One Shoulder

A one shoulder silhouette is by far my favorite for a statement piece. 

My One Shoulder Top

Here's why: 

1. It's most often designed with a ruffle

2. You can wear a regular bra (support FTW) by simply tucking the exposed shoulder strap

3. Flattering on the upper body (contains chest & no overexposure)

When it comes to a statement piece they can often be too revealing making them impractical/one time wear and unflattering (difficulty to wear under garments and overexposure). A one shoulder is easy to style and just right when it comes to showing just the right amount of your décolletage, shoulder & back.

Style Tips: You can balance the dressiness of a top with shorts and/or a flat sandal or sneaker ... a heel and clutch will jazz it up for more special occasions.

Here are some one shoulder options I adore ...

Easy Linen Summer Dress

several color options 

White Ruffle One Shoulder Top

One Shoulder One Piece

I have 4 of these I love them so much!

Lots of Colors & Prints

Smocked One Shoulder

also in orange & black 

One Shoulder Maxi Dress

also in blue, white & brown

Dress Beautifully in a One Shoulder Silhouette

XOXO Sarah Louise

Home

I can't believe it! I missed posting yesterday. While no one probably noticed, I did and I have to be honest it tore my nerves up! I thrive on staying true to my schedule but you know what ... it will all be ok. (I'm still going to be bothered - like for forever!) 

This Memorial Day weekend was unique for us. Ryan was off of work!!! He rarely has weekends off much less a holiday. It was also cold and rained cats and dogs. As disappointing as that was for our outdoor fun, the slow time inside was exactly what we needed.

So I closed my computer and was present.

I really find dressing important, meaningful and down right enjoyable but I've also come to love dressing comfortable and cozy on the couch with my loved ones. 

Whether your in or out it's the people that dress the time beautifully.

Dress Beautifully Even at Home

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Memorial Day Weekend

 This is a special Friday! It begins the weekend where we honor those that served our country, protected our freedom and sacrificed it all doing so. We do this enjoying this life on this land with each other having fun - hopefully outside including grilling, splashing and a whole lot of laughing! 

This weekend also includes a lot of red white and blue to color the occasion properly and some perks, like sales! 

My Dress

Here are some pretty pieces to celebrate Memorial Day that are on sale ...

Smocked Waist Eyelet Midi Dress

Stripe Sweater Lady Jacket

Ruffle Linen Top

One Shoulder Swimsuit

I have 4 of these!

Classic Tee

Light Sweatshirt

Wrap Neck Satin Maxi

Smocked Cami Dress

Star Sweater

Red Check Top

Belted Chambray Shorts

Dress Beautifully & Patriotically 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Swing Dress

A swing dress is a fun, stylish and most importantly a cool option in the Summer! The trapeze design is flowy and full of movement (meaning it twirls a little on its own when you walk).

Since this dress has ample volume it's important to balance with a hem above the knee, and minimal to no sleeves.  My favorite part of this dress is the elongating deep v-neck and oversized ruffle on the shoulder that creates a shapely silhouette. 

I'm all about a metallic sandal! 

Clogs aren't for everyone but I find them to be comfortable 

plus they add a touch of height. 

The ruffles continue down the back!

My Dress

also in orange

Dress Beautifully in a Swing Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

We Go Together

Community is not a luxury or privilege, I believe it is necessary. I know I'm not meant to journey this life alone but alongside others that love, support and encourage me and that I right back to them. This became more challenging for me when I became a mother. Prior I had pools of people from school, my career and nonprofits. 

When Vivian Louise came into my arms I was lost! (and in the trenches!) I was older, bound by schedules and in the daily maze of navigating her needs. I had needs too. Needs to fellowship, laugh and share with likeminded adult ladies. I remember saying one day there needs to be an app for friends lol. 

I would see other Mammas strolling, playing and going out together wondering how they found each other and how do I get invited.

When Vivian started preschool I joined a Tuesday morning bible study, signed up for group workout classes and learned about a group called MOPS - Mothers of Preschoolers. I joined and found community! Flash forward and this past year I LED this group alongside a gal who has become my dearest friend.

I look back in amazement at how my community came to be.

While I've often been referred to as a 'perfume lady' because I'll approach anyone #extrovert this is not easy nor does it come natural for most. In a world that's more virtual than ever I see the need for face-to-face.

Here are some encouraging ways to grow your community ....

SHOW UP

When invited, say yes! When you see a school event, neighborhood gathering, gym class, bible study, play date, etc .... GO!!! say yes! That probably means embracing some discomfort but you'll thank yourself later.

EXPECT GREAT THINGS 

Assume others want to make friends too rather than the negative thoughts like 'they already have friends' or 'I don't fit in'. I bet they're thinking the same thing. 

INITIATE HOSPITALITY 

Open the doors of your home to others. The season is warm so you can host outside. Squash the insecurities of having a magazine worth home (no one has one). Treat your neighbors with a sweet treat, organize a park playdate or ladies happy hour.  If you ask - they will come! Think about how you feel when you're invited to something :)

Note: not everyone is meant to be your bestie and that's ok! Be unoffendable to differences and keep seeking those that align with you.

I wore this pink dress to the last MOPS meeting that we 

hosted as a tea. I cried sharing my final words up front while also 

feeling more loved than ever by the treasures in the room.

I encourage you to pray and put yourself out there to find community!

Dress Beautifully in Community

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Dresses with Ruffles

 TGIF! Today is very bittersweet for me. I am stepping down from leading a ministry this past year and celebrating the end of Vivian's time in preschool with her class's end of year party.  If I share more I just may start crying so let's discuss dresses with ruffles!

My Dress

This dress has all the girly details in the puff sleeves, pink print and ruffled hem. Ruffled hems add a sassy touch and silhouette! I also think a pair of sneakers is casual chic with these dresses!

Here are some fun ruffled dresses ...

Eyelet Dress

Shirtdress

Floral Mini

Light weight and vacation perfect!

Tiered Mini

this dress is universally flattering

design available in maxi length & multiple prints

Ivory Mini

Ruffle Off The Shoulder

this would be great for a summer event/wedding

Sage Floral Mini

Bright Bloom Mini

Garden Midi

Dress Beautifully in Ruffles

XOXO Sarah Louise

Sharp Dressed Girl

Everybody's crazy about a sharp dressed girl! We all want to be cool and comfortable in these warm months but we shouldn't have to compromise on style. A vest is a great option for adding a tailored piece this season. Designed in lighter fabrics and colors they bring elements of structure and sharpness into a causal look.

To me they add sophistication in a modern way.

Tip: Pair with a loose bottom like pleated shorts or skirts and wide leg pants for balance.

I paired this white linen vest with a light wash wide leg crop jean. It's comfortable & causal yet very sharp! 

Vest (also in tan & black) - Wide Leg Jeans - Platform Heels

This linen vest is fun in a pink color. I balanced with a white trouser jean. This outfit has the look of a suit but relaxed. These jeans will be my go to this summer! They're much lighter than a skinny pair as they are roomier on the leg and also make you appear taller!

Pink Vest (also in tan & black) - White Trouser Jean

Dress Beautifully in a Vest

XOXO Sarah Louise

Gifts of Appreciation

This week is Teacher Appreciation week and I believe with confidence that all mothers burst with gratitude for those that work in education. The reason being is that it's not just a job to them, it's a service that comes from the heart. While they put forth lots of effort in teaching them academics they most importantly pour into building their character and caring for them with love. 

My sister and I say all the time they are Angels!

Showing appreciation outside of a simple 'thanks' really does make an impact. Gift giving isn't my love language (in fact when taking the quiz I never answer a single question that aligns with gifts) but it is an appropriate gesture in showing appreciation to others particularly when they are outside your close knit friends.

Tip: Keep some of these on hand in a closet and always include a handwritten note!

Here are some gifts I enjoy gifting in appreciation ...

Mani/Pedi Gift Set with Polish

this is especially nice in the Spring

I gifted this to Vivian's school teachers & staff.

Inspirational Bracelets

I've given so many of these and my sweet friend gave me one of my own for my birthday!

They're beautiful reminders and encouragements.

Beauty Basket

My sister gifted one to her neighbor.

The basket can be used for home organizations while the products being consumables aren't just clutter.

She included face masks, nail polish, lotion, soap, lip balm, hair clips etc ...

Tip: use the dollar store!

Kitchen Set

a tea towel & utensil ... perhaps add nice loaf of bread, wine, coffee ...

simple yet so enjoyable & useful

You could also add a cookbook

Potted Plant

I prefer this over flowers! 

The recipient can care for it and enjoy watching it grow over time.

Consider herbs as they can be incorporated into cooking.

This lily was gifted to me at a time of loss over 6 years ago

Bird Feeder

this is lovely to add to someone's home. 

Watching and listening to birds sing adds wonder to the yard

Devotional Books - Journals

I know I need daily encouragement and reminders

These books will be a blessing

Pictures 

We tend to keep photos on our phone & posted online but I find that rarely do we print them for display.

Seeing them in your space brings a smile at the memory.

Print a photo of your time together and enclose in a card or even frame!

Meal

This one is outside my comfort zone but I'm slowly but surely getting better.

Bringing a family a meal is the ultimate gift of hospitality. 

Especially to elderly and those with little children.

Tip: Explore your local grocery store deli for simple heat and serve packages

Keepsake Box

I'm super sentimental. A decorative box is not only beautiful to display but can 

serve as a special place to store thoughtful treasures.

Dress Others in Appreciation Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise