Showing posts with label bikini. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bikini. Show all posts

Jun 21, 2024

Friday Favorites: Swimsuits

 Why is shopping, better yet wearing, swimsuits the worst?! Because you're half naked in second skin fabric exposed to all!! That's why!

BUT read carefully: In swimsuits is where you play, stay cool, make vacation memories and enjoy the sand and sea. 



You can't care about the lumps and bumps because you're too busy having fun!

Here are some swimsuits that I find pretty ...




I have 3 of these and love the support & coverage








I own and love!

Dress Beautifully in a Swimsuit

XOXO Sarah Louise

Jun 12, 2023

Kiawah Island OOTD's


We are home after an amazing 5 days together on Kiawah Island! 
When it came to dressing for this trip I selected outfits that fit for warm temperatures and the special occasion.  I chose pieces that I don't typically get to wear often. I also wanted to look sassy for Ryan!!



Here's what I wore on vacation ....


I arrived in a crisp white eyelet top - Similar
And these pleated pink linen shorts (I also have them in tan & black)
bag is vintage


Wore this high-low dress to dinner
Bag - Vintage


Wore a tennis dress for a morning bike ride
Vivian made this tie dye bandana at camp 
& gave it to me to take on our trip to remember her!


Spent the afternoon at the beach
I wear bikinis when it's just us two
 (I'm not having to be a mom #IYKYK)
And this Pareo that I LOVE!!!


Wore this fabulous ruffled  Rachel Zoe dress 
that I purchased from a fellow blogger here in Charlotte
that was cleaning out her closet (I'm posting lots from my closet this week stay tuned!)


I wore this classic underwire bikini top & bottom 
(I have it in several colors & love the bra sizing for the top)
These shorts are my fav! I have several pairs
note: This pair I sized up in to have a looser fit for hot sticky days


We attended an oyster roast with live music on the water with our friends 
put on by the medical conference
I went with a tropical dress (found at Marshalls) with cut outs that was so much fun to wear!


Another tennis look for a bike ride


Lunch and drinks on the veranda overlooking
The Ocean Course


For our last dinner together


Cheers!

Dress Beautifully on Vacation

XOXO Sarah Louise

Jun 10, 2022

Friday Favorites: Kiawah Island Vacation

 Happy TGIF from Kiawah Island! I am here with Ryan for an annual medical conference he attends.  This trip together each June is one of my favorites not only for the time together just us two but for the destination. This quiet scenic island is so beautiful, relaxing and equally fun. 

Morning View Outside Our Room

We ride bikes for hours all over, enjoy the beach, he plays ocean side golf, we dine, we cheers and we even enjoy friends we rarely get to see. Oh I love watching all the pretty birds and spotting alligators! 

Note: It's also a whole new level of hot and humid. You must accept the sweat and frizzy hair.

Here are my favorites to pack for a trip to Kiawah Island ...


Denim Shorts - I love this design for the longer length Classic Blue Option
Similar Top - Bag Vintage


Sassy suits b/c I'm not chasing a kid around 
but rather holding hands with my handsome husband


I just recently added tennis skirts to my workout wardrobe (a full post on them next week)


Sundresses for evening dinners
This one is expected to be back in stock soon - you can get on a waiting list




Sunscreen - Love this powder version to keep my face protected throughout the day


Books - I love reading on vacation!
I'm half way through the Homewreckers & brought One Italian Summer


More to come about our time here & what I'm wearing later - time to unplug and ENJOY!

Dress Beautifully on an Island Vacation

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Jul 2, 2021

Friday Favorites: Swimsuits

 TGI-Summer! The season of swimsuits. I can hear just about every gal I know say 'ugh'.  Yes, you are very exposed and wrapped tight but it's also splash season and breezy cotton doesn't work well when wet. 


I struggle daily with my body image but year by year and day by day I am raising my self esteem and confidence with daily exercise and dressing beautifully inside then on my outside.

Here are some things I pray and remind myself:
1. I am made beautiful.
2. I am strong and healthy
3. No one cares! 

It's true gals, God doesn't make mistakes and he made you with a wonderful purpose. He also made us capable. When I'm down about the look of my legs, I stop and give thanks that I have them and that they're strong. I also remind myself that my friends don't love me for my physique and ladies are going to talk to you at the pool with no regard to your lovely lady lumps. 


I'm about to share pictures of myself in swimsuits and while I'm a small gal and fit I want to remind you that these are just pictures and it is very hard for me to put them out here BUT see encouragement above!

Also I'm only sharing suits I personally own, have tried on or know with confidence from others that they are fit for recommending. There are a TON of options out there.  J Crew & Boden have become my two favorite brands. 

Tips for choosing a swimsuit:
1. Prints camouflage and slim
2. Chest Support - when they are lifted and contained you look longer and stand taller
3. Full Coverage Bottom - I shouldn't have to elaborate. It's just decent. Also who wants to be tugging and pulling when you move.

Here are my favorite 2 pieces ...


This one has an underwire and great coverage 
I'm a size 32DD for reference 


I found this string bikini to be very well made, supportive and covered nicely.


This top is available in bra sizes! 
I love bottoms with a band. I find them to be very slimming and comfortable.


I have this suit in this tropical print and love it!
The top is super supportive and I feel it's cute enough to wear on a gals trip while also comfortable when playing at the pool with Vivian.

Note: I am not a fan of high waisted bottoms, while they look great on models and others my extremely short torso & I haven't found them flattering or comfortable.
But they are pretty and worth trying!


I think this is so cute and not to mention protective from the sun!

Here are my favorite 1 pieces ...


This one is actually Amazon & I can attest it's a GOOD one!
I rarely shop amazon and always skeptical of the quality and I highly approve.
Amazing coverage and Sassy!


This suit has been all the rage for a few years. I finally purchased it in this soft blue palette.
Honestly, I'm surprised it's so well praised because there is absolutely nothing for your chest.  It's literally just a fabric suit. So your girls are just hanging in it.
I thought maybe I just needed to go down a size because I didn't notice any of the 'compression' it says it should have but let's just say my cheeks would be out even more if I did. #nope
I will continue to wear it but would have liked something in the chest for support.


I love this retro style. I do not typically opt for the bandeau/strapless styles as they squish my chest down and I hate yanking them up constantly but this one works with the halter strap. The print is so pretty.


this is my very favorite design - it's supportive, modern and just the right amount of coverage without being matronly




The most important thing is to cast those worries into the water and have FUN in your swimsuit!

Dress Beautifully in a Swimsuit

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Jun 12, 2020

Friday Favorites: Smile Makers

TGIF! Smile. Right now, just smile! Because no matter what we must lift our faces with gladness because life is worthwhile. Though our times seem overwhelmingly hard and sad and frustrating and sigh, just broken, I believe it is in these times we turn to God for strength and comfort and patience and peace. So I say we share our smiles with each other, it says so much more than actual words!


Here are some cheery pieces I've scouted that make me smile ...


This one makes me want to go on vacation somewhere tropical.




This dress has been on my wish list for months!






I have these and literally want to wear them every time I get dressed!


I tried this one on and loved it! And it's reversible


Dress Beautifully in a Smile Making Outfit

XOXO Sarah-Louise