

I purchased these last year as my gal pal has them and after seeing her in them I wanted to have my own to step into.

I don’t gravitate towards casual, lounge, athletic (whatever you want to call it) wear.  It’s hard for me to spend money on that stuff as I’m in office 5 days a week and at church on Sundays so they wouldn’t get much wear.  I’m also a dressy gal and feel more comfortable in structured and tailored pieces.

However, I will say that I have softened over the past couple of years and own more casual/basic garments. 

These pants have been a workhorse for me as I’ve transitioned into pregnancy.  I have them in both black and navy and wear them each once a week.  The other 3 days I typically wear dresses.  They are made of a synthetic material so they’re super lightweight and cool, have a modern design in a tapered leg and have a partial elastic waist that gives enormous comfort.
Oh and they have pockets!

I’ve paired these with tees and sandals/sneakers for the weekend and pumps and a blouse during the weekdays.

The only element that can be of bother is the tie strings, I have to make sure they don’t show underneath my work blouses.

They come in multiple colors & in regular, tall, and petite lengths. I wear regular and they hit right at my ankles – I’m 5’2” tall.

They are clearly not maternity and I enjoyed them prior as an alternative to jeans on the weekends.

Now, they are a part of my every day wardrobe.

I also foresee them being just as useful post pregnancy.

Today I’m 22 weeks and 4 days carrying baby girl and they will hopefully be with me til the end. 

Note:  I wear my normal size.

I’ve also found that I do NOT like the over the belly pants!!! I’m sure partly because my belly just isn’t big enough yet but it’s smothering and itchy.  I’ll definitely be opting for skirts, pants and jeans that have elastic in the waist band to be worn under.

I’m telling you now, go get yourself these pants!!!!! 

Ankle Pants

Dress Beautifully in These Wear-Everyday Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Must Haves

Gals, TGIF! I’m so ready for this weekend. My career has been extra demanding this week with big deadlines and next week doesn’t look any better not to mention I’ve had a few really sick days but pushing through and showing this baby girl how strong her Mamma is!

Mr is off of work this Saturday so we have a full day together with breakfast, a work out, house projects and hanging out with friends.

When I’m out shopping sometimes I see things that I like or will wait to see if they go on sale to purchase and other times I see things that I just have to have.  I’m talking ‘can’t live without’, ‘I’m taking these to the register’ things.

Well today’s Friday 5 post are things I literally must have...

First, The shoes!

I first laid eyes on these while at the mall with one of my gal pals – she has them in black.  Gals, these will be on my feet just trying to decide when to pull the trigger as we are in the midst of renovating our home and designing a nursery (still haven’t found a money tree in our backyard).  Thankfully our new furniture has already been ordered and paid for.

I’m in LOVE with the blush color and envision myself wearing them all seasons with skinny jeans, trousers, dresses … basically everything!  Think of slides like a ballet flat when styling.

The Bag

Navy is my most favorite dark neutral.  My grandma loved navy shoes and handbags.  I find it much softer than black.

This handbag is ladylike, sophisticated and just looks rich!

It’s on sale this weekend for 30% off – which means I have to get it now right??!!!

The Fragrance

No lie, I’ve been wearing Chanel Chance perfume since I was 16, that’s 18 years! I love it and haven’t found anything else.  I prefer strong scents, always the eau de parfum never the toilette.

Just a few weeks ago when Chanel came out with this new scent I immediately spritzed it on myself and inhaled!  It’s perfect! I placed this one on my Christmas list.

The Fur Vest

Well, I can’t get enough fur in my wardrobe, color it pink and I’m struttin sassy! And warm J

The Gold Cuff

I prefer to keep my jewelry classic and this gold cuff fits for a forever piece.

Dress Beautifully in Pieces You Must Have

XOXO Sarah Louise

Floral & Lace

Florals in the Fall  is fashion’s way of holding to the pretty blooms of warm weather.  Just incorporate with darker hues and more coverage.

I actually prefer tiny printed florals over the big and bold.  I believe prints should be classic and proportionate to your frame and clearly I’m petite even on my tippy toes.

I can’t tell you gals how much Anthropologie has taken over my #ootd ‘s over the past few months.  The flowy designs of their pieces are feminine, light and have just been comfortable this Summer.  Though I haven’t had much of a bump to accommodate, I have felt ‘fluffy’ in the middle. I’ve had to take a break from tucking, pencil skirts and sheath dresses  sniff sniff. 

This dress isn’t maternity but add a sweater and I’m hoping it will carry me through.  And it’s a smart investment as I’ll wear it when the belly is long gone!

The added lace and midi length adds femininity and a twirl factor.

It also reminds me of dresses we wore in the 90’s #tbt

I like adding booties with it for a more casual fall vibe.

Floral Midi Dress  ||  Peep Toe Booties  ||  Handbag  ||  Earrings  || 

Dress Beautifully in Florals for Fall

XOXO Sarah Louise

Candy Stripes

Well, I told you I was coming back and here I am!  Sadly, my hopes were higher than reality when it comes to this pregnancy sickness. Gals, it just won’t go away.  I often feel like I’m sentenced to torture for 9 months.  But I’m continuing to take my prescription meds with as much of a grateful heart as possible (they make me so drowsy) and to be honest I do throw up less than I used to.  I’m pushing through and have some fabulous and chic outfits to share! 

So this top struck my fancy as soon as I saw it.  The boldness of the stripes and the unique collar made me have to have it.  My only concern was the sleeves.  Because I’m petite and have smaller arms I’m not a fan of volume and length hanging over my hands.  But they hit higher and in a poplin cotton they have just the right touch of structure.

Now, in fully disclosure I am 21 weeks in these pics. My bump is tiny enough that I’m still able to wear non-maternity tops. I don’t say that to be competitive!  Every gal has a different body and pregnancy so embrace yours! I just want to be honest. Now my girls are another story!  Large isn’t the word – they far exceed my bump growth and I’m not a fan.

And since we are sharing, I actually got my feelings hurt ordering the fabric for my nursery drapes because the ladies at the store asked me who’s nursery I was designing.  At the time I was 20 weeks #halfway and no one would ever know I had a sweet baby in my belly. I know, I know I should be thrilled, and a huge part of me is, as I do want to stay healthy, strong and not gain too much but I’m just so proud and honored to have her that I want to show her off for all to see! 

Now, I don’t know about you but I got a candy striper vibe with the red and white stripes of this top (better than the carnival take my sister had on it) so as we were taking these pics she then starts singing the ‘candy shop’ song by 50 cent #bless Just keepin it real … and fun.

I paired this bold top with distressed jeans, yes they are maternity.  But you totally wouldn’t know it! Gals, it’s just too tight to button my regular jeans.  

I’m also obsessed with loafers! My poor feet just can’t strut in heels like they could in years past and they totally complement the menswear look.  My favorite color to wear is white and I carry light shades throughout all the seasons.

I’m glad to be back and hope you’ll pick back up reading along. 

I'm going to start a new series where Monday’s posts are going to be all about Mammahood but since I realize almost all of you aren’t belly buddies with me the fashion will stay on concepts that relate to all.

Striped Top  ||  Distressed Jeans  - Non-maternity  ||  White Loafers ||

Handbag & Similar ||

Dress Beautifully in Candy Stripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

And then there was 3 ...

Where have you been??

Well gals, I've been growing a baby!
Mr and I have been praying for a healthy baby for quite some time and we are beyond grateful to God for this great blessing!!

Despite our hopes it's still the greatest surprise when those dreams become reality.
I had just earned a new career position that I had been working very hard towards and knew its responsibilities and travel were going to have my plate full. But God knows better than we do and just 2 weeks after my first day I saw double lines on the test!

After the surprise, shock and joy came the struggle.  The struggle of 24/7 sickness.  I expected fatigue but the extreme nausea and throwing up around the clock (it will wake me up in a dead sleep) was something no one prepared me for.  My doc prescribed me medicine to help.  And while it has helped me endure I still find myself sick as a dog almost everyday.  Taking it isn't an option - it's a matter of survival. I find that no place nor time is off limits - I carry bags with me at all times.
And I'm so glad I have my own office so that I can shut the door when needed.

With all that said, beyond doing my best in the office everything else has been neglected.  I'm most grateful to Mr as he has picked up my slack, my gal pals for encouraging me and for my sweet sister who when over at our house cleans my room because I'm too sick and tired.

My focus has been taking care of myself and health.  I sleep, eat what I can (boiled noodles, potatoes and crackers mostly) and exercise as much as my body will let me.

So after taking the Summer off (unexpectedly) I'm coming back!

I miss writing to you gals! I miss sharing my outfits!

I'm going to be 20 weeks this Thursday, half way! and I'm having to accept that this sickness doesn't seem to be easing up any so I'm going to try and get back to the things I love.

When it comes to fashion these days I haven't been hitting the racks as I see no need to purchase when I know my body is inevitably going to expand. But no worries I'm staying up to speed on trends. And while a huge part of me wants to have a visible bump to show off I'm still not there yet.  I tell myself to embrace it as the time will come when I will be forced into maternity pieces.

Thank you for sticking around and having patience.  I have a ton of posts lined up!

I'm already learning that motherhood requires strength and that grace is more important than perfection!

Dress Beautifully When Growing a Baby!

XOXO Sarah Louise