Your Best for Success

I don’t know of a time where I haven’t felt the pressure of ‘success'. From getting good grades in school, performing in my career and even in relationships. 

I’m a Type A (& Enneagram 1 for further explanation) driven person that is constantly striving for the best in everything I do.  I was chatting with my oldest and dearest friend on Friday and she pointed out that I (and Ryan too) am so intense and always doing things above and beyond.  We both laughed at this truth!! 

There are so many measurements in this world: salaries, square footage, dress size, milage pace, rsvp’s and oh the ‘likes’ (hiding that count on IG is my most favorite feature). They are all quantifiers we easily use to define us. 

But when I die (y’all know now that I have my funeral planned out - if not go read this fun fact post about myself) I hope to goodness my family and friends don’t remember me for my resume, assets, waistline, running speed, party size or social media popularity!

I’m not saying your work, investments, fitness, friends or platforms are bad.  In fact, they are all super important to me because those are the avenues in which I serve and encourage others. 

However prevalent these are in our world I do not want to be defined by them. This was solidified in me after Vivian was born and I chose to be out of the office. It’s amazing the perspective you gain from loving others & following God's plan and purpose. I’m back at work in a very different capacity now but want to continue to grow with a mindset of living for Him not the world.

Here’s what I’m going to do for the success I do want to have …

MY BEST

My Mamma said this is all she ever wanted from me.  

I’m not called to perfection.

Keep trying - never ever give up. Continue to grow and learn.

Dress Beautifully in Your Best

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Modern Pearl Jewelry

 TGIF! Pearls have always been my top favorite for jewelry. They're just so beautiful and feminine. Diamonds may be a girl's best friend but classy girls wear pearls.

My Mamma and Mother in Law have gifted me many pearl pieces that I cherish.

My Pearl Oval Hoops

A classic strand of pearls are just that, classic. They are heirloom pieces to be cherished and most often kept in the jewelry box only to come out for special occasions. Now, when it comes to every day pearl jewelry, modern designs are equally as beautiful and stylish. I'll always favor the classics but also want to keep my style current with a contemporary mix.

Here are some fashionable pretty pearl pieces ....

Pearl Hoops

Modern Ladder Drop Earrings

Delicate Bracelet

Stackable Ring

Pearl Pendant

Studs

Sculptural Hoop Earring

Huggie Hoop

on sale for $24.50

Tiny Pearl Necklace

I love this for the price (under $30) and layering with modern gold necklaces 

Pearl Cuff

Monogram Letter Necklace

makes for a thoughtful gift

Asymmetrical Bracelet

Ring Set

Dress Beautifully in Modern Pearls

XOXO Sarah-Louise

A Little Bit Classy, A Little Bit Modern

 

A ladylike jacket made of tweed and shiny gold buttons is the epitome of class.  But I don't want to look like I'm wearing a Jackie O. costume. I believe the way to style the classics is to marry those pieces with modern and casual elements. 

For me it's easy, I take distressed jeans and top them with structured more formal pieces for a balanced look that's chic and every day appropriate.  Adding jeans to blouses and tops you would typically wear to work, church or dressy occasions allows you to get the most our of your wardrobe and creates a pretty outfit for the weekend. Y'all know I'm not a comfy/athleisure wear kind of gal. 

I encourage you to try mixing tweed and torn up jeans this Spring. 

My darling with me always. She was making her list of things to do (wonder where she got that from) while I tried to snap these pics. 

Lady Jacket & Here & Here & Here | Jeans | 

Dress Beautifully in a Lady Jacket

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Pearls of Wisdom

 My Mamma taught me a lot growing up and by the grace of God she's still here teaching me.

A lot of her advise starts with “My Mamma always said". My Grandma lived a lot of life and had many pearls of wisdom to share that I hope to pass down to Vivian Louise from these generations of strong women.

Fun Fact: My Great Grandma, Grandma, Mother, myself and Vivian are ALL first borns, all with the middle name Louise... hence my double name.

I want to document these so that I can remember them, and pass them on in hopes they encourage others.

Here are Pearls of Wisdom from the Matriarchs of my Family:

Pretty Is As Pretty Does ... true beauty starts with your heart! 

Respect your home … Regardless of where you live care for it, make it the best you can with what you have and keep it tidy. Cleanliness is next to godliness 

Our home with a dusting of snow - a very rare occurrence

Be Healthy - exercise, eat your vegetables, wear sunscreen, wash your face and floss your teeth.  My Mamma is a nurse and taking care of your body is essential. But we never ever went to see the doctor unless it was absolutely dire. I'm still that way.  Ryan has to nag me to go.

It Won't Hurt You ... It’s also good to eat the cake, skip the chores, get dirty, or put your feet up. Being first borns we are  type A do-it-all kind of gals, but the ones before us look back and see the importance of stopping to enjoy!

Always have cash money - You never know what could happen in life and you should have some cash money tucked away in your wallet.  Mamma gives a little to Vivian for her piggy bank each time we visit. 

Sit Up Straight or You'll Stick ... My Grandma wouldn't let us sit slouched and scared us into thinking we'd stick into an awkward position.

Use the Good Stuff ... Dukes mayo, Coke, Breyers Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Heinz ketchup, 409 & Tide … if you show up requesting any other competitive brand, well, bless your heart. Here’s a glass of sweet tea (with real sugar).

Go Outside ... being in God's creation, appreciating nature is the best medicine for life. 

Don't Air Out Your Dirty Laundry ... I come from intensely private women and I keep quiet about most things.  It is not ladylike nor appropriate to disclose unnecessarily.  Never ever discuss money, your marriage or your personal struggles in public. And when you do share be very very selective choosing a very trustworthy confidant.  

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff ... think of life's hiccups as happy accidents and move on. 

Go to Church - every. single. Sunday! Tithe right off the top, give thanks for your many blessings and worship Him with your whole heart.

Church Clothes - and when you do, you'll be in your Sunday best. Since I was a little girl, and even now my Sunday outfit is selected no later than Saturday.  Mamma made sure we had pretty white cardigan sweaters & lace socks when we were girls and now I do the same with Vivian. 

Say I Love You … over and over and over and over. With a hug and a kiss. 

My Mamma and her Mamma have shared a lot of wisdom that I will cherish and carry on to my darling.

Dress Beautifully Walking in Wisdom

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Maxi Skirts

Maxi skirts have climbed so high up on my wardrobe ladder they're almost up there with jeans. What got these skirts promoted to such a powerful place is their beauty, comfort and style versatility.

From solids to florals, pastels to jewel tones, tiers and ruffles, a maxi skirt exudes so much femininely.  In a long length there's ample coverage (no need to shave your legs) and you can move with easy especially with a pair of sneakers. And as for styling options ... the sky is the limit.

Here are some of my favorite pairings:

Causal: Tank, Knotted graphic tee or cropped sweatshirt

Dressy: Embellished Blouse, crisp button up or even blazer

In between: Denim jacket or sweater

Resort: Over swimsuit or crop top

And then there's shoes: sneakers, sandals, block heels and boots

A maxi skirt can transition across seasons and occasions.

Here are some great maxi skirts ...

Lemon Floral

this print and color palette is so pretty

Tropical

A splurge but so gorgeous for the summer

Bananas 

This one is sooo fun to me!

Purple & Navy Floral

Pink Drawstring

Linen Blockprint

Love the matching top

Paisley

Floral

2 options $40

Palm 

Yellow

Tiered Hem

I have this and love! $28

Black

also in Yellow

Leopard

Dress Beautifully in a Maxi Skirt

XOXO Sarah-Louise

THE Pair of White Jeans that Fit Just Right

There's nothing like a pair of jeans that fit just right. You slip them on and everything's going to be ok. When it comes to white jeans finding that fit isn't as easy. The challenges are that the fabric tends to be see through and the fit too tight/stretchy.

These elements are far from flattering on any gal.

When it comes to white jeans what makes for a perfect fit is a denim that's thicker, with some rigidity (not a lot of stretch) and a looser cut such as a straight leg. 

I found, and clearly purchased, this pair last week.  We had a hint of warmer weather and my Spring Fever was kicked into high gear.  I was craving light and brights. This pair is called a 'Slim Boyfriend' cut and all that means is that they are a bit roomier (seeing them on me it's clear not too roomy) without being baggy.  They have a higher rise so they hold you in and align with trending shorter top lengths. 

If you're as eager as I am, the way to sneak those whites in is to pair them with rich knits.  Marrying the two seasonal pieces creates a combination that's balanced.

Note: I size down in this brand (normally a 25 but own 24's in this brand) 

Note 2: Raw hems are my fav! They're lighter, modern and make for DIY hemming. I will probably cut the raw hem of these just a smidge (after washing - a must prior to altering) 

I had to solicit Ryan to snap these pics and our darling insisted on joining in. 

Personally, I believe having her on my side makes me and my outfits cuter :)

White Jeans  | Similar Clogs |

Dress Beautifully in White Jeans

XOXO Sarah-Louise