Friday Favorites: Outfits of 2021

 Happy New Years Eve! What a blessing another year is!  I don't know about you but this year was amazing! The highlight of mine was all the trips I took and the people I shared it with.

It's only fitting that to wrap up the 8th year (wow) writing and sharing with you on this blog with my 10 favorite outfits of 2021 

Pink Tiered Dress

Tropical Maxi Skirt

Crop Top Dressing

Ruffles

Day Dress

Gingham

Snake Maxi

Pink Mini

Pink Blazer

Bow Dress

Dress Beautifully in Outfits that Make You Feel Beautiful All Year Long

XOXO Sarah-Louise

NYE without the New

 Earlier today I met up with a dear gal pal at the park and I asked her what her NYE plans were ... as soon as it came out of my mouth we both laughed and looked over at our kiddos playing. Yeah, the days of going out on the town are far and few between and replaced with early bedtimes b/c #momlife.

However I do still crave getting dressed up and cheering at least until 10.  There's a lots of sequins and sparkle pieces out to ring in the new year but honestly buying those are not the best of investments. They tend to be a one time wear. 

I believe that you can put together an outfit worth celebrating in right from your own closet.

Here are some key elements to creating a fabulous NYE or any special occasion look:

1. Heels - they automatically make you feel sassier and elevate whatever you're wearing. Even jeans.

2. Dressy Fabric - lace, organza, or satin are not your daily fabrics. These fabrics have texture, shine and detail that give a fancy look. 

3. Jewelry - really shines up an outfit. Go big and consider an entire stack of brackets or several layers of necklaces for a big statement. Now, you can't do both. Pick one category and go all out.

4. Makeup - create a smoky eye OR red lip for an evening bold look. 

5. Small Handbag - a clutch or small top handle bag can hold just the necessities and is more ladylike than a crossbody or tote that you carry around day to day.

I posted this outfit here on this post

Dress Beautifully & for NYE Using What You Already Have

XOXO Sarah-Louise

FOUR

 Good Monday morning! For me it's a big big time of celebration. Tomorrow our darling Vivian Louise turns 4!!!!

I remember when she was a baby hearing things like 'babies don't keep', 'time is a thief' and 'they grow so fast'.  They're all true however I also heard this quote as I held my 3 month old in my arms:

“At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent.” - Barbara Bush

This encouragement solidified my purpose for this season, to be her mother. To care, cherish and love her. I made it my intention to be present with her.  I didn't want to look back missing her or wishing she was little again. And I don't! I was attentive to each day making each memory permanent. I believe this applies to us all. 

We can't go back and experience things again so it is important to slow down and enjoy right where you are.

I was with her with all my heart and always will be. 

Dress Beautifully in All of Life's Moments

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Merry Christmas

 Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Dress Beautifully & Be Merry

XOXO Sarah-Louise

A Mary Heart

Gals, we are 3 sleeps away from Christmas morning! Squeal! When I look at our fireplace and see the 3 stockings hung, I stop in awe that I have this sweet family of mine.  I'm blessed beyond measure and deserving to have Ryan & Vivian to love!!! I don't say that to be boastful but to emphasize that we ALL have so many gifts to be grateful for.

Rather than share an outfit on this Wednesday I'm going to share something a bit more lovely than holiday plaid, red or warm. Dressing your inside is far more important than the outside!

Last December I wrote a post on being more like Mary.  It was so encouraging to me to pursue a heart like hers that I felt compelled to share it again. 

This Christmas I hope that you have a 'Mary' heart 

that's humble, willing, trusting, joyful and enduring. 

Post:

MORE LIKE MARY  

Dress Beautifully with a Mary Heart

XOXO Sarah-Louise

P.O.P. - Peace on Purpose

Happy, Monday before Christmas gals! Don't hate me, but now that I'm a Mamma the excitement seeing it through Vivian's darling eyes (almost) overcomes all the frazzle dazzle stress.

Pretty sure our bunny Ethel prays for peace daily

It's the most wonderful time of the year but so many call it the 'busiest' (gracious I can't stand that word - I prefer 'full'). With so much to do, so many places to go and so many people to enjoy it with, one can easily feel like a chicken running around with its head cut off.

I recently went to a Ladies' Pop Up Christmas event at the church I attend weekly bible study at and the topic was 

Peace on Purpose

Purpose was my word of the year this year - read about it on this blog post. Purpose requires action, intention and practice. It's constant effort. I know, I know, MORE during such an already full time. But gals, this more makes more room.

PEACE is something that 

Comes from Heaven - fearing nothing from God

Brings Wholeness - content with earthly lot

is a Person - assured salvation

Transforms & Calms - trusting God

PEACE is NOT 

absence of fighting, pain, hurt, noise

perfection

comparison

discontentment

un-forgiveness

judgment

reaching for the goal/check list

Here are some of the take aways and what I personally do to have more Peace:

HUSH

I always wake up at 5am each day

But during the Christmas season I've changed up my morning time

I've chosen scripture over scrolling

and exchanged my time on the computer, chores etc .. for quiet time around the tree

I pray, reflect and am just still.

GO OUTSIDE

Fresh air, sunshine and being in God's creation is the best calming medicine

LISTEN TO CLASSIC CHRISTMAS SONGS

This sequin angel was my late Grandma's

it reminds me of the reason for the season

COUNT MY GIFTS

This ornament was custom made for me when I was expecting Vivian

I look around and make myself aware of all that I have, the undeserved gifts He's given me.

EXERCISE

Moving and challenging myself physically is fun and stress relieving for me.

It creates an energized and happy attitude to face my day & circumstances positively.

HUG

I hold my darling. It is a feeling of great honor & privilege!

I encourage you to think about ways you can bring peace into this Christmas season. Welcome the Prince of Peace into your time. We must have peace WITH God before we can have peace from God.

I'm so happy to share with you a 7 day devotional to help you have Peace on Purpose:

Thank you to New City Church in Charlotte for this!

Note: I shared this as an image so that you can save

Wishing You a Peaceful & Merry Christmas!

Dress Beautifully with a Peaceful Heart

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Off Screen

TGI - it's almost Christmas! I hope that your spirit is joyful, peaceful and grateful as we prepare to celebrate our Savior's birth. One of my favorite things about the Christmas season are all the gatherings.  They align with the reason we gift each other which is to share gratitude and celebrate the blessing of having each other. 

I love seeing our stockings together on our mantel

For me, life isn't about what we have, but who we have.  
First and foremost we have Jesus #amen. 

And He gave us one another to love, support and encourage. 

In a world that's blessed to have the means to stay connected through technology there's nothing like fellowship face to face. 

If possible, I encourage you to put down your phone and look into the eyes of your family and friends. Share laughter, struggles, hugs and cheers. Partake in a meal, a walk, a drink (or two) and/or a token of appreciation. 

Vivian & bunny Ethel

the cutest things around our tree

Yes, our days are full, but I promise choosing others won't feel like a sacrifice or stressor. 

You won't regret time spent with those you care about. 

And if the stars don't align, I truly recommend video chatting. There's nothing like seeing a smile!

Dress Beautifully Talking Without a Phone

XOXO Sarah-Louise

'The' Sarah Louise Dress

Gals, if I were a dress, this would be it! Me to a T, this dress is the epitome of my style. 

Here's why:

Ivory - Favorite neutral to wear

Crepe fabric - Light and draping fit

A-line silhouette - Shapely and flattering

Midi length- Elongating 

Detailed Sleeves - Shoulder puff adds definition and the flowing gathered length is elegant

Jeweled & Beaded Bows - Resembling broaches adding richness and in my favorite color

Cut Outs - a modern and subtle appeal

Most importantly, I feel like a princess in it!

I believe that dressing up and feeling like royalty isn't just for little girls. Our value doesn't diminish with age so I say find a dress that make you feel beautiful and you wear it with grace.

I will keep this dress forever wearing it on special occasions - or at any time I just want to feel & look special. I hope that one day my darling Vivian will wear it.

Dress - Other color options | Pumps | 

This dress is by a French designer with a fancy price tag. 

I was able to find it for 70% off on a Black Friday sale. 

Dress Beautifully in a Dress that Makes You Feel Beautiful

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Life Lately: Coco & Chit Chat

Happy Monday gals! Have you REALLY looked at the calendar??? We have just days left until Christmas and the end of 2021. #mindblown

How do you feel about that? Me, I'm not so sure.  It honestly went by so quickly. Don't they all? sigh 
I do know that this year as been full of JOY! I'm grateful for all the fun we had and memories made.

If we weren't behind screens with each other I'd pull out these Christmas mugs I found a few weeks ago at my favorite antique shop and we'd sip coffee or coco (seasonally appropriate) and talk about the latest

Here's my side of our chit chat ... 

I'd be tickled pink to here yours in a message or call if we're pals IRL

I'm OBSESSED with the show Yellowstone

I just started watching it last month and just had to have this hat to channel my inner cowgirl.

Gals, I find cowboys so incredibly handsome!

Speaking of out West, I just booked a trip to Lake Tahoe in April

with my gal pals for my 39th Birthday!!! 

Naturally, I'm getting all kinds of adds for ski stuff

and I'd love to have this spurge sweater.

I don't know about you but I've been sucked into the major sales this season

and have taken the opportunity to add some accessories to my jewelry box.

Like this heart pendant & chain

I don't buy a lot of costume jewelry b/c Ryan likes to gift me fine jewelry 

(I'm also a creature of habit with my gold hoops EVERY day)

But I'm loving designer Addison Weeks for baubles & hardware (going into our guest bath)

and Erin McDermott (I gifted some of her pieces this year)

I almost want to try and cook more & better after taking a class in Raleigh this past weekend with my friends. Sigh, Almost. I just don't like food and even more so preparing it. But gracious does my husband.

I will say I had a blast working together and the meal was super delicious.

I'm gifting Ryan a date night class for his birthday in January.

I highly recommend the classes at Sur La Table

Our darling Angel was a real angel in our church's Christmas Play.

My Mamma heart nearly burst watching her sing and perform.

It was not only precious but a reminder of the reason for the season.

This book gals! It's so good.  The ladies' bible study I'm in is on break until after the new year so we are all reading this in between.  So encouraging! 

And since we're on the topic of encouraging and hard things, my feet need all the help they can get.

Embarrassing fact: I have such horrendous feet that my sisters & friends call them 'hooves'! 

I don't share or talk about them b/c well, they're horrendous! 

I've been using this at night for almost a week and it truly has helped.

If you have cracked heels, calluses, arthritis and bunions like me - this is for you!

I've been working out extra hard this month.  I like to end the year my strongest & best so that I enter a new one the same. Don't put off til tomorrow what you can do today!

And here's something super soft and cozy! 

This sweater is a classic and the warmest that I own.

I plan to wear it tonight to a live nativity at the church Vivian goes to school at.

We had so much fun at the Charlotte Checkers Hockey game 

Saturday night! We took Vivian 2 years ago and she loved it. We had planned to keep taking her but you know, Covid. I'm excited we can start going again!

My sweater.

Bless bunny Ethel! 

Vivian adores her and well, I've grown quite fond of her (it's the best I can do).

If you missed this, my Mamma's bunny Alice had babies over the Summer and she gifted Vivian one. 

I added big red velvet ribbon to the tree this year after seeing it in 

Southern Living Magazine (it's a dream of mine to have our home/this blog featured one day)

All the presents are purchased and wrapped and we are playing classic Christmas music in our home daily.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

My Sweater

Hopefully you've smiled a time or two reading along about my life lately.

I hope yours is warm and sweet as we celebrate Christmas!

Dress Beautifully with Joy

XOXO Sarah-Louise