Friday Favorites: Swimsuits

 TGI-Summer! The season of swimsuits. I can hear just about every gal I know say 'ugh'.  Yes, you are very exposed and wrapped tight but it's also splash season and breezy cotton doesn't work well when wet. 

I struggle daily with my body image but year by year and day by day I am raising my self esteem and confidence with daily exercise and dressing beautifully inside then on my outside.

Here are some things I pray and remind myself:

1. I am made beautiful.

2. I am strong and healthy

3. No one cares! 

It's true gals, God doesn't make mistakes and he made you with a wonderful purpose. He also made us capable. When I'm down about the look of my legs, I stop and give thanks that I have them and that they're strong. I also remind myself that my friends don't love me for my physique and ladies are going to talk to you at the pool with no regard to your lovely lady lumps. 

I'm about to share pictures of myself in swimsuits and while I'm a small gal and fit I want to remind you that these are just pictures and it is very hard for me to put them out here BUT see encouragement above!

Also I'm only sharing suits I personally own, have tried on or know with confidence from others that they are fit for recommending. There are a TON of options out there.  J Crew & Boden have become my two favorite brands. 

Tips for choosing a swimsuit:

1. Prints camouflage and slim

2. Chest Support - when they are lifted and contained you look longer and stand taller

3. Full Coverage Bottom - I shouldn't have to elaborate. It's just decent. Also who wants to be tugging and pulling when you move.

Here are my favorite 2 pieces ...

Retro Classic Top - Bottom 

This one has an underwire and great coverage 

I'm a size 32DD for reference 

Striped String Top - Bottom

I found this string bikini to be very well made, supportive and covered nicely.

Black Top - Folded Band Bottom

This top is available in bra sizes! 

I love bottoms with a band. I find them to be very slimming and comfortable.

Halter & Folded Band Bottom

I have this suit in this tropical print and love it!

The top is super supportive and I feel it's cute enough to wear on a gals trip while also comfortable when playing at the pool with Vivian.

Note: I am not a fan of high waisted bottoms, while they look great on models and others my extremely short torso & I haven't found them flattering or comfortable.

But they are pretty and worth trying!

Rashgaurd & Bottom

I think this is so cute and not to mention protective from the sun!

Here are my favorite 1 pieces ...

Criss Cross 

This one is actually Amazon & I can attest it's a GOOD one!

I rarely shop amazon and always skeptical of the quality and I highly approve.

Amazing coverage and Sassy!

One Shoulder

This suit has been all the rage for a few years. I finally purchased it in this soft blue palette.

Honestly, I'm surprised it's so well praised because there is absolutely nothing for your chest.  It's literally just a fabric suit. So your girls are just hanging in it.

I thought maybe I just needed to go down a size because I didn't notice any of the 'compression' it says it should have but let's just say my cheeks would be out even more if I did. #nope

I will continue to wear it but would have liked something in the chest for support.

Floral Suit - V-Neck

I love this retro style. I do not typically opt for the bandeau/strapless styles as they squish my chest down and I hate yanking them up constantly but this one works with the halter strap. The print is so pretty.

One Shoulder

this is my very favorite design - it's supportive, modern and just the right amount of coverage without being matronly

Ruched One Shoulder

The most important thing is to cast those worries into the water and have FUN in your swimsuit!

Dress Beautifully in a Swimsuit

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Cheerful Dressing

 TGIF!  This week started off as a doozy ... but then the sun came out and so did the fun. There's truth in that there are always rainbows after the rain. 

#MOOD

I'm choosing to be cheerful! Also having dance party or 3 will always do the trick #shakeitoff

AND with the sunshine comes warmth and boy am I happy to feel the early signs of Spring.

Here are some pretty cheerful pieces to greet Spring in ...

Colorful Puff Sleeve Top

I tried this on in store last week (shared on my IG stories) and ordered a petite for a better fit.

I believe this blouse runs big. 

Tutti Fruity Dress

Tunic Dress

The colors and print on this one speak to me. I also LOVE this belt (ordered)!

Maxi Skirt

I brought this one home! Fabric is so light and the colors are just the most cheerful palette and pattern. It's slightly puffy but oh so comfortable.

Mini Skirt 

This mini skirt is on major sale and the neutral color makes it a go-with-everything sassy piece.

I rarely wear a mini but this one has just a thin elastic waist and the hip area is flattering.

I'm not a big fan of the current wide smocking on minis. This bubble hem is fun and not too short!

Slide Heel

These are sooo on trend and a flashback to my glory days. They're also a very nice alternative to a high end designer pair.  These are going to be worn out by the end of sandal season because they're comfortable with a not so high heel and nude so I'll wear with ALL the outfits.

Distressed Jeans

Mother Denim has quickly become my favorite brand for jeans.  My love started with this pair. These are an exclusive design for a fav boutique I shop online out of Texas. I preordered them and hoping to receive them next week.  They are still available! 

Denim Shorts

It's almost that time, short season. I dread it as my legs are not my finest feature but I'm working hard to grow my confidence and appreciation for them - I doubt love will ever come and that's ok.

These have a roomy leg and a just right length. I always get the 'curvy' fit.

Bikini Top & Bottom

Several Color/Print Options

I saw this in the catalog that came in the mail yesterday and am very eager to see how this top fits! 

Looks supportive without being matronly.

Rainbow Plaid Dress

This is so colorful that how could you be anything but cheerful wearing it.

Sherbet Polka Dot

I ordered this one and can't wait to try it on! And it has a pretty price tag :)

Dress Beautifully in Cheerful Clothes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mixed Florals

Gals! I'm back!  I was supposed to be back Monday BUT sweet baby Vivian Louise wasn't quite ready.  I decided to give myself 2 months off because maternity leave is necessary time to take care of your newborn (and yourself).  Also the priority list has been permanently rearranged.  I'm doing my best to keep Mr #1 but baby girl is right at the top.  Let me back track God is first Amen! Following that it's my relationships, my health (workouts will always trump a blog post) my home and then all the work/other stuff.

This blog is a hobby and something I enjoy however when it's inconsistent my type A self gets antsy so I'm doing my best to create a new structure/routine and distribute my time as best I can.
Putting my planner to work!

Disclaimer:  My figure is NOT back to it's pre baby shape :(  While I'm slowly slipping back into my clothes and working out as much as I can I'm learning it takes time and no matter what as long as I'm nursing the boulders will remain large :( They are the HARDEST part about getting dressed.

I'll write about workouts later.

So for my first outfit post I picked this mixed floral silk midi dress.  I saw it in the catalog and loved the feminine design.  I also noticed the button front and thought 'oh nursing friendly' (although I have yet to do it outside my home - and probably won't not my thing!)

Then I was nervous about fitting.  I don't want to invest in clothing a size bigger to accommodate my chest when this is so temporary.  I believe in buying clothes that serve as forever pieces and it shows because I wear garments purchased from many years back. I also haven't changed size in over 10 years (it's all about healthy lifestyle: eat clean & exercise)

This dress has a forgiving design so when the girls are smaller this dress will still look fantastic.

I love this clothing company it's just a shame it's out of the UK so online ordering only but I find the pieces run true to size.  The fabrics and designs are modest and feminine.
There's even a baby/children's line that is adorable!

The one thing I would change, and was hoping to show you, is the belt.  When a dress comes with a self fabric sash I almost always swap it out for one of my belts.  I have quite the collection of vintage belts that have interesting buckles.  It also adds texture and personal style.
BUT the belt I ordered as a prize for myself when earning my waistline back is on backorder!  I've been waiting almost 2 months and it still isn't here UGH
I guess it's fine because those abs aren't steel yet.

Floral Midi Dress  ||  Pumps - Affordable Version  ||  Similar Mini Bag  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Floral Midi Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise