Friday Favorites: Sparkle Shirts

 TGIF!!! The first week of school was amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed being in the gym early each morning, treating myself to time alone and hearing about new exciting things when Vivian came home from school. I am however, extremely ready for some cooler temperatures to show up! 

Do y'all remember 10 years ago when J Crew dressed us in sequin shirts in an array of patterns and colors? Well I do and I'm pretty sure I wore everything they made. While I don't foresee going back to that level, I do like a little sparkle.

SEQUIN SHIRT

note this is a bit oversized in design - I'm wearing a petite

This shirt did it just right! In a classic button up design, the flat-sewn, clear sequins are subtle and more palatable for every day wear. I also love the contrasting white collar and cuffs!

Style Tip: I pair extra dressy pieces with causal ones, like jeans and sneakers for a balanced look.

Here are some pretty sparkle shirts ...

STRIPE TEE

BLACK TANK

STRONG SHOULDER

also in black & silver

GREEN POLO

STRIPE SWEATER

WHITE

Dress Beautifully in a Sparkle Shirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Now & Later

 I see so much Fall online and in stores ... but I surely do not feel it! It's so hot this week and while I'd love to embrace jeans, jackets, sweaters and boots, I start sweating at the thought. 

V-NECK TRIM

Sleeveless knits are a big part of my wardrobe. I like layering them over blouses and button ups as they add warmth but aren't bulky, allow for movement and addition of a coat/jacket easily on the arms. 

For now I'll wear them alone.

Here are some pretty sleeveless knits for now & later ...

CABLE

STRIPE

HEART

OPEN-SIDE HEART

ordered this one!

FRINGE

this is so FUN!!!

Dress Beautifully in a Sleeveless Knit

XOXO Sarah Louise

New School Year Prayer

 Today is Vivian Louise's 1st day of 1st grade!!! 

I don't want to say I wish she was still little because I am so very proud of where she is and where she'll go ... but gracious babies don't keep!

Here are some things I pray for both of us this year.

OPEN EYES TO SEE ...

new friends, opportunities and God's goodness

OPEN EARS TO HEAR ...

our teachers, others and His Word

OPEN MIND TO LEARN ...

new things

OPEN HANDS TO HELP ...

others

OPEN MOUTH TO SPEAK ...

kind words & truth

OPEN HEART ...

to Love like God

Dress Beautifully in a New School Year

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Boxy Tops

 TGIF! This is our last week of Summer and gracious have I had feelings about it (I'm not an emotional person but nothing gets me like my darling girl!).  We made a list of fun things we wanted to do and we have in fact had fun. The best part was having my Mama come and visit us the past 2 days. She fills us with laughter, wisdom and a sense of peace. 

My Mama loves fashion and a big inspiration for my style. She enjoyed coming into my closet last night and seeing my treasures! 

MY TOP

Shape & proportion are key elements in creating an outfit on the body that's flattering and modern.

A boxy top in a shorter length with a higher waisted bottom (skirt or pant) actually highlights the waist.

Here are some cool boxy tops ...

   CHAMBRAY

EYELET

also in white, light blue & black

STRIPE

MIXED PRINTS

CRISP CLASSIC BUTTON UP

8 colors

Dress Beautifully in a Boxy Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

Cool Mom

 Whether you're a Mama or not, there are so many social occasions approaching with the start of Fall (bible study, game nights, non-profit meetings, parent gatherings etc ...). 

TIE DIE WRAP WAIST DRESS

also in 3 solid colors & a red print

I find that a dress is easy for many reasons. It's one piece, forgiving in fit, feminine and versatile with layering and accessories. 

Style Tip: Prints are flattering (camouflaging of curves), interesting and allow for opportunities to showcase your personality and other color pairings. 

Here are some pretty printed dress at nice prices ....

LEOPARD MAXI

this one is in my cart

STRIPE SHIRTDRESS

this one is a classic! 

Cinched waist creates shape, great for layering with colored sweaters/vests, 

belts and blazers/jackets. Sandals now - boots later

BLACK & WHITE FLORAL

also in burgundy print

RUFFLE SLEEVE

SMOCKED

Dress Beautifully in Pretty Priced Pieces

XOXO Sarah Louise

1st Day Facts

 This is our last week of Summer before 1st grade! 1st grade! It seems like yesterday I was holding her in my arms rocking her to sleeps a teeny tiny baby. 

Vivian is a meek little girl and bashful with new things (I was the same). Even now at 41 I can be timid in new social settings (if you know me in real life this can be surprising as I'm full of enthusiasm!) because we all want to be liked and welcomed. 

Here are 3 things for us all to know ...

YOU HAVE AN IMPORTANT PURPOSE

Bless others shining your light with your talents and friendship

YOU ARE WORTHY

Be confident in the special person you are 

YOU ARE NEVER ALONE

God is always with you filling you with his love and gifts 

He has the whole world in His hands including our children, their teachers, schools, classmates and us as parents!

Dress Beautifully in the New School Year

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: T & T

 TGIF! This week we are spending time together, just us 3, at the beach. We've done this for 3 years now in mid August so that we end Summer in a way that's meaningful and fun! Our worlds are so full but this week we focus on us! We have played, laughed and down right enjoyed being together. 

What you wear matters. It can hopefully give you confidence to shine your light to others but it cannot give you time nor togetherness.

TIME

There's never enough and it always goes by too quickly. 

Cherish the gift of each day by practicing contentment and being present. Slow down, look around and give thanks. 

TOGETHER

People are your greatest blessings. Schedule the date, make the call and be attentive. Enjoy your loved ones by sharing your talents, helping hands and as much laughter as you possibly can! 

Best friends are the best when you give them your best!

Children will grow up way too fast. Slow down and soak them up!

Dress Beautifully Spending Time Together 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Blue Jean Blouses

Just like a pair of jeans, a denim blouse is one of, if not the most, versatile pieces in your wardrobe. Pair it with colors, patterns, skirts, over dresses and even with its own kind, a pair of jeans. 

DENIM RUFFLE SLEEVE TOP

I like to style a blue jean blouse with a dressy skirt or pants for a balanced look.

Here are some pretty blue jean blouses ... 

CHAMBRAY BUTTON DOWN

SLIM WESTERN

2 washes

CROPPED

SHIRT JACKET

SLEEVELESS

PEPLUM

CUFFED SLEEVE

Dress Beautifully in a Blue Jean Blouse

XOXO Sarah Louise

Midas Touch

 I believe it's both important to let your light shine through your talents, spirit as well as in your style. 

GOLD COLLAR NECKLACE & CUFF

Jewelry, particularly of the gold variety, elevates your outfit creating a look that's elegant, eye-catching and expensive looking. 

Jewelry with an outfit, as simple as a tee and jeans, can take a look from basic to stylish. 

Here are some of my favorite gold pieces ...

CLASSIC HOOP

TEAR DROP

LINK COLLAR

TENNIS NECKLACE

I have this one and love!

LAYERED NECKLACES

CHUNKY LINK BRACELET

LINK BRACELET

classic!

CUFF

Dress Beautifully in Shiny Gold Jewelry

XOXO Sarah Louise