Unexpected Red Theory

 Have you heard of the "Unexpected Red Theory"?

 It was coined by interior designer Taylor Simon and is defined as:

 'adding anything that's red, big or small, to a room where it doesn't match at all – and it automatically looks better'

I have to admit, I do not have red in our home nor have I ever considered it. In fact our powder room was painted red when we purchased our home and I referred to it as a murder scene (it was immediately painted white before we moved in).

BUT after seeing beautiful images of rooms online with pops of red, I'm a believer.

Outside of Christmas or formal occasions I don't see many gals wearing red.

What if we added red to our wardrobes ... even if it doesn't match, for an outfit that has unexpected style?!!

Here are some ways I styled a classic red dress ...

If a you're more comfortable with smaller amounts of red try a red shoes, a scarf, a handbag or belt!

Fact: if you have red hair like me you CAN & SHOULD wear red! more is more!

RED SHIRT DRESS | RED SHIFT DRESS

Dress Beautifully in Red

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Great Fast

Gals, I love to shop! I love fashion, putting together outfits and have quite the collection of clothing in my closet. I also enjoy sharing my style to inspire you!

While I stay within my personal budget and wear all that I have (naturally some more than others), it's easy to indulge.  

What if I told you I didn't shop for myself for over 2 months??!!

AND I've done it several times over the years and 1 time it was for 90 days!

You'd probably look at my closet & say gracious you don't need anything else! #FACTS

BUT, can I get a high 5?!

WHY?

It is easy to fall into a place where your focus on something is greater than it should be, where your desire for more/new outweighs your love for what you have. It doesn't have to be a 'bad' thing or a 'problem' to need a reset. Think tv, food, social media, a hobby ... you get the idea.

WHAT HAPPENED?

For over 2 months I didn't purchase anything for myself.

I appreciated styling the pieces I have in new ways.

I grew in contentment and my desire for new diminished.

I gained time & money!

I did go through my pieces and have some set aside to gift my friend, lots to sell (sharing soon!) and some to donate. 

There were some challenging times especially when I'd see something beautiful on sale!! In all honesty, I wish I had gone longer but it has made me much more intentional with my purchases.

I encourage you to find where you can FAST from something

and I can confidently say you'll see a shift in priority and focus

that will leave you more content!

Dress Beautifully Fasting

XOXO Sarah Louise

and my sidekick Trixie

Friday Favorites: Night Out Dresses

 I'm eager to have a night out! I love to get gussied up in something that I don't wear every day and that makes me feel sassy. For outfits like this I find it smart not to invest too much. 

Style Tip: Consignment shops or resale sites are great places to find socially occasion pieces!

Here are some fabulous dresses for a night out ...

SLIP MIDI DRESS

ONE SHOULDER PLEATED

2 more colors options

LINEN CUT OUT MIDI DRESS

2 more print options

SATIN MIDI DRESS

3 more color options

STRAP SLIP DRESS

HALTER MINI DRESS

also in blue & orange

YELLOW HALTER

Add to Cart!!!

V HALTER MINI DRESS

Dress Beautifully on a Night Out

XOXO Sarah Louise

Casual & Cute

I'm a dressy girl. I love to dress up and as my sisters and friends point out I don't have a lot of casual clothes. You know what I say to that, yes! I wear what I find beautiful and what makes me feel beautiful.

And when I am causal, it's cute :)

PINK JUMPSUIT

Sure jeans and a tee are a timeless go-to but I find it refreshing to add an easy pieces in new ways. A jumpsuit is comfortable and practical (pockets!). Think of it like a dress with legs and just a little more effort in the ladies room.

Style Tip: adding jewelry, heels and a small bag would dress this up from the park to patio.

Fun Fact: I prefer sleeveless designs so I just may take a pair of scissors to this jumpsuit. I cut my jeans for a raw hem all the time and since this is denim I believe it will add a modern touch. 

It will be cooler in the summer and allow for layering.

I go through seasons with Target when it comes to apparel for myself.  But I have found a few pieces recently that are stylish and practical across occasions.

Like these ...

MAXI SKIRT

EYELET SKIRT

COTTON DRESS

LINEN TOP

WINDBREAKER

TENNIS SKIRT

SANDAL

Dress Beautifully in Casual & Cute Pieces

XOXO Sarah Louise

Built-In Bourbon Bar

 When we purchased our home over 5 years ago, Ryan was very enthusiastic about having a room dedicated for his work and things. A manly room all to himself. Well, he's married so the reality is I'm going to go in there and zhoosh things around and add decorative touches.  He finds this very offensive but  has endured.

His room, the front office, has builtins on one wall that serves as a desk, adds storage and has shelves for display. As I've been slowly decorating his space with a new rug and dark moody paint, I had the idea to turn one side of the shelves into a bourbon bar. 

Ryan loves bourbon and has started quite the collection.

Originally these built ins were stained wood that we had painted white prior to moving in. I then went in and painted the backs a dark charcoal color - Wrought Iron by BM. 

To make this bourbon bar I wanted an antique mirrored backing but I couldn't find mirrored tiles in my budget and they were also fragile and required tools to install.

I found peel and stick mirrors that were the perfect solution.

Turns out when my gal pal and I were putting up the faux mirrors, due to the texture of the wood backing there was a rippling appearance that gives an antique look (WIN!)

I added decanters purchased from vintage shops and home goods.

The Waterford crystal glasses belonged to Ryan's dad that he purchased in Italy while on a deployment in the military. They're very special.

I added sentimental pieces from Ryan's time as a medical officer in the US Navy that are very important to him as layers of decor. 

And there's always Trixie, his beloved puppy that sits in what used to be Ryan's dad's chair and watches all the birds, cars and other puppies. She never lets me miss a delivery!

I'm far from a DIY gal but I will say this quick project was easy and a lot of fun to do with a friend.

You could use any type of bookcase or shelving to recreate this.

PEEL & STICK MIRROR TILES

Dress Your Home Beautifully with a Bourbon Bar

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Sweets for Spring

 TGIF! It's been a week full of LOVE! We had a really sweet Valentine's Day and some warm sunny afternoons outside. We also honored Ash Wednesday and the greatest act of Love that ever was and will be.

Ladies luncheon today to celebrate one of my fabulous & dear friends

I'm hopeful that Spring is right around the corner because not only is it my most favorite time of year it comes with light, bright and pretty fashion! 

Here are some sweet pieces for Spring ...

LACE TOP

WHITE TOP

also in black

FLORAL SHORTS

BLOCK PRINT MINI DRESS

& matching little girls & big girls

YELLOW MIDI DRESS

LINEN TIE TOP and WIDE LEG PANT

3 colors

I love sets b/c you can mix and match

the top is great to pair with a maxi skirt

PINK JACKET and SHORTS

WHITE LINEN MAXI DRESS

STRUCTURED DRESS

SNEAKER

Dress Beautifully for Spring

XOXO Sarah Louise

Prepster

Preppy was my overall style in my 20's. All the pink & green, pearls, and girlie details I could put on my body. While I have matured quite a bit (in so many ways!) I still appreciate the classics that make up a preppy look.

Preppy Essentials & Modern Style Tips:

COLLARED SHIRT - preferably popped

A crisp button up in a cropped design is current and chic.

CARDIGAN SWEATER 

I chose a thick stripe in a boxy designs & draped it over my shoulders

SCARF

An opportunity to add luxe, color & print.

Let the print be something that really shows off your personality

JEWELRY

I chose a modern and shiny gold hoop over a pearl 

JEANS

Timeless straight leg in a medium wash (my most fav pair!)

LOAFERS

These pink ones are so me but these are a fabulous buy with a designer look.

HANDBAG

Girly but also sophisticated in a top handle design

Don't forget your all American dog!

Trixie the golden lab :)

Preppy is all about timeless pieces in happy colors

I encourage you to create a preppy look

and especially using what you already have in your closet! 

Dress Beautifully & Preppy

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Middle

Recently I've been thinking about the circumstances of being in 'The Middle'.

I distinctly recall several 'Middles' in my life where I was waiting for answers, wanting the time to pass so I could get to a greener side and fearful of the unknown.

Waiting for a medical diagnosis

Hopeful during a military deployment

Grieving a loss

Wanting a baby

Enduring a hard pregnancy 

Working in a job that's stressful

Persevering the early days of motherhood

I see these 'Middles' all around me: finding a spouse, mending a marriage, trying to get in shape, & seeking friendship.

There are even some daily 'Middles' like when Ryan is working long shifts outside of the city for weeks straight and I don't think I'll survive the lonely, the responsibilities or the dog.

But with God I do.

When I was thinking of how I would share this encouragement of embracing 'The Middle' I thought of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  Without the middle you have just two plain pieces of bread that aren't very tasty. The peanut butter adds protein, salt and sometimes crunch. The jelly adds sweetness and with each other between the bread it makes a whole sandwich that apart is lacking but together completely delicious.

Vivian's lunch :)

The middle is where ...

Character strengthens

Gratitude grows

Lessons learned 

So when the next 'Middle' comes your way, stand taller grounded in your faith knowing He will be present, providing and protecting you every step of every season. 

There will be crunchy & salty moments but there will also be sweetness. You may think & feel like you're falling apart (you may even look like it) but He's holding you together with softness!

Dress Beautifully in The Middle

XOXO Sarah Louise