Friday Favorites: Tops that Shimmer

 TGIF! Cheers to the last week before Christmas! I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with friends celebrating the goodness we've shared this year, finishing shopping and wrapping up a whole lot of work. 

I've got books, puzzles and family time waiting for me.

Whether you're staying in or goin out, a blouse that shimmers adds just the right amount of festive style.

Here are some pretty tops that shimmer ...

PLEATED STAR BLOUSE

RHINESTONE DENIM

METALLIC STRIPE

METALLIC DOT

BOW BLOUSE

GOLD

Dress Beautifully in a Top that Shimmers

XOXO Sarah Louise

Christmasy

 There are so many 'holiday' outfits out there with sparkle and plaid and vibrant reds. While I find them to be very festive they're often a one time wear. Red is a color I rarely wear, but I do have a few pieces. 

When I style red I believe it makes any outfit look Christmasy! 

Here are some ways to style red for all your holiday fetes ...

LEOPARD JACKET - PUMPS

This dress I found at target a while back and is easy to layer over.

Jacket & Shoes Vintage - JEANS

Blazers are always chic and this one in leather adds a lot!

Accessories do a lot for an outfit. Go all out in monochromatic.

MESH TOP  - BOOTS

A vest adds a warm layer

and allows for additional layering and easy movement.

Dress Beautifully in Red for Christmas

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tinsel in a Tangle

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … tis also the time where you can find yourself frazzle dazzle! There’s regular ongoing life and then you pile on ALL the holiday things ...

Me and my sidekick running around town 

Here are some things that may help prevent you from getting your tinsel in a tangle ...

REMEMBER THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

We have a headless Joseph - but the message still conveys 

that it's not about perfection but the presence of Him

I say ‘remember’ because we forget. The arrival of our Savior Jesus Christ is the reason we celebrate.

While I can’t create a post that brings peace, Jesus can!

DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

Gracious Trixie! Her hair and inability to stay off of my furniture drives me up the wall ...

BUT she brings joy to Ryan & Vivian

The whole purpose of gathering and gifting is to love one another in gratitude. 

Enjoying the time is what matters not all the 'things'.  Hug, smile and laugh big! Have FUN!!! 

CHECK THE LIST

Prioritize your to-do's by time and necessity. The reality is a lot of 'wants' just don't get done. Make the magic for your immediate family come first.

SOFT TRADITIONS

I am having to loosen the reigns on traditions. It means a lot to me to have things 'like we always do' but in reality some years things don't happen the same. Ryan often works on Christmas so we have to adjust, friends aren't available every year so we have to skip a celebration or 2 and it's perfectly fine to miss fun things.

You can have a lot but not all.

Who cares if things aren’t just so (my Type A control freak self does), but in the grand scheme of things what we remember is the people and the memories. Don't let the details spoil your attitude. Just throw your hands up and go with it. I know, easier said than done but focus on your heart not the display.

Dress Beautifully Enjoying Christmas

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Target Finds

 TGIF! I hope you are finding so much joy in this Christmas season! It's full of hustle and bustle but also opportunities to have fun and celebrate with others. Today I hosted a Christmas coffee for the 1st grade mothers at Vivian's school. I loved using my Christmas dishes and taking a little time in the morning to sit and chit chat.

With all the target trips for gifts and everyday things I've found some really. ice pieces that are versatile and stylish for the winter season.

Here are some great Target finds ...

CRISP WHITE SHIRT

4 colors/prints

MAXI SKIRT

I'm wearing it to the nutcracker ballet with this top

MESH TOP

very on trend and great dressed up for a night out 

VELVET WIDE LEG PANTS

I absolutely love these! 

lovely with neutrals or colors

SHINY BLOUSE

it may not be silk but it looks like it

10 colors/prints

SHINY PANTS

I like these paired with a soft sweater

SWEATER

I sized up due to the shorter length

9 colors

WIDE LEG JEANS

I also sized up in these

Love all 6  colors!

White Tie

 White is my go-to neutral. Where I find a majority of ladies gravitate towards black I can't get enough ivory and gold. Rather than the expected formal and dark for your dressy holiday occasions I encourage you to try light and bright. 

A tuxedo or menswear inspired look is so sharp! This jumpsuit isn't your typical holiday sparkle and shine dress. It has a luster in the satin oversized collar, emphasized shoulder for an hourglass shape and sleek design full length pant for a head to toe sophisticated look. 

JUMPSUIT

Dress Beautifully in Winter White

XOXO Sarah Louise

My top 5 gifts to give

 Fun Fact: When taking the love language test, I do not have any answers that align with gifts. And neither does Ryan!  When it comes gifting others, it can be overwhelming.

Here are 5 things I've found that I enjoy gifting others ...

PRESENCE

Time spent with undivided attention, to me is the best gift ever! Time is of high value and something that we never seem to have enough of. So put your phone away (unless you're on video) and take a walk, share a meal, and set a date to be present. I promise the quality time is priceless.

FRAMED PHOTO

There are so many fun memories captured on our phones and on display online but I like to see them in my home so that when I walk by I smile remembering the moment. Like a handwritten note, printed & framed photos are tangible and beautiful. 

TREASURES

I love finding old and unique objects when I'm antique and thrift shopping. Things like trinket dishes, brass figurines and decor make for one of a kind gifts. 

Bonus, they're usually a bargain!

PAPER

Journals, stationary and books are timeless gifts that are always beloved. For books coffee table ones or ones that relate to the recipients interests are pretty and resourceful.

Be sure to write a note on the inside cover!

GAMES/PUZZLES

I love to play games and put together puzzles! In fact we play card and board games several nights a week. There are even party games for adults and question games to really get to know a crowd. It brings people together and they're just as fun the 10th time playing as they are the 1st. 

Dress Beautifully Gifting

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Knee high Boots

 TGIF! Knee high boots are a winter statement. They add so much texture, and cool girl style. My favorite way to wear them is with a dress or skirt. 

MY CLOAK BOOTS

Here are some great knee high boots ...

CLASSIC MID HEEL

7 colors/finishes & wide calf

OVER THE KNEE

black & brown - also in wide calf

CROC DRESSY

also in snake print

WESTERN

5 colors/finishes

wide & extra wide calf options

RIDING

also in brown & wide calf

SNAKE & TEXTURED BLOCK

5 colors

Dress Beautifully in Knee High Boots

XOXO Sarah Louise

Little Black Skirts

 A little black skirt, like a little black dress, is a classic, timeless and pretty piece to have in your wardrobe. 

MY STUDDED SKIRT

It's versatile allowing for any top pairing. Personally, I'll always grab a crisp white shirt first but blouses, denim and sweaters are just as nice. 

I have a solid black one already from many years ago and thought this studded one was such an interesting addition. Detailing is important in garments. It elevates a piece from simple to stylish. 

Here are some pretty little black skirts ...

SEAMED FLARE

BOUCLE RUFFLE

FAUX LEATHER WRAP

Style Tip: swap out the belt!

DRAPE WRAP

this is sleek and versatile all year!

RUFFLE

Dress Beautifully in a Little Black Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

How does it end?

 You know when you're half way through a good book and you find yourself wondering - how does it end? I find that most people hope it ends happily ever after, because isn't that what we all want? 

We have 1 more month of this year and while it can most certainly be the fullest with all the holiday things, I believe it's just as important as the first & all the months in between. This last month can set you up for an awesome new year. 

Here are some thoughts to reflect on, to end this year our best ....

WHERE ARE YOU WITH THE GOALS YOU SET IN JANUARY?  

ARE YOU PROUD OF YOUR PROGRESS?

WHAT CAN YOU BETTER PRIORITIZE?

WHERE CAN YOU BE MORE INTENTIONAL? 

HOW CAN YOU FOCUS YOUR TIME THIS SEASON? 

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO FINISH THIS YEAR STRONG! 

Note: We are not called to perfection! Simply do your best.

Dress Beautifully Finishing 2024

XOXO Sarah Louise