Iced Velvet

'Look but do not touch' My Mamma used to say that to us kids all the time whenever we were out shopping or at someone's home. I can't tell you just how many times I've told Vivian not to touch something in our home this week alone! It's hard not to reach out and feel shiny and soft things.

Prime example, I immediately had to feel this velvet blazer when I saw it hanging there in all it's soft glory. Velvet is such a luxurious fabric!  I always think about those green velvet drapes Scarlett had turned into a gown in the movie 'Gone with the Wind' (it's my favorite of all time!). It's thick, warm, plush and has a subtle luster to it that's so rich.  I'd love to have a velvet couch one day.  But until then I'll stick to garments in my closet.

A velvet blazer is sharp and serves as a functional layer in keeping you warm this season.

I adore the long sleek cut of this blazer and especially in lighter colors.  Pastels in the winter create an 'iced' look that lightens in a typically darker time of year.

For the office it pairs beautifully over dresses, skirts and trousers but I love transitioning it in a more casual look with jeans.  You could even swap the blouse for a basic t-shirt and add flats.  The structure creates a pretty shape and will having you looking put together.

Snake Print Blouse | Velvet Blazer | Jeans | Pumps | Similar Handbag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Velvet Blazer

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Style in Spades

Hey, it's May! Gracious time flies doesn't it?! When it comes to fashion time plays a cyclic role.  We heard our Mammas say when we were young how they dreaded trends coming back around and here I am watching what was cool back when I was young (and much cooler) coming right back on the racks.
And to be honest, I've embraced some of it.  I find that most gals have a period of time in which they gravitate to the fashion.  For me it's definitely 60-70's!

This sundress while classic has it's retro vibes with the brown flowers and belted waist. The exposed zipper, ruffled neckline and racerback keep it modern.  The crisp cotton is cool, comfortable and holds a nice shape.  I also love the midi length! Gives it a touch of the 80-90's.

While this dress alone makes a very pretty statement, it's up to you to add personal style.  At first glance you may think there's nothing left to do since the print and colors are so bold.

Start at the top. Your hair is a great avenue to add style.  Since the neckline is high and the back has interest show them off by pulling your hair back.  And when your hair is back it's an opportunity to highlight your earrings.  I went with shiny gold hoops, but earrings don't have to be big, studs are worth highlighting too.

You could also swap out the belt.  That's one of my favorite ways to add style.

For a little more throwback this vintage brown leather frame bag added the perfect polished touch. I adore collecting vintage accessories (and furniture).  Like I shared above, it all comes back and quality items tend to be timeless. This purse still has the old smell.  Vintage shopping can be time consuming and it seems as though we allocate our time down to the minutes with nothing to spare.  Use it as a time to fellowship with your gal pals.  And don't have huge expectations, finding treasures is often pure luck.  But also be prepared to buy because those treasures are one of a kind.
And don't forget Etsy and Ebay, they are both great online sources.

This dress is made by one of my most adored designers. In fact during a game at my bridal shower (9 years ago this month woah!) one of the questions was 'Who is Sarah Louise's favorite designer?' And it still holds true, Kate Spade. The handbags, clothes, jewelry it's ALL beautiful and amazing quality. The epitome of fun yet classic style! #LOVE

Adore a racerback!  It shows just a little extra skin and shows off the shoulders which to me are one of the pretties features on a lady. And since the dress is longer in length it gives good balance.

Tip:  All gals should have a racerback bra - especially for the warm months.  It's so tacky to have your bra straps showing!!! And I find them to be super supportive.

How about swapping out those dressy sandals for sneakers?!!!  Sneakers with everything is all the rage. Oh, wait it totally was in the 80-90's.  See, I told you it all comes back.  News flash to those that think it's so revolutionary, go check out those rat pack movies and you'll see. I remember thinking my Mamma was so uncool wearing sneakers with her midi dresses.  Honestly, she was just being practical and comfortable.  I fell ya Mamma!

Lavender Flower Dress | Heels | Handbag | Sneakers |

Dress Beautifully in a Retro Style Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Lavender Lovelies

TGIF! Hope you gals have had a great week.  We have especially enjoyed welcoming Spring and all it's seasonal happiness.  This week flew by because we spent it having fun: Tuesday we played with Vivian's cousin and my sister, Wednesday with a day at Grandma's and her chickens and ducks (Vivian adored the animals) and yesterday with our most favorite Daddy.  He had a day off and since those only happen a few times a month we soaked him up!
He's on call today but gracious I'm hoping that phone doesn't ring because we have plans for a date night!!
For the weekend I'm hosting a baby shower for a sweet gal at church and her baby boy. So tickled to bless her.  It brings back all the joy I had waiting for baby girl :)

Speaking of baby girl, when I was pregnant with her I chose lavender as the color for her nursery and then it carried on through her clothes and mine! While I adore pink more than anything but lavender is just as pretty, sweet and a color that's not overused.

So here are my lavender favorites that I promise you'll feel pretty in this Spring:

Jumpsuit
Gracious, I love jumpsuits and I may have to pull the trigger on this one!

Dress
If you have a wedding or special occasion coming up this dress would be fabulous.
It also comes in several other colors.

Sweater
Ideal for this time of year when it can still be chilly.

Pants
I already have trousers or else I'd buy these!
They would definitely add some light and prettiness to your work wear.

Slides
Love the subtle bow.  They are just the right blend of dressy and casual.
And not to mention a low heel is practical and comfortable.

Sneakers
I know they're a splurge but gracious I wear these almost every. single. day. #truth

Purse

This purse designer has been trending hot for several years now.  I Amy have to jump on the band wagon late.  I love the unique styles and colors.

Earrings
I love this brand and have several pairs of earrings. This style looks light and just a hint of color.

Eyeshadow

I recently added this palette to my make up drawer and LOVE it! I have green eyes and man do they pop with these purples.  I've been using this one for 4 year and love it's pinkish purple shades too.

Nail Polish
One of my favorite!

Dress Beautifully in Lavender

XOXO Sarah Louise

Opposites Attract

Lavender, lace and leopard - Say that 3 times fast!  These aren't your average color, texture and pattern pairings BUT I think they're fabulous.  Combining contrasting elements creates a look that's interesting and stylish.

The soft pastel color lavender with the rich bold browns alongside the feminine texture of the lace with the fierceness of the animal print is a combination of opposites that is striking.
It's unexpected yet very pretty.

Personally, I love pastels in the cooler months.  There's so much darkness and heavy textures it's nice to see fresh colors. And you can wear them all year long.  You can't say the same for a burgundy velvet top (not that I'm opposed to wearing one).

Mix up your colors and textures gals and give your pieces new style!

PS I'm giddy about ALL the lavender on the racks! It's baby girl's color and I've adopted it for myself too :) The matching skirt to this top may be on its way to my closet!

Lavender Lace Top | Leopard Skirt | Pumps | Handbag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Lavender Lace & Leopard

XOXO Sarah Louise

Lavender

How lovely is the color lavender?!!!  I knew that if we had a girl her room would be lavender and now it's her signature color (mine too because #mommyandme).  I am constantly searching for lavender and purple things for her, well let's be honest for me too! I love it because it's just as feminine as pink but not as standard.  I'm not abandoning the color pink by any means I'm just slightly shifting my allegiance.
Even my family and friends embrace lavender for her.

It's funny how affinities evolve.  My sister's baby girl is 9 weeks younger and her color is aqua.

So, when I saw this lavender eyelet dress I couldn't click to purchase fast enough.  And I caught it on promotion (I RARELY ever pay full price).  Now, sizing can be tricky when it comes to squeezing my nursing melons into clothes.  The rest of my body has returned to it's pre-baby size.  I don't want to buy things I can't wear later so I went with my normal size and you can clearly see there's some pulling at the buttons.  It may not be a dress I am comfortable wearing to church with them this voluptuous.  The buttons do make it nursing friendly and I'm desperately hopeful they will come down in size in the next couple months.

Eyelet fabric is one of my favorites for summer.  It adds a light feminine texture, like lace.

And for fun Vivian Louise makes an appearance!  She is often with me when we take these blog photos and she's just too cute not to share!
It's hard to see, but her little bloomers are embroidered because in the South if it isn't moving we monogram it!

She's 4 months old and weighs 10 1/2lbs and 22 1/2 inches long. She's a petite princess with a larger than life personality that brings so much joy to our world.  She laughs and smiles all the time and is trying so very hard to roll over.

I can confirm that when Mammas tell you they grow fast, they are right! Time flies so fast that I'm taking advantage of snuggles and precious moments with her because babies don't keep and the to-do's will.

If you follow me on Instagram be sure to watch my stories, I'm constantly posting pictures and videos of baby girl :)

Lavender Eyelet Dress  ||  Wedges  ||  Initial Necklace  ||

Vivian Louise's Dress

Dress Beautifully in Lavender

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: Vivian's Nursery

Hello gals!  I know I've been absent from the blog - because I've been 100% present with baby girl.

I fully intended to share her nursery in December and then earlier this month but our sweet blessing has kidnapped all my attention and I don't mind at all. While I miss routine and productivity there's no where I'd rather be than with her.  I'm going to try my best, now that she's 5 weeks old, to get back into the swing of some of my pre-baby activities. (Not going to lie exercising is on the TOP of my list).

I shared her nursery design with you here on this post.  I stuck to the design I had created with only a few exceptions.

I wanted lavender as the base color with accents of soft pink and a touch of tangerine.

Finding the rug tied it all together. 

For the crib bedding, I didn't want a matchy-matchy set so I pieced together the elements separately.

I'm obsessed with Jelly Cat stuffed animals! 

I brought the tangerine color in with the drapes. I special ordered the trim fabric and attached it myself to ivory silk panels. It was nice to make them myself - not that I'm a DIY or crafty gal by any means but it feels special to create her room.

We were gifted so many blankets, perfect for our Winter baby.

I had originally wanted to use my antique sideboard as her changing table for a unique and traditional addition but after renovating our living room it really worked best as it was intended by the dining room.  As most things, it turned out for the best as I decided to use the dresser that was my Mamma's, mine and my little sister's growing up.  All I had to do was give it a fresh coat of paint.  I kept the hardware original.  I love the history it adds to her room.

This chair has been a special place for us both.  When she was still in my belly I would sit and read, talk to her and sing her sweet songs my Mamma used to sing to me.  Now I still do those things but she's snuggled in my arms. It's also roomy and so soft for her feedings.  I love rocking her (and myself) back to sleep.

I added a shelf to hold special things for display and to hold her books because we plan to read to her every day.

The bear was Mr's when he was a little boy.  By adding a lavender ribbon it was a perfect match.

The small canvas was hand painted by a dear friend of mine.

Her baby book is wrapped in silk fabric with her monogram - I plan to start working on it this week.

I also added a photo of us, the two people who love her most in this world.

The Christmas cactus was a gift from my Mamma and I believe all rooms need a plant.

I love the sweet feeling I get when I'm in her room! It's truly my favorite space!

A Nursery Dressed Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise