Friday Favorite: Swan Beauty

 TGI-Fall! Everywhere I look I see things getting refreshed. Front porches are decorated with pumpkins & mums, God's creation is a bit more colorful with the changing leaves and our wardrobes are cozier with jeans and jackets for the hint of chill we have in the mornings (hoping it starts to last a little bit longer). 

I like to put a new spin on things every now to keep it fresh, especially with my style.  I'm all about the classics but adding a little new is rejuvenating and keeps my look interesting & modern. 

My Mamma and Grandma were the opposite, they stuck with the same hair, style and make up their whole lives ... I've got a lot of that in me but branching outside the box is fun! 

That's what I did a couple weeks ago when I took advantage of a makeover session with a local beauty business, Swan Beauty.

Me driving home with the prettiest makeup!

Gratitude to Swan Beauty & makeup artist Julia (she has the best tips!)

This business is so personalized in that they take your information they collect from an extensive online questionnaire along with your wants/needs and recommend products specific to YOU! Your very own virtual makeup stylist! 

I'm no minimalist when it comes to makeup and I try and stay current with new products thanks to my sister & IG. I've been a follower of Swan Beauty's co-founder Lindsey for years! 

This concept intrigued me as I would have a dedicated professional helping choose makeup that is best suited for me and my coloring.  They even provided application tips.

I have a big red lion mane on my head & I'm sprinkled with freckles all over which is not an average palette for choosing complimentary makeup shades. The experts at Swan Beauty looked at my unique beauty and listened to my likes, dislikes and wants. They not only offered products to fit but showed me how to apply them! 

Every gal is created with her own distinct beauty that deserves to shine and this company encourages that! 

Here's what I asked for - a look that's light, enhances my features and feminine.

Every box comes with a card showing you how to use the specific products!

Here's what was in my box of beauty:

1. Foundation - this one is light weight & has ingredients to promote healthier skin. It feels great and covers without completely masking my face. The foundation I was using was great for coverage but I found was heavy and thick at times. 

2. Brightening Setting Powder - It really locks in my foundation and concealer.  I want my face to look bright without being shiny and this does the trick. No matter how tired I may be #momlife my makeup won't let you see it!

3. Cream Blush - this is a game changer! It stays on all day and give a healthy luster to my cheeks. I don't think I can go back to a powder.

4. Eyeliner - this is a pencil & the biggest change for me! I've used black liquid liner winged on my eyes for 20 years!!! That's right two decades.  I told the talented gal, Julia, who worked with me on my makeup that she couldn't pry it out of my hands but that I was open and willing to try something softer. And truth be told I haven't worn my liquid liner since! I'm sure I will for special occasions but I'm embracing the change and the lighter softer look.

5. Lipstick - I love saturated color (no nudes for me) especially because I have small lips.  She picked out the prettiest shade of pink that's creamy and lasts.

Wearing my new makeup to church 

I feel like my face looks softer, fresher and just all around prettier! My make up was hand selected for ME by experts that know A LOT about products and genuinely love helping women feel beautiful.

Swan Beauty is a place for quality products and amazing brands, including some of my favorites Armani, Chantecaille, Peter Thomas Roth and Saint Jane. 

Your face is what you show to the world and 

it's wonderful to feel confident and pretty when I share my smile.

Dress Beautifully in Pretty Makeup

XOXO Sarah-Louise

LBD for a Night Out

Today is day 4 of wearing this little black dress. 

Today's weather is a bit chilly so I added a long sleeve shirt underneath my dress.  Yesterday it was raining all day and I just have to give thanks for the blessing to have rain boots, a waterproof jacket and a closet full of clean clothes to wear.

Over 4,000 children in Charlotte schools are reported homeless. They aren't just wearing the same thing every day, they might also be sleeping in it & they definitely aren't washing it.  Junior League of Charlotte volunteers work with families who are trying to transition out of homelessness so children can have at least the stability of calling something other than a school cubby their "address." Help me turn 1 dress into addresses, by donating  to the JLC HERE

Before I go any further I want to share how tremendously thankful I am for every email read, social media post liked & shared, and for the generosity of family, friends, colleagues near and far who have kindly donated to my page in support against poverty.  ALL of you have warmed my heart but most importantly you've warmed the hearts of those in need! 

YOU can fight this fight against poverty with me by clicking below 

Help Make Poverty Unfashionable

Most of you know that Ryan, my husband, practices medicine in the ER here in Charlotte. So we personally are invested in the health of our community.

Did you know.....

There are almost 100,000 uninsured Children in North Carolina.  Children without health insurance coverage are less likely than insured children to have a regular health care provider and to receive care when they need it. They are also more likely to receive treatment after their condition has worsened, putting them at greater risk of hospitalization.  Through our Healthy Family Initiative, Junior League of Charlotte volunteers ensure that children living in poverty get health, audio, eye, & dental screenings at our health fairs and at our Big Shots Saturdays, over 400 children a year are getting required immunizations to keep them healthy and in school.  Wanna be a Big Shot? Your tax deductible donation helps us keep kids healthy. Donate HERE

For the fourth installment on styling a LBD I'm sharing a night out look.  All you need is a snazzy pair of heels, some statement jewelry and a small handbag.  Because gals, you are off the clock! There is no need to haul around more than the essentials (lipstick, phone, keys and your wallet).  

Speaking of phones, I know we all want to capture those 'I'm all dressed up and not sitting on my couch tonight' pics with our friends but I challenge you to keep the phones down and your eyes up.  Be present with your company & enjoy the conversation.  Everything else will still be there later. I promise. 
That's what 'latergram' and 'about last night' posts are for :)

LBD  ||  Pumps & Similar  ||  Clutch  ||  Earrings  ||  Sunglasses  || 

Dress Beautifully in a LBD for a Night Out

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Pants Party

TGIF!!! Let's just take a moments to give thanks for the most amazing Spring-like weather we've been blessed with this week.  I've been soaking up the warm sunshine everyday running and working in our yard.

When it comes to pants it's debatable whether finding a perfect fit is just as hard as the swimsuit hunt.  It doesn't matter if your petite, tall, curvy or straight, a pair that fits the waist, hips and legs is a true challenge.

May I now take this opportunity to share with you the solution!  Recently I discovered the fabulous fits at Banana Republic.  Whether it's jeans, work trousers or fun prints for both weekdays or weekends they have a fit for all.

  Green   Pink   Red  //  Fray Hem Blue   Fray Hem White   Fray Hem Distressed   //   

Wide Leg Crop   //  Bold Graphic Gingham   Crop Wide Leg Gingham   Classic Gingham  //  Linen

For my work pants I'm all about the Avery.  They sit just right on the waist and in a cropped length I not only can avoid a trip to the tailor for hemming, but I can wear flats or heels.

I also like the Ryan.  They're a tad longer and in a slim leg I get a long lean line that's perfect for a sophisticated office look.  I'll take any pant that makes me look taller :)

If you're looking for a super sleek pant, Sloan is your fit.  With stretch that holds it's shape all day.

For a traditional trouser Logan is the ticket.  From the hip to hem they flow straight down not only give comfortable room for movement but is crazy flattering on the body.  I feel classy in these trousers!

And then there's fun pants.  I'm talking wide leg crops, prints, pleats and more!

Now, when it comes to denim BR's got you covered.  From classic dark washes to fun fray hems, I promise you'll find a pair or 3!  Jeans are hard gals but I have to give kudos where they're due and I'm sold on these blues (or whites, blacks, distressed ....).  They have a rise, stretch and length for every gal.

Sooooo, if you're a local Charlotte shopper join me for a style session this weekend Friday & Saturday to find your perfect fit AND 40% pants!!!

Dress Beautifully in a Perfectly Fitting Pant

XOXO Sarah Louise

Cowhide

Hide yo kids, Hide yo wives!  Clutch yourself for these cowhide beauties!

I've been called 'Fancy Pants' more than a few times but regardless of my typical ladylike luster I'm a southern gal through and through.  I may never leave my front door 'au naturel' but I love to incorporate natural elements not only in my personal style but in my home decor as well.  Textures found out in nature give an organic, grounded sense to your look or room as well as adding interest and beauty only God could design.

It was truly serendipitous when I met owner/designer of Set in Stone a while back at the Southern Women's Show.  She's got spunk, heart and endless creativity.  My kind of gal! Her designs are one of a kind, handmade from the finest of elements bringing beauty from blends of color, shine, pattern and textures. Her talent can be found right here in Charlotte, NC.

Whether you're a glam gal or more casual chic these accessories will surely add show stopping style to your look.

Because each piece is made of natural hides and stones no two are alike, which can make for quite a dilemma when trying to decide between such beauties.

I carry this cowhide envelope clutch everywhere!  From inside my everyday tote holding my small necessities to outings with the gals or date nights with Mr this clutch is not only functional but a conversation starter wherever I go.

I've incorporated cowhides with a rug in my breakfast room and in a serving tray in my family room so why not in my outfits?! Not only did I bring home this clutch, I had to have some cowhide cuffs from the collection.  But that's not all you'll find from Set in Stone.  A diverse jewelry line and the most amazing modern napkin rings I have set on my dining room table. (Coming soon to a new post).

Go shop Set in Stone and check them out on Instagram @setinstonejewelry

This hide holds all my Essentials

Dress Beautifully in Cowhide Accessories

XOXO Sarah Louise

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