Statement Sleeves

It seams like a majority of tops (and dresses) these days all have statement sleeves and for a gal that prefers sleeveless I find my self a bit frustrated.  You can go overboard designers.

It's not that statement sleeves aren't pretty, I just find them overwhelming and in the way.  I also have petite arms so not always a good fit.

This top hit the mark for fit and embracing the trending statement sleeve.  I actually purchased it when I was still pregnant with baby girl as a potential top for her newborn pictures.
The top is made of a heavier off-white fabric so it lays nicely without being see through.  The sleeves work because the 2 layers of ruffles start at the elbow leaving the upper arm slim and end far above the wrist as to not be in the way.

I paired it with these frayed crop jeans and velvet heels for a more casual/night out look.  Because that's what I have on my mind being cooped up with a baby all day!  When I'm back at work a skirt or trousers will pair perfectly.

Note:  I wore this top to church this past Sunday with a pink skirt and the sleeves were never in my way. Meaning I managed to not dip them in my plate during Sunday supper because again length was just right!

I always like to add some print somewhere in my outfits and animal is my first choice most of the time so I chose this snake bag. Subtle and neutral.

Statement Sleeve Top  ||  Crop Frayed Jeans  ||  Velvet Heels  ||  Snake Handbag  ||

Earrings  ||  Initial Necklace  || 

Dress Beautifully in a Statement Sleeve Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

Embroidered

Embroidery is an embellishment that is trending across all categories of garments: tops, dresses, jackets, even jeans. I prefer embroidery for added detail over beading.  It adds color and dimension in a soft intricate way.  I also feel that done in vibrant colors in a floral pattern is very worldly looking. 

I kept my shoe neutral in a strappy heel but a pair of flat sandals would look great too and give this look a more casual vibe.

I decided to go with a red bag and pull from color within the dress.

Embroidered Dress  ||  Heels  ||  Earrings  ||  Necklace  ||  Handbag & Similar  ||

Dress Beautifully in an Embroidered Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bottles of Bubbles

Happy first day of Spring! While the weather isn't as bright as I'd like I'm still excited about warmer temps to come.  Baby girl and I love to go outside for our daily strolls and soak up the fresh air.

Before #momlife I would use such occasion to have a glass of bubbles, my favorite spirit.  I mean bubbles don't really require an occasion but if having a reason makes you feel better then go ahead and pop bottles.

Since sleep deprivation prevents me from pouring a glass I will celebrate in the next cutest way in this champagne printed blouse.

I saw it and had to have it!  It spoke my language with those soft pink bottles.

As did the rest of this outfit.  I mean these pink suede pumps with the silver block heel. Just Yes.
Dressy enough for the office and comfortable enough for the weekend.

Everyone has a favorite symbol or object that represents their favorites.  Mine would be lemons, champagne or magnolias for example.  Most recently the color lavender since I've decided that's Vivian Louise's color.  I know a gal who loves flamingos and pineapples (shout out Emily).

When you find things that speak to your favorites you have to have them.

That's what I told myself b/c this blouse was a bit pricey.  But it would have haunted me if I didn't bring it home.

Champagne Blouse  ||  Jeans  ||  Pink Suede Pumps  ||  Handbag  ||  Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Blouse with Bubbles

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: Magic Beauty

Now that I'm a Mamma my time is not my own - Vivian Louise clearly rules over my schedule however I'm working so hard to create a routine that creates pockets of time while she sleeps for productivity and that allows us both to get a good night sleep. Read the book BabyWise (it's taken us much longer since she was a preemie but I'm seeing progress!)

Since time is limited I do not primp to the full extent that I used to.  Also being on maternity leave I don't have to be dolled up every day. But, gals it's not my style to be in yoga pants with my hair in a bun all day.  It makes me feel good to spruce up, even just a little every day.

So these days I have mini primp sessions.
Confession: sometimes they don't happen til mid morning ... ok at the latest early afternoon.  I have to get my work out in first.

My beauty products have to be high performers because the lack of sleep has a high impact. So I want to share with you products that have 'magic' abilities to make me feel and look beautiful despite the absence of beauty sleep.

Under Eye Concealer: Like I said, MAGIC!  Just a tiny amount and my green eyes are bright and wide awake.  This tube will last you forever.

Nail Polish:  I can't stand for my nails to be naked.  I like them short and filed (long nails gross me out). I try and use the time while I'm pumping to paint them.  My favorite polish color is 'Clambake' by Essie.  I'm pretty sure this is my 4th bottle.

Dry Shampoo: My whole life I've never washed my hair but every few days.  It's incredibly thick, dry and naturally wavy so there's no need.  And who has time to blow dry and style a lion mane more than that?? I use this dry shampoo on days 3 & 4.  Beyond that I wear a hat!  It smells so good and truly refreshes my mane.

Mascara:  I've been wearing this mascara for at least 9 years.  I have super pale eyelashes so with out it my eyes look very odd. It makes the world of difference.

Brow Powder:  Along with my eyelashes my eyebrows are very pale (red hair problems) and thin. Brows really frame the face so by filling them in you add great definition. I've been using this product for several years now.  It's a cream powder that I feather into my own brows with a brush. It's also the only one I've found that matches my red hair.

Liquid Lipstick: This is more like a stain.  It's creamy and intense on color so it will last all day long. I put it on very lightly and use gloss on top throughout the day.  My lips are small so it helps to add strong color.


While I'm not putting on a full face on the daily, these few products make a huge difference.
And for the days that my face is all natural there's camera filters :) haha

Dress Beautifully with a Mini Primp Session

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tie Up Top

After a very cold first half of the week I'm beyond excited for temps in the 60's this afternoon.  I'm craving Spring soooo bad! Being cooped up with a newborn makes it worse.  I can't take her out for our strolls when its cold and we both delight in sunshine and outside time.  Now that I'm back in the gym and seeing the return of my figure I'm itching to get into lighter and brighter clothes.

Tie front tops remind me of the 60's and are trending this season.  This one in particular I love because it's in a gingham print (classic) and not only does it have interest in the tie front, it also has buttons down the back - forgot to take a pic of that.  It's light weight to wear as a tee for a causal look but also appropriate for work if paired with trousers or a skirt.

Black and white combo is timeless and sharp.  A very clean palette.  For an extra summer and on trend look, I paired it with these comfy white wide leg jeans.  I bought them last season.  They're super comfy.  The trick for wide leg crop pants to not overwhelm you with volume, especially if your petite like me, is for a high waist design and a shorter or tucked in top.  Also consider a shoe with a heel for elevation.

I added just a hint of color with these blush slides.
I plan to pair these jeans with a sassy top & high heel for date night.

Add a twist to your basic top or tee with a tie front!

Gingham Tie Top & Similar - More Tie Up Tops ||  Similar Wide Leg White Jeans  ||

Slides & Similar  ||  Crossbody Bag  ||  Earrings  ||  Initial Necklace  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Tie Up Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: Nursing Bras

Wearing proper supportive bras has always been of upmost importance to me.  I've never skimped on my bras.  I believe the right bras improve your posture, help clothing fit in a flattering way, can eliminate back, shoulder and neck pain and even improve your self confidence.

Now, that I'm a nursing mamma bras have a much harder job.  The girls aren't just bigger, they are dense and heavy ... and bigger! UGH Making it even more important for support. I was never small chested for my frame to begin with but their size is uncomfortable and I don't like it.  Add it to the list of sacrifices we make for our babies.

So not only are your girls bigger you have to be able to access them.  I've asked my mamma gal pals what bras they wore but in the end found what worked for me.  One of the keys of success in finding my nursing bras were really knowledgeable consultants.  I recommend waiting until 1 month postpartum.  I say this because I went a bit early just a few weeks after baby girl and now the bras I purchased are a bit big. At a month they should have settled after your milk arrival.

If you are local to Charlotte NC the place to go is The Milky Way.  The owner is a gem and helps fit you in the right bras and is also an absolute sweetheart with her encouragement.

Here are the bras that I have ...

Wireless Nursing Bra

I wanted a wireless for comfort but didn't want to compromise on support.  This one is perfect.  It's full coverage and comes in a huge range of sizes so if you're like me with a smaller frame you can find a good fit. I wear this one out and about and even at home.

Molded Cup with Wire

This one is so light weight.  There is a rumor out there that wire bras negatively impact your milk supply and ducts.  false.  In the right fitting bra where the wire isn't putting pressure on your girls you won't have any negative effects but rather achieve great support and a lifted look in your clothes.

Smooth with Wire

This one is made of very soft fabric and very smooth.

Night Time Bra

My sister recommended these and they've turned out to be my favorite for hanging out at home and for night time.  They are soft and easy for accessing.  No clips or cups to fold down you just stretch the fabric to the side.  I own 5.

Tank Bras

I bought a few and ended up giving them to my sister.  My gal pals love them and so does my sister.  I didn't.  I like to be covered up more at home and when I sleep.  I wear the night time ones above with button up pajamas.
Note: I'm obsessed with Ralph Lauren pi's.  It's basically all I wear!

Racerback Bra

I thought this one would be more like a sports bra but it is not.  More like the night time bras.  It is soft but definitely not what I would call supportive for day wear outside your home.
I do have a set of the washable heart shaped nursing pads and love them. Super soft.  I've only leaked once due to a long time span between feedings but I wear them anyways to keep any creams from getting on my bras and they feel nice. 90% of the time I use these disposable pads.

Now for sports bras ... I can't even!!!  I'm back in the gym and the struggle is real.  I leave home as soon as I'm done feeding baby girl and they are still so uncomfortable when it comes to running and jumping.  I'm still on the hunt for good ones so I will include that on a workout post.  (I am not a fan of home workouts but have no choice with a newborn so I'll share what I'm doing later ... Picture this, lunges down the hallway and push ups in the nursery - you do what you have to do!)

If you're a nursing mamma I hope this was helpful or help a sister out and send me what you've found.  If you're not a nursing mamma send this to a friend who is :)

Dress Your Nursing Girls Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Mini Bags

TGIF! On Wednesday's post I accessorized with a mini bag.  And while they aren't practical from a stand point of carrying 'everything you need', they are super cute. Think of them as a clutch with a handle.  And besides what all do you really need? We are grown gals not babies (I can attest that they do need lots of stuff hence the diaper bag).

So here are some mini bags I find adorable ...

Top Handle Satchel

Sleek and sharp in bright white - Perfect for Spring/Summer & comes with a cross body strap

SPLURGE on this one! 

This Circle Bag is super cute - and I love the color 

Tassel Bracelet Bag - Comes in several colors! 

Blue Studded Bag - a bit edgy!

Quilted with Chain Strap Bag

Dress Beautifully in a Mini Bag

XOXO Sarah Louise

Spring Must Have: Stripes

Spring must have: Stripes.

Ok, let's be honest stripes are for all seasons but something about the bright white and crisp lines screams warm weather.  This dress is a classic and what I like to call a 'Forever Piece'.  Meaning, you will have it in your closet for years of wear making it a wise investment.

The palette is neutral giving this dress endless styling options.  Like I mentioned in yesterday's post, I prefer to swap out self fabric sash/belts with one of my own for added texture, interest and style.  You could also add color to this dress with a blazer, belt, shoes, handbag or jewelry.  I opted to keep the look full of contrast allowing the stripes themselves to be the focal point rather than a pop of color. 

I did add some shine with more classics in a pair of gold hoops and cuff bracelet.  

Stripes are a staple when it comes to adding print to your wardrobe.

Stripe Dress  ||  Similar Pumps  ||  Similar Handbag  ||

Dress Beautifully in Bold Stripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mixed Florals

Gals! I'm back!  I was supposed to be back Monday BUT sweet baby Vivian Louise wasn't quite ready.  I decided to give myself 2 months off because maternity leave is necessary time to take care of your newborn (and yourself).  Also the priority list has been permanently rearranged.  I'm doing my best to keep Mr #1 but baby girl is right at the top.  Let me back track God is first Amen! Following that it's my relationships, my health (workouts will always trump a blog post) my home and then all the work/other stuff.

This blog is a hobby and something I enjoy however when it's inconsistent my type A self gets antsy so I'm doing my best to create a new structure/routine and distribute my time as best I can.
Putting my planner to work!

Disclaimer:  My figure is NOT back to it's pre baby shape :(  While I'm slowly slipping back into my clothes and working out as much as I can I'm learning it takes time and no matter what as long as I'm nursing the boulders will remain large :( They are the HARDEST part about getting dressed.

I'll write about workouts later.

So for my first outfit post I picked this mixed floral silk midi dress.  I saw it in the catalog and loved the feminine design.  I also noticed the button front and thought 'oh nursing friendly' (although I have yet to do it outside my home - and probably won't not my thing!)

Then I was nervous about fitting.  I don't want to invest in clothing a size bigger to accommodate my chest when this is so temporary.  I believe in buying clothes that serve as forever pieces and it shows because I wear garments purchased from many years back. I also haven't changed size in over 10 years (it's all about healthy lifestyle: eat clean & exercise)

This dress has a forgiving design so when the girls are smaller this dress will still look fantastic.

I love this clothing company it's just a shame it's out of the UK so online ordering only but I find the pieces run true to size.  The fabrics and designs are modest and feminine.
There's even a baby/children's line that is adorable!

The one thing I would change, and was hoping to show you, is the belt.  When a dress comes with a self fabric sash I almost always swap it out for one of my belts.  I have quite the collection of vintage belts that have interesting buckles.  It also adds texture and personal style.
BUT the belt I ordered as a prize for myself when earning my waistline back is on backorder!  I've been waiting almost 2 months and it still isn't here UGH
I guess it's fine because those abs aren't steel yet.

Floral Midi Dress  ||  Pumps - Affordable Version  ||  Similar Mini Bag  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Floral Midi Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise