Friday Favorites: Cut Out Dresses

TGIF! Gals what a whirlwind of a week!!! I feel like I've been buried in to-do's from being away on my trip.  I've been catching up on hours at work, chores, extra hard workouts and all the fun playtime I can get with my darling. I'm still behind but come Sunday I'll be ready for a new week.

Blue Floral Cut Out Maxi Dress - Sandals 

One of the hottest trends in dresses is cut outs. I'm going to be very honest, I'm not a big fan. First of all, they're most often not flattering and they make a perfectly lovely dress unwearable outside of vacation or a night out. And that, gals, is not a good investment. I'm also disappointed that a lot of designs include an open back and I'll just say this: Bras are necessary! #facts

I do believe that these cut out designs can in fact be fun for the appropriate occasions. It is key that the exposed area be high on the ribcage and that the fabric lays smooth (not tight).

I encourage you to be savvy when purchasing a cut out dress as it is not versatile. Mine above is $37.

Here are some that I find fun ...

Eyelet Maxi Dress

Short Sleeve

also in green

Retro Maxi

Bright Yellow

Mini Dress

also in yellow, green & black

Pale Blue

Lavender

Tie Front

also in white & black

One Shoulder

also in pink

Tie Back

also in coral

Dress Beautifully in a Cut Out Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Pink Confection

This pink confection is a perfect mix of elaborate and easy. The exaggerated puff sleeves and cinched waist are fashionable while in a crisp cool cotton it exudes comfort. 

And this perfect shade of precious pink ... well, I do declare! 

Personally, I believe rompers are a mix between a dress and shorts. They have the femininity of a dress and practicality of shorts. 

Note: I typically go up a size for a best fit.

I styled this romper with espadrilles for a super springy look but flat sandals or a cute sneaker are just as fun!

I'd also style with brightly colored jewelry or purse such as turquoise or emerald green :)

Pink Romper | Espadrilles | Earrings 

Dress Beautifully in a Pink Confection

XOXO Sarah-Louise

39 & Fine

Cheers

Yesterday I turned 39. And gracious was it an unexpected doozy! I spent 5 days vacationing with two of my bestest gal pals in Lake Tahoe and was scheduled to return home in the very late evening Sunday so that I could wake up with my family to celebrate the gift of another birthday. 

But as life often does, it turned our plans upside down. Our flights were cancelled as we were driving to the airport due to weather with very grim options for rescheduling. As I shed tears in the airport uncertain of when or how I would get home my gal pals along with the airline staff helped me see the good and make lemonade out of a VERY sour day. 

Despite having to spend quite a bit extra we booked new tickets and a hotel room across the street from the airport and decided to laugh and enjoy the additional day together. 

I have the BEST friends who packed confetti to celebrate me!

My sister also helped saved the day and cared for our darling Vivian. I hoped to have my family, my greatest gifts, in my arms just in time for a celebratory birthday dinner. NOPE. After being at the airport at 4am, several hours of delays and a layover, I didn't reunite with them until 8pm. I cried.

This wish with the ones I love most was ALL I could ever want!

As I share these events it’s been a reminder that there’s so much purpose behind it all in life.  Every day is a gift no matter where you are, who you’re with and what you’re doing. There’s joy all around if you choose it. I had to dry my tears because quite frankly there was NOTHING I could do but stay calm in the chaos, find the silver lining and accept what will be. 

I'm not a chatty 'lets make friends' kind of gal when I fly so I wasn't going to make friends to pass the ticking clock, AND there was no internet UGH. So, I enjoyed reading the latest book from my dear friend & author and I'm nearly finished! 

Maybe God was protecting me from something or teaching me a HUGE lesson in patience. All I know is He's got this world in His hands and I have a choice on how I handle situations. 

So, while this day didn’t follow a perfect plan, it will turn out perfectly purposeful. In just these two days I’ve learned and been reminded just how blessed I am with good health, loving family, kind friends and a God who provides, protects and is always present. 

Helicopter tour of Lake Tahoe was an adventure of a lifetime

Each birthday I reflect on the past year and consider my aspirations for the one ahead. At 38 I made it a goal to be present where I was & who I was with. I wanted to traveled and have experiences, making memories I will cherish forever. And let me tell you, I did just that!! It was beyond words the fun I shared. 

Hiking through a Wonderland

 

At 39 I can’t think of anything better than to continue living gratefully for the gifts I’ve been given, because everything we are and have is just that, a gift. I want to slow down take in the view and enjoy.

I see just how fast time flies as I look at my growing little girl and I don’t want to miss a moment of it. I want to be in the moments removed from distractions as much as possible.

So it’s fine that I’m now 39. It’s fine that things don’t always go according to plan. It’s fine that I still have so much to learn. It may even be fine that it’s my last year in my 30’s (eh even if it isn’t, what can I do??! haha) 

Dress Beautifully All Will Be Fine

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Hello From Lake Tahoe

Gals, I'm in Lake Tahoe with 2 of my bestest gal pals!!  We love to travel together to get away for cheers, adventure and so so much laughter! We are also celebrating my upcoming 39th birthday. 

Yesterday we arrived to a beautiful sunny day

While I've taken a step back from posting last week for Spring Break and this week for my trip I wanted to share that I hope whatever you're doing and wherever you're at you are dressing beautifully inside & out.

Today we woke up to a Winter wonderland!

For the first time I've worn a real down coat with fox fur trim, ski pants and boots.

While we aren't skiing we are hiking in the snow, going on a boat cruise and a helicopter tour #squeal !!!

Stay tuned for future posts on what I'm wearing and the adventures we take.

Dress Beautifully on Your Adventures

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Life's Colorful Masterpiece

Happy Monday! I pray that you had a blessed Easter Sunday celebrating our risen Savior with your loved ones! It was especially special for us as Ryan was able to be with us for the first time in a few years. We celebrated with a day at my Mamma's with my siblings and all of Vivian's cousins. It was all day fun!

While yesterday was truly picture perfect with happy smiles, not every day or every thing is full of glee. I was watching Vivian paint recently, one of her favorite things to do and she was telling me what colors you can make by mixing colors together. I sat there watching her joy seeing new shades come to life and I found myself thinking how this represents our lives.

There are light, bright moments and dark moments that all overlap each other.  There's never sadness without joy or happiness without challenge. And yet together they blend making a beautiful masterpiece. 

We tend to only display the pretty pieces but the 'messy' ones are just as pretty if you take the time to appreciate them.  

Note: Not every piece is for the public, keeping those that are fragile for your trusted audience is wise.

I encourage you to look at the pictures of your days and admire all the shades

 that create a life worthy of admiration.

Dress Beautifully in All the Colors of Life

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Dress Up Room

Hi Gals! I really had intentions of 'skipping' an outfit post this Wednesday since it's Spring Break and I just shared on Monday's post that I wanted to take breaks this week. Sigh, I just have this urge to stay consistent and productive.  I can be hard on myself #typeA! 

I stopped into J.Crew Factory yesterday and found the cutest pieces at pretty prices so here we are with today's post. Vivian loves going into 'Dress Up Rooms' with me to try on clothes. I giggle, I'll forever call them that and this session did not disappoint.

Let's start with this berry cute strawberry dress :) The BEST part is that it comes in an identical matching one for little girls squeal! Naturally I had to have them for my darling and I. Vivian's size is on order and when it arrives I assure you, you'll see Mommy and Me pictures! 

My Dress (5 additional colors/prints) - Little Girls Dress

I also found this matching set.  A tank top and maxi skirt, two of my favorite pieces for comfort and staying cool in the summer. I love them together for a cohesive look but plan to split them pairing with white jeans/shorts and a crisp white shirt (probably tied at the waist).

This print is very 'chinoiserie' and if you're like me you'll be walking around styled to match your home decor. #blueandwhiteforever

Top - Maxi Skirt.

I encourage you to shop around at JCREW FACTORY for some pretty spring pieces.

Dress Beautifully for Spring

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Spring Break 2022

Gals it's Spring Break for us ... actually for Vivian, my daily responsibilities and job will continue this week #nofair. We aren't traveling but that's not necessary for a week well spent.  I am going to take this week to incorporate more rest, fun and quality time. It may not seem grand, but I'm confident the memories made will be priceless. 

Planning on time spent with this new book in this spot!

hopefully uninterrupted :)

When I say rest, I don't mean nap (I've never been able to do that #nochill) What I mean is to take breaks from the chores, technology and people to be in the quiet, preferably outside, allowing myself to slow down. I believe it's important to pause to recharge from our full lives. 

For fun, I want to play longer games, make believe, special crafts, outings and maybe even something messy.  I want to share lots of laughter and make lots of joyful memories throughout the day with my darling.

Most importantly, I want to be present. I want to be intentional with this precious week that Vivian is home. I want to look at her and listen without distractions or hurry. We only get each day once and I certainly don't want to waste it. 

I still have to keep our home tidy and running as well as give time to my job but I can turn away from what isn't essential for a break! 

Dress Beautifully By Taking a Break

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: NOT so short denim shorts

 TGIF! This has been one of the fullest weeks I've had this year and it's all been fun! Vivian started swimming lessons, we both went to the dentist, I finished a two semester long bible study, Vivian participated in her preschool's bike-a-thon, she had tap & ballet lessons, and this morning I am helping her class with an Easter egg hunt and party. Along with these activities I still went to the gym daily, kept my home tidy and worked my job.  Pretty sure I'm taking tonight off because tomorrow is packed with more all day fun with my sister and Vivian's cousins. I can't wait for all the fun Spring Break has in store for us next week :) 

Shorts, they're my least favorite garment to wear. I'm not fond of my legs but I am working on this insecurity daily. Shorts, whether I like them or not, are practical and comfortable when it comes to surviving the Summer's heat. And let me be clear, they are cute gals. I just wish my legs looked cute in them! 

My Shorts

As versatile and classic as a pair of jeans are in our wardrobe, as are denim shorts. A pair with just a smidge longer length is essential for me. It provides coverage and confidence so that I can move and chase my darling with ease. A higher rise is also a preferred fit. It creates an elongated appearance, highlights the waist line and pairs nicely with shorter tops and for tucking in tops. 

Here are my favorite not so short denim shorts ...

Light Wash Distressed

White

I own these too and Love them!

Medium Wash High Rise

Relaxed Mid Length

Curvy Fit

Classic 

Boyfriend Short

Dress Beautifully in Not So Short Denim Shorts

XOXO Sarah-Louise

White Hot

I shared with you gals 2 Fridays ago a whole bunch of jumpsuits to play around in and this bright white denim one was at the top of my list. It's chic, comfortable and structured which is my favorite part! The shape provided by the design along with the thick denim fabric is what makes this jumpsuit so flattering.

The exaggerated shoulders, tie waist and straight leg create a slim hourglass silhouette that holds all day (and isn't see through).

White is my most favorite to wear in these warm (let's be real hot) seasons for it's crisp freshness and it's nice to break away from the typical dress or jeans.

White Denim Jumpsuit | Similar Wedges & Here | Cuff |

Dress Beautifully in a White Jumpsuit

XOXO Sarah-Louise