Candy Stripes

Well, I told you I was coming back and here I am!  Sadly, my hopes were higher than reality when it comes to this pregnancy sickness. Gals, it just won’t go away.  I often feel like I’m sentenced to torture for 9 months.  But I’m continuing to take my prescription meds with as much of a grateful heart as possible (they make me so drowsy) and to be honest I do throw up less than I used to.  I’m pushing through and have some fabulous and chic outfits to share! 

So this top struck my fancy as soon as I saw it.  The boldness of the stripes and the unique collar made me have to have it.  My only concern was the sleeves.  Because I’m petite and have smaller arms I’m not a fan of volume and length hanging over my hands.  But they hit higher and in a poplin cotton they have just the right touch of structure.

Now, in fully disclosure I am 21 weeks in these pics. My bump is tiny enough that I’m still able to wear non-maternity tops. I don’t say that to be competitive!  Every gal has a different body and pregnancy so embrace yours! I just want to be honest. Now my girls are another story!  Large isn’t the word – they far exceed my bump growth and I’m not a fan.

And since we are sharing, I actually got my feelings hurt ordering the fabric for my nursery drapes because the ladies at the store asked me who’s nursery I was designing.  At the time I was 20 weeks #halfway and no one would ever know I had a sweet baby in my belly. I know, I know I should be thrilled, and a huge part of me is, as I do want to stay healthy, strong and not gain too much but I’m just so proud and honored to have her that I want to show her off for all to see! 

Now, I don’t know about you but I got a candy striper vibe with the red and white stripes of this top (better than the carnival take my sister had on it) so as we were taking these pics she then starts singing the ‘candy shop’ song by 50 cent #bless Just keepin it real … and fun.

I paired this bold top with distressed jeans, yes they are maternity.  But you totally wouldn’t know it! Gals, it’s just too tight to button my regular jeans.  

I’m also obsessed with loafers! My poor feet just can’t strut in heels like they could in years past and they totally complement the menswear look.  My favorite color to wear is white and I carry light shades throughout all the seasons.

I’m glad to be back and hope you’ll pick back up reading along. 

I'm going to start a new series where Monday’s posts are going to be all about Mammahood but since I realize almost all of you aren’t belly buddies with me the fashion will stay on concepts that relate to all.

Striped Top  ||  Distressed Jeans  - Non-maternity  ||  White Loafers ||

Handbag & Similar ||

Dress Beautifully in Candy Stripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pink. Gingham. Blazer.

So can you have too much Pink? Gingham? Blazers? The answer is no!

When you’re in love with a color, print or style of garment and just can’t resist having multiples, the key is to have variation using elements such as fabrics, textures, accessories, and pairings.

For example, I love blazers and have quite the collection.  I keep it interesting by having lots of colors, prints and fabrics – wool, linen, tweed … stripes, tipped, plaids.  And I keep my styling fresh by pairing with dresses, skirts, jumpsuits/rompers, and causal pieces such as tanks and jeans.  

Shake off the typical work vibe of blazers and top off your weekend casual garb adding sophistication and structure.

Blazers tend to have the ‘boring’ or ‘menfolk’ connotation but in reality they’re very sharp and chic if you ask me.

This blazer is packed full of pink printed fun.  I styled it with a white a-line dress for church a few Sundays ago, with a pair of taupe trousers and cream silk blouse for work last week and here with a pair of distressed boyfriends and a cotton tank.  See, when you invest in classics the styling options are endless. 

Next I’d love to pair it with a romper or play with colors like a purple dress or prints with a striped or floral top.  

Gingham Blazer: J Crew || Jeans: Similar Here & Here || Wedges: Tory Burch ||

Tank: J Crew || Sunglasses: Ray Ban || 

Dress Beautifully in a Pink Gingham Blazer

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Memorial Day

TGIF!!!! … the excitement never fades!

It’s another edition of my Friday 5 favorites.  This one is all about what I’ll be wearing this Memorial Day weekend.  This year is special because I rarely get to spend it with Mr and it’s our first long weekend in the 2 months he’s been back from deployment! Cheers to that!

We will be spending it on the coast of NC with our dear friends.  Our goal was ‘toes in the sand’ and our ‘buns in the sun’ but the weather has a different plan #BOO L  But we won’t let rain ruin our party. My bikini is packed and I’m keepin the faith for some sunshine!

This look is what I typically wear on Saturday’s running errands, brunching with my gal pals or just chillin at home.

Distressed jeans, tank top, sandals and a baseball hat (essential when it’s day 4, or let’s be real 5, of not washing my hair).

Side Note: Distressed jeans are just the best! They’re soft and already broken in.  Something about those ripped up holes make me feel super cool – Mr “Whatever you need to tell yourself”  Bless him, I AM cool! J

Also, tank tops are not all created equal.  It must conceal ALL of my bra straps, not be too clingy and not too loose that I look like a sac either.  These tanks in linen are the perfect balance of softness and shape.

Since it’s summer, I ditch the blues and am almost exclusively wearing white denim.  I found these distressed boyfriends a few days ago and am thoroughly excited to wear them this weekend.  They have just the right about of rips, loose but not too big of a fit, and super soft fabric. 

The tote.  It’s a must in your handbag inventory.  Currently I’m a fraud.  I don’t have one. I want one but I’m having commitment issues! My elbow bags have been great over the years but I need variety. I’m finding them a bit cumbersome when I’m shopping or traveling.  A tote is a NEED!  But how do I chose?  It’s basically coming down to price. I have so many designer bags on my wish list that a compromise is going to have to happen.  Stay tuned.

This tote is on my list of options and the price is right!

This hat is my #1 go-to for hats.  The needlepoint flag says it all. Check out Smathers and Branson’s other needlepoint items including belts and gifts for the menfolk.  

Tip:  Opt for darker ball caps, they hide the inevitable make up stains from your forehead.  Oh and it’s a given for your  ball caps to have the hole for your pony tail.

Whatever you’re doing this Memorial Day weekend, whether it’s vacationing, grilling out, partying with friends or just relaxing at home, please take time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, for our country and freedom!  It’s a strong reminder of just how grateful I am that Mr returned home safely to me!

Flag Hat  -  Tank  -  Distressed White Jeans  -  Sandals  -  Tote 

Dress Beautifully this Memorial Day Weekend

XOXO Sarah Louise