Remember

Happy Memorial Day! 

My Swimsuit

It's been a great start to Summer for us with our first trip to the pool, picnics, and neighborhood strolls. I even started a new book laying in our back yard hammock while Vivian napped yesterday only to doze off myself a couple chapters in.  It was glorious gals! I don't ever ever ever nap but something about the sound of the birds chirping and laying under the Carolina blue skies relaxed even me.

I've been reminding myself of how great the men and women that serve our country are with their willingness to sacrifice so that Americans can live free. You may not know this but Ryan, my husband, served in the US Navy as a medical officer. It was some of the best times of our lives living on a Marine base and yet it was also some of the toughest when he was deployed to the Middle East. We both grew and so did our gratitude for all service members past and present.

This day is to remember those that gave it all. #Grateful

My Top & Skirt

Enjoy and Celebrate the privilege of this free land!

Dress Beautifully and Proudly as an American

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Looks Lately

TGIF! Today is Vivian's last day of school for the year! I find myself full of feelings. I'm proud of how much she's learned, grown and fun she's had but also taken back at how fast it all went by. And when I think about next week being the start of Summer I'm bursting with excitement at the fun I get to share with her splashing in the sun! 

There have been so many celebrations and events this month. So today, I'm sharing with you the outfits I've worn lately ... 

I wore this pale pink butterfly dress to Vivian's ballet recital.

Dress | Shoes 

I wore this outfit to a Mother's Day event

Similar Top | Skirt & Similar | Belt

I wore this light and airy smocked maxi dress to Vivian's end of year class party.

I purchased it from a local boutique, Charlotte's.

Blue & White Dress & Here | Similar Sandals

I wore this to a Charlotte Football Club game

Tank | Shorts

This dress is a part of a collaboration with Tuckernuck. I snapped this picture immediately after opening the package.

It is out of stock but you can request a notification for when it's restocked HERE

I tried this dress on in store for my sister and I love it! Light weight & comfortable. She wore it to Vivian's dance recital. It's a fun dress for Summer.

I'd swap out the tie belt for a rattan one.

Block Print Dress

This dress caught my eye in the store for the bold colors and sweet berry & floral print.

It's made of a crisp cotton and very flattering. 

Berry Floral Dress

Dress Beautifully for All Your Summer Shindigs

XOXO Sarah-Louise

LWD with Style

A little white dress (LWD) is a staple for the Summer season. This clean fresh palette is not only a classic but a blank canvas for adding your personal touch.

White also brightens your appearance and has such a lovely look to it.

Belts are my go-to for adding style to my outfits. I have quite the collection of vintage & designer belts. I find them flattering for adding structure, shape, texture and shine. While they do add significant interest they don't overtake which is key when adding accessories.

I encourage you to embrace bright whites and to add your personality to a look that's otherwise simple.

Statement jewelry, shoes, scarves, handbags & hats are all great ways to express your style.

Little White Dress & Here | Pumps | Belt

Dress Beautifully in a Little White Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Matching Set - Styled 7 Ways

Ruffled Crop Top - Mini Skirt

both come in multiple colors

I love matching sets! They're intentional in their purpose of two pieces made of the same fabric while at the same time giving way to so many style options split apart. This particular set is a cute one for Summer. 

*Disclaimer - I know crop tops aren't for everyone (I'm not wearing it to church for crying out loud) but styled tastefully with high waisted bottoms I'm sure your Mamma won't have a stroke... even if she doesn't quite approve.

A maxi skirt is my fav to pair with cropped tops. 

With a high waist and full length the proportions are balanced

High waisted wide leg pants are also a great option for a long sleek look and balance.

Note: I'm wearing my normal size but in petite in these pants

If you are going to opt for shorts, make them high waisted and a tad longer.

A structured pair adds sophistication to compensation for all the exposed skin.

I love a peplum top with A-line skirts. They add an extra layer of fun!

I think most gals assume you need to tuck in a top for waist definition - but the peplum already has that and it adds extra structure. 

You can't go wrong with a cotton tank on a hot Summer day!

A little loose tuck adds just the right shape.

I also wear petite in this tank.

Classic denim just goes great with everything!

Dress Beautifully in a Matching Set

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Summer Shoes

Espadrille

TGIF! When it comes to shoes in the Summer I like nude & comfort! haha That sounds funny! What I mean is, I prefer nude/tan colored sandals that are easy to walk in and made of leather so that with sweat (unpleasant but reality) you are less likely to endure blisters and pinching.

The reason for the nude color is that it is elongating on the leg (mine are short AND I have cankles ugh) and they are a nice, noncompetitive complement to bright colorful outfits.

Here are some stylish neutral sandals for Summer ...

Linen Platform

I wear these for dressy occasions 

Raffia Platform

I bought these last year and thrilled they're back.

The raffia is perfectly fitting for Summer 

Block Heel

I love the low heel 

I wrap it around and tie the straps in the back 

Braided Heel

This style is extremely popular and this pair is extremely savvy.

Under $40 - 6 color options

Strappy

I bought this pair last year and wore them like crazy!

Square Toe Heel

Wrap

super comfortable and the stars are oh so fun

3 color options

Thong

I like this pair for a dressier option over a flip flop

Dress Beautifully in Neutral Summer Sandals

XOXO Sarah-Louise

She Wears Seashells

Summer is almost here!!!!! There just aren't enough exclamation points to convey my excitement through this blog. I can. not. wait. to hold my little darling's tiny hand in mine as we walk our toes out onto the sand, let the water hit our legs and collect all the pretty shell treasures.  The most joyful memories I have with her are at the beach. It's pure magic!

My youngest sister is the biggest beach lover among us and she's the one who found this skirt for me. It's going to be a piece I keep forever.  I love the pretty shells, colors and fun ruffle design. It's not just a vacation piece, it's perfectly fitting for anywhere you are this Summer.

I paired it with a cream top but really think a pale pink, yellow, blue, orange or brown would be a lovely compliment to the print colors. I found these platform raffia sandals last year and was excited to see them back (linked at the bottom of the post). They're super comfortable. 

Note: this skirt has a side zipper and I find that pieces with this closer run a tad small - I went up one size.

Rattan handbags are so popular for Summer and you can find them just about anywhere.

I found mine at a vintage shop. Antique accessories and home decor are my favorite!

I always imagine the gals that wore them before me and the homes the decor was used in. 

It's a sweet hobby of mine to hunt for old treasures.

I will say I do wish I had one that had more of a drop handle for easier carry.

Seashell Skirt | Similar Top | Raffia Platform Sandal |

Dress Beautifully in Seashells by the Seashore

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Overcoming a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

 Gals, we all have them; Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days. 

They're the worst! 

I don't have a magic solution to preventing them or making them disappear. I wish I did because I have had some pretty awful situations that really got me down and dampened my joy.

Here's what I try to do to overcome them ....

1. Remember Who's you are.

Most often I'm hurt and feel terrible about myself. 

We are all God's creation with a great purpose and He allows things to happen to grow us.

2. Give Grace

We ALL make mistakes!

Apologize & Forgive.

3. Look Around You

Preferably outside, take in the blessings that surround you.

It can quickly outshine the bad.

These days certainly aren't the ones we are eager to share about but they are important as they teach and grow us. Patience, mercy, and generosity are all challenging but so rewarding.

Note - be very careful who you seek counsel from and avoid gossip.

Dress Beautifully Even On the Bad Days

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Crochet

 TGIF! May, being the last month of school, is jam packed with so many fun activities and celebrations and I'm loving it! It's been a remarkable year and I'll miss it, but Summer is going to be even more remarkable. 

My Crochet Cropped Top

As for May fashion, there's a lot of crochet. But not in your Grandma's doily under a figurine kind. These designs are light, airy and add texture to your outfits.  They also have a very coastal vibe. Think of them like a very pretty fishing net (not sure if that's a good comparison but it's what came to my mind).

Here are some pretty summer crochet pieces ...

Flutter Sleeve Top

Short Sleeve Top

Sleeveless

more colors available

Striped

Romper

Cropped Vest

Open Vest

Dress Beautifully in Crochet

XOXO Sarah-Louise