Traditional Tartan

Tis the season for tartan!  This festive plaid will surely have you looking ready for Christmas (even if you're hustling to get gifts, wrap them and have your house clean and decorated). As long as you look like you have it all together on the outside the secret is safe! At least that's what I tell myself :)

I've had this top for several years now but thankfully it comes back every year. It's a classic piece that goes with everything, comfortable and can be dressed up or down for any holiday occasion.

I added some Christmas red with my handbag and a vintage belt for a touch of sparkle.

Now, these SHOES! I die!  I saw them out shopping with baby Vivian Louise several weeks ago and wanted them sooooo bad.  They look high fashion, super comfortable with a low heel and come on, they have an oversized velvet bow!!!!! However when I turned the shoe upside down the sticker shock killed the mood.  BUT tis also the season for epic sales, so I brought these puppies home for nearly 70% off the day before Thanksgiving.
That's my preferred day to shop over Black Friday because most retailers are running the sale starting Wednesday and no one is out because they're cooking (I'd rather do anything but that) and no crowds.

So put on your tartan and enjoy the joy of Christmas!

Tartan Top | Black Pants | Similar Belt | Handbag | Velvet Bow Shoes | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Tartan Plaid

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: Baby's First Christmas

Gals, Christmas is only 15 days away! I can't even tell you how special this year is now that baby Vivian Louise is here. Christmas used to be my least favored holiday (I'm an Easter gal all the way) but now I'm loving the magic and joy of it all.  Dressing her up in her Christmas dress, adding her stocking to our mantle and especially being Mrs. Claus!

Shopping for her is always fun and something I can't avoid no matter where I am but putting presents under the tree for her is extra sweet.  I always imagined Mr and I going shopping together to pick out her toys but let's be real he's at the hospital over 200 hours a month and while we could take her with us (she won't remember) it's no fun dragging her here & there in the hustle and bustle.  So, 90% of her presents were ordered online and have conveniently arrived on our doorstep.

So I thought I'd share what Santa Claus will be bringing her for her first Christmas.  I only have a baby girl so most are girlie but if you have a baby girl of your own or shopping for a niece or friend these are great gifts.
Also great for a 1st birthday ... She's turning 1 just 3 days after Christmas!!!

Radio Flyer Walker Wagon - I love this because it will help her when she starts to walk and she can push her toys around and even use it when outside. It's a classic!  Her Grandma is getting her this wagon.

Swing - Vivian LOVES to swing at the park! We have a humongous magnolia tree in our front yard that is perfect to hang a swing from.

Chair - While I do NOT allow her things to overtake our home (her toys are in her room or in a basket that stores in a closet; even her cage folds up to store away) I'm ok with a chair of her very own that's easy for her. I chose the regular size that she can grow into.

Teepee - I can't wait to crawl into her teepee and read stories and play with her! I like the size of this one because it won't overtake her room.

Doctor Kit - since her Daddy practices medicine it couldn't be more perfect.  I like this one because it's felt and soft for her.

Noah's ark - same company as her doctor kit.  I love the classic fabric products.  They are easy for her to play with.  She also has this fabric bible.

Silver Hair Brush & Comb - I believe heirloom pieces are important.  This is definitely more for me than her but she will appreciate it when she's older.  They also allow for up to 18 characters for engraving so I was able to put her full name.

Mailbox - We love checking the mail!  I've passed my obsession with snail mail onto her.  She sees me write notes almost daily.  I even asked Santa for a this copper mailbox for our new home.

Blocks - A classic toy and great for learning!

Peek-a-Boo Bunny - this cutie is so fun! Vivian loves to play peek-a-boo. It comes in an elephant too.


Her birthday is just 3 days after Christmas, we are gifting her these:

Baby Doll & Outfit - I wanted a doll small enough for her and soft.  I also loved the traditional outfit so that it looks like her :). This doll was my second choice.

Baby Doll Pram - I love this one because it's classic and just like her stroller.

I have no doubt that on Christmas Day & her birthday that she's going to have more fun with the wrapping paper and boxes but over the next year she will grow and play with all of these things.

Of all the gifts we give her, our time and love are the most important! That's really all she could ever need :)

Dress Your Baby's First Christmas Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Velvet & Bows

Velvet is probably one of my favorite fabrics.  Even in my home I've incorporated it into my decor with pillows and chair upholstery.  It's a heavier textile but sooooo soft and it has a subtle luster in the light.  For the holidays I'd rather wear velvet over sparkles!

It's an understated glamor and doesn't limit you just to the holidays but for all season long.

I was drawn to this top for all of its details.  The velvet has an added shimmer to it, and in a leopard print design. The neck & shoulders have shear ruffles and I could picture myself wearing it dressed up or down with a pair of jeans. I lightened the look with ivory trousers.

The best part .... these velvet bow shoes!!!! I found them a couple months ago and fell in love.  They look so high fashion.  The price tag was also way too high for a special occasion shoe. But come Black Friday they were over half off so I pulled the trigger #noregrets

They have a low heel and a quilted satin lining for comfort.  I couldn't wait to wear them to church this past season.
They're basically going to dictate every outfit I wear this month :)

Also, mini handbags make an outfit not-so-everyday.

Velvet Blouse | Wide Leg Crop Pants | Velvet Bow Mules | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Velvet (and Bows)

XOXO Sarah Louise

Knits & Pleats

Well gals, because soft sweaters are are cozy and a pleated skirt makes great twirls this outfit is undeniably pretty fabulous. Need I go on?!

Now for the accessories I mixed the classy with the edgy, pearls and studded pumps.
Pearls are not just for old ladies, personally I love wearing mine.  They're forever cherished pieces that I hope to pass down to baby Vivian Louise and for even her to pass down. Keeping your outfit modern will remove any 'Grandma' vibes.

I wore this outfit to church this past Sunday but it would be perfect for the office or an upcoming holiday shindig. Replace the sweater with a blouse and you have year long wear.

This sweater has a puff sleeve, but NOT the 80's kind (although there are tiny shoulder pads sewn in).  That's most of the reason I bought it, I have very narrow and small shoulders and I feel it balances my shape.

Sweater | Pleated Skirt | Pumps & Similar | Pearls |

Dress Beautifully in Knits and Pleats

(And don't forget your pearls)

XOXO Sarah Louise

Chambray Shirt 5 Ways

Hey gals! While most of you are probably in the kitchen preparing for Thanksgiving tomorrow, I've been avoiding it like the plague.  I'm a fashion over food kind of gal!

While I know it's tradition to eat all the sides and pies I would rather not.  It doesn't make me happy and it does nothing good for my body so I prepare healthy veggies and a big salad to bring to the table.  I will however have tiny tastes on my plate because my family did work to prepare the meal and I want to be grateful. I also try and get outside for some activity.  Most years I run the turkey trot here in Charlotte, a 5 mile run first thing in the morning but sigh I'm missing it again.  It is simply too cold to run with baby Vivian Louise and Mr is working so I'll have to settle with playing with my nephew in the afternoon.

Since this is probably a 5 day break for most this post is perfect timing.

The chambray shirt is a wardrobe classic!  It goes with everything and can be worn for almost any occasion.  So here's a little show and tell of 5 looks to inspire you to get lots of versatility out of yours.  And if you don't have one (shame on you!) I've linked lots of options at the end.  Or maybe yours is a bit basic and you want to add one with some ruffles or a bow like I did :)

Girls Night Out

A fun skirt with a strappy heel and I guarantee the night will be as fabulous as your outfit. I always tell you gals to invest in the classics but you do need some snazzy, outside of the box, pieces.  The key is to spend very little on those.  I scored this monkey skirt for under $20!

Similar Statement Skirts: Here & Here 

Office

Combined with suiting and the chambray shirt has never looked so sharp! It's also a modern approach as work place attire has relaxed over the years.

Love this 2 Piece Suit: Here & Here

Casual

Black or Denim skinnies with a pair of ballet flats is the perfect option for a Saturday of shopping, errands, lunch or gathering. 

Black Skinnies | Similar Flats |

Church

Ladylike is the way to go for Sunday worship (I have yet to wear pants but maybe once and they were silk).  I'm traditional when it comes to church, its the way Mamma raised me. So a feminine skirt and handbag dress up the skirt plenty. And these pumps add a shiny modern touch.  No one wants to actually look like their Mamma in the pews.

Pleated Skirt | Handbag | Similar Studded Pumps |

Soiree

Since it is holiday season a pair of bright red pants and a clutch will have you comfortable and festive for the season.  And who wants to invest in sparkly duds that you'll only wear once?! I've found that wearing the color red, lace and a little sparkle is all you need to deck out for parties.

Red Pants

Chambray Shirts: Basic | Bow Neck Tie | Ruffles | 

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving

Dress Beautifully in a Chambray Shirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: Perfect Plan with a Purpose

Hey Mammas!

Truth:  I have ALL intentions of writing a 'Mamma Monday' post Every. Single. Monday. I have countless things I'd like to share.

Reality: It never happens.

Here's why ....

I'm right where I need to be, with baby Vivian Louise.

If my younger self were to see me today - she wouldn't believe it!

You see, I was never one of those gals that just wanted kids and knew she'd be a Mamma. It scared me.  I'd worked so hard in college and in my 20's building my career, giving all of my energy into climbing the corporate ladder.  I also invested myself into non-profits and really developed my interests in fashion and fitness.

I also babysat a ton so I knew it was a lot of work.

When Mr was in the military we certainly avoided the topic due to the uncertainty (that became certainty) of deployment and our time was temporary. I was counting down our return to the city and my career. Also, the town we lived in still holds the status of the highest birth rate in the country (epic turn off!)

So when Mr encouraged me following his return from deployment in the Middle East I was filled with anxiety! It wasn't an easy road (we have a baby angel) and I had just started a new job when I found out I was pregnant with our baby girl.
That job turned out to be the most horrible work environment and growing a baby had me throwing up around the clock the entire 8 months! Traveling was the worst!

My last business trip

I share all of this because God orchestrated these series of events to prepare me for where I am now.

All the hustle I did in my 20's taught me hard work - then military realigned my priorities teaching me that relationships are far more important than status - then that horrible work environment taught me to serve where you are planted despite the conditions.

Vivian Louise surprised us all with an arrival 4 weeks early.  As soon as my water broke one of my first thoughts were of relief that I didn't have to go back to the office one more month! It was that bad!

As the days went on with my tiny blessing bundled in my arms, God really assured me that being with our baby, our greatest gift was where I was supposed to be.

LOOOOOONG story but the point is Mammas, he has a plan. A perfect plan with a purpose.

I always assumed I'd be back in the office following maternity leave.
And there are moments I miss the meetings, spreadsheets and definitely the clothes!!!!!

I'll be back.  Maybe in a few months or maybe a year.
But for right now, no salary could compete with her sweet smile :)

All day long I am grateful for her Daddy's hard work in providing for us!

Wherever you are, remember you're there because of his perfect plan and purpose for you!

My Dress | Her Dress & Bonnet

I'd choose being on the ground with her over being behind a desk every time!

Dress Beautifully Wherever You Are

XOXO Sarah Louise

Opposites Attract

Lavender, lace and leopard - Say that 3 times fast!  These aren't your average color, texture and pattern pairings BUT I think they're fabulous.  Combining contrasting elements creates a look that's interesting and stylish.

The soft pastel color lavender with the rich bold browns alongside the feminine texture of the lace with the fierceness of the animal print is a combination of opposites that is striking.
It's unexpected yet very pretty.

Personally, I love pastels in the cooler months.  There's so much darkness and heavy textures it's nice to see fresh colors. And you can wear them all year long.  You can't say the same for a burgundy velvet top (not that I'm opposed to wearing one).

Mix up your colors and textures gals and give your pieces new style!

PS I'm giddy about ALL the lavender on the racks! It's baby girl's color and I've adopted it for myself too :) The matching skirt to this top may be on its way to my closet!

Lavender Lace Top | Leopard Skirt | Pumps | Handbag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Lavender Lace & Leopard

XOXO Sarah Louise

Highs & Lows

Hey gals! I hope you're having a great start to the week. I wore this dress to church yesterday and the ladies showered me with compliments and insisted that it make it on a post.  I also shared it on my Instagram stories (if you don't watch them you're missing out on a lot of cuteness from Vivian Louise).  Not only did I receive a lot of requests for links to this dress but a lot of happiness when they realized it's from Target and $35!

So we snapped a few pics right after church :)

Now that I'm a Mamma I'm at Target all the time! And all sorts of things end up in my cart, mostly for baby girl, but I tend to wonder the aisles and things I didn't even know I wanted make it home.

The trick to styling a garment from a big box store is accessorizing it with fancier items. So I paired it with a designer handbag, pumps and belt.

I always swap out dress sashes with belts. I love belts and always have. My favorites are vintage.
It also creates a feminine waistline.

Now I don't typically wear dark florals but I loved the lighter brighter colors against the black and the cut is super flattering! It's has buttons all the way down with ruffles! And the cap sleeves flatter the shoulders.
I added these fun tasseled earrings to pull from the lavender in the flowers.

Floral Dress | Pumps | Belt | Handbag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Mix of Splurge and Steal Pieces

XOXO Sarah Louise