TOP 10 of 2022

It's been an absolute joy writing for the 9th year on this space! I ask myself often how long am I going to keep sharing here. It's a place where I can encourage, spread joy and give outfit inspiration in hopes that you gain confidence in dressing beautifully inside and out. So, for now, I'm going to keep on. I don't even know if I'm going to change much but let my words and content align with my life and purpose.

I wish this screen could convey the magnitude of the sincerity when I type this - With my whole heart, I am grateful for each and every reader!!! 

Here are my top 10 favorite outfits of 2022 ...

Dress Beautifully Always

XOXO Sarah Louise

A Whole Hand

Our darling Vivian Louise turned 5 yesterday!

Vivian's Super Hero Dress

As her mother, I feel so many things like honor, privilege, joy, gratitude, excitement, and love for all the moments I've been given with her and hope for billions more. 

I make it my priority to be as present and involved on these days as possible by preparing the details in advance and passing my phone/camera to someone else to capture pictures. This way my hands and eyes are on what matters most. When the day is done I can look through the photos, reliving it all and then share. I've done this for years and it makes for a very meaningful day.

There can be a lot of pressure when it comes to dressing for milestone occasions but as Zsa Zsa as I am I find that focusing on simplicity and comfort are more important than the grander of the outfit.

I typically choose a well fitted, non-distressed pair of jeans and a colorful top or sweater. The day isn't about me but I surely want to look good. The ability to participate easily is key. I play the games, get down on the floor for presents and you bet I'm jumping and sliding in the bounce house! 

Similar Sweater & Here - Jeans - Sparkly Sneakers 

Often we try too hard for that 'perfect outfit' when it's what we are doing that matters more than what we are wearing. 

Style Tip: Keeping your outfit simple & comfortable, in what makes you feel confident, will always be the perfect outfit! Also sparkly sneakers (and capes) are my favorite to wear :)

Dress Beautifully While You're Having Fun

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Day After

 I truly hope your Christmas was blessed with time with loved ones and joy! Mine certainly was and I am grateful for it.

So special to get to go to church on Christmas Day!

Today I was back at the gym first thing this morning and worked for a bit this afternoon but the remainder of my day was spent playing with Vivian and preparing for her 5th Birthday! I'm in complete awe!

This can be an awkward time of mess (so many toys!) and even pressure as we conclude this year to welcome a new one. I'm not sure I have just the right encouragement for navigating this last week of the year but here's some suggestions ...

1. Be present in the present - play the new games, set up the new toys even amongst the mess. This time is precious.

My Planner for Next Year

I've been using this one for over 10 years

I went with a smaller size this year for an easier fit in my handbags

2. Write it Down - yes the new year is coming and the pressure to make and accomplish big things can be heavy. Write down your thoughts throughout the day this week or go ahead and buy a new planner (if your a paper obsessed person like me you already have yours) and begin filling it out. 

3. Be Still - I put together a puzzle with my sister on Christmas Eve & Day and it was one of the most fun and memorable things about this Christmas! For one reason, I never ever ever sit still and it was just what I needed. 

However you spend this week, do it with a smile!

Dress Beautifully Enjoying the Last Week of 2022

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Greatest Christmas Gifts

Only 2 more nights until Christmas! This year is particularly special because for the first time in 4 years Ryan is off of work!!!  I can't wait for us to share the magic of that day all together!

While shopping is a very big element of this season, I want to share some things that you can gift that don't require money or shipping!

PRESENCE

It's been said and shared a lot - but your presence is more valuable than any present!

Spend time with those around you listening and sharing with one another.

And for goodness sake laugh as much as you possibly can!

A HUG AROUND THE NECK

I love a good squeeze! One that's just a little too hard and holds on longer. 

HANDWRITTEN NOTE

I have boxes of handwritten notes that I cherish and often carry some in my purse for when I need encouragement. Take the time to write down your appreciate and care for someone. I promise it will be one of the most valuable things they open. 

Above all, the greatest gift any of us will ever receive, is the love of Jesus!

I hope you have a Very Merry Christmas

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pearls & Plaid

It's Christmas Week!!! Vivian is out of school and I'm enjoying spending these days together just us two preparing for the festivities.  I'm done shopping but have so, so much wrapping to do. 

For me, dressing for Christmas activities is fun. I like to stay traditional and timeless with my holiday style. 

Pearls and plaid are two timeless classics that I believe pair beautifully. While a single strand of pearls are the most formal you can embrace a more modern look with pearl jewelry that incorporates chains and various colors. 

When it comes to plaid prints, they can often masculine but in pinks and bright colors it can take on a cheerful look.

Similar Skirt

Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the holiday I encourage you to take a bit of time to look as joyful as the season feels! 

Dress Beautifully in Pearls & Plaid

XOXO Sarah Louise

Christmas Dinner Party

This past Friday I hosted a traditional dinner party for 13 ladies belonging to my 'Mothers of Preschoolers' group. I co-lead this group with my dearest friend in efforts to encourage, bless and love one another while building community. 

As mothers we are the magic makers when it comes to Christmas so we first and foremost wanted these ladies to be celebrated, fed and made to feel special for one evening during this full season. Oh and we definitely wanted them to laugh! 

Our home was already festive with Christmas decorations throughout so with the addition of setting the tables the presentation was complete.

Nearly all of my decor & linens are vintage that I've acquired over the years at various antique and thrift shops. I like a classic red and green color scheme that will transcend across decades and hopefully Vivian will use one day. A simple pair of dinner candles adds a timeless and elegant centerpiece. 

I have an affinity for place cards. To me, they feel so fancy and intentional. I find that anything personalized adds a thoughtful touch.

I used my breakfast table in addition to my dining

I made sure to greet each guest at the door with a bright smile and a squeeze to convey how valuable their presence was. I created a area to hang coats and place purses in the office which is by the front door but in a non utilized space for the evening. I then directed them into our formal living room to offer a glass of champagne.

Sparkling wine is my favorite because again, fancy! I served the bubbles in these Waterford crystal coups my father in law purchased in Europe while on military assignment. They were gifted to me several years ago and will be something I cherish forever.

I garnished the drink with sugar coated cranberries & a sprig of rosemary from my garden.

Note: Using the bar cart makes for easy serving while mingling and eliminates traveling from room to room.

We served a traditional Christmas dinner with a pre-plated salad (makes for easy serving), followed by the main course served buffet style: glazed spiral ham, asparagus, roasted rosemary red potatoes and rolls.

The shining star was the homemade chocolate cake!

Following dinner we gathered back in our formal living room with our dessert for some games that made us all laugh so hard I was worried we'd all spill our drinks! 

We concluded the evening by gifting each lady a present served on a silver platter. The symbolism here was fully intentional. As women and mothers we serve others with our best and on this occasion I wanted it to be reciprocated.

Wrapped in tartan paper and tied with a navy velvet ribbon were a pair of gold knot earrings that we affixed to a card that reads "Friendship is a knot that cannot be untied". 

The ladies were surprised and flattered! 

I hope that by sharing this evening with you it inspires you to open the doors of you home to share hospitality with others. The table setting, decorations and gifts are not necessary to be a blessing but simply your warm smile and attentive ears are goodness enough!

 Dress Beautifully at Your Next Party

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Fair Isle Sweaters

 TGIF! It's full on sweater weather here and while a solid knit is classic I prefer one with a little pizzazz. A fair isle sweater has a colorful pattern while still remaining timeless.

You can always find Trixie under my feet

My Fair Isle Cardigan

Here are some classic & cozy fair isle sweaters to keep you warm ...

Green Turtleneck

Purple & Red

Beaded Black & White

Neutral

Snowflake

Tunic

also in white & black

Cable Turtleneck

Puff Sleeve

Cow Neck

Red

also in white

Dress Beautifully in Fair Isle

XOXO Sarah Louise

Monochromatic but Give it Dimension

There's a lot of elements at play with this outfit. The monochromatic shades, pairing of textures and proportions. It's all of those things that make it interesting for me.

I find monochromatic looks sophisticated, sleek and unexpected (which is what's fun about style - it's ability to surprise). I like to use a jewel toned shades paired with a pastels. 

The textures are equally as important. You want them to contrast to add dimension otherwise the color blocking falls very flat. A soft knit sweater like this pointelle one and a slip skirt is a prime example of this. Another example would be a silk blouse with tweed. Think smooth against not smooth.

The suede on my boots also adds texture.

Now onto proportions. I like to always keep the waist line right under my ribcage. This creates a longer looking silhouette particularly on the lower body. I folded and tucked in my sweater a bit for cropped look. To keep the line of the outfit from breaking I paired with boots that overlap the hem of the skirt. 

Note: These boots are a mid height in the shaft - several inches below the knee. This is my favorite for boots! 

Sweater | Slip Skirt | Boots 

Dress Beautifully in a Monochromatic Look

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Tough Stuff

Gals the past couple of weeks have been HARD! Ryan was gone nearly 2 weeks working out of town at another hospital so that left me to the holiday hustle which is in full swing on top of extra events, my job, wrangling both Vivian & puppy Trixie, finished off with the flu for me for the last 5 days - I almost broke a few times! ... who am I kidding I DID break a few times!

When I did break I had to put myself back together. My family, home, commitments, responsibilities and friends need me.

Here are 3 things that helped me during this overwhelming time ...

PRAY

Take the time to talk to him. Pray throughout the day.

Give thanks for what you already have!

Ask for patience, endurance and peace!

In all you do, do it out of love for God and others!

ENJOY

Kick your feet up and dance a little to the Christmas music!

It makes all the to-do's more fun if you find the joy in the tasks.

I skirted some rules and treated Vivian to a few dinners out and shifted our schedule a little to incorporate

much deserved fun!

KEEP QUIET

I decided to minimized my conversations. The main objective was to prevent me from complaining and creating negativity which only makes matters worse.

It also kept me timely and on task.

Rather than talking/venting to my friends about my hardships, I let them know I was spread thin and needed to focus. This allows for them to know where I'm at and to be thinking of me. I focused on my vast to-do lists and when I came up for air I checked back in with my gal pals.

We all go through challenges and overwhelming seasons but we can persevere with grace and come out much stronger!

Dress Beautifully Even in the Hard Times 

XOXO Sarah Louise