Friday Favorites: Girls Night Out

TGIF! Before we dive into all the spook-tacular fun of the week, let's rewind to last weekend when I went away with my best gal pals to Lake Lure in the NC mountains for a time of relaxing and belly laugh fun. We kicked off our time together with a girls night out and hotel sleepover right here in Charlotte.

When did bathroom selfies become a thing?!

I must say, RH Rooftop does have a pretty snazzy ladies room

My Dress

Note: I highly recommend the new Hilton Hotel Canopy.  It was a little odd spending the night just 5 minutes from home but also really really awesome!

With Halloween on Sunday, I just have to pause and share the fun we've had this week. We went to 'Trunk-or-Treat' at Vivian's school Wednesday night and this morning we carved pumpkins with her class. I can't wait to wrap up this fun week Sunday evening seeing her dress up in a purple princess dress and visit our neighbors for treats!

 See gals, you're never really too old for dressing up. Getting all dolled up for a girls night out is different than for a date night, because we all know girls dress for other girls.  We like to be trendy, fashion forward and make a statement! It's an opportunity to bring our uniqueness to the table. 

Here are lots fo sassy options for your next girls' night out:

Long Sleeve Maxi

Long Sleeve Mini

Cut Out Top

Beaded Top

also in Ivory

Navy Mini Dress

Silk Camisole

several colors

pair with skinny jeans and lots of layered jewelry

Tulle Ruffle Tank

also in navy & berry

Sheer Leopard Top

Black Mini Skirt

Ruffled Tulle Top

Belt

Really adds a nice detail to any outfit

Mini Dress

also in black & print

Cocktail Ring

I LOVE big statement rings

Makes for a fun shiny cheers!

Dress Beautifully at Your Next Girls' Night Out

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Candybar Neutrals

 

A camel suede skirt is quintessential fall dressing. Rich in texture it brings warmth and compliments a pair of boots and sweater beautifully. 

I decided to style this one with black, keeping with a neutral palette.  I must have halloween on the brain because it makes me think of a candy bar, dark chocolate and peanut butter! 

This outfit is constructed with classics. Pieces that will last for so many seasons to come. Just mix and match them with others like denim, a crisp white shirt or bold bright colors. 

Black Top | Camel Suede Mdi Skirt | Black Boots | 

Dress Beautifully in Black & Camel

XOXO Sarah-Louise

The 3 P's I Live By

Happy Monday! We live in a time where there's an 'app for that' to help us navigate daily life. But despite how advanced our world is it can't fulfill everything. We have moments of fear, doubt, and worry that technology just can't resolve. The solution is found in standing on the truth of the Word of God! #amen

Today I'm sharing 3 P's that I rely on ...

God's Promise to PROTECT

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

I know that God has the whole world, including myself and those I love in his hands. No matter what happens his divine and perfect plan for our lives will be fulfilled.  I do not have to be afraid or worry.

God's Promise to PROVIDE

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

While I'm not enough, He is! He will provide for my needs, giving me the necessary things to fulfill His purpose for me. 

God's Promise of PRESENCE 

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

I am NEVER alone. He is always with me through life's every step.

Dress Beautifully Standing on the Promises of God

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Quilted Pieces

My Top & Jeans & Sunglasses

I know when you think of quilting, you probably imagine seasoned ladies sitting at a table with pieces of printed fabric sewing them together to make a blanket.  Well, you'd be correct! I've always had a big admiration for gals that can quilt.  I was given handmade blankets when I was born and when Vivian was born and I cherish those works of art. 

Taking this mosaic like pattern of patterned fabric into clothing is a huge trend this year and personally, I find it very pretty! 

Sure it has a little bit of western style to it but it's so girlie and brings back memories of watching 'Little House on the Prairie' as a girl.

Here are some lovely quilted pieces:

Dress Version of My Top

Floral Vest

Patchwork Maxi Dress

Kimono Jacket

Blue Patchwork Jacket

Pullover

Blouse

Maxi Skirt

Paisley Jacket

Gingham Vest

Long Sleeve Dress

Jacket

several prints & colors

Balloon Sleeve Dress

Dress Beautifully in a Quilted Pieces

XOXO Sarah-Louise

A Little Vintage - A Lot of Fun

 

Sometimes you just have to step outside of your style box for a piece that makes you feel fun! This dress is that for me.  I typically wear fitted, structured pieces that are never above the knee. Pieces that are classic, simple and safe.  But the older I get I'm jumping in when a garment sparks a little joy for me, because life is too short to wear boring clothes! 

Now, I'm not going to compromise quality or modesty but branching out for a look with uniqueness adds a whole lot of style. I've been loving designer Hunter Bell for a couple years now.  Her designs are feminine with exaggerated details making them a perfect mix of pretty and pizzazz!

I encourage you to go for it when you find a piece that's pretty and unlike anything you typically wear. And most importantly, wear it with confidence!

This dress has vintage elements in the patchwork print and eyelet lace trim, modern elements in the puff sleeves and mini length and comfortable versatility in a roomy silhouette.

I also like to shop small businesses & boutiques. Clair de Lune has quickly become a favorite and most frequently shopped.  It's a shop located here in NC that carries a variety of pretty things including designer pieces.  Since they're several hours away from me I follow & shop them online but I can't wait to make a visit in person one day. 

Dress it up with heels and/or warm it up with boots and layers (a fur vest is next on my outfit list). 

Come next year I'll wear it with a pair of sandals.

Dress & Here & Here | Boots & Here & Here | Sunglasses | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Fun Little Mini

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Life Lately Fall Edition

Let’s pretend we’re both rocking on the front porch of a mountain cabin sipping a hot cup of coffee & taking in the view, shall we?

If we were going to sit and chat for a spell here’s what I’d share about my life lately:

Accepting - The current climate of our world (I don’t like it! Not one little bit!)

Cheers to 15 years together!

Appreciating - how hard Ryan works! Given today’s medical climate he’s averaging 250 hrs in the ER each month to care for patients.  We miss him dearly but proud of his dedication to others and us.

Becoming - a better listener (at least I’m trying to). I’m a talker and get so excited when I’m with my gal pals that I want to make sure I don’t hog up our conversations.

Believing - that God has the whole world in His hands. 

Celebrating - my sister just moved last week. It’s been hard as she’s now 90 mins away instead of 30 but I’m so happy for her family and their new home.

Drinking - more water! Ugh it’s a need! I am horrible and will never ever miss my two piping hot cups of black coffee, but water, can go all day with out it. 

Eating - before Vivian I would never ever eat processed food much less sugar! But I’ve chilled just a tiny bit and am allowing myself to enjoy a treat with her (on occasion).

Enjoying - all the outside time I can get! I spend more time out on our patio than inside our home.

Exercising - all the outside runs! The morning weather is crisp and perfect for clocking in lots of miles and speed. I always push hard physically during 4th quarter so that I can finish the year strong.

Feeling - joyful for my family! Life isn’t perfect but gracious I’m so happy to share it with them!

Finishing - organizing the closets & cabinets throughout our home

This was a week ago at the top of a hike with my church's ladies retreat

Going - to the mountains for a weekend at the lake with some of my gal pals! 4 more days!

Laughing - at my darling Vivian and the sweet silly things she says and does

Missing - my Mamma. I don’t see her nearly enough.  I do still call almost daily because no matter how old I get, I still need her every day!

Marveling - at how much Vivian is learning & growing each day.

Noticing - just how fast time goes.

Ordering - all of Vivian’s Christmas & birthday presents this month.

Planning - LOTS of vacations for 2022!

Praying - all the time.

Proud - of how awesome Vivian did at her first dentist appointment.

Searching - for the perfect dress for family pictures ... Instead I keep finding other fabulously extra pieces like this faux fur coat (my gals pals and sisters said no #eyeroll)

Trying - to love Ethel.  I’m at tolerating.

Wearing - lots and lots of jeans. It's finally cooling off, just a bit.

Studying - Romans. Every Tuesday & throughout the week in a Ladies Bible Study.

Wishing - she could always stay this little

Hoping - that the gals that read this blog are encouraged, inspired and loved by the things I share! 

Dress Beautifully Each & Every Day

XOXO Sarah-Louise