American Girl in Gingham

Gals, I love America! I give thanks for the privilege of living in this free country every single day. It's not perfect (#amen) but I'm proud to call it home. I don't believe I ever truly appreciated our country until Ryan served in the US Navy & deployed to the Middle East for nearly a year with a Marine Infantry Unit as their Battalion Surgeon.  To see him take an oath to serve & protect this country and then actually go out and fulfill that was remarkable.

I'm also grateful we get to raise Vivian up here, where she has endless opportunities. 

When I think of the 4th of July, fireworks, backyard parties and all the red, white and blue come to mind. 

Part of celebrating any occasion is dressing for it! Stars, stripes and pretty gingham checks are the quintessential patterns for our Independence day.

Gingham has been around for many many decades and while it is reminiscent of a picnic table cloth, incorporated in home decor & clothing design is quiet lovely and classic. 

I love gingham prints modified in a variety of color palettes for a modern look.  This skirt has more of an aqua tone with a very feminine ruffled hem and ivory faux buttons down the front. It also has uninque detailing with front pockets (this is more slimming than your typical side seam/hip pockets) and a front slit opening for easy movement. 

This is a dressier ensemble that may be a bit much for a pool party or cookout but it's perfectly fitting for gatherings with your gal pals, evenings out and church.

Fun fact: While this skirt was a bit of a splurge, even on sale, this blouse was a bargain! I love thrift shopping for home decor and found this silk gem with the tags for a couple of dollars.  It's an older item based on the tag & quality of the fabric and construction. 

They just don't make them like they used to!

Similar Blouse & Here | Skirt & Similar | Pumps | Sunglasses |

Dress Beautifully in Gingham

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Quiet Time Basket

Good Morning! Quiet time is the most important time of my day.  It's time alone with no distractions that I spend with God in His Word, praying, studying and reflecting. 

In order to obtain this luxurious peace as a Mamma, I wake up at 5. It's not hard for me as I've always been a morning person, no alarm, I just pop up and start my day.  It also allows me to do other things like blog, exercise, tidy, etc ... all before Vivian wakes up. I do go to bed very early!

I recently received this basket full of gifts that I'm now using to hold the things I use during my quiet time.  This simple basket has been such a blessing. It's sturdy and a perfect size to hold everything I need.  Before my things were scattered from my handbag, bedside table and desk. Now they're all together in one place in a neat and organized manner (cleanliness is next to Godliness). 

The best part is that I can carry this basket to wherever I want to cozy up: outside on the patio, our sunroom or any comfy chair throughout our home.  I've even curled up in the rocking chair in Vivian's nursery when she's away. It's the most comfortable chair and the prettiest room.  I also miss her like crazy when she's gone despite often being desperate for a break, that's real motherhood for ya!

Here's what's in my basket and some suggestions for filling your own:

1. Bible - I use this study one.  It's too big to carry to church but perfect for at home. I love all the notes. 

2. Journal - I write down my thoughts, encouraging scripture and even questions to ponder. I also have a specific gratitude journal.

3. Devotionals - these 2 books 'Be Still' & 'Focus' are great! When I'm lacking focus or in between a study book they encourage me and keep me in His Word. They're also perfect for when I'm short on time or midday during Vivian's nap. 

4. Book - currently I'm readying 'Shepherding a Child's Heart'

5. Box - I keep blank cardstock to write down special encouragements, verses or thoughts and keep them there to revisit. Sometimes I pull one out and mail it to a friend. 

6. Stationary/Cards - I send correspondence every week, and by keeping the cards in my basket I can write to whomever is on my heart or that I'm praying for. 

7. Pens, Markers, Highlighters - I love to write! Lists, notes and scribbles to really put to memory what I'm studying. (I keep this basket put away and have taught Vivian that it's not for her to play with)

8. NO phone - this is something I would leave OUT of the basket.  I put mine on silent and in another room.  I feel strongly about this!

Suggested Additions ...

9. Blanket - It's Summer so no warmth needed but one could be nice to have for the cooler months or if you're cold natured.

10. Refreshments - maybe some snack bars, hard candy or dried fruit to enjoy.

Dress Beautifully in Quiet Time

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Little White Dresses

TGI-Summer! The freshest, lightest, cleanest, crispest and just prettiest piece to wear is a little white dress.  I could say, in my opinion, but I'm confident enough to say it's fact. 

Above all, I'd wear white. There's just something so elegant and bright about a pure palette. 

Here are some wonderful white dresses ...

 

Similar Linen Dress

Tie Waist Maxi

Tiered Poplin

Button Front Poplin

Linen Shirtdress

Long Eyelet Maxi

Lace Up

Eyelet Short Sleeve Maxi

Linen Ruffle Wrap Mini

Denim Cap Sleeve

Ruffle Swiss Dot 

Smocked Puff Sleeve

Dress Beautifully in a Little White Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Peplum & Palms

Two things I love, peplum tops and maxi skirts. Put them together and bam you've got a really pretty outfit. 

Peplum tops, I love them because they're ultra feminine with the ruffled hem and retro fitted design.  And gracious do they make your waist teeny tiny. This top incorporates a modern element with the ruffled straps. I plan on wearing it with a pair of light washed jeans for a lunch or dinner out with the gals.

Maxi skirts, I love them because they're too ultra feminine with a long flowing design, They also make me feel taller and poised. I love that they cover my legs (this gives me more confidence) and can be styled dressy like this look or with a basic tee and sneakers for the every day.

I know Summer time can be so causal due to the enormous amount of outdoor living and heat, so much heat and humidity. But this outfit is still easy breezy and the right amount of dressy for any shindig you've got on the calendar. 

Peplum Top | Palm Skirt | Heeled Slides | Earrings

Dress Beautifully in a Peplum Top & Maxi Skirt

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Powder Room: Mid-Century Glam

Powder rooms are important for so many reasons.  They're a high traffic area as they're typically the only bathroom on the lower level of a multilevel home.  And it's a space that will most certainly be visited by your guests. Therefore, I believe making it a beautiful is a high priority.  

When it comes to small confined spaces you have the ability to decorate boldly. The low square footage allows for pricer finishes and because it isn't open to any other space you can go outside the style and color palette found throughout your home. 

I'm excited to share the renovation we did on ours last year!

Let's start at the beginning ...

I detested this powder room the second I walked down the hall and got a glimpse! The red, blood red walls,  were overwhelming to say the least. Not only was it the intense color but the fact that this room is tucked underneath the stairs with a partial vaulted ceiling made you not want to venture in. 

We jokingly referred to it as the crime scene.

We had the walls painted Benjamin Moore -Chantilly Lace prior to moving in!

Then there was this tiled pony wall UGH

We didn't know how it was built in so demolishing it before we were prepared to replace the flooring wasn't an option.  So I primed and painted the tile to match the walls.

The bright white paint definitely freshened the room up but the flooring was cracked from 60 years of settling, the sink was so low and tiny, as was the toilet, and the awful wall cut the nearly 35 sq ft (large for a powder room) in half.

We replaced it ALL!

I kept with the hexagon shaped tile because it's a classic shape and fitting for our mid-century colonial. I chose a white marble stone rather than porcelain for a fancier finish that's bordered by pieces of shiny brass. They were filled with charcoal grout for contrast and to make it all pop. 

Its hard to see in the pictures but the brass really shines!

We also replaced the toilet! It's truly #adulting when this excites you.

A brass freestanding toilet paper holder and matching waste basket all complement the brass flooring. 

I even replaced the mirrored 1980's sconce (it was hideous!) with a simple brass one. 

This deep cabinet is so useful.  It houses our cleaning supplies and table linens.

We now have a much more substantial pedestal sink that has a modern touch with the rectangle shape.

The faucet is the real MVP! It's a shiny brass goose neck with class straight handles and traditional detailing.

We added this matching brass towel ring.

So much shinny brass and white and while pretty it fell flat to me.

One day I got a wild hair and decided I was going to paint the back wall charcoal to compliment the grout and elevate this very monochromatic bright room.

I went after it right after dropping Vivian off at school and was finished by lunch time.

Voila! 

It was the perfect touch.

I used Benjamin Moore - Wrought Iron

I'll be honest, I was nervous but you just have to follow your gut and go for it.

And since everything in our home is very traditional, I wanted a tribute the modern side of mid-century design and chose this iconic poolside glamour print. It adds a fun and light hearted touch.

Flooring - Grout - Toilet - Sink - Faucet 

Toilet Paper Holder - Waste Basket - Towel Ring - Cabinet Knobs - Sconce - Art 

Dress Your Powder Room Beautifully

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Summer Blazers

 

TGIF! Better yet, TGI-Summer! This is the season that I'm extra grateful to be home with Vivian. I get to spend these hot sunny days together at the pool, playing outside and spending time with our friends. #priceless

Summer can be a very casual time for dressing because it's just so hot and all you think about is what is the coolest and most comfortable ensemble I can put on.  But there are times like lunch with the ladies, dinners out and of course the shindigs that you want to step it up a notch. 

A suit jacket and shorts pairings does just that. Think of it as business on top and party on the bottom.  By mixing two contrasting style of garments you get a look that's unexpected.  I recently shared that fashion is what you buy, but style is what you do with it. 

Mixing casual & dressy pieces is my favorite was to create a style that speaks to my personality and makes the most out of my wardrobe. Get more use out of those weekday office pieces by inncorparting them into the weekend.

Here are some fabulous blazers to wear this summer with shorts or even skirts long or short ...

Obsessed with this one with gold buttons

also in pink & navy

One button stretch linen

also in white tan, lavender & pastel green 

Open Front

also in black, navy & gray

Linen Neutral Stripe

Pink Tweed

Vest

Chambray

Double Breasted

also in black & brown

Dress Beautifully in a Summer Blazer

XOXO Sarah-Louise