Linen & Pastels

 

Lightweight linen is what Summer dreams are made of! It's a light and airy fabric perfect for beating the heat and with a touch of whimsy.

My love for pastel colors is something I can't reserve for just Springtime. I wear them all year long infused not only in my wardrobe but in my home too.  They're soft yet cheerful. I always feel pretty in lighter colors. 

This dress while simple has thoughtful and romantic details in the button front, gathered neckline and puff sleeves. 

It's an effortless piece due to its comfortable design that dresses up with a heel and just as easy with a sneaker for a walk with my darling Vivian. 

Linen Midi Dress - Mini Length Option | Espadrilles & Here | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Linen 

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Holy Week in a Box

What a very special week this is! It is the time we take to remember, reflect and celebrate the events that took place around Jesus dying on the cross for our sins and rising again!

I want to share with you an activity you can do with children to help teach them about these events in a fun way. This is great for preschoolers all the way through elementary school age.  It's a wonderful opportunity for older children to teach the younger ones.

HOLY WEEK IN A BOX

You'll need a small box, a figurine of some kind, green paper, a small piece of cloth & a marker.

Here is a link to make a little booklet explaining the special events.

PALM SUNDAY

We remember Jesus riding into Jerusalem, the branches waving and shouts of "Hosanna!" 

John 12:12-13
Cut the green paper to resemble 2 or more palm branches. 

Tell the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. 

Reenact the events using the figurine and leaves shouting "Hosanna!"

MAUNDY THURSDAY

Draw a simple cup & loaf of bread on the lid of the box.

The last supper. Jesus stands at the table and shares the meal with his disciples. We remember how he told us to do the same.

GOOD FRIDAY

Draw a simple cross on the back of the box. 

Ask the Lord to help you explain the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross to wash away our sins.

You can talk about how sad Jesus' friends were and how grateful we should be that he took the punishment for us. 

In the evening, cover Jesus with the piece of fabric and place him in the tomb.

RESURRECTION SUNDAY

An empty tomb! He is risen!!!

Share the great news that when Jesus' friends went to visit His tomb it was empty. 

Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!

I love to sing songs with Vivian.  It's fun and a great way to learn.

O Happy Day! is one of her favorites

Here's another fun song to the tune of "Are you Sleeping?":

Here's the cross. Here's the cross 

(make a cross with your fingers)

Jesus died. Jesus died. 

(use finger to make tears fall from your eyes down your cheeks)

See the tomb. 

(cup hands to reveal empty tomb)

He's Alive! He's Alive!

(clap to the beat)

Happy Easter from My Family to Yours!

Dress Beautifully Celebrating Holy Week

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Peplum Tops

 TGIF! Gals it's been a fun week for me. Lots of exercising & playing outside (lots of Easter egg hunts in our yard). I had my teeth cleaned (I absolutely LOVE going to the dentist so it's a noteworthy) AND I cleaned out my closet putting away my Winter pieces and bringing out my Summer ones. On Monday I'll share a post on my process.

My very first blog post in a dramatic peplum top circa 2014

Today I want to share all about peplum tops. Several years ago they were the "IT' design and for reasons I can't understand they vanished from the racks. The good news is someone in the higher ups of the fashion world discovered this mistake and is making efforts to return these beauties to our closets.

Archives May 2019

What makes a peplum top so pretty?

1. The seam whittles the waist ... do I really even need to give more?

2. The design creates curves and simultaneously camouflages the lower abdomen (if you've had a kid you know)

3. The ruffle hem is feminine.

4. Plays well with pants, skirts and shorts of all designs! 

5. Flatters all body shapes and sizes.

Eyelet Wrap Top - here in Stripe & Gingham

in 2 additional colors

Gingham Puff Sleeve Top - Beige Version

Crushing on this one hard! But a splurge

Bright Floral Wrap Top

Mint Smocked Top

on sale and so fresh

Embroidered Flutter Sleeve

Smocked Floral Top

Dark Floral

Love the texture and detail - big splurge

Shirred Peplum Top

Love this chocolate neutral, so pretty with white jeans

Spaghetti Strap Top

Love the color & adjustable straps

Pale Yellow Lace & Embroidered Top

loving yellow lately and the sweet embroidery on this one

Tie Shoulder Top

this top is so fun!

Dress Beautifully in a Peplum Top

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Flower Power

 

Florals for Spring ... groundbreaking! Gals, The Devil Wears Prada is an all time favorite movie.

But, truly all the floral prints are out on the racks ... more like websites and I'm here for it.  Flowers are pretty and colorful and cheerful. We gift them to those needing wellness, those we love and plant them around our homes to add beauty. So wearing them is a no brainer. 

Personally, I don't discriminate too hard when it comes to floral garments. I love tiny blooms in liberty prints as much as big bold blooms.  I do prefer lighter and brighter shades. 

This blouse struck my eye for the saturated colors, abstract watercolor looking print, crisp cotton fabric, collar shirt design and pretty puff sleeves!

I was able to try it on in the store! I truly love touching and trying on pieces.  The sizing runs big and I ended up ordering and xxs petite with plenty of room and length. Normally I'm an xs petite or xs for reference. 

The versatility of this blouse extends from jeans, shorts, skirts and even trousers. I can't think of an occasion where it would't shine.

I chose a casual pairing with distressed jeans and a slide heel.  This is how I would style it for a gathering with my gal pals ... which is what I'm dying to do!!! 

Shoes are very on trend and resemble a high end designer pair.  I love the mid height heel for wearability. 

These jeans are one of my most favorite pairs for their cool design and amazing comfort! And if I'm hard on them playing with Vivian it's all ok because they're ripped up anyways. A concept my Mamma can not understand.

Flower Blouse | Jeans & Here | Slide Heels | Hoop Earrings 

Dress Beautifully in Florals

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Decor Elements for Every Room

When decorating my home my goal is for it to be pretty and reflect us.  We live here in this space so it should be a display of what we love and memories we've made.  There are several things I incorporate in each room that does just that.

Fun Fact: I rearrange decor ALL the time! So these shelves may look different in couple weeks. 

All of these things will add beauty and help showcase your style ...

1. Plants - Living things add life to your home. They actually help clean the air you breathe all while giving us little reminders of God's amazing power in creation. Choose pots that reflect the colors and style of your home. When choosing plants, think about what can thrive in you space/lighting and what you can realistically maintain.  Personally, I love Christmas cactus and fiddle leaf fig trees.  They're easy to take care of - just water and place near sunlight. 

My Mamma gave me this plant and the brass pot was a thrift find

2. Books - Literature enriches our lives and clearly displays your interests. Books show anyone who's in your home what fascinates you enough to read and learn about it. For Ryan, you'll find books on medicine, military and golf. For me, you'll find books on fashion, biographies of influential women, home design and etiquette. You'll also find copies of the Bible that are sentimental to us whether they belonged to a family member or were a gift. The Word is the most important and greatest book that ever will be!

These are sentimental Bibles to both of us

3. Pictures - Framed photos of the memories we've made are my favorite. I involuntarily smile when I see them remembering the he joy I share with my beloved family.  I encourage you to surround yourself with images of those you love most.  I also believe that while the professional posed photos are beautiful, framing the candid moments that aren't so picture perfect, perfectly capture life well lived!

I find most of my frames at Homegoods and for quality printing I use MPix

PS I'm taking my advise and going to update/add printed photos around our home. I'm so behind! When you have that picture you can't wait to post and provokes a 'frame it' reaction. Do it!

4. Sentimental Items - I have so many treasures that I cherish throughout our home.  Things that belonged to members of my family, people who have impacted my life or that were a gift. Sure, you can shop pretty items at the store, I have plenty throughout, but there's something about a piece that has a connection and story behind it. Of course you want things that align with your style but think about why you're adding it to your space. Is it because you saw it promoted somewhere else? Or better, is it because it evokes joy to you?! 

This pink floral plate belonged to my Grandma - it's cracked but reminds me of her

The cranes remind me of my Mamma, she loves birds and they evoke a feeling of hope and happiness

The Japanese find them to be a symbol of good luck

Note: When I do purchase decor I prefer it be from an antique or thrift shop!

5. Mirrors - They are the fairest of wall decor for their ability to reflect light, enlarge spaces and add style. I have them in every single room. Don't worry, I'm not living in a 'fun house'. They fill walls with unique shapes and materials without competing with my other items of color and pattern.  They make our rooms brighter and bigger. Often I find adding art or gallery walls of prints is just to busy while a mirror is streamlined and highlights what's already in the room.

I didn't get a good view of our mantle mirror but I purchase most at Homegoods or Antique Shops

Tip: Round or sunburst mirrors are a fantastic option for filling a large wall

Bonus:  I also like to add animal! NEVER living ones (an intense battle in this home - Ryan has wanted a big Lab for most of his life ... I kill his dream every day).  I like subtle animal prints and actual animal objects. We even have Brutus, a deer head, mounted on the wall in Ryan's office.  I love the nod to nature without the elements. Animals are majestic and their patterns in elegant colors and textures add natural beauty.

I recovered the seat of this old chair with soft zebra fabric myself

The Foo Dogs are from a favorite shop on the NC Coast - go shop Beaufort Linen Co NOW! you can thank me later :)

The cranes were found at Homegoods

Let the things in your home tell the story of you!

Dress Each Room of Your Home Beautifully

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Spring Shoes

TGIF! Gals, the time has come to get your piggies polished up b/c sandal season is upon us! 

Not So Fun Fact: Ryan & my sisters know & my gal pals are slowly but surely coming to know, that I have the world's worst feet! Ok maybe not the world's worst, but they're bad. No lie! I have calluses, cracked heels, bunions on both feet, tiny nails and arthritis that makes me cry from time to time.  But I keep on truckin! 

I refuse to let my feet take me out of cute shoes, but I am more practical than I was in my younger years. If they aren't comfortable I don't buy/wear them. I also primarily wear nude shoes because along with bad feet I have big ole ankles (Ryan calls them sturdy - he's lucky we're married because durn that's harsh ... but true). Nude shoes elongate the leg and are a soft neutral to pair with my outfits. They go with absolutely everything making them a smart investment.

I also like to move around with easy so my shoes have to be walkable #momlife.  Along with comfort I value quality.  Well made shoes will last and last. The photo memories that pop up remind me of just how long I've had some of my shoes.  I've even resoled some.  Quality shoes aren't the cheapest but they do wear the best being made of natural materials that conform to your feet.  Italians win for making the best.

When purchasing 'trendy' shoes I don't spend as much but I do make sure they're comfortable.

Here's my Spring Shoe Line Up ... in the Nude! hehe 

Clockwise: Rosegold Knot Slides - Canvas Espadrille - Blush Loafer Slides

Star Wrap Sandals - Strappy Heels - Raffia Platform - Quilted Slide Heels

Dress Beautifully in Sandals

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Wear the Rainbow

Happy St. Patricks Day!!! I hope it is a lucky day for you 🍀

Fun Fact: Despite my red hair I'm not Irish (Primarily German & English)

I thought this rainbow gingham maxi dress was perfectly fitting for today's occasion.  I also think it's perfectly fitting for vacation and pretty much any warm Summer day. Because it does have all the colors of the rainbow you can easily style with more color or neutrals. 

It's super light weight and I love the smocked waist for shape. It's tiered design is super on trend but what makes this one so flattering is that the tiers are not so voluminous.  The bright colors and print are bold so I love that the shape is slimmer and softer.

The straps are adjustable which is a must for me. It's actually a deal breaker when they don't adjust as I have small shoulders and they'd never fit otherwise. It also makes you feel supported in a garment when the fit is proper. 

These sandals are a favorite of mine for the walkable heel, comfortable slide design and shiny metallic color for a dressier look.  I prefer my shoes to be neutral so I can pair them easily with my outfits. 

I added a new gold hoop earring to my jewelry box! You gals know I wear these daily and this new pair is by the same designer so just as shiny and dainty but in a traditional hoop shape.

Rainbow Gingham Maxi Dress - Mini Dress Version | Sandals | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Rainbow Colors

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Virtual Coffee Date

Good Morning Gals! 

While we may not know each other in real life and even if we do, Lord knows face to face time hasn't been an option for a year now #tear I thought I'd do my best and pretend we were having a coffee date. It's a little one sided with me just chit chatting at you but I'm hoping you'll write me back and share what you're up to lately ... dressbeautifully@gmail.com 

So come, sit down for a spell and let's virtually clink, cheers and catch up with a cup ...

Currently I'm ...

Sipping - A large cup of dark roasted black coffee.  I grind 1/4 cup of beans in Ryan's Grandpa's old grinder and sip it piping hot, that's essential! Adore our simple, classic large mugs. 

FYI: French press is the best.

Coffee is one of the only things I enjoy consuming.  (I don't give a rip about food) 

Rising - at 5am for a couple hours of solitude & productivity before my darling wakes.

Reading - His Word each day, often throughout the day.  Its promises haven't failed and I've been filled with His grace & mercy each hour.  When I get into the Word it gets into me and changes everything about my heart and the life I'm living. 

I'm also putting my to-do list aside and reading books I've been meaning to crack open for months in our backyard hammock several days a week now that the weather is warmer. #noregrets

Relating - to Cameron Wimberly's book 'One day you'll thank me' and laughing along.  I too was hesitant to have a child and struggled with the decision  to leave my career to choose to be home with my daughter.

I also am content with only having one child. 

Working - hard at my workouts to get stronger and faster!

Listening - to 90's & 2000's jams while I sweat ... it's the good stuff from my glory days and while it may not be edifying it pumps me up.

Striving - to make this space a place of encouragement. 

Ministering - to middle & high school young ladies as a Sunday school teacher. I've been teaching every Sunday for 5 years now and boy do they bless my life! Of all the 'jobs' I've ever had this one is the most rewarding! 

Loving - the Spring time weather and longer days!!!!! ALL the things outside.

Looking - for patio furniture that doesn't cost a fortune.  We want a sectional sofa that is high quality and will last us years.  And it must be comfortable. 

Waiting - for vacation! Beyond excited to be toes in the sand with my gal pals in 6 weeks.

Deciding - on my next decor project! We recently finished a renovation that included 6 rooms (sharing detailed posts soon) so I'm resting now but I know I'm going to get a wild hair to change something up.

Organizing - my closet. It's time to store my winter clothing and bring out Summer!

Wishing - for this clutch for my birthday present.  I'm 38 next month (I totally feel 28!) 

Avoiding - my huge picture project! I have an embarrassing amount of pictures over the past 3+ years that I need to sort through, digitally organize, upload into books and print. Sigh it's so overwhelming I don't even know where to start ... so I haven't UGH 

Craving - Watermelon out on our back patio under the warm sun!

Enjoying - running outside in the sun and seeing all the trees and flowers blooming

January 2020 - far too long ago

Wanting - a date night where I'm can wear something sassy (not church appropriate) and cheers my husband in a dim room with good food and zero distractions, sooooo bad! 

Trying - to drink more water #thestruggleisreal

Giving - as many kisses to my darling girl as I possibly can! 

Struggling - with Ryan's work schedule. He practices medicine in the Emergency Room.  He's working long shifts and a great deal of overnights at the hospital with only 3-4 days off each month.  This does not allow for a lot of time together and is taxing on him (and us).  

Practicing - gratitude, everyday. Despite the circumstances! I am blessed beyond measure and thank God for all that He's given and allows to happen. I know He will provide, protect and is always present.

Watching - eh this is a tough one. I rarely watch tv and frustrated with Netflix b/c everything is so overly inappropriate. I really enjoyed the shows 'The Crown', 'Steel Magnolias' and 'Firefly Lane'.

Indulging - on Halo ice-cream.  I buy one pint a week and have a few spoonfuls a few times a week. Chocolate, strawberry and sherbet are my favorites.

Missing - fellowship with my gal pals. It's heartbreaking not spending time in each other's presence. I love to hug on them and connect on the happenings of our lives.  I'm beyond grateful for texting, calling, zoom gatherings and FaceTime calls (my preference) but none of them are the same as gathering in person.

I use time driving to chit chat

Sharing - laughs and stories with my gal pals via text or calls throughout the day/week when I can. I have so many long distance and I appreciate that we don't let that get in the way of staying in touch.

Eager - to dye Easter eggs with Vivian for the first time in a couple of weeks with her cousins. Outside of course!

Grateful - for my many many undeserved blessings! God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, He's so good to me! such a sweet sweet and true song

Crashing - no later than 9 (see rising above) most of the time by 8:30

I order up a second cup after lunch & enjoy it with the company of the birds and sunshine as often as I can

I encourage you to try and have a coffee date with those you hold dear, whether it has to be virtual or over the phone or better yet try and meet outside somewhere.  Even if you're distanced the relationship will grow closer!

Dress Beautifully on a Coffee Date

XOXO Sarah-Louise