Friday Favorites: Fall Transition

TGIF! Today I'm tickled pink I got to meet my newest baby niece!!! I soaked up nearly 2 hours of snuggles and am seriously obsessed with her hair. Vivian Louise now has two girl cousins to play and grow up with :)

Unless you're living under a rock everything is back-to-school & Fall ... I honestly love all the excitement of starting school #nerd but Fall??? We have months left of hot weather so hold your pumpkins!

But since the stores are putting it out there, here are several pieces I love to transition to Fall:

Long Sleeve Maxi Dress

Slip Skirt

Puff Sleeve Top

Puff Sleeve Sweatshirt

Paisley Dress

If you're excited about the weekend clap your hands!!!

Dress Beautifully in Pre-Fall Fashions

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Summer Special Occasion Dress

When I think of a special occasion dress, I imagine a knee length cocktail dress made of heavier fabric with perhaps beading, shine and typically a unique neckline that shows a little skin. In the Summer, special occasions can often be outdoors like weddings, showers and evenings on vacation. In this case I love lighter fabrics, longer lengths and brighter accessories that keep you situationally appreciate while also pretty and comfortable.

So for your upcoming events in this Summer try a midi or maxi dress like this one that's made with light fabric, maybe some ruffles and a unique print.  Bring the 'fancy' with your shoes and accessories.  I also encourage you to select a dress this isn't such a statement that it's a one-time wear. That's not a good investment of your money or in your wardrobe.  What I mean is, make sure it's not so unique or embellished it can't be won't to several types of occasions whether they be day or night.

This dress I've had for a few years now and it's been to a wedding, a gals night out and on vacation.
Anthropolgie is a go-to for unique pieces!

I like this dress for the soft snake print, airy fabric and the silhouette. It shows a little skin but not too much. And it highlights the waist with the attached belt making it very feminine.
While the grey-blue hues are cool I added shine and warmth with these rose gold slides.
Gals, I adore these sandals. They're shiny and comfortable with the block heel.  Pretty with casual or dressy outfits.

You could add any color with your shoes or jewelry to this dress.

Snake Print Maxi Dress | Rose Gold Bow Slides 

Dress Beautifully in a Summer Special Occasion Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Orange You Glad 🍊

Gals I've got that Friday feeling! Despite that it's a very rainy day, I've got joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart! With Mother's Day on Sunday I've been reflecting over the past several days on the magnitude of the blessing God has given me in making me Vivian Louise's Mamma.
With His help I faced my fears and was brave. I trusted Him and His plan and I was blessed. Blessed beyond comprehension. That's a lot of mushiness so now on to the fashion ....

I love the color orange. Not just any shade but the bright sunny shade of orange ... think naval orange.   Orange was ALL the rage in the 70's and you gals know how I love 70's fashion. And just the fashion (home decor and culture was terrible!) Orange also reminds me of Hermes and that's top tier when it comes to luxury fashion.  Color can be powerful with branding.  Think Tiffany blue for example.

Orange pairs well with purple, pink and blues. Honestly it pairs great with everything.  Again, we're talking bright cheery orange, no burnt dull hues. I even incorporated pops of orange in Vivian Louise's nursery.

So here are some orange pieces I love ...

Bangle
I actually own this one!  I wear it alongside my tennis bracelet, watch and other bracelets.

Handbag
Gals, I just ordered this handbag! I'm going to be stalking my front door for it's arrival!

Sandal
I brought home these cuties today!  Love a simple sleek slide and in a fun color = Chic!
I'm going to wear these with ALL the outfits.

Dress
An actual orange orchard!  I love the asymmetrical print. And the neckline really shows off the shoulders.

Skirt

Such a fun summer skirt! It would look so classic with a crisp white shirt!

Top

Citrus fun! This top can be paired for week day or weekend.

And for your mini this dress is simply precious.

Decor

I have one of these designer inspire glass boxes.  Great for adding color to a room and holding trinkets.

Lamp

Love this sleek mod lamp to add brightness to a room - literally.

Here's a Flashback for you from July 2016!  Wish I still had this dress but it didn't make the cut on one of my closet clean outs.

Sidenote:  What do you gals think about me cutting my lion mane to shoulder length???  This pic has me seriously considering it!

Dress Beautifully in Orange

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Ring the Bell

Ring in the weekend with a fluttery fun bell sleeve.  Unless you live under a rock, you've seen elements of 70's style in almost every store.  Bell sleeves and those flare bottom jeans were a signature statement of the era.

Personally I'm loving this new embellishment.  I will say, a lot of the pieces I've tried on have had  very long sleeve lengths, covering my hands.  Now, I do have shorter arms but still I've noticed that even on the tall models these tops & dresses were designed with exaggerated hems in efforts to make a statement.  While it looks cool and fashion forward, it's not practical for every day function to have fabric hanging on your arms and hands.  I'd go crazy!

Tip:  If you find a top you love it's fairly easy and inexpensive to alter the sleeve length.

For this week's edition of Friday 5 (I know it's been a while) I've rounded up my favorite bell sleeve pieces.

I actually own the black top; it's sleeves are actually 3/4 length and the bell isn't too big or too small. It's just right :)  And with a pencil skirt or jeans it will surely to get lots of wear.

Black  ||  Blue Stripe  ||  Coral  || Green  ||  Pink Dress  || 

Dress Beautifully in Bell Sleeves

XOXO Sarah Louise

Southern Belle

This dress is the epitome of my southern style; ladylike and feminine.

Let me explain....
A Southern Belle is a 'Princess' of the South.  My Mamma didn't have to raise me to be a southern belle, it came natural. She did teach me proper manners and ladylike behavior but it was up to me to to uphold standards as I grew up.  I wasn't born royalty by any means but that doesn't mean you can't be a princess.  It's all about carrying yourself modestly.

I feel that our society and culture has lost it's value on modesty and manners, but I strive to maintain appropriate boundaries.  Like Mamma says 'You catch more flies with honey'.  Sweetness and pleasantries go a long way!

Mr is intrigued with my collection of Emily Post's books of etiquette.  To me it's to focus on being respectful in all situations and with the most recent edition you'll find answers to more modern circumstances. Go get yourself Emily Post's Etiquette.

As I have more gal pals that aren't southern, the distinct characteristics of my culture become more apparent. I really try and embrace my southern style as much as I can, more so outside of work wear, with florals, boots and feminine silhouettes. In my home it's all about natural textures including a deer head and cowhide rug to name a couple.

Now that I've shared with you my feelings on being a southern belle, this dress to me, exemplifies the southern characteristics of my style.  It's floral, bright and fun with bell sleeves. I paired it with my grey suede boots but make no mistake my cowboy boots are a perfect pairing come spring!

The fabric is soft and design is a comfortable fit.  Dress it up with heels or down with boots.
It's definitely one of my favorite pieces I've purchased.

Even if you weren't raised in the south or your style is more sporty or edgy, embrace a bit of southern sweetness in your wardrobe.

Bell Sleeve Dress: Anthropoloigie || Boots: Sole Society || Handbag: Similar & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in a Bell Sleeve Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise