Dress Beautifully: November 2022

Nov 30, 2022

Maximize in a Long Sleeve Mini

Gals, holiday dressing is everywhere! Satin, sparkles, bows and of course rich colors - red, green & black.

While all of these elements are festive, they don't always go beyond that special occasion.

A long sleeve printed mini dress is not only lovely but it transcends across occasions and seasons.

This one in a print of jewel tones can be styled with statement jewelry, heels and fur for a soiree. (also consider dark tights)

For daytime add boots and a sweater vest and come Spring time a denim jacket and sandal.

The deep V neckline along with the puff sleeve and twirly skirt adds a lot of modern style & sass!

The wide smocked waist is very slimming!

Long Sleeve Mini - Similar Mini - Similar Booties

Dress Beautifully in a Long Sleeve Mini Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Nov 28, 2022

Permanent Bracelets

When it comes to celebrating & gifting the best gals in our lives it can be a challenge to say the least. We want to give something special and the truth is we often have so much it's hard to find a gift that's unique.

I found a sentimental, lovely and very creative way to show love to those extra special -

Permanent Bracelets!

Both my sisters have birthdays a few weeks apart and I took us to get them. What is that you ask? It's a small chain made of yellow or white gold that's fitted to your wrist (or ankle). There's even options for charms.

These are the 3 we chose

First, you select your chain. That's the most fun and interesting part. Just looking at the spoils I made the assumption of what I'd like but gracious was I wrong.

It's important to try them draped over your arm and you'd be surprised what suits your fancy.

We all had fun comparing the options and making our selection

Then the jeweler fits the length that's most comfortable. Not too tight, not too much movement.

The chain is cut and attached in a snap and you're off with a delicate glitter the whole day long.

Peterson Made

right here in Charlotte is where we had a wonderful experience!

The owner and jeweler Barb was so fun to work with.

She laughed alongside us as she explained the process and showcased our options

She has a great talent for custom jewelry!

Note: We all chose our left wrists but I'm returning to have mine moved to my right as it gets hidden underneath my watch.

To me, it's a beautiful way to 'bond' together. Not to worry, if for some reason you do need to remove it simply take a pair of nail clippers to the connection point and clip and save the chain for reattachment.

It's a subtle but significant reminder of the love that shine among me and my sisters!

See my Instagram for fun videos of our time

Dress Beautifully with a Permanent Bracelet

XOXO Sarah Louise

Nov 25, 2022

Friday Favorites: The Day After Thanksgiving

Today is a special kind of Friday. The day after Thanksgiving is filled with its own set of traditions and fun. Personally I enjoy several and manage to do new things each year. I like to exercise, shop the sales (in years past it was in store but now I take advantage of online convenience), eat left overs, decorate our home for Christmas - my Favorite! and this year we are hosting Vivian's cousin for a weekend sleepover and going to a hockey game!

My Sweater

This day is a nice day for a slow down and to take in the start of the season.

Here are my favorites sales to shop ...

J CREW

50% OFF + 10%

Classic Sweaters - like this cable knit too

ANTHROPOLOGIE

30%OFF

It's very rare to find this type of sale here!

I love this dress for all

This clutch purse is great for yourself or as a gift

roomy, comes with a strap & in several colors

ANN TAYLOR

50% OFF

I love their classic pieces

Pearl Cuff Sweater

TUCKERNUCK

20-30% OFF

Fair Isle Sweater

SHOPBOP

25% OFF

Great opportunity to save on designer/splurge pieces

I have this top and love it!

I love these crop jeans!

Several washes & finishes - they're not at all that cropped on me

MADEWELL

50% OFF

This sweater vest is great for layering

Madewell makes amazing jeans

Dress Beautifully Enjoying the Day After Thanksgiving

XOXO Sarah Louise

Nov 24, 2022

Thankful for You

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am so grateful for each and every one of you that take the time to read the posts I create. I count you as blessings!

The kind words and support from you mean the world to me. I work hard to share things that are encouraging and inspiring so that you may enjoy dressing beautifully on the inside and out.

This is a creative space for me but more importantly where I strive to shine a light out into the world.

From my family to yours,

May your heart be filled with gratitude for every little thing God has given you!

Dress Beautifully While Giving Thanks

XOXO Sarah Louise

Nov 21, 2022

3 things to Bring to the Thanksgiving Table (that you don't have to cook!)

It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is just a few days away. I've been focusing on gratitude these past few weeks and I've noticed my heart increasing in contentment and calmness.

But then I think about the chaos of gathering with a lot of family and the noise they bring and I instantly cringe (I love my family with all my heart but I thrive on quiet and order). But all that noise is laughter and memories being made and I'll look back on that day with a smile and cherish those moments.

Cooking isn't my thing (an understatement) so here are 3 things I am bringing to the Thanksgiving table ...

ATTITUDE

Our attitude is a reflection of our faith. Despite the circumstances the hope and love we have knowing Jesus allows us to live a joyful life. Gratitude and bitterness can not coexist. Approach the day with a positive attitude. It will change your entire outlook even if the happenings don't. It's also contagious so spread some happy around!

GRACE

I can be really hard on myself when it comes to what I eat. I’m going to give grace and enjoy (maybe even indulge a bit ) on the yummy dishes. Maybe you have to give grace in another area of struggle. Whatever you like to grab control over, let it go so that you can freely enjoy!

PATIENCE

It's a blessing to have a lot of food, moving parts, people and noise surrounding you. Life isn't perfect nor does it go according to our plans but it is so purposeful. Exercising patience will create a day of ease.

My Top | Skirt | Earrings

Dress Beautifully at Your Thanksgiving Table

XOXO Sarah Louise

Nov 18, 2022

Friday Favorites: Shimmer & Shine

TGIF! When it comes to holidays or really any shindig/occasion throughout the year, it's always fun to sparkle. Sequins are the best for that. Those tiny disks of luster give off an enchanting magic that makes everyone smile (and want to shimmy).

There is joy in shiny things!

So no matter how old I get I want to wear & be the sparkle around me.

My Top

2 other colors

Style Tip: Wear your sparkle in the day/casually with distressed jeans,

layered with a vest (fur or knit) or with sneakers.

Here are some sassy pieces for you to shimmer & shine in ...

Long Sleeve Blouse

also in black

Shift Dress

also in bronze

Large Disc Tee

also in ivory & black

also in black

also in Black

also in Silver

also in black

Long Sleeve Feathered Maxi Dress

also in black

Feather Hem Dress

Blazer

also in black

Dress Beautifully in Sparkles

XOXO Sarah Louise

Nov 16, 2022

Swan Beauty

I Can. Not. Wait. to wear this Dress! I don't care what the next shindig is, I'm wearing it. My sister sent it to me one evening and I immediately ordered it from my phone. She probably did too so maybe we can match (I can feel her rolling her eyes).

The swan print on the front and back is so designer looking and unique. I love the colors, fabric and even cut. I don't typically wear swing dresses but find this one chic with a slight retro vibe.

Fun Fact: I went through a phase where I really loved swans when I was young.

This is the type of dress that can be worn across seasons.

I paired with black tights for a winter look.

The neck bow tie adds even more femininity.

PS there's also pockets!

I love that the print carries over to the back!

This takes animal print to a whole new level.

Dress - Similar & Here - Handbag - Earrings - Heels

Dress Beautifully in Swans

XOXO Sarah Louise

Nov 14, 2022

Higher the Hair, Closer to Heaven

Gals, I like big hair! Like really big. Think Dolly Parton ... but skip the bangs. I had bangs my whole life until college & it was never a good look.

The trick to achieving a voluminous look of soft curls is hot rollers. My Mamma started using them in high school and in fact is still using the same set from Sears. I too began rolling my hair in high school.

But, it was actually my Grandma that taught me how to roll my mane. I truly am a picture of the women I came from in my faith, style and personality.

My Hot Rollers

I put them in and apply my makeup or do other tasks while they set/cool.

Tip: Velcro rollers are also great for adding volume.

After setting apply some heat from the blowdryer let cool and voila!

Here are the product I use to coif (more like tame) my mane ...

Shampoo & Conditioner - I only wash my hair every 4-5 days. I shampoo the roots and condition a bit over half on the bottom. I've wanted to try these products for a couple years and after a few weeks I can say they are wonderful.

Bonding Oil - I apply this to damp hair. Just a dab. I really do think it decreases frizz and adds shine.

Styling Cream - I've been using this one for several years. I apply a quarter size amount before blowdrying to the bottom half of my hair.

Hairspray - I've used this one for at least 10 years.

Dry Shampoo - I apply this at night to my roots on the 2nd or 3rd day after washing. I wake up with revitalized hair with more volume.

Volume Spray - I use this on day 3-4 to zhoosh up my style.