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