Ways to Wear: Tiered Midi Skirt

Hey gals, so I thought I'd try something new.  I posted about this statement skirt a couple weeks ago and styled it with just a basic white tee and block heeled sandals.  I always share with you gals ways I have/intend to style pieces for a variety of looks but I thought it would be fun to actually share with you ways I've worn a garment.

So in case you were wondering, yes, I do wear the pieces I post about in real life.

Note:  Sometimes when scrolling through my instagram feed I really have to wonder if those gals actually wear what they post.  I can promise you that what I share are pieces I have personally chosen to add to my wardrobe.  I believe a wardrobe should be a collection of pieces that not only make you happy but that get worn.

So here's how I styled it on this post ...

Here's how I styled it for church ...

I swapped the gingham clutch for gingham pumps and the tee for a pretty lace blouse.

Here's how I styled it for a Sunday afternoon at my Mamma's ...

Comfy in a printed tank and sandals.  

Here's how I styled it for one of Vivian Louise's Dr appts ...

Denim tied up shirt & sandals

Here's how I styled it for lunch with a gal pal ...

Striped Tank and Wedges

Fashion is what you buy, but style is what you do with it! 

My Skirt (lavender & navy) Here and in Embroidered Pineapples

Dress Beautifully in All the Ways You Style Your Pieces

XOXO Sarah Louise

Summer Breeze

If you live here in the South you know that in order to survive the Summer heat you must dress for function.  And that means easy breeze light weight garments and hats!  Hats aren't just a fun accessory, they protect your skin and shade you from the bright scorching sun.

We all want to be cool and look chic at all our Summer socials.

Well gals, this outfit does just that!  A tank and a light as a feather skirt paired with the most elegant sun hat will keep you cool and looking chic even on the hottest of days.

PS I'm 100% midi length over maxi!  I get the long length without having to hem and I can wear flats or heels. Also, being petite I find it flattering.

My dear friend owns this shop in the cutest NC coastal town and when she posted this beach hat I was just a few clicks away from placing my order.

On a personal note: we are celebrating 8 years of marriage tomorrow and Vivian Louise's turns 6 months on Thursday!!! Time certainly flies when you're having fun and babies really don't keep!
I never thought I'd be the type of Mamma to want to be at home but this time with baby girl has been the most special.  I wouldn't change it for anything in the world! Baby or no baby cherish the moments in your life wherever you are :)

Sun Hat | Tank | Skirt | Similar Wedges | Similar Basket Bag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Easy Breezy Pieces & a Sun Hat

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Classic Casual Uniform

Gals it doesn't get more classic than a crisp white shirt and a pair of jeans.  Now add some modern details like ruffles and distressing and you're anything but basic.

I own countless cotton white tops #sorrynotsorry They're clean fresh and bright.  As for jeans I'm probably average.  I will say being a bit petite it's frustrating when the distressed knees fall on your shins.

When you wear a white top and jeans it's the accessories that really show your style.  Since I'm more dressy and traditional I went with a timeless pump and belt.  You could add sandals or stilettos which ever suits your fancy.  Or add some color in a bold earring.

Speaking of accessories, lets just chat about this belt.  Baby Vivian Louise's birth was traumatic to say the least.  She came a month early in just a few hours so needless to say I wasn't prepared.  We were about 2 weeks in surviving hour by hour with our itty bitty baby and I remember thinking as I cringed with abdomen pain from my c-section surgery, that I'll never have my abs back! Silly I know because I was crazy fit before her and with time was going to be back in the gym.  I decided to treat myself to a prize for earning the return of my waistline so I ordered this belt.  It was on a short backorder but estimated to arrive within 4 weeks - which would be the time I'd be cleared to exercise so it was going to be good motivation for me.

Well, here we are mid June and it finally arrived! And what do you know, I do have my waistline back.  It's still a work in progress building my muscles to where they were but SL has her groove back.

To my Mamma gal pals: it's hard work incorporating fitness with all the extra responsibilities that come with children (especially when your exhausted, have no time and if nursing with these massive melons) but remember a health strong Mamma is important for you and your family! I'll have to share with you some fitness Inspiration and motivation next Monday.

The belt is the perfect neutral and will go with everything from suiting to jeans to dresses.

Similar Ruffle Shirt & Here & Here  | Jeans | Similar Pumps | Belt |

Dress Beautifully in a Classic White Shirt and Jeans

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Girliest Dress That Ever Was

Gals, I've been a girlie girl from the start.  I'm talking pink, bows and frills since I was a babe.  I haven't let up 35 years later.  And now that I have a baby girl it's amplified (if that's even possible). This dress is the epitome of girlie.  A soft baby pink with a tie neck bow trimmed in white.  In a classic fit and flair design it's flattering for every lady. While I'm typically not a fan of sleeves, these little cap sleeves add just the feminine touch.  Add a pair of pearl studs you'll have a quintessential  primp and proper look.

Note:  I seriously can't wait to be rid of this Dolly Parton situation! It's making me so self conscious in my clothes but I'm enduring. #momlife

Pink Bow Dress  | Pumps |

Dress Beautifully in a Girlie Pink Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: Infant Toys

Happy Monday Mammas!

One of my favorite things to buy Vivian Louise is toys (second to dresses, naturally).  It surprised me but seeing her play with toys is so much fun!
The big smiles and excitement she has for them while joyful, they are also a big part of her development.

We use them for tracking, tummy time, coordination and even working on her noggin shape.

Some of the key things I look for in toys are bright colors, size for her to hold on to, noise/crinkle components, and cuteness :)

I happen to receive several hungry caterpillar toys at my baby showers and from just a few weeks old Vivian Louise has LOVED them.  She was able to see the big red head early so I began quite the collection (I'm embarrassed to tell you just how many she has). She even has a caterpillar backpack that we use to carry her toys in when we go places.

Almost all of our play time is on the floor so that she can use her body to move.

Here are a few of our favorite toys ...

Her lavender sleeper is part of a 3 piece set (zipper is awesome)

I love them so much that I've purchased them in every size.  She's still in the 0-3 month. 

Glow Seahorse - I registered for this and it's been a go-to every day!  it plays the sweetest music and she loves it! We take it everywhere, even on our strolls.

Oball - She holds this ball and eats it every day.  It's one of our top 2 toys.

Caterpillar Crinkle Book - Our #1 Fav! She holds it, crinkles it, eats it, stares at it, basically obsessed with it.  When ever I need to cheer her up it's a winner. The crinkle is MAGIC!

Clown Chime Ball - This is a classic toy. We use the clown to help with tracking, meaning following with her eyes and moving her head.  It makes a chime sound when you shake it, the head spins and the arms move.

Noggin Stick - This toy is also great for tracking and encouraging her to look/move her head where we want it.  The head lights up and changes colors when you shake it.  It rattles and has a mirror on the end.  She can now hold it and eat it.

Music Box - This box lights up when the music plays.  She loves the sounds and it is also good for tracking.

Rings- These are awesome for tummy time.  They can 'rake' use their hands to grab them and drag them.  They're also great for hooking onto things (carseat, stroller, bouncy seat) so she can play with them.

Rattle Socks- these are the jam! They're like tap shoes and help her find her feet.  She moves her legs with gusto when she wears them! I take lots of videos.

Books - It's never too early to start reading to your kiddos but they are also great to prop up for babies to look at during tummy time.

While I never imagined I'd be spending my days at 35 playing on the floor with toys, it's better than any great day in the office! 

Dress Your Baby's Play Time Beautifully with Fun Toys

XOXO Sarah Louise

Not So Basic Skirt

This skirt adds soooo much fun to your summer wardrobe! It a cool crisp cotton the tiers add just the right amount of volume and a little 'swoosh' when you move.  It's a way to feel dressy while still being cool and comfortable. Bonus, the light lavender color is so pretty and a neutral for mixing with printed tops.

As with just about everything in my wardrobe versatility is important when purchasing a garment.
A tucked in blouse and heeled sandals for a night out or church.
A tied demin shirt or tee with flip flops for Saturday shopping/lunch.

It's also the perfect beach vacation skirt!  I'm dying to have my toes in the sand since we missed out on going to the beach over Memorial Day weekend :(

While this skirt is far from basic, pairing it with basic tops makes for a nice balance.
Be sure to add some print if you opt for a solid top - neck scarf, statement necklace or handbag will do nicely.

I went with a plain white tee and added interest with a shiny gold necklace and gingham printed clutch.

Lavender Skirt || White Tee || Sandals || Clutch || Necklace ||

Dress Beautifully in a Tiered Midi Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: Tops for the Nursing Mamma

Hey Gals!

I've been meaning to share with you tops that are friendly for the nursing mamma. Because unless it's a shirt dress you're sentenced to a two piece wardrobe for this phase of life.

Confession:  I'm more than a little frustrated with the lack of fashion freedom due to the size of my chest and access needed for nursing. Motherhood = sacrifice! It is only temporary I tell myself over and over again when I want to quit every. single. day.

However, I've been able to find tops in my same size (I'm not buying something that I can't wear later - bad investment) that are on trend but allow me to easily feed baby girl if needed.  Not that I do it much outside my home, well basically I avoid it at all costs but there are times.

You want to look for tops that are looser or have a more boxy shape to them so that you can easily lift up or unbutton. Also, try fun colors and prints because we deserve to still feel pretty even when it's Alllll about the babies!

Be careful of tees and tanks that you don't stretch them out lifting.

Here are some tops I've found that function and are fashionable ...

This classic cotton top has invisible zippers! So cool and one of my favorites!

This pretty pink button down in a looser fit and tie front is not only trending but super comfortable for the summer.  I've worn it several times now with jeans, skirts, and even a pair of joggers.

PS I also have the strawberry version - both in size xxs

This green blouse adds not only color but beautiful detail in the embroidery!

This is an example of a boxy straight cut top that has just enough room to lift up but not too big that you look sloppy.

This floral lace top in pink is one of my absolute favorites! I wore it on my birthday :)

Seriously, Kate Spade makes the pretties clothes!!

A classic stripe button down. Goes with everything and this one is great because it is super light and and a slightly longer sleeve (just above the elbow) Leave them down or roll them up.

The workhorse for your wardrobe, the chambray shirt.  This one is super soft and there's nothing in your closet it won't pair nicely with. 

If you're a nursing Mamma like me 1st, you rock! (hardest thing I've ever done) 2nd I hope you find some of these tops to your liking or at least find some inspiration for dressing because it's important to dress beautifully even when you have to halfway undress several times a day.

Dress Beautifully in Nursing Friendly Tops

XOXO Sarah Louise