Friday Favorites: Skorts

TGIF! Skorts are shorts but prettier. They have a flap of fabric across the front the gives the appearance of a mini skirt but has the comfort and easy of shorts underneath. 

MY BROWN LINEN SKORT

Here are some pretty skorts for Summer ...

LINEN BLACK AND WHITE

SCALLOP

also in black

DENIM

also in blue wash

CLASSIC DENIM

   PRINTED LINEN

also in gingham, black, white & tan

Dress Beautifully in a Skort

XOXO Sarah Louise

Playsuit

Rompers are so fun to wear in the Summer. Why? Well, to me they're as pretty as a dress but you can play in them, hence why they're often called playsuits!

I'm a dressy gal and like my outfits to have color, print and fit in a flattering way (shape and no cling). Playsuits are just what they sound like - a suit that you can truly play in. They can have waist defining structure and an aline design of a skirt/dress ... but with cool movement of a short. 

MY ROMPER

it's sold out nearly everywhere but you can rent here!

Wear them with flat sandals causally or with a heel and small handbag for dressier occasions.

Note: I've purchased this exact romper, in a crisp cool cotton poplin, every year for 3 years - see my first in light pink & last year's in blue print.

Here are some other fabulous rompers: 

BRIGHT PINK

FLORAL RUFFLE

SOLID IN COOL COTTON

also in pink & black

Dress Beautifully in a Playsuit

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pool Day Essential

Happy Memorial Day! First and foremost may we all remember those who gave their lives so that we have the priviledge of freedom.

My family celbrated with our first pool day of Summer! 

There are so so many things out there that make for an enjoyable & easy day (toys, bags, swim apparel etc...) but I believe the most imortant thing for the Best Pool Day Ever ... is a FUN ATTITUDE!

And it's Free!

MY BIKINI TOP & BOTTOM

VIVIAN'S SWIMSUIT

Leave your insecurites and wear the bathingsuit! 

Forget the inconvienences and soak up the memories!

Most of all, ditch the list and have FUN!!!

Dress Beautifully at the Pool

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Shiny Shoes

I believe that every outfit needs shine. Most of the time this comes from jewelry or a belt but shoes are a snazzy source of shine! 

STUD SANDAL - SIMILAR

Here are some shiny shoes to really make your outfit beautiful ...

 GOLD TOE RING SANDALS

I purchased these from an online add and love!

KNOTTED SLIDES

THONG SANDAL

CLASSIC NAVAHO

I've been wearing these since my college years

BUCKLE FLIP FLOP

MEDALLION

SCALLOP SLIDE

Dress Beautifully in Shiny Shoes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Style Mullet

 Mullets, a tragic hair style from decades ago that should never ever come back. They're often referred to as 'business in the front and party in the back' due to the contrasting length of short & long lengths.

I find that applying this contrasting concept to fashion by mixing dressy & casual pieces is a combination that's chic! 

For Summer, a vest is a great option to add structure, look polished but also staying cool. Rather than trousers or even jeans, pair with shorts for an unexpected look that balances with casual comfort.

GREEN VEST

Designer Veronica Beard has a similar vest that's I've wanted for a while but it's a splurge!

PINK TWEED

I love the double gold buttons and open design to stay cool.

Dress Beautifully in a Vest & Shorts

XOXO Sarah Louise

Miss New Beauty

Make up is fun for me. I like to try new colors & products. I find that taking care of your skin along with adding color to your face is an essential part of your overall appearance. I adjust the shades of eyeshadow, lipstick and blush that I wear to compliment my outfit and season (but not too much - I'm a creature of habit).

Here are some new beauty products I've been wearing lately ...

NAVY EYELINER - I remember my Mama wearing navy eyeliner, I think it was because Princess Diana wore it.  I picked this one up on a whim and have really liked wearing it.  I keep the line dark and thin.

FACE TANNING DROPS - these are awesome! For decades my face has been hidden from the sun with sunscreen & hats so not only have my millions of freckles faded but its natural fair color is very bright! I add a drop of this to my face lotion at night and wake up with a bronzed glow! 

I find this allows me to feel more confident being bare faced.

Tips: wash hands immediately - I avoid my T zone - use makeup remover for any concentrated areas.

FACE MASK - I started using this Clarins face mask last year and decided to try this one on a recent sale promotion. It's amazing! It's cooling and really refreshes the face. I apply this in the mornings.

FACE SERUM - I also started this and find it moisturizes, adds glow and is healthy.

REDNESS SERUM - I have redness around my nose and chin and have always been bothered by it.  I've been using this for a while now and find it really helps!

PINK LIPSTICK - I'm very inspired by the show Palm Royale's 60's style.  The fashion is so colorful and the makeup has such a cool retro look. I was on the hunt to replicate the frosty light pink lipstick and found this one in shade Gentlemen Prefer Pink on a random trip to CVS! 

As with fashion, I'm always excited for new pretty things to try.

I encourage you to incorporate a new color or skin care product to your routine for summer!

Dress Your Face Beautifully 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Maxi Skirts

 TGIF! When you look at your style and in your closet you'll probably notice a predominant piece, color or design that you gravitate towards. For me it's white tops & maxi skirts.  I have quite the collection of maxi skirts because they're versatile all year long. 

I can style them with sweaters & boots in the winter, fun tops and sandals in the Summer, dressy with a blouse & heels or casual with a tank and sneakers. 

There's also the benefit of coverage (I'm not keen on showcasing my legs) and I find that they elongate making me feel and look taller (hard to do when you're 5'2"!).

FISH SMOCKED SKIRT - LINEN CROPPED SHELL

SHELL NECKLACE

When I'm shopping for maxi skirts I like a higher waist to create a long look, a crisp cotton poplin fabric, prints with lots of colors to pair with and minimal volume.

Here are some pretty maxi skirts to wear this Summer ...

SOLID SMOCKED POPLIN

also in navy

NAVY PRINT

DIP-DYED

BROWN DIP-DYED

BROWN PRINT

also 3 solid colors

ONE SIZE WRAP

PINK FLORAL

RED SHELL

YELLOW FLORAL

BLOCK PRINT

Dress Beautifully in a Maxi Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tropical

 Gals, 3 weeks from today I will be on an island! You're darn right I'm counting down. Vacationing is always wonderful but this year it's an amazing end to Vivian's kindergarten year.

I believe in dressing for the occasion and vacation is no exception. Tropical places are beautiful for their landscape, colors and just beautiful surroundings so a fabric that mimics that beauty is fun to wear.

Note: you do not have to be somewhere tropical to dress like it!

Tropical prints have come a long way from those tacky shirts men wear. Dress designs now incorporate cut outs, asymmetrical hems and oversized bold prints ... And LOTS of color!

My dress is from FARM RIO (a few seasons ago) but they are my favorite for vacation pieces.

I have my eye on this dress, this dress & this skirt.

Dress Beautifully in a Tropical Print

XOXO Sarah Louise

Strut Strong

I do not like my legs. Not even a little.

Every Spring I get uneasy thinking about having to wear shorts, miniskirts and swimsuits. I know I can’t be the only one and that there’s a lot of gals out there that have areas of insecurity that haunt them. 

The things is I work tirelessly to make my legs strong, fast and capable and yet I find myself discontent. 

I’m a super private person so sharing this personal struggle is beyond hard but I pray this post encourages others. 

Here are 3 ways I’m working to love my legs …

STEWARD THEM 

MY TANK & SHORTS

My body, including my legs are a gift. A gift I do not own but rather that I am called to use. I want to use my body to go out and shine my light. I can show up to places and bless others without letting the worry of my appearance hinder. 

ENJOY THEM

I don’t want to waste a second missing out because I’m too self conscious. I’m going to run on the beach in my bathing suit, play outside in shorts, go out on the town in a mini hem line and have fun with the people I love. 

GET OVER THEM

Just because I’ve always disliked my legs doesn’t mean I always have to. I get to decided how I feel and think. God made me uniquely and purposefully. When I start to compare myself to others I can remember that I’m made specifically to look like me. I do the work at the gym to tone them and eat good nutrition to nourish them and that’s enough. 

My controlling nature tries to rule over my body and that can often spill over into my relationships in a negative way.  

I’m not sure I will ever feel the way I want but I do have a new mindset that I’m working hard to have so that I can step out confidently. 

Wherever you struggle, I hope that you know that God made your body beautiful and just for you! 

Use it for good - Enjoy it - and Wear what you want!!!

Dress Beautifully in Your Body

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Brown & White

 TGIF! It's been a fun week in our family watching Vivian perform at her gymnastics showcase and in her school play as an owl (she did her speaking part beautifully!) As a mother, I'm so proud through and through of her and for the gift of her and for my own mother whom I cherish with all that I am! 

I remember, around 20 year ago, my Mama wore a brown linen dress that she loved! She felt beautiful in it so when I think of brown I think of her in that dress. 

LINEN BUBBLE TOP

WIDE LEG JEANS

I bought these yesterday and love!

Not see through!

Brown is a rich warm neutral that's soft against all hair & skin tones.

For Spring & Summer I really enjoy brown and white together. The brightness of the white really contrasts.

Here are some pretty brown pieces ...

MAXI DRESS

LINEN JUMPSUIT

WIDE LEG PANTS

SHINY MUSCLE TEE

BUTTON BACK TOP

RUFFLE LINEN TOP

3 additional colors

SWIMSUIT

IKAT SHELL TOP & MINI SKIRT

WRAP SKIRT

Dress Beautifully in Chocolate Brown

XOXO Sarah Louise