DIY Beauty Shop

TGI-Summer!
Going to the beauty shop has been a luxury for us gals for decades.  Having someone to primp and pamper you is a treat. 

There are so many services available these days.  You can go to a salon/spa for manicures, pedicures, facials, blow outs, hair cuts & colors, spray tans, facials, massages, waxes etc…

There’s a reason for professionals in the beauty world and their skill deserves the upmost respect. But they do come at a price and require planning and time.

Vivian's Play Vanity

For as long as I can remember I’ve made my home a beauty shop for the following:

Manicures - I paint my nails each and every Saturday so they’re nice for church on Sunday morning and for the week.

Pedicures - if you know me in real life, you know I have horrendous feet (my sister calls them hooves) so I can’t say I do this at home but my toenails are always polished.

Facials - I use this face mask a few times a week. 

Blow Out/Style - I’m a master with a round brush, curling iron and even hot rollers.

Hair color - I shampoo in semipermanent color to brighten my hair about once a month. 

Tanning - I use a bronzing lotion on my legs from April- October 1-2 times a week. 

I leave these in the hands of professionals: 
hair cuts, about 4 a year
Waxing - a necessity come Summer 
I never ever get massages but if I did I’d definitely be at a spa.
Any injectables 

Vivian was able to get her bandage off on Wednesday and we headed straight for the pool!

We always paint our nails outside!

I encourage you to save some time and money by treating yourself to a day of beauty right at home!

Dress Beautifully Primping at Home

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Exaggerated Embellishments

I'm far from a simple, one dimensional gal.  I embrace all the bold, bright and beautiful details fashion has to offer. Not to state the obvious but I'm one of a kind. Through the years I've shed my shyness and grown to be proud of the unique lady God has made me to be.

This particular outfit takes my favorite classic pairing of a crisp white top and jeans to a whole new level. The jeans have an old school acid wash & ultra high rise but made modern with dainty pearl detailing.

The white cotton blouse has old victorian style in the lace trimmed high collar and shoulders but also made modern in a cropped length.

These exaggerated embellishments are striking to me. They are distinctly feminine yet subtly courageous. 

I encourage you to find pieces with embellishments that truly showcase your style and wear them fearlessly. 

Top & Here | Pearl Jeans & Here | Heels | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Exaggerated Embellishments 

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Pause for Popsicles

Summer is a full (I absolutely detest the word 'busy') season.  We are all trying to squeeze so many fun things into the daylight hours. In the midst of the responsibilities, vacations, camps, splashes in the pool, shindigs, etc. I want to encourage you to pause.

Pause, and cool off with a sweet popsicle with dear ones. 

Pause, and reach out to someone that's been on your mind.  

Pause, and step outside to soak in the sunshine (you may need to stay in the shade b/c it's legit scorching).

Pause, and read a chapter or 3 of a good book.

Pause, and pray.

Pause, and go for a walk (again you may need to do this early morning/evening).

Pause, and have some silly fun with you kids ... the sprinkler is a classic favorite.

Pause, and put the phone away!

Pause, and give thanks for all you've been blessed with.

I promise these pauses will give you and others great joy!

P.S. Our darling Vivian hurt her elbow this past weekend playing.  I was away at the beach with gal pals and am so grateful for my sister and her Daddy for taking such good care of her.  The x-ray did not show a break (hard to see on children).  I'm hopeful she will be as good as new at our follow up appointment Wednesday morning. I would be most grateful whether we are friends in real life or virtual through this space if you would pray for her healing!

Dress Beautifully and Enjoy a Popsicle this Summer

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Oversized Collars

 TGI-Summer! 

My Peachy Keen Dress & Here

I like big collars and I can not lie! They add a prominent & feminine framing that draws the eye upwards towards your smile. The exaggerated size adds volume to your shoulders making the waist appear smaller! It's all about proportions gals.

They also remind me of pieces my Mamma wore when I was little and she's the one I'll always want to be like. She followed Princess Diana's fashion in the same way I follow Princess Kate's. #likemotherlikedaughter

Here are some pretty pieces with oversized collars ...

Crisp Classic Shirt

Sleeveless

Great for layering under and over

Little White Dress

Floral Blouse

Red Gingham

Denim

Stripe

Smocked Dress

Sweatshirt

Collar

a great option to add to any garment!

Dress Beautifully in an Oversized Collar

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Cut It Out

 

Gals, I've been cutting out to travel as much as I can this Summer.  It was one of my goals that I set at my last birthday in April to take more trips and sprinkle in spontaneity.  It has proven to add so much joy in the experiences and time with my favorites.

When I'm on vacation I like to dress the part in fun, colorful and not so everyday pieces.  I like to push pause on the practical and embrace the escape. 

Cut out dresses are a hot trend this season and I think they are a creative and sassy option on a getaway.  Let me just address the obvious. Yes, there are intentional exposures on the midsection and no these garments are not appropriate for church or around your grandma but by the sea you'll be as pretty as can be.

You can absolutely keep it classy with cut outs.  The key is that they are small and that the remaining elements of the dress provide coverage.  This maxi dress has ample chest coverage and allows me to wear a normal bra. The skirt is voluminous in a full length.  The only areas exposed in a nontraditional way is along the base of my ribcage. Pieces that expose more than that, like those that are backless and/or short, aren't as flattering because they illuminate the ability to wear undergarments and expose far too much.

You want a subtle show of skin ... not everything your Mamma gave you! #amen

Note: In my strong opinion, your belly button should ALWAYS be covered when wearing cut outs or cropped pieces. It's just ick unless you're in a bikini.

Fashion should be fun so by adding a piece like this one to your wardrobe you're incorporating the merry elements of the occasions you'll wear it to. 

Cut Out Maxi Dress | Heels | Earrings

Dress Beautifully in a Cut Out Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Decorating with Monograms

 Here in the South we have a saying ... more like a belief:

In my 20's I put my personal touch on just about anything with my initials (clothes, jewelry, bags etc.) Then, when Ryan and I were engaged came our married monogram on things for our home.

Fun Fact: my monogram didn't change after I was married as both my maiden and married last name begin with an 'H'! Thank goodness b/c I had quite the investment. 

I've shifted over the recent years to monograming less for myself and more for gifts, home decor and darling Vivian. 

I believe, like in most things, that moderation is key. The way to do that is with intention.  Rather than having everything stamped, choose a few special pieces so that it's more personal rather than 'branding'. You're a person, not a business.

Here are my favorite ways to add a monogram in your home ...

MASTER BEDROOM PILLOW SHAMS

Our Shams

These were the first thing we purchased for our first home. The appliqué monogram makes a formal and bespoke statement on our grand four poster bed. It's our room together and where we as husband and wife end our days (even if Ryan climbs in most nights just a couple of hours before I'm up). We both love Carolina blue and it can be found throughout our home.  It also is a great color to compliment a variety of bedding. I like to change out our duvet cover.

NURSERY

When designing Vivian's nursery, I went with the colors lavender, pink and a pop of orange. A unique palette only found in her special room. Her name is significant as it is passed down from me, my mother, my grandmother and my great grandmother all of whom are first born and have the middle name 'Louise'. Having the baby's monogram displayed is a sweet & specific way of making it special. 

I chose a linen down filled pillow for her rocking chair.  It will transition perfectly to her big girl bed. 

Note: She's 3 1/2 and still happily cozy in her crib. I can NOT imagine my darling girl out of it or not rocking her twice a day in this chair. #tears

ACCENT PILLOWS

I had these silk pillows embroidered with our joint monogram when we were engaged.  I was just sooo excited to be together (still am!).  They've lived in 4 different homes and reflect us, the family that lives here. I'm not typically a 'brown' person but they are neutral and compliment nicely. I love that they can and have moved from our couches to accent chairs throughout. 

Note: A married monogram is the wife's first initial, the last name initial followed by the husband's first initial. 

COCKTAIL NAPKINS

These add a special touch when hosting guests.  They aren't just something you pick up at the party store and can be utilized all year long for any occasion.  I'm not one to purchase decor for each and every celebration.  They also convey a sophisticated touch without being a true linen. 

These make a great wedding gift!

BATH TOWELS

 

Pictured: These Towels

Ryan & I received monogramed bath towels as a wedding gift and have loved them but after 12 years they've been retired.  I love the ones above and often gift them at bridal showers. They add an elegant touch to your bathroom and also a potential pop of color.

Engraving is another way to personalize and create sentimental treasures.  That's another post :)

Dress Your Home Beautifully with Monograms

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Summer Glow Makeup

 

Summer is bright and fun but it's also hot and sweaty! Easy peasy with a little glow is the way to go when it comes to your makeup. A light & natural look with a hint of luster gives you that sun kissed golden hue without the actual harmful sun rays (wrinkles and disease are unbecoming so sunscreen Every. Single. Day!)

Here's what I've been wearing ...

Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30

this is light weight with a hint of luster

Shimmery Face Palette

I use these shades to contour, highlight and add color to my cheeks.

I also use it on my eyes.

The colors are soft and give just the right amount of subtle glow for a youthful just back from the beach appearance. 

Eyebrow Powder

Your brows frame your face and since my coloring is very fair I have to add a little color to darken and thicken them. Regardless of your complexion defined eyebrows can add contrast & structure to your face.

Mascara

Liquid Lipstick

This lasts ALL day and isn't drying.

I'm wearing color Bright Raspberry

Gloss

I love these. They are shiny, tingly and make your lips look fuller.

Setting Spray

I'm obsessed with this spray.  It really holds your make up together.

Think of it like hairspray for your face. I don't' use it every day but definitely on occasions when I'm out and about.

My Top

This Summer keep it easy peasy, lemonsqueezy! Wear a glowing smile, sit for a spell with the ones you love (or alone under the shade) and sip some sweet refreshing lemonade :)

Dress Beautifully in Light Glowing Makeup

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Frilly

I've always been a girlie girl.  My love of pink, bows and frills hasn't diminished from my days as a little girl and thank goodness I have darling Vivian to share it with. 

This top has everything but the kitchen sink when it comes to feminine details: tiny pastel florals, ruffles, puff sleeves, lace trim, embroidered scalloped hem and pearl buttons down the back. The design is modern with a shorter length and dramatic sleeve.  It clearly checks all the pretty boxes and as a bonus it's even practical in a super light weight fabric so you're not a puddle in this Summer heat. 

I think tiered ruffle minis skirts are fun and sassy but not when their hem is so short you feel like you can't move. I shared this post on mini skirts that aren't too mini several weeks ago and this skirt is a perfect example.  An elastic waist is key to adjusting where it sits, holding your tops tucked in and highlighting your waist.

Get a little frilly with your next outfit ... I promise you'll feel pretty!

Floral Frilly Top | Tiered Mini Skirt | Wedges | Sunglasses |

Dress Beautifully in Lots of Frills

XOXO Sarah-Louise