Marigold Part II

Monday I shared with you gals this marigold lace top and I also shared that I'd be styling the matching skirt on Wednesday/today.  So here it is, this matching marigold lace skirt and all it's sunny glory paired with a classic chambray shirt.

Yes, these coordinating matchy-matchy pieces are bold, bright and beautiful but I do believe they need to be styled separately.  The color is so saturated along with the straight cut of the lace top making it difficult to tuck in, I feel that you maybe overwhelmed.  If I were to wear them together I'd most definitely add a printed scarf and/or jacket to add contrast.

Instinctually I went to pair this skirt with a classic blue dress shirt (because y'all know I'm all about work wear) but I decided to opt for a bit more of a casual vibe and go with something equally as classic, the chambray shirt.  It easily pairs with everything! And it's a little more laid back.
I did however stick with pumps but for the weekend a sandal/flat/wedges would do.

This skirt has the same feminine cutout lace detail as the top and with a grosgrain, slightly stretchy waist band and aline design, a super flattering fit.

More pairing Options:
Basic white tee (tucked in or knotted)
Burgundy or Olive (think Fall)
Crisp white shirt
Pastel Pink
Blue & White stripes

This marigold lace skirt truly adds a ray of sunshine to your step!

Chambray Shirt || Marigold Lace Skirt || Pumps || Handbag || Earrings || 

Dress Beautifully in Marigold

XOXO Sarah Louise

Marigold Part I

Gals, it was 75 and sunny yesterday! When I saw this marigold color on the racks all I could think was yes, a yellow I can wear and I now have spring fever.  Yellow can ben a tricky color, but I've found that the rich gold jewel tone yellow (think mustard) is fabulous for all skin tones and hair color.  Pastel yellow is also a shade that fits all.

Note:  There's a matching skirt - stay tuned for Wednesday's post :)

I knew just how I was going to style this top.  I had recently purchased these blush pants at BR's spring collection launch party I attended last Thursday night and the new pink shoes I shared with you last week on my spring shoe favorites were the perfect pairings.  I love contrast but it doesn't always have to be with neutrals.  Pastels and jewel tones are unexpected and a more colorfully and feminine combination. 

I find it refreshing to ditch the dark winter hues for the bright happy hues.

Navy being my favorite neutral was the right choice for my handbag.  It grounded the colorful look.  It was my grandma's so I feel special when I wear it. 

Try mixing a rich, bold jewel tone with a favorite pastel.  

Examples: 

emerald green + powder blue

bright orange + lavender

Red + mint green 

royal purple + carnation pink 

Marigold Top || Blush Pants || Pink Sandals || Similar Handbags || Earrings || 

Dress Beautifully in Marigold and Pink 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pinkalicious Christmas

Welcome! Come on in to our decked halls!

Ok, maybe decked is embellishing a bit.  I'm not big on lots of Christmas decor.  It's not my favorite holiday. Gasp! but it just isn't.  And, I don't like to invest money into things that are temporary and then have to store them.  I detest pack rat habits.

So, I've decided as with most things in my life, that I will do it my way.  In pure SL style.

First things first, I love the entryway into our home. The outside and in.  Because our rounded stairs and front door make quite the classic statement all on their own I simply added red bows onto our iron urns for a bright pop that's stands out all the way from the street. And because they're under $2 each, can simply be tossed come January.

On the inside I cleared our foyer tables and placed the most important decor you'll find in our home front and center, the nativity.  Jesus is the reason for the season. Amen!

If you look closely you'll see our mistletoe 'kissing ball' hanging in the formal room entry.  

We take full advantage :) 

Above in our foyer and below in our formal room, I place poinsettias plants in my vintage champagne buckets.  I typically have orchids in them.  I chose these pretty buttercream blooms because I'm not a fan of red in my home and I like the lighter brighter look.  

My formal room evolved unintentionally incorporating blush pinks.  I love it!  So last year while Mr was deployed, I decided to embrace my feminine style and continue this color palette & decorate in blush and gold for Christmas.  This year now that he's home I was worried he would be opposed, but in true 'happy wife, happy life' fashion he went with it. 

I add a little something new to my decor inventory every year to spread out the cost and it's fun to bring in fresh elements. It's always a new ornament or two, and most of the time more birds (I love birds on my tree - they symbolize peace to me) but this year it was these blush trees and glittery church.  What a pretty pink scene!!! 

Our tree decor is the same as last year.  Except for this year it isn't leaning since I had someone to help me set it up. I've had this same gold star topper now for 7 years. It's a trooper.  We kept the ornaments this same with the exception of a US Navy one that I gifted Mr this year.  It's bittersweet now that's we've left the military but it will always be a part of our lives.

All it needs are presents!  

We enjoy sitting in front of the tree and soaking in the spirit of the season sharing our thoughts.  It's cozier with hot chocolate! 

Our family room houses the fireplace and it is the room we spend the most time in.  I was so excited when I found real boxwood wreaths and pine garland at my local Trader Joe's! I quickly scooped one of each up as they were going fast.  The pine garland was surprisingly super long but with some arranging and shedding I was able to get it so that it framed our fireplace beautifully.  I had some burlap that I cut and used to hang the wreath over the mirror. 

I have a plethora of candle stick holders. I'm not sure how it happened - ok well let's be honest it's a mix of family heirlooms and my frequent trips to thrift stores / obsession with old and shiny brass/silver things.  I have a tendency to over clutter sometimes because I just love my things, but I could just hear one of my gal pals who is always urging me to keep it clean and simple.  So I did, with just 2 sets of candles in both brass and silver.  I like to mix up my shine. 

Our stockings are from our very first Christmas as Mr and Mrs 7 years ago.  

Scragley kitty all snuggled up by the fire, how he can stand the heat with all that fur I don't know.  He's way over due for a hair cut. Yes we shave him even in the winter.  He's super cute and lives in climate control. Oh and for those of you who've seen this pic on my instagram/facebook, I have serious guilt from all of your comments on why Scragley doesn't have a stocking! 

I also added red bows on our corner sidewalk lamp post and mailbox.

And last but not least, for the past few years I place candlestick lights in all of our front windows for extra curb appeal. I have a feeling next year Mr is going to want to hang lights outside.  I guess if I can have pink on the inside he can light up the outside - in moderation!

Let your light shine bright for Jesus!

I hope you enjoyed my little holiday home tour. May you be inspired to decorate your home in your own style and perhaps be inspired by mine :)

Dress Your Home Beautifully for Christmas

XOXO Sarah Louise

Striped Shoulder Ruffles

This top is an eye catcher.  It blends the off the shoulder trend with a classic crisp blouse.  I've loved showing my shoulders this summer in those shimmy worthy numbers but with this blouse you can wear a regular bra (there's nothing comfortable about a strapless after 4 hours) and it's appropriate for work or weekend.

I love that it mixes fun and flirty ruffles with a classic blue stripe. Like I shared on Tuesday's post I am holding on to lighter color pairings and will move to darker richer shades once Fall's cooler temperatures finally decided to come around. So I paired this blouse with blush trousers and for a touch of sass, leopard calf haired flats.  #leopardisaneutral

Now, I do want to address a potential concern.  Several reviews and gal pals of mine that have tried this blouse feel that it makes shoulders appear too broad.  Yes, this design does add volume and draws attention to the shoulders.  Personally, I have a smaller upper body and larger lower.  If you have a similar shape this can be very flattering. It balances and actually makes your lower body look smaller.  This top is also nice if you are smaller chested.

You know I always share with you alternative styling options for pieces in my writing because while my go-to dressing works for me you may have a different preference.  And I also want to express the versatility of pieces.  It's not a good investment if you can only wear it one way. So one of my loyal readers requested I illustrate other styling options (please keep the comments coming!).

So here ya go ....

Skinny Jeans   Burgundy Pants   Olive Chino   Pencil Skirts   Sneaker   Pumps   Block Heels

Striped Shoulder Ruffled Top & Similar || Blush Pants & Here & Here || 

Leopard Calf Hair Flats & Here & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Ruffles

XOXO Sarah Louise

Stripes and Surplus

Surplus green is often referred to as olive green, or army green after the fruit and the uniform/gear worn my military members.  It's a dark and dusty green.  It's a neutral and practically goes with everything.

Mr calls this shade of green olive drab but personally I don't think there's anything drab about it.  I love green, it flatters my red hair and I'm always game for alternate neutrals to brown and black.

I paired this textured skirt with a striped dress shirt and a blush pink bag for added femininity.

This skirt is going to be on major repeat paired with blouses in a multitude of colors and prints. When the temps start to fall with sweaters and booties/boots.

Note: these perforated lace up shoes are epically comfortable!

Just because :)

Striped Dress Shirt: Similar Here & Here || Olive Skirt: Ann Taylor & Similar & Here || 

Lace Up Heels: Vince Camuto || Handbag: Tory Burch || Bangle: J Crew || 

Dress Beautifully in Stripes & Surplus 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: 5 min Face

The 5 min face was the beginning of learning to primp for me and it’s been a practice I’ve continued.  My Mamma taught me how to apply my makeup.  Despite her instruction, I struggled in the beginning and it was embarrassingly a bit loud in my high school years (think bright blush and blue eye shadow ekk!)  because I had not yet matured to the realization that makeup is for enhancing your natural beauty not to be used like paint on a canvas. Over the years I’ve added to my makeup routine with eyeliners, highlighters, primers etc…

Subtlety is key gals.  God made our faces beautiful so makeup should simply define and highlight.

I’ll admit during the work week and for church I put on a full face but now that it’s Summer I like to keep it simple on the weekends and while on vacation.  It’s also healthy for your skin to lighten up on the products.

Mr loves it when I’m more natural.  Most menfolk do.  The more casual your dress, hair and makeup are the more your natural beauty shines!

So here are my 5 favorite products for my 5 minute face:

Foundation

My gal pal introduced me to this foundation and I’m sold for life!  Yes, it’s a bit expensive but it lasts over 6 months and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.  It’s light weight yet provides great coverage all day.

Blush

This blush is award winning!  It’s a peachy pink with a slight luster giving all skin complexions a perfect rosy cheek.

Brow Powder

Having red locks means that my brows are very light in color.  They’re also very thin.  I believe that eyebrows are very important as they frame the face.  I had a hard time finding a product that would complement my hair color and look natural.  This powder is light and really makes my eyes and face more defined. I use a flat brush to apply into my natural brow adding just a bit of darkening and depth.

Mascara

I’ve been wearing this one for many many years.  I’ve tried so many other and I always come back to this one.  I have found that mascara is a very personal thing for each individual gal. I don’t believe there is a one mascara fits all.  You have to find what works for your lashes.  Think of it like your hair – we all have different elements to work with.  This mascara lengthens and separates.  I don’t really need the volume.  I do not use waterproof as I feel that it is harsh on your lashes and causes more breakage because it’s so hard to remove at the end of the day.

Lipgloss

Another long term staple, this gloss has enough pigment for my liking and stays on the best.  I’m a lipstick gal all the way because I like saturated pigments that last.  I have tiny lips and need all the color I can get.  I also like the purple-ish color.  It’s softer than my go-to classic red and perfect for when I want a more natural look.

Foundation  -  Blush  -  Eyebrow Powder  -  Mascara  -  Lipgloss  

Dress Beautifully in a 5 Minute Face 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Scarf Blouse

I have a thing for silk scarves.  I'm talking the silk, square, hand rolled edge scarves.  My favorites are those designed by Vera.  I am always hunting for them on my trips to vintage/thrift shops.

This blouse reminded me of a silk scarf with it's dot pattern and striped border design.
I wanted to show of the print, so rather than my typical styling of tucking a blouse into a pencil skirt I opted for a relaxed look.  I left the blouse untucked and toped it over a flared shorter skirt.   The flared shape of the skirt prevents a boxy silhouette when leaving the blouse untucked (especially since the print is in a rectangle shape).

I kept my pumps neutral and complimented the blush stripe in the blouse with a matching handbag.

When highlighting a pattern or embellishment keep everything else solid and neutral so that it shines without competition.

Blouse: Loft || Skirt: J Crew Similar || Pumps: Cole Haan || Handbag: Tory Burch ||

Dress Beautifully in a Scarf Blouse

XOXO Sarah Louise