Leather Weather

 Gals, these are the BEST faux leather pants!

They are soft. They have just the right amount of stretch that they have structure but easy to move in. They are true to size. They have all the design elements of a jean but with a chic shine and texture of real leather.

These can be styled causally with a sweater, sweatshirt, denim or cotton tank. For a dressy look style with a blouse and heels. The cropped length allows for any shoe.

FAUX LEATHER PANTS | SWEATER

Dress Beautifully in Leather Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise

Presence over Presents

The past 7 days have been full of sales and promotions for buying ALL the things and while beneficial it can also be overwhelming.

The things is, I believe people are the best presents. When we went around the thanksgiving table sharing what we are grateful for each and every person has people first on their list. 

People make the biggest impacts, they teach you, encourage you, stand by you, and share in memories that you just can’t buy!

Your presence is the best present you can give to those you love.

Here are 3 ways to SHOW appreciation for the priceless gift of people:

A HANDWRITTEN NOTE 

Bonus if you mail it!

Taking the time to write how grateful you are for another person, the contributions they’ve made to your life and hopes you have for your future together has a way of loving someone they can be reminded of and cherish over and over.

SHARING A MEAL

This can be as simple as a spaghetti dinner on a weeknight at home. There’s something about sitting around a table sharing a meal that bonds us. Maybe it’s a lunch or coffee after school drop off - get creative but most importantly have your attention and eyes up on your company (phones are best put away!)

VIDEO DATE

So many of my dearest are long distance. Schedule a video date, it can even be in your Christmas pajamas around the tree. When you can’t see each other - make the time to ‘see’ each other.

Cheers to the people that make life beautiful!

Dress Beautifully Being Present with People

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Black Friday

TGI - Black Friday! I hope that you had a blessed Thanksgiving with loved ones giving thanks for all the blessings you've been given! 

My family did something different this year. We had Ryan home with us, a first in several years!!! We also have his brother & wife living just outside of Charlotte now and his parents in town so we gave thanks all together.  But we didn't cook, we decided to have dinner at the Ritz Carlton. 

It was such lovely, delicious and so nice to be served with no mess! I did miss the coziness of being at home. 

Before the dinner ... I started my day running in the Turkey Trot!

It was a super cold start, 36F, but by the last mile I was very warm. Vivian loved cheering for me and insists on running with me next year.

She told me several times that she was proud of me! 

There are SO MANY sales that quite frankly I find it all a bit overwhelming.

But it is a nice opportunity to purchase at a good price. I couldn't possibly cover it all nor would I want to.

Here are my favorite items on sale ...

FLEECE TURTLENECKS

I LOVE these and have never seen them at this big of a discount - 40% off!

Tons of colors

ANTHROPOLOGIE

30% off - Particularly great for sweaters, dresses & my personal fav jeans.

Mother denim is what I wear 75% of the time. They're an investment and rarely on sale!

J CREW

These faux leather pants are the best! So comfortable and high quality.

They are TTS and have always been excluded from promotions. 

J crew is a great place for classic pieces - I even found some great things for Vivian.

ANN TAYLOR

They have some gorgeous royal purple pieces as well as holiday that are so striking! 

A great time to get sharp pieces for the office as well. 

LOFT

This puff sleeve sweater is so cute!

SHOPBOP

A fabulous opportunity for splurge items at a rare discount

Veronica Beard is one of my new favs but quite the splurge - happy to see some of her pieces on sale.

SAKS 5th AVENUE

Sales and also $75 gift cards with purchase!

I have this bright sweater in my cart & This dress is so versatile with a vibrant print.

Dress Beautifully Shopping Sales

XOXO Sarah Louise

Midi Skirt 4 Ways

 Thanksgiving is tomorrow! This day is all about cherishing time with those we love and sharing a yummy meal. When it comes to significant occasions I believe you should dress accordingly. It shows yourself & others that this time matters ... but you also need to be comfortable to cook & play!

I find a midi skirt to be a pretty option! In a light cotton fabric there's plenty of room for movement, a feminine shape and lots of style options.

Here's 4 ways to style a midi skirt ...

DENIM

Denim Puff Sleeve Top

I absolutely love pairing denim with everything!

It has a timeless and casual look.

BLAZER

Classic Navy Blazer

If your attending a more formal dinner or like us, going out to dinner,

a blazer offers a polished look.

SWEATSHIRT

Fun Sweatshirt

Sweatshirts have come a long way from the days of my childhood and college.

They have the same soft comfort but in designs and patterns that are modern. 

SWEATER

Cozy Sweater

In the South we don't always get a cold Thanksgiving.

This year we will definitely be in sweaters!

It seems fitting to be cozy at the holidays.

MIDI SKIRT

Dress Beautifully in a Midi Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Thankful for You

 In the spirit of Thanksgiving I want to share my appreciate to each and every one of you that read along! 

I've had this space for nearly 10 years now!!! Typing that was mind blowing. 

With each and every post I want to share things that I find beautiful in efforts to spread beauty into your world from the inside with motivating posts to grow your hearts to the outside with outfits that create confidence to shine your light.

I enjoy this space. I enjoy writing and creating and sharing with friends I know in real life and those that I 'know' virtually. 

With every like, comment and message I receive, my heart smiles in gratitude for your interest and support. It truly is the little things that mean so much.

I pray that as long as I continue to create here that it's edifying to you.

There is joy all around us and I'm happy to share some of mine with you!

Dress Beautifully in Thankfulness

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Belts

 TGIF! What a week! And it's the last one before Thanksgiving. I don't know about you but this month has flown by for me. 

This week the ladies bible study I participate in finished for the semester with a lovely brunch (my small group has planned for a Christmas gathering in a few weeks so we can see each other again before the end of year), I hosted a gathering of kindergarten mamas from Vivian's school for coffee & breakfast and continued to fill my days with my usual to-do's. 

This weekend will be Vivian's last soccer game of the season (her cousin is surprising her and coming to watch - she's going to burst with excitement) and a celebration of my sister's birthday that includes a sleepover!! 

When I am putting an outfit together and have chosen the main pieces accessorizing is truly the step that creates the most style. The jewelry adds shine & sometimes color, handbags & shoes add texture and sometimes print, jackets can add all of these elements as well as structure & shape!

My favorite finishing piece is a belt. Belts can add shine, color, texture, pattern and the ultimate shape.

I'm starting to consider myself a belt collector, my favorite being my vintage ones!

STYLE FACTS: Belts do NOT have to be designer to be chic! In fact - I encourage with all things purchasing on sale.

Here are some great belts to layer jeans, dresses, skirts and even blazers with ...

WIDE HOOK BELT

CLASSIC WIDE

EMBOSSED CROC BELT

STUDDED BELT

LEOPARD CALFHAIR

I love this over an all black outfit

CLASSIC

in 2 colors and 2 metal finishes 

I have this one and it's truly timeless

METALLIC

in 8 different finish/color options

Dress Beautifully Belted

XOXO Sarah Louise

Classic with a Twist

Gals I am ALL about the classics when it comes to my wardrobe (and home decor). 

First of all their beauty is timeless therefore making these pieces a wise investment I'll wear over and over for years. 

Second, they style well with other classics as well as modern pieces for an elevated mix.

Third, they flatter as the designs are typically well structured and in quality fabrics.

For the past several years I've been shaking up my wardrobe with more embellishment and detailing for a more contemporary look.

This blazer exemplifies this.

It's a classic check plaid print in a sleek long line silhouette but with a cool factor in the appliqué patches in velvet & beading! 

I've seen similar jackets from high end designers that while beautiful a bit too high in price point.

This one really sparked joy for me with its juxtaposition of classic and modern design.

My Mama would warn us "not to wear your heart on your sleeve"

In this case I think she'd approve!

Tip: You can create this look by adding patches and/or broaches to it! I'm probably going to add a few pins for some extra shine and personality.

I encourage you to look for classic pieces that have unique embellishments

or add your own for a modern twist!

Dress Beautifully in Embellished Classics

XOXO Sarah Louise

Finish Line

I go beyond my abundant list making each day and set goals all throughout the year. I enjoy challenging myself and working towards an achievement for growth. For most this occurs at the start of the year and I do embrace New Year goals but I also find that how we finish a year is equally as important, if not more! 

This also sets you up for a great start to the new year!

Here are my goals to finish these last several weeks of 2023 ...  

STRONGER

I want to finish this year stronger, literally! I've increased the weight factor for nearly all lifting exercises a couple weeks ago and intent to maintain. It's a challenge but I've done it! I also am going to participate in 2 local charity runs something I used to do a lot of. This time of year with so many indulgences and social engagements exercising can diminish but I'm determine to make it an upmost priority.

INTENTIONAL

There is so much busyness and hurry in our world and particularly during the holiday season. I want to work very hard to have margin in my days and white space on my calendar. I want to focus on discerning what I commit to and to be ok with declining engagements. I want to be present with others especially Ryan and Vivian.

I'm going to complete the gift shopping and tasks as efficiently and early as I can for a more relaxed season of fun! 

QUIET

I've been decreasing screen time all year. I've incorporated more reading and even puzzling. There's A LOT of content and noise out there that is just too much! While some is good it's hard to moderate. Outside influences (FB, IG, Streaming, Podcasts etc.) can easily take an inappropriate priority.

SERVING

I want to love my neighbors, friends and community well. I want to donate, support and gift those around me with thoughtfulness and kind acts. I'm looking at creative ways to do this that do NOT involve sugar/baked goods. I personally value good nutrition and there's just too much unhealthy treats this time of year (diabetes is not a gift) and honestly I feel it may even get tossed.

Options: a plant (Christmas cactus is my fav - my neighbors still have the ones I've gifted), seasoned roasted nuts, ornaments, tea towel, candle ...

EDIT

Before I drag out the Christmas decorations and before the influx of gifts I want to edit the closets, cabinets and drawers throughout our home for a clean and tidy refresh. 

This prevents an overwhelming state at the New Year.

I encourage you to pray and think about how you want to finish 2023

and what goals you can set for more love, joy and peace!

Dress Beautifully as You Finish 2023

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Straight Jeans

 TGIF! This has not been an ordinary week. Vivian was out of school Monday, Tuesday and today. We surprised her with a trip to the zoo, an afternoon bike ride and today a breakfast date and trip to visit Grandma! 

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day and I find it of upmost importance to honor and give thanks to all of those who have and are serving. Ryan is a Veteran and I am so proud of all he did and sacrificed for our country.

MY STRAIGHT LEG JEANS

For fashion, I want to discuss jeans. Jeans while a classic staple are not basic. There are so many variations of designs and washes it can be overwhelming. I believe a great place to start is with the most flattering, the straight leg jean. 

The straight leg jeans is the most slimming, elongating and comfortable (at least in my opinion). The leg extends straight from the hip down to the ankle with an ever so slight taper. This creates a shape that isn't voluminous or constricting.

Style Tip: The hem of jeans is critical. A hem that hits right at the ankle (bunching will shorten the look of the leg) is ideal and will allow the jean to work with literally every single kind of shoe: sneakers - sandals - boots & heels. 

Style Tip: I cut the hem of my jeans all the time and honestly prefer a raw hem as I find it lighter than the thick traditional hem ... I will be hemming these with a pair of scissors!

Here are some great straight leg jeans ...

MID RISE

SLIM STRAIGHT

my most worn jean!

several washes

HIGH RISE STRAIGHT

several washes

ANKLE JEANS

splurge but I wear all the time

DARK WASH

great price!

FULL LENGTH

Dress Beautifully in a Straight Jean

XOXO Sarah Louise

Harvest Plaid

There are patterns and textures that represent seasons and for Fall, I think of plaid. Plaids with warm, rich, earthy tones. Plaids that are full of colors mimicking the changing of the leaves and in designs that keep you warm.

Note: Next month will be all about the 'Christmas' plaids - tartan, black watch, lots of red (while festive, these are not my favorite to wear as they're just too specific to the holiday time)

PLAID CULOTTES 

Think of these super wide leg pants as a skirt but with the ease of a pant.

Style Tip: Pair plaids with colors found in the pattern to really make it pop. OR stick with neutrals OR denim (you can never go wrong with denim!)

Here are some warm plaids that are lovely for the season ...

WIDE LEG TROUSERS

VEST

CROPPED SHACKET

FLANNEL SHIRT

MODERN BLAZER

Dress Beautifully in a Fall Plaid

XOXO Sarah Louise