Concert Tee x3

 Some core memories are made at concerts and the tee isn't just memorabilia, it's a reminder that takes you back to an epic night of fun! It's also a conversation pieces and showcase a little about yourself to others.

Rather than wearing the tee with all casual pieces, get creative and mix it in with dressier pieces. 

Here are 3 ways to style a concert tee ...

with a blazer

it's unexpected and balances casual and sophisticated

with a long skirt

style with sneakers and a denim or leather jacket

with a vest

you could even do trousers and a denim vest

Me at the Morgan Wallen concert

Dress Beautifully in a Concert Tee

XOXO Sarah Louise

PLAY CLOTHES

 "Play clothes" is what we called clothes we literally played in growing up. These were pieces that we wore at home that were ok to get dirty and comfortable to move around in. It was a way to differentiate dress up clothes from the ones we wouldn't get in trouble for messing up in. 

This week Vivian and I are on a Spring Break adventure with a trip around NC. Our first stop was a picnic and visit to a park in Raleigh. I don't want to just watch Vivian play, I want to race, climb and jump in with her. So I'll have to dress for play.

TEE - TENNIS SKIRT

My play clothes in this season of life is most commonly a tennis skirt and tee.

I''m very fond of tennis skirts as they're girlie,  provide coverage, comfortable, and even have pockets on the undershorts! (If it can hold a tennis ball, it can also hold my phone & keys). 

For exercise I pair with a workout top but for play I choose a cotton tank or tee. I truly find this look to be pretty and functional!

Dress Beautifully in Clothes You Can Play In

XOXO Sarah Louise

Casual & Cute

I'm a dressy girl. I love to dress up and as my sisters and friends point out I don't have a lot of casual clothes. You know what I say to that, yes! I wear what I find beautiful and what makes me feel beautiful.

And when I am causal, it's cute :)

PINK JUMPSUIT

Sure jeans and a tee are a timeless go-to but I find it refreshing to add an easy pieces in new ways. A jumpsuit is comfortable and practical (pockets!). Think of it like a dress with legs and just a little more effort in the ladies room.

Style Tip: adding jewelry, heels and a small bag would dress this up from the park to patio.

Fun Fact: I prefer sleeveless designs so I just may take a pair of scissors to this jumpsuit. I cut my jeans for a raw hem all the time and since this is denim I believe it will add a modern touch. 

It will be cooler in the summer and allow for layering.

I go through seasons with Target when it comes to apparel for myself.  But I have found a few pieces recently that are stylish and practical across occasions.

Like these ...

MAXI SKIRT

EYELET SKIRT

COTTON DRESS

LINEN TOP

WINDBREAKER

TENNIS SKIRT

SANDAL

Dress Beautifully in Casual & Cute Pieces

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Sweatshirt Styling

TGIF! Gals, today's a good one! I'm fellowshipping with fellow Mammas' of Preschoolers this morning and then headed out of town to celebrate a new baby! I hope you too have a fun Fall weekend planned that involves enjoying the cool & colorful outdoors.

This comes as no surprise, but I own merely TWO sweatshirts (and that's of recent). I don't have to tell you that I'm just not a casual gal. I like warm & comfortable, I just find it in more structured and dressy pieces like sweaters and jackets.

Tip: Find a sweatshirt that speaks to your personality with color, detailing like a puff sleeve and/or a logo of something you like - I found mine on super sale with a velvet logo of a French designer.

BUT you can style sweatshirts in a way that doesn't take you back to your college days.

By pairing with contrasting pieces you get a balanced look that's cozy & polished. 

Here's 4 ways I like to style a sweatshirt ...

A ruffled mini skirt and embellished sneakers

I think this is a super fun, sporty and youthful look!

A wide leg trouser & clogs which are both on trend this season

Layered with a collared shirt and loafers takes me back to my preppy days but the distressed jeans keep the look modern.

A maxi skirt adds femininity and coverage; paired with a bootie is fitting for the Fall season. 

Dress Beautifully in a Sweatshirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Early Fall

You know what I think? I think that a maxi skirt with booties & a blouse is a very pretty way to dress for when it's almost Fall.  

It's still so warm outside so a light weight blouse is comfortable and fits nicely with a layered jacket for cooler times. Booties are the shoe of the season! They pair with everything, they're comfortable and in a pointed toe very elongating on the leg.

I believe maxi skirts with a print in a rich color palette are so stylish as they allow for lots of pairing options. Denim tops for now and sweaters for later are great options. 

Tip: Neutral tops are great to soften a skirt with lots of color but don't be afraid to choose a top with a complimentary color found in the print.

Similar Top | Skirt & Similar & Here | Booties

Dress Beautifully in Early Fall

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bargain Beauty

 Pretty, practical and at a price that can't be beat, well that's how Walmart is winning in fashion! 

A garment can be lovely but if it isn't wearable or fit in your budget it isn't a good fit. Being stylish isn't about having designer pieces it's about what you do with clothing, like accessorizing and unique pairings that make it you and let your personality shine.

I'm going to be honest gals, Walmart has become my top place to go to for pretty, practical pieces at a price that can't be beat.

Tip: Mix them with jewelry and accessories like a handbag or shoes that are more high end to elevate your bargain beauty look!

This pink skirt in a soft cotton is cool, comfortable and practical (Mamma life). The straight line silhouette and tie belt is flattering. I feel it unnecessary to tell you how pretty pink makes, well, everything and every one! It pairs beautifully with all other colors so picking a top won't be a challenge.

I paired this skirt with a white tee with printed ruffled shoulders for a pop of print.  I added nice jewelry for shine and designer orange sandals to add more color.

Ryan snapped these photos in the gusty beach winds (bless his heart) but despite his discomfort he did compliment my outfit. When I told him my skirt was Walmart he was in disbelief.  

My Skirt | Top | Sandals 

My favorite brands from Walmart are Free Assembly - Scoop 

I've recently purchased this top & this cardigan 

Gracious, I wish I could turn back time and be back on the beach!

Dress Beautifully in Bargains

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tan is Terrific

Tan, the color of sand, can often have a reputation of being bland and boring. I say nonsense! Tan can be terrific.  It's all in the details.  A garment, particularly in a soft neutral, needs interest to prevent it from falling flat. Soft patterns, embellishments and fun designs can give it so much depth.

This dress for instance, has a textured braided roping highlighting its shape, a soft stripe pattern, a modern puff sleeve, and a shirt dress design in a tiered a-line silhouette. All of these details make the tan colors shine in a stylish way. 

Fabric also plays a big role, it can completely change the way a piece fits, moves and feels. Smooth or textured it can change the entire look of a garment. 

Don't get me wrong I absolutely love color when it comes to dressing but every now and then I appreciate the sophistication of a neutral palette.

Similar Dress - Here - Here & Here 

Dress Beautifully in Tan

XOXO Sarah Louise

Reverse Denim

 

There's nothing like a good pair of jeans. Because denim just goes with everything duh! Except with heat, denim pants does not go with heat. You couldn't pay me to put on a pair of blue jeans in these temperatures and humidity but I still love denim and the style versatility it provides.

Solution: where it on top! A denim top is lighter weight and often in a lighter wash. 

In the Summer I love to wear white jeans/pants (the white makes them so much cooler), colorful skirts and shorts. A denim top is a soft, textured option as opposed to a simple white or solid color.

My Top | More Options Here - Here & Here |

I encourage you to style denim on top this Summer

Dress Beautifully in a Denim Top

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Anthropologie Finds

TGIF!!! Gals, I'm at the beach!!!! And yes, all the exclamation points are necessary! I've had a mommy and me trip to visit my dear gal pal & her little girl planned for months but I've kept it a secret from Vivian. I picked her up from Summer camp yesterday with a packed car and surprised her with the news! Her squeal of excitement was pure joy! 

Me in the car right before I went to surprise Vivian! 

This beaded necklace is so pretty and on trend. It comes is 12 colors.

There's also a matching bracelet options that are also ombre.

Not as exciting as the beach but Anthropologie has some pretty amazing pieces right now

Here are my favorite finds ...

This haltered cut top is sooo flattering on your shoulders & arms

AND fits with a racerback bra (no strapless!) 

It is cropped however high waisted skirts, shorts and pants are a perfect fit 

This skirt is linen & lined! I''m jazzed over this b/c I find it much easier to fit over linen pants.

I'm a bit shocked to see myself in black - but it is sharp & classic

This coral dress is a fabulous number!

It's so similar to a splurge designer style.

The sleeves and tiered skirt are not only feminine but create a fun shape.

I decided not to get this one b/c I already have so much similar.

Citrus Shirt Dress

Poplin Henley Shirt

Banana Top

Ruffle Top

Love this one - so many pretty colors, I'm between this purple and the marigold

Puff Sleeve Tunic Dress

Puff Sleeve Top

I'm lusting over this lime color - but super pricey

really hoping I can catch it on sale!

Neutral Mini Dress

Lace Cover Up

Mini Skirt

I love this printed gold - several other colors available 

A-Line Maxi Skirt

Dress Beautifully this Summer

XOXO Sarah Louise

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

Red Bikini & Bottom & this Shiny Top & Bottom

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)

I brought this skirt - this top & this skirt - this top

Sundresses for evening dinners

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

Beach Bag

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