Dip Dye

Gals, you ever click on something pretty online only to hunch down when you see the splurge price tag? That happens to me a lot! I saw this matching maxi skirt and top set several months ago and have kept an eye on it just hoping it would go on sale (and have my size). Well, sure enough, it did! 

Note: Gals, what matters when dressing is that you believe it's beautiful and that you feel beautiful in it! 

Tip: look for splurge items on resale sites ... I've had great luck on TheRealReal & Poshmark - I even sell here! 

I love a dip dye! It looks so cool to me the way the colors run together. I will wear these pieces together this summer but also plan to style them separately.  The top being a bit cropped will have to be layered with a crisp button down (or over a dress) and with a high waisted bottom for day time wear

Note: showing your midsection is best for evenings and vacation! 

The bubble top is a modern trend. I find it stylish to have a few interesting designs to mix in your wardrobe.  The dyed neckline acts as a necklace/collar highlighting you face, neck & shoulders.

This maxi skirt will be a year round piece that pairs with tanks, tees, blouses, sweaters and jackets.

Personally, I think a peachy pink color would complement beautifully! 

DIP DYE BUBBLE TOP - MAXI SKIRT

Similar bubble top & Dip dye skirt

Dress Beautifully in Dip Dye

XOXO Sarah Louise

Waves on Waves

Last week at the beach I squealed with joy at Vivian surfing the waves of the ocean. I have to share that our darling Vivian has become so bold in the water this Summer! 

As I watched her float in the calm ripples, surf in fast on the high waves and even tumble on the ones that were just too much I realized that it was quite the representation of life.

Sometimes we are smooth surfing in the everyday and then we get something big and exciting to surf and then there's the waves that throw us off balance and take us down. 

The thing about the ocean is that it's constant. The tide & waves are always coming but there's also salt that helps us float along despite the conditions. 

The thing about life is that it's constant. If we're lucky we get day after day, there's always to-do's & interruptions but there's also blessings that help us stay afloat despite the unexpected.

As you think about the ocean and how majestic its vastness, beauty and countless wonders are, reflect on the same in your life. Celebrate the big surfs, resurface quickly and float gratefully in the every day.

Tip: Like finding seashells and shark teeth, look for the beautiful treasures in your day amongst people & your surroundings!  

Dress Beautifully Surfing

the Waves of Life

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Light & Airy Sundresses

 TGIF! We've spent the past week at the coast where all I want to wear is easy breezy, light and airy sundresses. The kind that barely touch you and blow in the wind. 

Here are some light and airy sundresses ...

BLOCK PRINT

SILK MAXI

STRIPE LINEN MAXI

EYELET

also in black

SMOCKED

several color/print options

RED SWING DRESS

HALTER FLORAL

NAP DRESS

lots of prints and colors

LINEN MIDI

also in red & black 

Dress Beautifully in a Light & Airy Sundress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Minis

Greetings from the beach! I'm currently vacationing with my family and soaking up all the time together (Ryan was away for nearly a month). I've even been embracing a slower pace doing puzzles, reading and resting. One of the highlights was finding 46 shark teeth and some beautiful sea shells yesterday! 

YELLOW FLORAL MINI SKIRT

I've never been a mini skirt gal nor a short-shorts gal for that matter. I like my hem lines long. BUT in this heat less coverage is a matter of survival. I find that I fancy skirts in a light fabric with movement created by ruffles or an a-line design. 

This one has a flat front, fun yellow floral print, and two drop hem ruffled layers with an eyelet trim. This yellow is like a neutral and pairs beautifully with other colors like purple, blue and green. Denim is always nice too. 

Tip: Transition this one nicely into Fall with a sweater and/or bootie.

Mini skirts can be casual with a cotton tank/tee or dressy with a blouse and heels.

Dress Beautifully in a Mini

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Gingham

 Gingham is such a sharp classic pattern that I love wearing in the warmer months. Because it's graphic, linear checks it compliments so many colors and other pairings without being too busy. 

Here are some pretty gingham pieces ...

HALTER DRESS

U-WIRE TOP

ONE SHOULDER DRESS

BOW TOP

MINI SKIRT

SHORTS

SMOCKED MAXI DRESS

LIGHTWEIGHT BUTTON UP

also in colors

WIDE LEG PANTS

these are so fun!!

BLAZER

PLATFORM SANDALS

Dress Beautifully in Gingham

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bright Block Print

 The beauty of block prints can be found in wallpapers, table linens, upholstery and in fashion.  I've seen these patterned florals for several seasons now and find them to be quite lovely. 

Typically I see them in pastels and muted shades but this dress, in a rich vibrant mint with bright orange flowers really stands out! The halter neckline is flattering in that it showcases the shoulders, however it does require a strapless bra (you can't have it all!). It also has a sliming natural waist with a tie back, subtle cut outs on the sides and a skirt that has pockets! 

BRIGHT BLOCK PRINT HALTER DRESS

Dress Beautifully in a Bright Block Print

XOXO Sarah Louise

Chartreuse Sunroom

 Every now and then I get a 'wild hair' ... meaning a spontaneous impulse to do something. Most often it's a home design project and sure enough this weekend that was the case! I had actually decided when making my Summer list that I wasn't going to tackle any rooms until after school started. I should know myself better haha

I decided to add chartreuse paint to our sunroom! 

Our sunroom is the room that literally lights up my days. It's surrounded by windows where I can see the sunrise, bird watch and enjoy the beautiful scenery of God's creation. It also houses bunny Ethel and several plants I've been tending for years.

I've felt like the white walls, while clean and bright were not complimentary to the rich bold colors in the room or the nature surrounding it.

Now the art, furniture, floor and windows really POP!!!

Since purchasing our home we've designed this room to look like a conservatory with classic black & white tile flooring, bold tropical furniture and pretty art.  This post shares our sunroom transformation from the beginning. 

Fun Fact: I painted the sunroom in our first home the same chartreuse color.

Tip: I paint the air vents and switch/outlet plates.

Like my gal pals says "white wall are not me!"

Paint: Sherwin Williams Chartreuse

Dress Your Home Beautifully with Color

XOXO Sarah Louise

Column Skirt

 

I love a good column skirt! Here's why, the cut is straight from the hip which makes for a long silhouette. Whether you're petite or tall a long line on the body is flattering. 

It's a nice break from aline or tiered long skirts. The lack of volume is sleek and polished.

This one also sits high on the waist (key for shape & making you look tall) and is full of color!! It's like a yellow bouquet.

You could pair with a neutral like a crisp white button up, or denim or a complimentary color like I did. 

Grab a little rattan bag (mine is vintage) and your sunnies and strut out this summer in a column skirt!

Skirt from ELLETT here in Charlotte 

LINEN WRAP CROP TOP - I have this is in 4 colors 

BUG EARRINGS

Dress Beautifully in a Column Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Summer Beauty

 In these hot months my beauty routine has to make some changes. My skin is over exposed and less is more for surviving the heat. 

I often refer to myself as a 'DIY Groomer' meaning I may get a manicure and pedicure once a year, I get 3 trims to my mane a year and I've only been to a spa a few times ever. I do my own makeup, hair, skin and nails. I don't like spending the money (I prefer to see it in my closet!) or the time and quite honestly I'm happy with my own skills. 

Here are some Summer beauty products I use and love ...

SELF TANNER

I can NOT live without this. I glow in the dark without it. 

The only color my natural skin has is billions of freckles. 

I only use it on my legs & apply it after shaving with my hands.

BODY SCRUB

I use this prior to shaving.

RED ORANGE NAIL POLISH

Essie Clambake was my #1 color and devastatingly it's discontinued.

I've since been using color Geranium (coincidentally was my Grandma's favorite flower) 

FACE SUNSCREEN

I love this because it's truly colorless, smooth and light.

MATTE POWDER

this truly sets my makeup and controls shine all day

This is new to me this year & I'm committed.

FACE TAN DROPS

I added these this Summer and plan to use them all year long.

My face Never Ever is exposed to sun so I've lost my freckles and it's always lighter than the rest of me.

I add these drops to my moisturizer at night and wake up with color! 

Dress Your Summer Beauty Routine Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise