Why I Blog?

Happy first Monday of 2020. At the start of a new year we typically find ourselves examining the things we do and want to do in our lives.  Time is a blessing and we should spend it wisely. So, as I embark on my 7th year writing this blog I thought I'd share with you why I choose to spend my time writing it and what my goals are for this little online space.

The First Pic! circa 2014

Why did I ever start?

Let's begin with some backstory ...

Growing up I looked up to my mother and grandmother who always had their hair coiffed, outfits pressed and never ever left home without color on their faces.  My love of crisp white shirts and red lips came from these two influential ladies! 

It wasn't about money, gracious it was scarce when I was little, but about creating a bit of confidence that may be hard to muster and presenting yourself well.

A little over 10 years ago I was growing my career, establishing myself in my community and becoming very involved in the Junior League. Ladies everywhere I went would kindly compliment my outfits.  I was still young so it wasn't because my budget allowed me to wear anything super designer/fancy. But I was using my creative side to put together ensembles that were sophisticated and interesting.  And since Ryan and I were long distance I was able to enjoy hunting for vintage pieces on the weekends to add to my wardrobe. 

7 years ago Ryan was finishing his medical studies and we were packing up to start our years in the US Navy. Blogging was very new and I didn't really even know what it was. Social media was just Facebook (thank goodness MySpace wasn't cool anymore) and Instagram was up and coming. I had been taking pictures of my outfits every day before work in my bathroom mirror and posting them to the handful of friends I had on Instagram. 

I was leaving my career, church, and the Junior League for a very small town and culture that was completely foreign to me.  What was I going to do???!!!!

I thought back to all the ladies who begged me to help them style outfits, go shopping with them and to start a blog so they could follow along for style inspiration.  On 1/1/2014 I went out and bought a nice camera and decided to start a fashion blog.

I wanted to focus on work wear because as a corporate professional dressing the part was important and it was what I wore 5 days out of 7.  I also dressed up on Sundays for church.  It seemed  (and still does) as though all the 'it' bloggers were super young, skinny and wearing VERY casual trendy outfits.
I saw a need for showcasing style for the gal in her 30's who wanted to look polished while still having fun with fashion.

Here's some of my favorites over the early years .... (I'm now considering cutting my mane!)

Gals, I own and still wear each and every one of these pieces! I've styled them all differently over the years but that's the great thing about classics. You can see I clearly love color and am proof that work wear doesn't have to be dark and neutral.

What's the Purpose?

     The purpose of 'Dress Beautifully' is to inspire women to do just that, dress beautifully.  I have struggled liking my appearance, having self confidence and with poor body image.  Presenting yourself well in a flattering outfit that showcases your personality not only makes you feel good but portrays yourself in a manner that can open the door to encourage others. 

I want to use this blog is to inspire you to explore the design and construction of garments and styling options.  It is NOT to promote materialism. 

I want to help make you feel good about yourself! I also want to remind you that pretty is as pretty does (Thanks Mamma).  

I will also remind you & myself, that you can eat all the healthy foods, do all the hard exercises, go to amazing places, live in a beautiful home, laugh with the sweetest friends and wear all the pretty outfits BUT if you don't rest your soul in Jesus you'll never find peace and purpose! #amen

I am a real person with a distinct style, just like yours is.  I like classic pieces that will last for years so I will focus on investment purchases.  I also like to add modern pieces, in moderation. I wear outfits that I've purchased within my budget not under the opinion/influence of anyone else. It's ok if what I share isn't your cup of tea.  I promise there's a blog out there that is!

If just one gal is encouraged by something I share - mission accomplished! 

What are this blog's 2020 goals?

1. To continue to share fashion trends/concepts that are both appropriate for work and casual settings.  And to showcase how modern styles alongside timeless pieces create versatility in your wardrobe.

2. Add a little more home design. Now that we are in our forever home, I'm bursting to decorate! I've found that dressing a home is a lot like dressing yourself. 

3. To continue to share encouragement on motherhood because I am a Mamma and neglecting that aspect wouldn't be honest.

4. Hire someone to bring this website into 2020 and help grow it's platform to reach more.

I'm nearly 37 and NEED a savvy millennial (no offense) to help show me the ways!  If you know of anyone please send help asap :)

If you've been reading along for some time now, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

If you're new, please stay for a spell.   

One last thing, What do you want to see on Dress Beautifully?

Cheers to Year 7 of Dressing Beautifully

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Lady in Red

TGIF!  I look forward to saying that all week for many reasons.  Another week comes to an end and I like to look back and reflect on the accomplishments, the laughter and the blessings.  I'm a goal oriented person with an obsession with lists (they're everywhere! purse, desk, kitchen, car etc..) I check back on my lists and see how I measured on completing what I had aimed to do that week.  I don't always get it all crossed off but I sure do make a great effort and that's what counts.  There's always another week so cheers to the weekend!!!

This weekend will be slammed full of cheers as I host my first soiree in our new home and celebrate being back home in Charlotte 'SL in the QC' - Stay tuned for a recap next week :)

P.S. The champagne emoji for iPhone is finally here! I've already used it with almost every text/post in excess!

For this edition of Friday Findings I'm sharing the color red.  I'm not sure why, but I feel very Parisian when I wear red.  I always tell Mr when I'm begging him to take me to Paris that I will need red shoes, handbag and jacket.  He laughs knowing darn well I'll make sure I really do have them when we go.

I find that some gals are intimidated by vibrant reds and I'm often asked with my red hair if I wear it, Yes!  Wearing a bold color can be empowering. Own it!

So here are some gorgeous candy apple red beauties I'm lusting over ....

Topper Coat

I love this vibrant red topper coat!  The bracelet sleeves, popped funnel collar and side slits make for gorgeous detailing. The fabric is mid weight so perfect for the mild winters in the South.

Dress

This sheath dress is perfect for office or evening.  

It's also an all year dress when you layer in the colder months.

Skirt

The gold zippers give this skirt modern shine.

Blouse

Wrap blouses are chic and very flattering

Handbag

Wear this peopled leather bag on the elbow or cross body. 

It holds all you need with it's expandable sides. 

I've got this bag on my dream list!

Shoes

Red suede pumps are sure to stop traffic 

I just recently added these bright beauties to my collection - The Salvatore Ferragamo Vara pump is iconic and are by far my most adored shoes and worth every penny.  I wear my black pair so much that I actually resole them. 

A smart investment for my feet. And who doesn't love bows on toes?!!

Scarf

Keep warm in this cashmere scarf

Lipstick

This lipstick is on my lips the most! 

P.S. Almost all of these items are currently 50% off at Ann Taylor through the weekend!

Dress Beautifully in Red

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Tweed Layers

Gals, It's a been a long break, too long, but I'm back embracing a new season of looks to keep you dressed beautifully in the fall/winter season.
Forgive me for my absence but my heart and mind were needed with my personal life :)

The key to Fall, especially in the South is to layer.  Every day the weather is different and throughout the day we can experience temps that range from the 40's in the mornings to 80 in the afternoons.

This look is quintessential SL! Most of my dresses are sleeveless sheaths and I have a large collection of dress shirts.  From October to March you'll find these worn together. I like to make the  most of my wardrobe with pieces that can be styled all year long alone or together.  
For those rare days of cold I'll add a blazer and/or coat.

These Brooks Brothers dress shirts are my Favorite!! I've shared them with you now for almost 2 years and I'll tell you again gals, a crisp dress shirt is a foundation piece and essential for the office (although I do wear mine with jeans on the weekends).

Another favorite for me are the textures that come with Fall/Winter: Tweed, Cashmere, Wool, Boucle, Knit, Leather, Fur .... Fashion just gained a whole lot of depth as the temps dropped.

This sheath is in a vertical light weight tweed in cream and navy.  Because it isn't heavy it's perfect for all year wear and the vertical design is the icing for those of us who are petite.
I chose a lavender dress shirt and blue pumps to compliment the navy in a subtle way. I also pulled out an oldie but goodie with a leather quilted handbag that once belonged to my Grandma - who inspired my love for white tops and navy blue.

Tweed Dress: J Crew || Dress Shirt: Brooks Brothers || Pumps: Similar || 

Earrings: Honora || Handbag: Similar & Here || Polish: Butter || 

Dress Beautifully in Tweed 

XOXO Sarah Louise