Friday Favorites: Sassy Sneakers

TGIF! Trends tend to be unique and fade fast but finally there's a trend that isn't outrageous but actually practical and purposeful. I'm talking about walking sneakers! Wearing simple sneakers paired across a variety of looks is a trend I'm a big big fan of. 

I never gave sneakers much thought until 3 years ago (I was more of a heeled pump kind of gal). Now, I wear my sneakers daily. 

Fun Fact: I used to think my Mamma lacked style by wearing sneakers with her dresses ... She was simply ahead of the times! 

My Sneakers & Here

I bought my first pair right after Vivian was born and gracious have I got my money's worth! Read why I love Golden Goose sneakers & my 5 reasons to invest in these on this post. I added a second pair recently but this time with color and sparkles :)

Note: These Golden Goose sneakers are costly, but when evaluating the cost/per wear it's a smart spend. I try to save and spend very little on pieces that are more occasional.

While I may not jump on the athletic wear train, I do enjoy being active and playing (more like chasing) my darling Vivian. So I will absolutely wear a fun sneaker with a dress, skirt, jeans .... basically any outfit so that I can strut around in style. I believe that's the key to making sneakers chic, pairing them with contrasting dressier pieces.  And if you are a gal that likes leisure wear, try dressing them up with some jewelry and/or a scarf.  Pairing opposites creates an interesting and balanced style. 

Here are some super sassy sneakers ...

Glitter Sneakers

All White

A Hint of Color

Cool Canvas

Neutral & Snake 

Leopard

Timeless All Star

Retro

5 color options

Superstar

Designer

Lace Up Ladies in a Sassy Pair of Sneakers

Dress Beautifully in Sneakers

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Practical Wardrobe

Happy Monday Mammas! I hope you had a fun weekend.  Our was simple and sweet.  We enjoyed our Halloween take 2 Friday night with a neighborhood party and I had a dinner with some gal pals. On Saturday we went to story time, shopped, had a delicious sushi (my favorite) lunch with a previous work colleague and a fun trip to the park.  I decided to keep Vivian up an hour later that night to adjust her to the time change ... it failed! She was up an hour early, but we had a ball dancing to Moana.  Sunday we worshiped together and her Daddy was able to make it before his next shift.

Confession: Gracious Ryan is so handsome on Sunday mornings! I always see him in his workout clothes running to the gym or scrubs.  But he goes ALL out for church, nice dress shirts, tie, silk pocket square, sport coat, fun socks and always shined shoes. #bestillmyheart

Now that I'm a Mamma I've dialed down my dressing just a bit. I'm still very polished but with a touch of comfy.
I want to share with you some pieces that are utilitarian and functional for Mamma Life.
NO, that does NOT mean leggings!

Sidenote:  This was a huge discussion/lots of laughs at a recent dinner with some gals from MOPS. I strongly believe that leggings are NOT pants and that the only way to wear them is with your derriere covered! It created a lot of curiosity and giggles when they realized I literally chill in my home wearing jeans. Gym clothes are ONLY for sweating!
They've all decided they're wearing leggings to our gathering this Friday LOL

Here are some pieces that are casual and comfortable but can hold up to the often messy and high speed activities that go along with chasing littles.

Basic Tees

They're light, easy to layer and prints hide stains!

Sherpa Cowl Neck

Heart Sweatshirt

Jogger Pants

Light and Comfortable but are a pant.

I love these and pair with sneakers or sandals

Distressed Boyfriend Jeans

Easy to move in and any destruction blends in.

Vest

I love these because I can move my arms easily and don't get too hot chasing her around.

I also run in the cold in this.

You can top off a sweater and jeans too.

Fleece Jacket

Cozy for staying warm, easy to wash and soft for snuggling

Hair Ties

I love these for holding my mane back without messing up my curls or style with a big crease. And if Vivian decided she wants to pull it out there's no harm. 

Dress Beautifully and Practical

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Athleisure

Athleisure.  What does that mean anyways? Sounds like some word made up for marketing purposes.  Well it is; sorta.

According to wikipedia it 'is a trend in fashion in which clothing designed for workouts and other athletic activities is worn in other settings, such as during work, casual or social occasions.'

spot on.

Now, I'm sticking to my strong belief that gym clothes are for exercise only and not appropriate elsewhere. But I am softening a bit and incorporating some casual and relaxed pieces into my weekend wear.

Gym clothes are NOT everyday clothes! They are meant for exercising, by all means do that daily.  I believe it all began when gals started wearing yoga pants as pants because they were stretchy. It's lazy, sloppy and unflattering! Stop reading if you must but leggings of any sort are NOT pants.
Only underneath a tunic/shorter dress with your derriere concealed is it acceptable.
Honestly, it's more effort to squeeze into those tights than it is to step into a pair of pants.

Think of it as wearing an evening gown to the grocery store - situationally inappropriate!

Off my soap box and onto what is appropriate for a casual and comfortable dressing...

These track pants with their soft, flat-front elastic waist and tailored leg incorporates elements of comfort with the style of a dress pant.  (wearing them as such in a later post!)

A semifitted tee/tank in a solid color or with a cute quote that shows your off your personality = Yes.  An oversized t-shirt you got for free at some promo event = Fail.

Add a light weight sneaker, denim jacket and cross body or tote bag and you're ready to go.

More options: a duster cardigan, field or bomber jacket, quilted vest, slip on sneaker, sandal and scarf

Please don't opt for: fleece jacket, heavy running sneaker, tight tank exposing undergarments and cleavage, or flip flops

It's all about the pant when it comes to athleisure wear.  You're basically swapping out your jeans or if you're guilty of wearing leggings/yoga tights (repent now) for a loose but tailored lightweight pull-on pant.

I'm obsessed with this pair! They literally look like dress pants. Flat front so no bunching or added volume around the hips, skimming yet roomy leg and ankle length with no elastic hem (ew).
These are perfect for ALL - even those gals that are expecting or post pregnancy.  It's a hard time for dressing but these make it easy.

Go get yourself a pair of these pants - I wear them at least once a week #truestory.  They define go-to.

Track Pants || Tank || Denim Jacket || Sneakers || Crossbody bag || 

Dress Beautifully in Athleisure Wear

XOXO Sarah Louise