Sweet Treats

 Happy Halloween! 

We've already dressed up and celebrated this weekend at two 'Trunk or Treat' events and thank goodness because it's going to be a rainy day here. But for Vivian, I will walk the neighborhood with an umbrella if we must! #momlife

As most mothers do, I encourage Vivian to use her manners when approaching someone gifting candy and it got me thinking. As adults, we can forget our manners from time to time. We are adamant that our children are kind but I've witnessed first hand that adults can be the cruelest. 

Note: Please remember behind every blog and social media post is a real person with a heart just trying to do their best. What you see is an image. There's a whole life behind it that is held private.

Here are some ways we can hand out sweet treats to one another ... 

SPEAK KINDLY

Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24

"If you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all." We've heard it our whole lives, this simple yet truthful phrase. It's easy to join in on negative talk, project our jealousy with cutting comments or have our attitudes spill over into our conversations. I know I'm working hard to hold my tongue to avoid trouble!

SHARE ENCOURAGEMENT

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

When a friend is having a hard time rather than jump in on the complaining or sharing advise, point them to Jesus. Pray for them. Our brains & hearts are human so we need His Word to guide us to peace and understanding.

SUPPORT GENEROUSLY

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

We ALL have trials and are called to endure together! We can help carry each other's loads by offering a helping hand and loving each other with acts of kindness. This looks different for everyone because we all have different gifts. I have a gal pal who feeds others with the most delicious meals while I on the other hand am better with acts of service like watching children, running errands and taking time to listen.

Dress Beautifully Passing Out Sweetness

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Platforms

TGIF! You've probably got costumes and candy on the brain but today I'm taking you higher than a sugar rush ... with platforms! 

Pink Platforms!

Fun Fact: the 70's are my favorite era of fashion and nothing says groovy like a pair of platforms!

The extra base not only gives you height but often adds comfort over a typical flat sole high heel as a portion of the height is removed. I have extremely painful and problematic feet and struggle with heels above 3".  When you add a platform, most likely the actually heel hight and pressure on your feet is lowered.

I wore a pair of platform heels all summer long and am adding more this season.

Here are some very far out platforms that I love ...

Nude Platforms

b/c the pink were so nice, I bought them twice (but in my classic go-to nude)

also in black & red

I've worn these not only with dresses but with jeans and dressy tops

Booties

These just came in the mail yesterday & I love them! 

Super comfortable and I feel tall!

Sandal Platform

several color options - I love the gold for nights out

Loafer

several colors & two toned options

Ankle Strap Sandal

several colors

Stacked Bootie

Slingback Sandals

several colors

Tassel Clogs

also in black if silver isn't your thing

Over the Knee Boots

Metallic Bow

13 colors

Dress and Walk Beautifully in Platforms

XOXO Sarah Louise

Girlie Neutrals

 

Fall brings out all the warm neutrals in nature and in fashion. While I'm partial to colors, I do embrace a classic palette of browns, blacks and whites from time to time. To keep it interesting I find it important to have texture and details. 

The thick knit and contrasting black bow ties add a whole lot of style and femininity. Fashion, but make it girlie for me! 

The puff sleeves and cropped length and tie closures give it a very modern design.

I paired with a stark white contrasting tank underneath but adding pastels or rich jewel tones in a top or dress underneath would both add a lovely touch of color.

I went with a shiny black pump for more of a dressy look but find a pair of classic loafers for day/work would be just as nice.

These jeans are probably my favorite fitting pair. They're classic and versatile from day to evening.

Puff Sleeve Cardigan - In Ivory & Similar | Jeans |

Dress Beautifully in Neutrals

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Absolutes of Autumn

Happy Monday gals! I must confess right away, autumn is my least favorite season. EK I know I know! I'm confident I'm in the .00001% in my lack of affinity for PSL's, pumpkin patches and cozy clothes. 
I'm a Spring gal through and through! 

I do respect and enjoy all seasons and the beautiful blessings that they bring. They each have unique things to them that I appreciate. The absolutely most amazing thing about Autumn is the .... 

OUTDOORS!

I recently went on a girls' trip to Greenville, SC and gracious was it a lot of fun!

My favorite was riding bikes

BREATHE!

I absolutely LOVE being in the crisp air of Autumn!

The low humidity and cool down is refreshing.

Breath it in.

LOOK UP!

Lay down on the ground and see the sunshine shining in the colored leaves!

There is no art that man can create that competes with this beauty.

Look around and marvel at the wonder of creation.

ENJOY IT!

Play, read, talk, & cheers in this season.

Spend time with the ones you love outside.

My Top - Tennis Skirt - Similar Jacket - Sneakers

Tip: layers are key to dressing for the range of temperatures each day holds

Dress Beautifully in Autumn

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Organza Tops

TGIF! Gals, it got cold this week. It was particularly uncomfortable taking Trixie out every hour. I've quickly realized I need to switch out my summer clothes in my closet for all the cozy sweaters. I've been putting it off because just last weekend it was 80!

My Top - also in red

Paired with jeans for a daytime look 

but will style with sleek pants & heels for evening. 

While warm garments may have been more fitting for this Friday's favorites I decided on sheer tops because I think these are not only pretty but versatile. 

Tops made of organza fabric are both elegant and sassy depending on how you style them.

Here are some very pretty organza tops ...

Dark Floral

it even has fun bugs in the print!

Plaid

Sheer Sweater

also in black & ivory

Lace

Ruffle Sleeve

also in burgundy but I LOVE the chocolate

in Cream here

Ruffle Sleeve

much savvier price! also in black

Bow Blouse

Mock Neck Sweater

Dress Beautifully in Organza

XOXO Sarah Louise

Garden Greens

 

Gals, we are finally having the first chill of Fall this week! I still haven't switched out my closet to bring out my cold weather clothes (last weekend was in the 80's) but now I think I'm ready. Even though sweater weather is here there are still so many occasions for dressing up and I don't like going all dark in my colors just because it's cold.

Solution, florals that are darker in color and even monochromatic like this dress in garden green, have a more seasonally appropriate fit. I don't want to give up girly dressing because it's cold. Instead I just tweak it a bit by mixing in saturated colors and heavier textures.

Belts, my favorite accessory! Adding a statement belt enhances shape, style and brings a rich texture to your look making it fitting for the season. This one is so special to me. I even gave it a name, because it's my hero piece. It makes me feel powerful and confident.  

I encourage you to cinch in a darker floral dress this Fall.

Opt for a closed toe heel.

And be as girlie as you want in all seasons!

Fact: Everything's prettier when you smile!

Dress & Similar & Here | Smaller Version of My Belt - Similar | Platform Heels |

Dress Beautifully in Fall Florals

XOXO Sarah Louise

5 Minute Make Up

Happy Monday! Let's talk make-up shall we? I love make up and feel more confident and pretty when I wear it. It doesn't have to be complicated and I like it to simple enhance my features over masking them. I also have to be fast #momlife

I recently added a few new products that are now staples.

Here's what I wear for an easy day time look:

Shimmer Gel Eyeshadow - I have one of these in a lighter shade but just added this color 'Dark Glint' and am obsessed. You just dab a little on the lid and go (or layer on top of a full shadow look). It has just a hit of neutral brown and the sweetest sparkle. 

Best $20 you'll spend!

Primer - I added this recently too.  I've been wearing primer for a few years now and it isn't optional gals. It's the glue that holds makeup on your face. I see it this way, if I'm going to invest the time and money into makeup, I want it to be there and do it's job. Primer makes this happen.  I prefer a matte one because my face tends to get shiny throughout the day. This one is light and smooth.

Foundation - this has been a good one for me for many years. It's light, lasts all day and has a natural look to it. It evens my coloring out without completely masking my face.

Setting Powder - this is a new top favorite. It is marketed as blurring and I will say it really gives a nice blurring effect while setting and controlling shine. I plan to stick with this forever.

Cream Blush - I love cream blushes for they're ability to stay all day. Powder blushes tend to rub off (probably from smooching and snuggling all over Vivian). They have a hydrating and luster look. I think they're especially great in the winter when our skin is dryer.

Mascara - gals, I've tried so so many and keep coming back to this one. It doesn't dry, flake or smear. It elongates and curls. It's just amazing!

Eyebrows - This is a bargain buy but you wouldn't know it. Eyebrow colors can be tricky, especially for us redheads.  I've been wearing this one for over a year now and have several spares in my makeup drawer so I'm never without. The color isn't overwhelming and I find a pencil is softer for a natural look.

If I'm out for an occasion I'll add eyeliner & eyeshadow into this routine.

One thing I'll never ever go without, regardless if I put on anything else ... Lipstick! 

Dress Beautifully in a Natural, Easy Makeup 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Trousers

 TGIF! Today I want to share my take on trousers. I've always loved them when I was in the office. They made me feel professional and sophisticated.  Now, I'm seeing them everywhere styled for all types of occasions and I'm thrilled.

My Trousers - Handbag

I find true to size - I'm wearing petite and only need a low heel

In a high waisted and wide leg design I find them super flattering. They highlight the waist and float away from the legs which is slimming. Similar to a maxi skirt but with separated legs. While I'm normally opposed to an elastic waist because it tends to create volume on the lower abdomen and derriere I'm seeing a lot of trousers with a wider waist band with a flat front and elastic just on the back. This is actually very comfortable and shapely. 

When styled with pieces that don't resemble work wear like an embellished top or basic tee/sweatshirt you get a balance look that's polished, modern and comfortable. 

I'm not cool enough to do it, but wearing sneakers with trousers is super on trend!

Here are some trousers that I think are pretty:

Ivory Trousers

Also in black which I have too! and petite sizing 

Wide Leg Chino

also in ivory

Hot Pink

also in beige 

Yellow Plaid

I think these are so fun. - treat the golden color as a neutral and pair with other colors like plum and royal blue!

Jean

would really add variety to your denim collection

Sailor

Tab Waist in plaid

also in black here

Dress Beautifully in Trousers

XOXO Sarah Louise