Friday Favorites: Spring Shoes

Sandals in all the colors, textures and strappy styles are just as fun as the outfit you wear itself. In fact, they're actually very important because with a comfortable, cute pair of shoes you walk with a whole of confidence!

Here are some sassy shoes for Spring ...

Metallic Flip Flops

Flip flops are everywhere but these are more substantial and dressy

several color options

Flatforms

Different from a wedge in that the platform is nearly flat

much more comfortable 

Fisherman

This style is all the rage 

Espadrille

The ankle ties are fun

Slides are all the rage! Slip on and go!

 I love a bright color - Adds so much fun to a neutral or equally as colorful outfit

Platform

I got these last year and wore them every time I was dressed up!

Bow

These come in so many styes and colors 

but I like this small block heel for wear across dressy and casual occasions

Lace Up

This gladiator style is fun!

Back Strap & This Pair

I like a back strap to a more secure fit! 

Especially running after kiddos

Two Strap

super comfortable - love the dressier raffia finish 

Futuristic 

These while a bit crazy are soooo comfortable - lots of color options

I went outside my box and got them!

Raffia

Knit Sneaker

Light & Breathable - several color options

Jack Rogers

I've been wearing these since college! They're a classic

I realize that most of what I've shared is neutral - but most of my shoes are!

I find them flattering on the leg and pair beautifully with every outfit

but a pop of color here and there is so much fun!

Dress Beautifully in Shoes that Give a Spring in Your Step

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tickled Pink

 

I am tickled pink at all the kindness and surprises yesterday that make me feel like the most special girl!

I am truly fortunate to be 40!!!!

I giggled a little at the amount of pink my gal pals showered me with becuase they know it's my favorite color. I believe pink is just so pretty in all shades - but light is my favorite!

I used to only wear fitted dresses or dresses with a defined waist line and I do still find them the most flattering but I'm also opening to dresses that have a swing shape because gracious they're comfortable and cute! 

This particular dress is far from simple with its puff sleeve, tiered shape and covered buttons. But it is practical and can be dressy with sky high heels or for every day with a flat sandal or sparkly sneaker.

The v-neckline and above the knee hem creates a proportion that doesn't overwhelm with the volume of the dress. And the vintage rose pattern, precious as can be!

I encourage you to embrace dress styles & shapes that are unique to your typical style.

And wear pink! Which ever shade you prefer - pastel or bright they're all pretty!

Note: I purchase unique clothing like this dress, gifts & accessories at Charlotte's Boutique

My Dress - Similar & Here - Platform Sandals

Dress Beautifully in Pink

XOXO Sarah Louise

EST 1983

 

Tomorrow is my 40th birthday!

I am going to rejoice in it with gratitude! In the months leading up to this occasion I have felt worldly pressure to make this milestone a significance that it isn't. I suppose a new decade is a turning point but in reality it truly is another year and each and every day we have breath is one to honor.

I'm going to jump in focused on ...

PERSPECTIVE

I want to look at life's circumstance with a perspective of hope and confidence. Despite what comes my way I want to be grounded knowing it was His plan and I will be protected, provided for and never alone. I also don't want the challenging times to get more attention that the every day or joyous times. I want to fully appreciate it all!

PEOPLE

I want to love people well! I want to cherish them, celebrate them, encourage them, and support them with a generous heart. I want to use my gifts and talents to bless others. People are given to me to teach me, guide me and strengthen me and I want to honor them.

PURPOSE

I was born with a unique and profound purpose just as every single person is! I want to be all in on what He has designed me to do (even when it's hard). I want to glorify Him in the way I live, what I do and say and how I give to this world. I want to embrace the person he made me to be confidently and shine my light where ever I am.

These are wonderful goals but they're not always easy.

I encourage you to find areas that you want to focus on, pray over them 

and with His help we can grow in them!

Dress Beautifully Established in Who You are Made to Be

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Spring Suiting

TGIF! Today ... actually this entire week has been fun! After a week away during Spring Break we are happily back into our routine doing the activities we love. The best part is seeing our friends again and all the outside time. We've officially abandoned our dining room for our outdoor patio.

Oh I almost forgot, Vivian had a milestone of a week - she has her first loose tooth, earned her yellow band for swimming and is officially registered for kindergarten (I cried). 

My Jacket & Skirt

Spring here is a small window of time where the weather is warm before it turns all day every day scorching #SouthernLiving. I try to take advantage of this time and wear sophisticated structured pieces. In a culture where casual wear is all the rage, I stay true to ladylike outfits that are just as comfortable.

Style Tip: Separate matching sets pairing with jeans, shorts and casual tops for a modern every day look.

Here are some lovely Spring Suits ....

White Linen Jacket & Pants

several color options

Linen Vest & Shorts

also in pink & tan

Black Gingham Jacket & Pant

Plaid - matching Dress - Skirt & Shorts

Pink Tweed Jacket & Shorts

Chambray Jacket & Pant

Dress Beautifully in a Spring Suit

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bright Skirt Big Beauty

A skirt that's brighter than the sun! That's what I'm wearing. Neon isn't just for bars and young children. Neon can be modern and chic when design and styled in a sophisticated way.

This skirt is in a structured satin wrap style which is classic but it's in a shorter length (well on most gals but I'm on the petite side). Personally I prefer my hem lines modest. 

I paired this neon yellow skirt with a classic crisp white shirt. It balances the luster & vibrancy of the skirt. And since the shirt & shoes is neutral I added an unexpected color with a lavender statement earrings that also adds texture.

Tip: A fun printed scarf, necklace and/or handbag are other ways to add print & texture.

The key to wearing bold colors = confidence! 

Loving the vibrancy and stying will allow you to walk out with your head held high. 

Sleeveless Collared Shirt | Satin Wrap Skirt | Platform Sandals | Similar Earrings

Dress Beautifully in Neon

XOXO Sarah Louise

Birthday Wish List

Gals, I'm just 1 week away from turning 40!!!! 

My 39th birthday in Lake Tahoe on a Gondola

While we were driving back home from our trip Saturday, Ryan asked me what I wanted him to gift me. 

Note: He didn't wait until now to ask, he's been asking for months.

Gift giving is not my strong suit, in fact Ryan and I recently took the 'Love Language Quiz' and neither of us had one answer that correlated to gifts! (I'm quality time & acts of service all the way ... with words of affirmation close by).

Gifting is something we all face, all year round. I find the most challenging recipients are ladies - particularly in my age bracket. We are at a place where there are fewer 'needs' and an abundance of consumption all on our own. 

When I do gift, it is imperative that it be thoughtful, fitting for the recipient & giver, and beautiful. 

Tips: 

1. Consider the recipient's hobbies, interest, style and season

2. Value is more important than cost (I treasure vintage/thrift items & never put yourself in financial distress)

3.  Always include a heartfelt note!

Here are some items I'd put on my wish list that I believe make beautiful gifts for you gal pals .... 

I've wanted one of these Chica prints for years!

Art/Prints add beauty to the home and a reminder of the giver.

Unique Clutch

This one is fun and comes in 15 colors

A fun accessory for nights out and special occasions 

Baroque Pearl Jewelry 

I personally think pearls are the prettiest

baroque style is a unique statement

Keepsake Box

I have quite the collection of keepsakes from memorable moments and trips.

These are great to hold special notes and trinkets as well as beautiful decor.

I have both a white seashell box & a colorful one. 

This city coffee table book is great too!

Beautiful Bible

This ESV bible has a painted cover and is a journaling style.

The Word is by far the greatest gift.

Charm

These are great to layer on a necklace or bracelet.

They can mark an occasion or attribute.

House Plant

A beautiful living thing to care for and watch grow adds beauty to a home and remembrance.

Frame

print a picture from a memorable moment so that it can be seen and remembered

Splurge Handbag

I told Ryan while we were dating that I wanted a classic black quilted Chanel handbag for my 40th ...

that seemed so FAR away and here we are! 

Gifting the ones dear to you should come from the heart and when it's hard to find just the 'right' thing, a hand written note or time together sharing how much you care is perfect!

Dress Beautifully Gifting Your Gal Pals

XOXO Sarah Louise