Dress Beautifully: June 2023

Jun 30, 2023

Friday Favorites: Seashells to Wear

Besides my wardrobe the only other collection I have is beautiful things I find in nature like seashells, sharks teeth and rocks. I'm actually redecorating our guest room this summer and I plan to display them there.

I think of seashells as natural art. Vivian even has a book about them that we read and study together.

My Shell Necklace

Seashells make for beautiful jewelry that brings the sea to your outfit - even when you're not acutally there but playing barbies with your little girl.

Here are some beautiful seashell pieces to accessories your summer outfits ...

Conch Shell on a Large Chain

Assorted Shell Necklace

Shell Inlay Bracelet

Gold Shell & Pearl Necklace

Drop Earrings

Concha Shell Necklace

Dress Beautifully in Seashells

XOXO Sarah Louise

Jun 28, 2023

Gussied Up Shorts

Every now and then I take a momentary break from color for a sharp pallette of black and white. The stark contrast is sophisticated and timeless.

Done in a summer top & shorts is a lovely and cool way of styling.

Note: I keep the look modern with gold jewelry. I also think adding a belt would be a nice finishing touch!

I've shared that I'm not my most confident in shorts but I'm working on it! Finding designs that flatter have made a big difference.

These linen blend shorts with a high rise, small single pleat and cuffed hem give a dressy silhouette while also being super comfortable. The rise enhances the waist line, length isn't too short or long and the fabric is light but with structure to hold shape.

With all these elements, I decided to own these in black, tan and pink!

As for this top - I'd own it in several colors if it were available! The neckline is so pretty and enhances the shoulders. While it does expose the upper body it has full coverage of the chest.

Note: this top is worth wearing a strapless bra for!

Top | Shorts

This outfit is great for day time with a sandal

but also chic for evening with a wedge or platform heel and dressy handbag!

Dress Beautifully in Black & White

XOXO Sarah Louise

Jun 26, 2023

See What You Seek

You've heard the sayings 'You are the company you keep', 'You are what you eat' and 'You get out what you put in'. While on a quiet walk on the beach recently (always looking for shark teeth & seashells) I did some thinking about what I seek in life.

I'm an optimist but often circumstances can really turn my perspective.

Our outlook on relationships, our children, our homes, our jobs, what we wear ... really anything, can all be viewed one way or another. I'm learning:

You see what you seek!

I'm striving to see ...

Beauty over the Flaws

Good over Disappointment

Blessings over More

Facts over Feelings

Progress over Perfection

Calm over Chaos

Truth over Opinions

Him over World

The amount of content we are exposed to can feel like drinking from a firehouse!!! It can open the doors wide open in your circumstances for a negative perspective.

I am challenging myself and hope I inspire you too

to seek things with a gentle, grateful and loving heart!

Dress Beautifully with a Positive Perspective

XOXO Sarah Louise

Jun 23, 2023

Friday Favorites: Vacation Tops

My Top

Current Location, the beach! I'm on vacation with just my darling girl visiting our friends.

When it comes to dressing for vacation I want look like the fun we are having!

Tops with fun details like ruffles and bright colors will do just that.

Here are some fun tops for vacation ...

One Shoulder Ruffle

I have this & it's on Sale!

High Neck

also in ivory & black

Square Neck Puff Sleeve

I have this!

Bonus: no bra required

Floral Crossover

Peplum with Oversized Ruffles

Bustier

Dress Beautifully in a Sassy Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

Jun 21, 2023

Shades of Sand

Sand often gets a bad rap. It's messy, bland in color and sticks to everything. On the contrary it's also fun to play in, houses beautiful treasures and is a soft path to the sea.

While stark white may be crisp and bright I find off-white to be soft and warm. Shades of ivory and beige have a lower contrast for a beautiful palette that has a natural appearance.

These shades in a monochromatic style enhances these elements.

The feminine embroidery adds texture and dimension in a classic way while the puff sleeve, cropped hem and perforated eyelet add modern design.

These pleated wide leg pants are actually a light weight denim! I find them flattering in that they have a light structure and aren't see through like most white & linen pants are. They're also an off white which is better for all year styling and keeping clean!

Top (also in black) - Wide Leg Jeans

Dress Beautifully in Shades of Sand

XOXO Sarah Louise

Jun 19, 2023

Letting Go (A Little)

I'm a hold-on-tight, follow-the-rules (enneagram 1) kind of gal. I thrive on structure and routine and rarely ever skirt the rules or take a risk. But I've found that that can sometimes hold me back from new things, and growing.

This Summer more than ever I want to free myself to have the most fun possible!

Here are 3 things I'm going to let go of (a little b/c I'm me!) to make room for more joy ...

CONTENT

I want to minimize the content I let in. I want to let go of influences that can allow comparison and discontentment to sneak in. I've given up most streaming (especially at night) reading more and focusing on projects. I want to consume things that are edifying, uplifting and make me smile :)

SELF CONSCIOUSNESS

I have struggled most of my life with body image issues, specifically with my legs. I want to let go of not wearing what I want, feeling embarrassed and instead step out in confidence with gratitude for my body and abilities. I work so incredible hard to make my body strong and fast and it's worth being proud of.

I'm going to wear shorts and short skirts and while it won't be easy, I'm going to do my best to step out with my head high!

Note: true friends do not value 'perfection' in where you live, what you have or wear - it truly is your heart and how you make others feel that matters!

CALENDAR

I make a lot of plans and schedule my days intentionally. I want to let go of completely sticking to the list and be open to shifting to make room for interruptions, spending time with others and making sweet sweet memories with my family. Presence over perfection & productivity is my goal!

These are small changes but I'm hopeful they'll bring big blessings!

I encourage you to find areas where you can let go

of what may be holding you back and give them to God.

Dress Beautifully Letting Go

XOXO Sarah Louise

Jun 16, 2023

Friday Favorites: Little Summer Purses

TGIF! Summer is in full swing and one of my favorite parts is all the socials! Whether it's backyard barbecues, dates nights or just the girls out on the town I love to get gussied up to have lots of laughs and cheers with my friends.

Similar Beaded Bag - Skirt

I do this in lots of color and fun designs in my outfits but the accessories are just as impactful. Since I don't need much for these occasions (cards, lipstick & phone) I find it fun to carry a small unique purse. They really do add a sassy element to your whole look.

Little Summer Purses ....