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