Dress Beautifully: December 2023

Dec 29, 2023

Friday Favorites: Top 10 Outfits of 2023

TGIF! We are at the finish line of 2023 and I can honestly reflect and say it's been a fantastic year!

This was my TENTH year sharing with you on this space. A decade of outfits, encouragement and joy that I've strived to share in efforts to foster confidence and beauty in your lives.

Here are my top 10 favorite outfits of 2023:

Dress Beautifully in Outfits You Love

XOXO Sarah Louise

Dec 22, 2023

Wonders of His Love

MERRY CHRISTMAS

From my family to yours

May you enjoy the wonders of His love!

Dress Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Dec 20, 2023

The Who's of Christmas

Christmas is filled with bright lights, sweet songs, fun parties and yes presents.

This picture is Ryan's Christmas wish come true!

Vivian, Trixie & me (behind the scenes)

WHAT REALLY MATTERS, I'VE FOUND, IS WHO'S AROUND YOUR TREE!

It's our loved ones that are the greatest gifts.

While I love getting dressed for day to day and special occasions it's the most beautiful to dress yourself and others with as many smiles, acts of kindness, hugs, laughs and love as possible this Christmas and every day!

Our family can not all be together this Christmas as Ryan is working very long hours in the hospital 27 days this month. It is hard!!!

We will cherish and be grateful for the moments we do have and fill them with joy!

Dress Your Christmas Beautifully with Love for Each Other

XOXO Sarah Louise

Dec 18, 2023

Pretty for the Arts

Last night I took Vivian Louise to her first performance of The Nutcracker Ballet!

This is an evening I've looked forward to for quite some time. Now that she's nearly six and been a dancer herself for 3 years she it was just right for her to appreciate and enjoy the show.

And she did just that!

In fact during intermission she was dancing in the aisle with dreams of performing herself one day.

The show was magical for her, for me and our friends!

I chose a lace blouse I found at a resale shop for under $4, wide leg black trousers and matching beige handbag. I believe small handheld bags are more delicate and demur.

Note: neutrals, contrasting colors and fine fabrics make the look luxurious but they don't have to come at a high investment!

Performance art is enjoyable while also memorable. It's best shared with others and in doing so, adorned beautifully.

This top had functional satin buttons so it did require a helping hand to dress.

Whether you're attending a ballet, symphony or play I believe these events call for elegant attire.

Ladylike designs in fabrics such as satin and lace accompany the occasions perfectly.

Here are pieces I find so pretty for attending performance art ...

DROP WAIST LACE DRESS

HOUNDSTOOTH BOW DRESS

TINSEL TWEED DRESS

SATIN TIE-STRAP DRESS

also in burgundy

also in black

Dress Beautifully for the Performance Arts

XOXO Sarah Louise

Dec 15, 2023

Friday Favorites: Coats

TGIF! Baby it's cold outside! I'm happy about it because it feels like it should, like Winter, like Christmas. Vivian has hopes that it will snow on Christmas and while that's highly unlikely here, we will be taking her to play in the snowy mountains for her birthday just 3 days after.

Coats are a very function and stylish element of the session. I believe your coat can tell a lot about you. For example a puffer - practical, sherpa - comfy, leather - cool, wool - ladylike, fur - fancy ...

PINK WOOL COAT

Personally, I prefer polished and colorful for my coats.

Here are coats that I find functional & pretty ...

WOOL TOPCOAT

several colors

WOOL WRAP COAT

5 colors

BOILED WOOL COAT

also in pink & neutrals

also in black

PUFFER

9 colors

LEATHER & FUR TRIM

this is a statement!

FAUX FUR

Dress Beautifully in a Warm & Pretty Coat

XOXO Sarah Lousie

Dec 13, 2023

Dark & Sharp

There's soooo much red, green, plaid and sparkles for holiday wear and while fun and festive it's often so specific making it a one time wear.

I find that an all black outfit in rich lustrous textures is a sharp way to dress for the holiday and any dressy occasion throughout the year.

I added a satin heel (the pants hide their beauty) that has a gorgeous rhinestone chain across the top - new favorite shoes! They're so so comfortable and very designer looking!

TOP & SIMILAR - PANTS - SIMILAR BAG - HEELS

THIS JUMPSUIT is a sleek option!

I wanted to keep the monochromatic look sleek so but not too plain so a little sparkle goes a long way. A vintage broach, stud earrings and party purse were just enough.

Note: when wearing neutrals a red lip really pops!

Style Tip: Don't buy anything new for a one time occasion. All black is forever chic!

Dress Beautifully in a Sharp Black Outfit

XOXO Sarah Louise

Dec 11, 2023

My Christmas List

Seeing Vivian sit down and work so hard to write her Christmas list for Santa is one of the sweetest things. She doesn't ask for too much and what she wants she's wanted for quite some time. Now, she's absolutely terrified of the jolly man and will NOT get within 10 feet of him to actually tell him (it's been this way for 5 years!) but she finds everything about him including his gifts wonderful.

As for me, while I have more than I could ever want and am far from a child, it's fun to have a wish list and to provide help for others that want to gift the gal that has everything!

I hope you'll find this post gives you ideas for yourself or others.

Note: I'll be sending the link to this post to Ryan for him & Vivian to use!