Friday Favorites: Boots

 TGIF! It's here! Weather cool enough to wear boots! Boots have such an opportunity to add style & personality alongside their purpose to protect from the elements and keep you warm.

I like to add color, pattern and so much texture with my boots.

SNAKE KNEE HIGH BOOTS

also in solid black & brown

I also don't skimp on quality. I choose an all leather construction and a heel height no higher than 2". This allows me to wear them for many years! I even have them polished throughout and at the end of the season before storing away.

Tip: I have nearly all of my knee high boots stretched by a cobbler for added comfort and room. (I use Belk Shoe Repair in Southpark, Charlotte)

Here are some boots I find oh so beautiful ...

Fold Over Bootie

4 color options 

Barrel Bootie

I love the long pointy toe, walkable heel & green hue to the snake print (these are in my cart!)

also in black & brown

Silver

I'm loving this metallic pop!

Suede Knee High Stacked Heel

also in black & ivory

Western Boot

also in tan suede

Pointy Toe Block Heel Bootie

also in brown suede

Western Bootie

3 colors

Croc Knee High Block Heel

4 colors & snake print

Dress Beautifully in Boots

XOXO Sarah Louise

Black Pants

If you're around my age (ek 40), you remember wearing black flare pants and sassy tops out on the town late at night, to work or any occasion that wasn't casual. It was the uniform of my 20's. 

There was a shift into skinny pants around 10 years ago and then a major movement into denim for everything. The black pant almost went into a retirement.

I'm happy to share that they're back! And in cuts from the past including flare, trouser and wide leg.

My Flare Pants

Personally, I find a black pant sleek, slimming and sharp! They create a canvass that allows your top and face to shine. The pant, in a flattering fit, compliments your shape without competing with your pairings.

Here are some chic black pants 

Note: White I believe instinctually we tend to dress them up - in a crop/ankle length consider a casual styling of a tee/sweatshirt & sneakers.

Utility Pant

I recent purchased these and adore the flattering shape and modern detailing.

5 color options

Wide Leg Crop

13 color options

Slim

3 color options

Trouser

Dress Beautifully in Black Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise

Come On Over for Coffee

Back when we were in the US Navy, the wives opened the doors of their homes weekly to host 'Coffees'. Over hot cups and light breakfast we shared the hard things and the highlights of our lives. We got to know each other on a personal level, something that I believe is lacking in our world. The time we spent gathered together was such gift. 

Note: Social Media has us 'seeing' others but that is NOT real community. It is a virtual form that does has its place but it's incapable of replacing face to face time.

Now that Vivian is in kindergarten I am craving connection with others in my season and decided rather than be discouraged to spearhead fellowship by bringing those military 'Coffees' back into my home.

I decided to invite fellow kindergarten mothers from Vivian's school into our home. I want to be honest, I was apprehensive to put myself out there not knowing any of them but I knew my intent to foster friendship was greater than any fears.

I know it's silly but I had such a worry that no one would come ...  I was immediately met with excited responses. 

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO OPEN YOUR HOME TO FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS ... 

ANYONE IN YOUR CIRCLES!!!

Here are my tips for hosting your own coffee ...

INVITE THEM

Don't just talk about it, find a date/time, create your invite. I will print and mail invites whenever possible! But for digital convenience Canva is my favorite via email, evite, text etc. Just SEND IT! 

BRIGHT & EARLY

The timing of hosting a coffee is the best part. Early morning allows for guests to arrive casually and it doesn't infringe on their responsibilities for the day. 

Tip: I put a start and end time and politely wrap up timely thanking guests for attending.

COFFEE

There's a slowness that comes when sipping a hot cup together leaving room for listening and sharing. With a small group your personal coffee maker is just right. When it comes to larger groups, I don't know about you but my coffee pot can not fuel a crowd. To keep things plentiful consider catering coffee - most places you can order in advance and simply grab and go. The single serve coffee makers would also be easy for individuals to make their own.

DELIGHTS

I served far too much but also wanted to make sure I had ample not knowing how many were attending.

I believe a bowl of fruit and 1-2 smalls offerings is plenty.

Do not overlook purchasing premade. This eliminates stress & mess!

Disposable & porcelain dishes are equally great ... I like a blend of both. 

Note: I donated the leftovers to the teachers' break room, neighbors and our bus driver.

HOME

There is far too much unnecessary pressure on the aesthetics of our homes. These are the sacred spaces where we raise our families - not a museum or magazine photo shoot.

Embrace the imperfections and items that represent the people that live there. (we even have a piece of our ceiling missing in the breakfast room from a water leak - we live a normal life in a normal house!)

I adjusted our furniture placement slightly to give greater walking room.

With that the bathroom, floors and surfaces should be clean in the main areas.

Tip: I intentionally schedule cleaning for the day before.

DETAILS TO CONSIDER

Setting aside a space for guests to put their handbags so they're hands free.

Frame tv's are so pretty - but simply uploading an image (possibly the invite graphic) on your tv adds a great backdrop. 

If small children will be accompanying - a basket of toys can save the mothers & children.

Have a small waste basket near the food table - prevents guests from asking.

Label beverages & food with a card

Name tags if guests are unknown

Let guests know where the bathroom is 

HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS

As for your outfit, I believe it's important to be polished but also to be understated so that others feel comfortable. I wore straight jeans, a sleeveless white blouse and ballet flats.

Use what you have for serving & decor, showing your guests who you are - that's the meaningful presentation.

Be sure to include everyone, giving each guest space to share.

A warm welcome and goodbye fills guests with feelings of belonging and friendship.

Hosting doesn't have to be intimidating. Opening your home to others is a great blessing not only to the recipients but it's rewarding to you too! Whether it's a gathering of 2 or many share connection & love with one another.

Dress Beautifully Hosting a Coffee

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Light Layers

 TGIF! And finally weather to layer.  Our mornings here have delighted with a slight chill. I'm making the effort to enjoy these mornings with coffee, walks and windows open to the outside because the afternoons are still hot!

MY METALLIC VEST

also in green

A light layer will not only keep you comfortable but it adds a dimension of style! A layer is an opportunity to showcase your personality. I had some fun with this metallic puffer vest.

Here are some beautifully layers with a variety of look ...

SWEATER VEST

SHEARLING

love the green color and waist pulls

CROPPED MOTO

I have this one

FAUX LEATHER PUFFER

4 colors

REVERSIBLE PUFFER/SHEARLING

also in ivory

QUILTED 

4 colors

Dress Beautifully in a Light Layer

XOXO Sarah Louise

Strong Shoulders

 Shoulders are tricky. I find that gals either want to enhance them or minimize them. 

Personally, I have very narrow, small framed shoulders that I like to enhance as this creates an hourglass silhouette. 

MY STRONG SHOULDER TOP

Allow me to explain, by adding volume/emphasis on the shoulders the waist line appears smaller in proportion. Because my lower body a size larger than my upper body, this also balances making the contrasting size difference diminish.

Bonus: A strong shoulder top slenderizes the arms! AND makes you appear standing straighter and taller (IMO) 

Extra Bonus: This modern trend is much more discrete than the shoulder pads our Mammas wore in the 80's!

Here are some sharp shoulder tops ...

STRIPE SHIRT

SWEATER

SLEEVELESS SWEATER

TEE

5 colors

Dress Beautifully in a Strong Shoulder Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

Transitions with Tenacity

Transitions are hard! And I've had some doozies in my life. Getting married (then spending the first 3 years a plane ride away), career positions, becoming a military wife with a year long deployment, getting a dog and the best for last, becoming a Mamma! There have also been many relationship changes and sadly some loss. 

The truth is life doesn't stay the same. Things change, seasons come and go and there's nothing you can do to stop it. Watching your child grow is one of the most fitting examples to just how fast time flies.

My darling Vivian Louise is now in kindergarten and this is by far one of the biggest transitions for me (she's doing amazing!). I'm grieving the end of her preschool years. It's nearly a month in and I'm still adjusting with tears most mornings at drop off.

Whether it's moving, a new job, family growth or any lifestyle shift it's can be overwhelming.

So how do you handle transitions with grace? Well, I'm still working on it but here are some things that have encouraged me over the years. 

START WITH GRATITUDE

I believe it's important to be grateful for the 'before'. It was a purposeful circumstance that gave a lot. Appreciate the season and what it taught you so that you start the new one in a mindset of valuing what's ahead.

Note: Be sure to express thankfulness to those people that were impactful.

PRESENT OVER PERFECTION

Chances are transitions won't go how you planned or maybe you don't even know what to imagine the new season to be like. Being present, accepting the possibilities creates a positive mindset. Embracing where you are rather than comparing to what you thought/hoped for allows you to take full advantage of the present.

BE FLEXIBLE

This is hilarious for me to share as I'm super Type A and an Enneagram 1. I exist in a structured and planned environment and struggle the most at being flexible. However, it is necessary!! It takes time to establish a routine and in the mean time it's important to stay calm in the chaos, leave room for the unexpected and find the bright side. Slowly but surely a new rhythm will be established (hopefully not too soon before a new transition haha).

Transitions don't often pair with the word 'fun', but I dare you to incorporate fun anyways! 

Remember: Doing hard things leads to good things!

Dress Beautifully in Transitions

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Beautiful Black Bags

 A polished black handbag is a timeless piece. It's something you'll carry daily over many years, compliments any outfit and for these reasons is a wise and beautiful investment.

MY BAG

Purses can be extremely pricey! I believe that a quality bag doesn't have to exceed your mortgage.

I look for real leather, slight texture (hides scratches & scuffs), light weight and moderate size. I also prefer a leather strap for comfort and one that can adjust from shoulder to crossbody.

Tip: Discrete bags with minimal to no branding are classy!

Here are some beautiful black bags ...

SHOULDER BAG

CROSSBODY

CROC EFFECT TOP HANDLE

ITALIAN LEATHER

this one is 40% off

several colors

SUEDE

ZIP TOP TOTE

COMVERATBLE

several colors

HOBO

BUCKET

Dress Beautifully Carrying a Black Bag

XOXO Sarah Louise