Showing posts with label Boutique. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boutique. Show all posts

Mar 10, 2021

Dear Daisy - Loves Me!


Gals, I absolutely adore matching sets! Here's why, they give you the streamlined look of a dress or suit but with so many style options. I also find that matching sets are rare to find these days so it makes them that much more appealing when you do. 

This one throws me back to my glory days of the 90's when black daisy prints were all the rage! But this go around the design is more sophisticated. 5 stars that the flowers are in a thick embroidery on nice cotton poplin fabric. I still plan to pair this structured crop top with denim shorts like I would back then but this time skipping the chocker necklace and chunky shoes #blessssss 

It will also be pretty paired with white jeans, pencil skirt for church and any color of the rainbow.
Same for the skirt.  A crisp white collared shirt, denim shirt or a t-shirt/blouse in color will pair beautifully.

Mixing pieces allows you to exercise creativity that showcases your style. It's also smart to be versatile with your wardrobe to maximize your investment and wear.


I'm wearing a heeling sandal with the set matched but as I style them I plan to mix in flat sandals and sneakers! 




POCKETS!!!




Daisy Set Here | Separates: Crop Top & Skirt | Sandals |

Dress Beautifully in a Lovely Daisy Set

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mar 11, 2019

Mamma Monday: Shopping Small

Good morning Mammas!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend.

I survived Vivian Louise's first time being sick this weekend and I dare say we both handled it pretty well.  I've been anxiously awaiting this to happen, I mean she's 14 months old. She's been blessed to have gone so long without even a cold.

She woke up Friday late afternoon burning up. And although her afternoon nap was longer than usual she was a bit restless.  I tried to feed her supper but she was more disinterested than normal and all she wanted was for me to hold her.  So that's what I did. After calling her Daddy who was ironically working the Pediatric unit of the ER I decided to give her some ibuprofen.  Only 2 minutes later as I was walking into the kitchen she threw up right between us, all her dinner down my shirt UGH

I just stood there. She was scared (me too!)

I stripped us down right there and went upstairs to put new night-nights on her and some for myself.
I gave her some milk before bed ... and she threw up again thank goodness she missed her nursery chair and rug. Sigh I had to again clean that up and ourselves.
She was beyond exhausted.
I got her changed and put to bed.
She slept restlessly until 3 and then she was just crying. I held her in my arms and she slept on me until 5.  I was so tired as all her little cries kept me from sleeping. But I had missed rocking her and her sleeping on me. I gave her some milk at 5 am and that's just what she needed. I knew then she was feeling better because she was hungry. She slept sound until 8 and we spent Saturday snuggled together.


What an honor it is as a Mamma that it is our heartbeats that comfort and heal!

So moving on, as Mammas our time at Target is not just multiplied but it becomes our escape from home and into a fun outing.  We buy all the baby things and treat ourselves to coffee, snacks and ALL the things we had no idea we wanted or needed.
So thanks Target for taking our money, filling our days with fun and our homes with stuff (eh maybe not thank you for that).

But as great as the big box stores are, I believe it's very important to support small businesses.  I came from a family of entrepreneurs and truly believe that it is the American dream.
It's hard work, long hours and true dedication to embark on owning your own.

So here are a few of my favorite small businesses that you can find things for yourself and your littles:


The make the cutest smocked outfits but my favorites are their personalized pieces!
You can customize fabrics and colors.  They also smock bags.
Just go check them out! They are local to our NC coast.



They're not all that small.  They have a fantastic online shop with tons of adorable pieces at great prices.  I've preorders some cuteness for this Summer.  Although I'm pretty sure our petite princess can wear this and some other dresses again this year.


oh TBBC you get the most of my spending on Vivian Louise! And I'm not sorry about it at all (Daddy can confirm). The clothes are just darling and the bonnets, be still my heart! My Mamma is proud.
They even have Mommy and Me outfits :)


This cute online shop I discovered on Instagram (oh the things IG has made me buy!).
I love the classic smocking and colors.


SS is just a fantastic gem! They are savvy in their creation of the swap-a-smock line.  They offer a line of garments that allow for interchange smocked tabs. Genius! And you can even order personalized tabs, see above. And as they grow the tabs still fit the outfits. Cost saver gals. 


Our favorite local boutique here in Charlotte for clothes, toys and gifts!


The best for last! This shop is full of treasures not just for your littles but for yourself and your home.
They offer interior design services, lighting, furniture, home decor, clothing, jewelry, kids clothing, toys and even their own line of pj's!

So go ahead and go to the big box stores for your basics and necessities but for the all the cute things shop small!

Dress Beautifully by Shopping Small

XOXO Sarah Louise









Mar 30, 2017

Modern Lines


We all have our favorite shops.  Whether it's for coffee and baked goods, a local wine bar, home decor or for unique clothing and accessories.

A couple years ago I found one of my favorite shops and the best thing I ever walked out with was a dear gal pal.  It's owner is a treasured relationship that I cherish no matter the distance between us. I love any excuse to leave the Queen City to visit this small town on the water.

This shop caught my eye for it's beautiful home decor and linens (and all the blue and white I could ever want) but it has grown so much, offering a wide range of must haves.  From furniture to clothing, baby stuff to entertaining ware, linens to jewelry, gifts to art and even design services .... it basically has it all!

An unexpected trip to the coast a couple weeks ago allowed me to have a surprise stop in!  Typically I scoop up home decor or local handmade creations but this time I spotted this dress and had to have it.

It blends modern and fun design with the classics.  Allow me to define.  The mirrored v-neckline (front and back) with choker combined with the black and white windowpane print creates a mix of elements that's sure to have gals stopping you to ask 'Where did you get that dress?'.  My response 'Beaufort Linen Company, You must check them out!'.

This dress pairs modern bodice lines with classic grid graphics that can go from casual with a pair of sandals or wedges to professional with a pair of pumps.  Gals, I literally go through the styling options in my mind when selecting garments.  And don't forget the unlimited amount of color you can add with accessories.

I thought I would share with you a round up of my current favorites at the shop but there are just too many and a constant influx of new things added everyday.  So you must visit their website to shop around and follow on Instagram to stay up to date on their latest arrivals.

I promise you'll want some of everything! And just maybe you'll add this dress to your wardrobe :)









Windowpane Dress  ||  Pumps  ||  Handbag  ||  Sunglasses  ||  Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in Modern Lines

XOXO Sarah Louise

Oct 20, 2015

Charlotte's in Charlotte


It's here!!! Finally a Charlotte's in Charlotte!  I've been waiting all summer to say that :)

Charlotte's is a boutique that I discovered during undergrad in Wilmington, NC.  Since then, they have moved that store and have 2 locations in Raleigh at North Hills & Cameron Village.  Charlotte's is where I purchased my first pair of gold Jack Rodgers over 10 years ago (before anyone was really wearing them), where Mr purchased my first Valentine's Day gift, a strand of baroque pearls, and where I got beautiful gifts and accessories both for myself and my home.
It's one of my absolute favorites!!!

The store's inventory has certainly grown to carry even more of my favorite things.  From apparel, jewelry, gifts, home decor, baby, even things for your beau and so much more.

Beyond the fabulous collections you'll find, the staff is over the top!  You're always greeted with a smile and they are graciously helpful in finding just what you're looking for, and sometimes what you didn't know you were looking for but must have :).

My in-laws were in town visiting to see our new home and after breakfast at one of my favorite spots, I insisted we visit Charlotte's for their grand opening.  We arrived just a few minutes after they opened their doors for the first time in the Queen City and I was immediately impressed.
I had an idea of what it would look like as I frequent the other locations and I've been following on Instagram & Facebook.

Charlotte's is celebrating 25 years this Friday!  Cheers to you!!

What gorgeous and shiny decor for your home! Including art by Anne Neilson, glassware, and frames

Candles, books and frames that make great gifts

A mix of modern and classic home decor and even fine leather boots

I've added many pieces fine pieces to my wardrobe over the years from Charlotte's that include designers Elizabeth McKay, Sail to Sable, Trina Turk, Annie Griffin, and so many more

The jewelry is sure to sparkle and be noticed!  Baubles from Julie Vos, Kate Spade, Moon & Lola, Sylvia Benson, Boho Beads and even fine pieces such as Michele Watches and designer vintage. 

The menfolk can be hard to shop for, here you'll find classic gifts your beau will love

How precious are these?!!  I have a feeling I'll be gifting a lot of these as all my gal pals seem to have baby fever 

And for us Southern gals and our love to monogram Everything 
Confession: I refuse to count the monograms throughout my home 

I came home with this framed mirror and have it displayed on my antique secretary in my formal living room.  

If you're a NC gal you must visit Charlotte's here in Charlotte or in Raleigh!!
Or shop online

Dress Beautifully in Gifts from Charlotte's

XOXO Sarah Louise

May 1, 2015

Bermuda


Bermuda shorts or some call them walking/city shorts are simply shorts that are a longer length hitting right above the knee. I like them for their modesty and comfort. I also find them to be sliming! 

Of course for they're great for weekends with a tank or tee but in a dressier fabric/design, they can certainly be styled for casual Friday in the office.  Depending on your office environment of course. Think of them as a pencil skirt but cut down the middle to make legs.  Add a fun blouse, blazer and pumps to jazz it up.   When wearing a casual piece it's important your pairings and accessories are sophisticated. 

This printed top with beaded & neon accents at the neckline keep it modern and fun.

Ditch the jacket for happy hour and replace the pumps for wedges for a chic weekend look. 









Bermuda Shorts: Peck & Peck (Available in lots of Colors) || Top: Sovella's || 
Blazer: J Crew || Pumps: Nine West || 

Dress Beautifully in Bermuda Shorts 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mar 11, 2015

Snakin Day to Night


I'm bringing a lot of snake print into my closet this season.  I love animal prints, and snake is sophisticated and edgy.  

I've shared my love of local boutiques before but may I remind you that shopping local businesses supports your community and also makes for interesting 'one of a kind' finds!

One of my favorite boutiques is Sovella's.  The owner Mallory is a gem with her sweet personality and eye for all things pretty.  I saw this tank in her store and instantly knew I had to have it and mentally was going through all the way's I'd style it. The soft colors: green, grey, ivory, and taupe go with everything!  You could pair it with any neutral. 

Follow on Instagram for first looks @sovellasboutique ... She Ships! 

I'm showing you two looks, one for day/work and another for evening/weekend.  It's as simple as ditching the jacket and opting for jeans. 
I kept both these palettes dark but make no mistake this tank is going right on a pair of white skinny jeans after Easter! 




Snake Tank: Sovella's || Jacket: Factory On Sale!  || Skirt: Ann Taylor || 
Mules: Nine West || 






Tank: Sovella's || Coated Jeans: Ann Taylor (On Sale for Under $30!!) || 
Cage Heels: Nine West || Polish: Essie || Necklace: Similar || Ring: QVC On Sale! ||

Dress Beautifully for Day & Night! 

XOXO Sarah Louise