Daydreamer

I am a dreamer. Not just big dreams of the future like what Vivian will be when she grows up or where we'll retire but even little ones like what she'll wear on her first day of kindergarten and where our next date night will be.

I dream all day long. It's not overthinking but truly dreams.  It's optimistic aspirations I enthusiastically ponder. I find the future and its possibilities so fun! 

Note: some dreams that I once had were to be an Optometrist, have 4 girls (just like little women) and to compete in a fitness competition. 

Here are some of the big dreams I'm chasing that I really hope will come true!

BE PUBLISHED IN SOUTHERN LIVING MAGAZINE.

It's my favorite magazine for so many reasons but to sum it up, the beautiful Southern culture of home it shares. I would ideally like a feature on a side column for either or both style/fashion or our home design. I really want both because fashion is my passion in helping ladies dress beautifully but I also love decorating our home to reflect us.

Note: I originally set this goal for when I'm 30, then 40 (that's in 2 months) and we laughed as my sister and I said how about 50! 

GO TO PARIS.

I've never been to Europe! This dream is luxury and the one that seems the most far off. I studied French in high school and college and have always found the culture, fashion and country so so beautiful. I would most definitely want to do a lot of shopping! England, Italy and Spain are also on my list.  A whole European sabbatical!

WRITE A BOOK.

Since I began my blog I've had aspirations to take it further in writing a book. It would in fact be titled 'Dress Beautifully' with a subtitle of inside and out. I would share my core styling techniques along with inspiration throughout from my own words, my Mamma's, quotes & scripture to encourage readers that it starts on the inside in your heart. It would share dressing yourself for an array of occasions as well as beauty and etiquette tips.

OWN A BEACH HOUSE.

I would love to spend Summers with Ryan and Vivian escaping the city for the sea. To have a place of our own that we can fill with memories and all the seashells and sharks teeth I can find would be nothing short of amazing! I envision Vivian working some during the Summers at a beachside business, Ryan golfing and me reading under an umbrella with my toes in the sand with us all reuniting for grilling supper and evening walks. The door would be revolving with family and friends and all the laughter we'd share. 

Dreaming of all the things that could come is exciting but I also practice loving where I am with what I have. I'm absolutely ok if these things stay in my dreams because I already have more than I could ever deserve in my wildest dreams!

Please share some of your dreams with me!

Dress Beautifully in Your Daydreams

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Pastel Pants

TGIF! Wow, this week was so warm and sunny it tempted me to pull out my bins of summer clothes but I know we're not quite there yet. It did motivate me to paint my toe nails!

Light clothing is a matter of style and survival in the South. Our Summers can be brutal. 

Personally I find light colors refreshing and pretty! Pastels have a sweet aesthetic to them that can give a cheerful look to your outfit.

 

My Light Pink Jeans

Note: I cut the hem for a cropped length

I wore these pale pink jeans to bible study this week and not only felt pretty in them but enjoyed the break from my traditional blue jeans.

Here are some pretty pastel pants for the Spring & Summer season ...

Slim Chino Pant

9 colors to choose from

Patch Pocket Wide Leg

also in navy & light khaki 

Chambray with Eyelet

Wide Leg Crop

6 colors

Straight Crop

7 colors 

Pleated Chino

also in ivory & sage green

Cropped Flare

also in solid green & navy

Classic Chino

5 colors 

Straight Leg

also in ivory, black & navy

Plaid

Love these!

Cropped Wide Leg

8 colors

Dress Beautifully in Pastel Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise

Romantic Florals

 There's something about soft muted colors that gives a sweet look to your outfits. Add in ruffles and light weight fabrics and you get romance.

My Soft Floral Blouse

This top even gave me country western vibes. I'm traveling to Houston TX in a couple weeks to see a dear friend and the #1 thing I want us to do is go to the RODEO!!! I'm definitely packing this top! (and boots) I'm even hoping to come home with a stetson!

Here are some other pieces that fit this soft aesthetic ...

Ruffle Collar

Blue Linen

Smocked Floral

several prints

Blue Floral

Puff Sleeve Peplum

Cotton Bubble Sleeve 

Dress Beautifully in Romantic Florals

XOXO Sarah Louise

She Wears Seashells & Pretty Pretty Styles

Gals, I'm tickled to share with you the prettiest pieces from a collaboration of Jennifer Sumko & Antonio Melani for Dillards. This line is by far the prettiest and nicest I've seen in a very long time.

Each piece is made of substantial fabrics and design. They are feminine, colorful and have a touch of whimsy. By far it was the seashell prints that were love at first sight for me. I collect shells the most, amongst other nature treasures and found these patterns cheerful yet sophisticated. 

P.S. The collection includes shoes, swimwear, stationary and even matching pieces for little girls! 

I must say, I could have brought the entire collection home!

Here are the pieces I'm thrilled to wear this Spring & Summer ...

Seashell Dress

My sister also has this dress.

The fabric is light and airy.

Butterfly Dress

I find the black detail quite sharp and interesting.

Animal & Floral Print Skirt

This has a matching top

I plan to style this skirt with blouses/tee of many colors

Scalloped Collar Top

This also has matching pants

Pink is my favorite color and this oversized collar is the ultimate feminine statement.

I chose jeans to show a casual pairing - but also plan to dress it up with skirts

Cape Collared Dress

This dress also comes in white

I added a vintage thin gold belt but also believe a broach would be lovely on the collar.

Seashell Top

I'm in love with the seashell print and the pale pink color! 

There is a matching pair of pants

I lan to style this too with skirt, trousers, jeans and short of all various colors.

Vivian was so excited to have this matching seashell dress!!

She loves the beach, shells and matching her Mamma as much as I do!

As an extra surprise, I gifted her this swimsuit! 

The sleeves are precious

When I see other bloggers working alongside designers to create pieces that incorporate their individual style it has me dreaming and inspired about what I would do! 

Shop this GORGEOUS collection!

Dress Beautifully in Pretty Pretty Styles

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Can't Live Without

TGIF! What a warm week it's been. Actually, it hasn't been that warm but anything that isn't cold and rainy just feels wonderful!! I've done my best to work outside under the sun amidst the bird songs as much as possible.

I've always wanted to attend a favorite things party, and last week I got to! We had so much fun over fondue and our go-to products. I came home learning about so many new things and with some to try for myself. 

I feel like we all appreciate first hand recommendations. There's truth and reliability there when someone we know can vouch for something. 

So, if I was able to gift y'all the things I can't live without here's 10 things you'd receive ...

Coffee

I drink 2 big cups of piping hot black coffee 

I make it with 1/4 cup fresh ground Black Rifle Beans (we have a monthly subscription) 

Twice a day in this Moccamaster machine

Lipstick

I do NOT exist without color on my lips.

Naturally mine are very small and pale so I coat them with saturated long lasting lipstick.

Note: I feel the same about nail polish and never ever have naked nails.

Colored Handbags

I have classic neutrals, black, tan & navy but they're not nearly as fun as adding a pop of color.

I want to add this golden bag to my collection!

Planner

I make more lists in a day than ounces of water I'm supposed to drink but never ever do.

I use paper and pen each and every day. I use this planner & can not be converted to technology to keep me organized.

Belts

Belts are my go to for accessorizing. They add texture, shine and shape. 

My most treasured are the unique ones I find in vintage shops.

Panties

Is this TMI?! Oh well if so. I've been wearing these for nearly 15 years.

They are comfortable and flattering. 

I wash them on delicate and line dry them. I never ever put them in the dryer.

Crisp White Shirt

I find a cotton-poplin, bright-white shirts fresh and sharp paired with just about anything.

I have them in abundance and will continue to forever. #moreismore

Iron

I abhor wrinkles and iron just about everything (except sheets - I draw the line)

I've always used Rowena irons (I've been known to travel with mine)

I have started using a steamer for hard to press garments.

Jeans

There's nothing like a pair of jeans that fit just right! Mother is my favorite denim brand. 

J Crew's vintage straight would be my second classic choice.

Jeans are classic and something I wear daily.

Pink

I may have more white tops & dresses than any other gal in the world but pink, pink is my favorite color and I'll wear it as much as I want forever! Literally, it's part of my burial outfit. 

Dress Beautifully with Things You Can't Live Without

XOXO Sarah Louise

Signs of Spring

 

Gals, here in Charlotte there are hints of Spring everywhere! Daffodils are popping up, the sun is shining longer and the afternoons are warmer! ... there's also a little more sneezing.

Spring is my MOST favorite time of year! I love the beautiful newness it brings with blooms and brighter days. Fashion tends to take the same trend with floral prints and saturated colors. 

This skirt is a year round beauty with both rich colors and a fun floral. I added more color in both a pastel shoe and jewel toned sweater. I find the contrast of soft and bold shades beautiful. 

A print with many colors allows for you to compliment with one that suits your fancy.

This golden hue is a new favorite of mine.

Skirt & Similar - Loafers - Similar Sweater & Here

Dress Beautifully in Spring Like Colors & Prints

XOXO Sarah Louise

Sit Still & Have Fun

I can NOT sit still!!! I'm constantly moving quickly doing all the things ALL day long! 

I like to do things, be productive and get a thrill from crossing things off of my to-do list.

I think of relaxing and long for it but can't bring myself to actually sit still. I'm just like the wiggle worm you see in a little kid. I'm not mad about my energy and wouldn't want to be any other way but I would like to incorporate some focused fun and quiet. 

Over Christmas break I received a puzzle. Puzzles are something I enjoyed doing as a kid and have missed as an adult. I put it together with my sister and gracious was it so much fun! We sat at our breakfast table and I said 'boom' each time I connected a challenging piece!

Bonus: the puzzle was reversible so the next day we did the other side

This past weekend I decided to sit still and do another. I'm not sure if it was the busy week I had or just enjoying our home with Ryan in it (rare especially on weekends) but I pulled one out of our cabinet and started.

Note: Before I can work or do anything focused I make sure all chores are done. I'd like to think I could just make them wait but I that's outside my limits.

Here are some great activities for sitting still & HAVING FUN ...

Needlepoint

This art is making a comeback.

I have a few gal pals that do it and I'm thinking of trying it.

Stockings & Pillows are popular projects.

Cross Stitch

I used to do this a lot as a kid.

Crossword

These have never appealed to me - but I imagine it would really enhance your vocabulary

Back when the newspapers were big this was very popular.

Games

I absolutely LOVE games but it does require more people.

I really want to incorporate them with my gal pals. 

Maybe you enjoy painting, or sewing or making jewelry, 

whatever you like to do I encourage you to sit still and do it!

Life is meant to be enjoyed! Work is necessary but so is fun!

Dress Beautifully Sitting Still

XOXO Sarah Louise