Friday Favorites: Beautiful Baubles

TGIF!  Gals, today couldn't have come any sooner.  Each and every day for the past few weeks has been packed to the rim meanwhile Ryan has been out of town these past two weeks and working every day but 3 this month.  And like every other gal, I break sometimes.  Honestly, I've broken a few times but I try very hard to stop, take a breath and say a prayer of gratitude and plea for patience. I lack the ability to sit still (if you watch my instagram stories you know I'm always doing something) and it can often be a detriment. If you're sharing my sentiments I encourage you to pause and look past the crazy to see the joy all around you! I'll end my pity party here and get on with the fashion portion of this post!

"Jewelry has the power to be the one little thing that makes you feel unique" - Elizabeth Taylor

Jewelry is NOT optional in my opinion.  The only time I'm without earrings, wedding rings or a watch is at the gym or pool. Jewelry adds the sparkle, the shin and finishing touch that makes you feel  just like a Princess.
Fact: You're never too old to dress up and feel like a Princess!

Jewelry is such a diverse element of fashion and there's a style for every gal. Whether you're traditional with a strand of pearls, minimal with dainty pieces, edgy with graphic lines, natural with stones & leather or over the top with rhinestone statement pieces your jewelry let's your personality shine!

I have a little bit of every style in my jewelry box but I primarily wear classic, sometimes vintage, shiny gold pieces and big rings! Despite having teeny tiny hands I love wearing big, dare I say gaudy, rings!

Wear what you like gals and let your personality shine!

Here are some of my favorites for jewelry ....

Gorjana

My most favorite for delicate pieces that are great for everyday and layering.
I wear these gold hoops ALL the time.

Kate Spade
I've been wearing this jewelry since college and I'll never stop! It's beautiful, unique and lasts forever.

Julie Vos
I adore the European style of this jewelry.  The bright gold and colorful gemstones are brilliant.

Honora
I'm a pearl girl forever. Classic and timeless beauties.

J Crew
I've been wearing this jewelry since college too.  From the classics to big statement pieces, they will always make you shine.

Madewell
This jewelry is chic, modern and great for all occasions.
I wear and gift this jewelry so much.

Lisi Lerch
Such fun and festive pieces!

Kendra Scott
Not only is her jewelry beautiful, custom and full of new designs but she's so very generous and philanthropic!

My wedding day pearls - vintage triple strand

Dress Beautifully in Beautiful Baubles

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Rock 'N Roll

Gals, I love leather! I used to tease Ryan telling him that the way to my heart was in fine leather goods.  There's a lot of truth in that! I meant handbags and shoes and he's certainly won me over several times.

Leather as it relates to fashion used to have such a 'bad girl' or 'motorcycle babe' reputation and primarily be used in jackets but today's designs are luxurious and chic! Incorporating leather into feminine designs is sharp. It is a texture I look forward to wearing each Winter.

This sheath dress makes quite the statement.  It's sophisticated enough for the office and chic enough for a night out.  Add a blazer or tweed jacket during the week and statement jewelry with a pair of high heels on the weekend.
Add some fur and you're set for Sunday church service.

Note:  I do wish this dress was sleeveless for layering and movement purposes but since it is actually 'faux' leather it's soft and very easy to move in.

If your going to layer your leather pieces I encourage you to use contrasting textures like a soft sweater or silk blouse.  It balances against the slick/stiff texture of the leather.

BTS: Gracious it was a windy day! 

Leather Dress | Pumps & Similar | Similar Clutch | Earrings | Bangle |

Dress Beautifully in Leather

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday 5: Earrings that Shine

TGIF! Gals, the weather here in Charlotte has been A M A Z I N G !!!!! Temperatures in the 70's and lots of sunshine! PRAISE!

Baby girl and I have been outside everyday (my legs are feeling it from all the running). She LOVES playing outside, the grass and leaves are new toys to play with.  But most of all, she loves the wind in her hair from swinging.
Ok I'll stop gushing over her #sorrynotsorry

I'm an earring gal all the way.  I never leave home without a pair in my ears.  And although I have tiny ears and a big mane than tends to hide them I love a statement pair. The key is that they are light weight.  I actually know a gal who's earring ripped her ear EKKKK
I also have sensitive ears so certain metals will irritate them.

If you've been reading here for a while you know there's one pair I've been wearing for several years on epic repeat.  Here are my favorites and I start with the pair I wear the most ...

These gold hoops are weightless and delicate but large so they still make a statement.

I wear them constantly! 

Gold Hoops

These gold disc earrings I've had a few months now.  They're a bit on the heavier side so I wear them more for short occasions like church or a outing. But I think they're great for the office.

Gold Disc Earrings

Are you noticing a gold theme?!! These earrings are definitely my evening go-to's.

When I'm getting all gussied up I want to shine and these are just the pair to do just that!

Gold Fancy Earrings

Pearls ladies, are forever earrings! Classic and polished.  I have several pairs in various colors.

If I could only own one pair of earrings for life, white pearl studs would be it.

Pearl Earrings

** Another classic I want to address are diamond studs. I don't own a pair of 'real' ones because I'm too afraid I'd loose them.  I recommend these simulated diamond studs. 

These are my fun earrings.  Colorful and in a silk tassel they cheer up any look. 

Pink a pair in your favorite color to add your personality to your outfits.

Tassel Earrings

Dress Beautifully in Earrings that Shine

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: Accessorizing the Bump

Happy Monday!  Most Monday's I'm mourning the loss of the weekend and return to the weekday grind but this week I'm refreshed and ready.  

This past weekend was full of firsts as I went camping in the NC mountains with some gal pals from church. See my Instagram for pics. I have never slept in a tent before much less cooked food over a fire.  But this fancy pants of a lady roughed it (there was plumbing) with the best of them.  I've been looking forward to this wilderness escape since we started planning it over the summer and I had more fun that I ever imagined.  We hiked, star gazed and enjoyed the peace in awe of the quiet beauty around us.

We also shared quite a few laughs!

Being pregnant has it's list of firsts, a long list! And they aren't all glowing. I'll say it - I'm not a fan of the physical changes! It's bad enough I throw my guts up on a daily basis and am so tired I feel as though I'm walking around with weights on my eye lids but the expansion of my figure is traumatizing.  That's a bit harsh - how about just foreign and uncomfortable. 

You see, I've been a very healthy fit person my whole life eating extremely nutritious food and killing it in the gym on a daily basis.  I truly mourn the loss of my muscle tone and ability to do high intensity exercises.  I'm still working out as much as I can but the weights aren't nearly as heavy and there are just some exercises that I just can't stomach. 

But for nearly 26 weeks Mr, friends and strangers point out that I'm much smaller than most Mammas at my stage. I know, I'm literally having a pity party but it's all relative.  

I know I'm not the only gal that misses her bikini bod and it doesn't mean I love baby girl any less - I'm just being real gals. 

So I'm going to do my very best to embrace my new figure and that means dressing it beautifully.

Since maternity dressing is so temporary and comes with limited options I find it important to style the ensembles with accessories. There are very few accessories that can not be carried from pre pregnancy - belts are pretty much it.

So here are some of my favorites for my bump or even when I don't have a bump ...

Statement Gold Earrings - I've wanted these for a long time.  If I don't get them soon I'll probably add them to my Christmas list.  I find that statement earrings draw attention upwards to the face and have an elongating effect. In gold they go with everything transforming a simple look into something snazzy.

Silk Scarf- I'm pretty sure I'm going to be bringing this one home.  I'm not a fan of big thick scarves but rather the classic silk ones.  They're lighter weight and less smothering.  I also love the vintage print and colors on this one. Worn long down the body it can make you appear taller and add interest to a solid outfit.

Locket Necklace - I have this one and it holds very special ultrasound pictures in it.  This makes a great gift too.

Fur Vest - I have this one but in pink! I purchased in my normal size and can still zip it - for now.  Mr, my sister and a few gal pals shake their head and express their unsolicited dislike of the pink fur. I don't care I love it but if you're not as forward in your style this burgundy or navy option are more neutral.  It will keep you warm while still leaving your arms free.

Plaid Poncho - for all sizes of gals in a classic simple plaid, it's a piece you will wear for years.  It's like being bundled up in your favorite blanket.  I like that this one is not so bulky and overwhelming. It's also freeing on the arms.  I'll probably get this one too, especially if it goes on sale.  This poncho is nice on days that you feel more comfortable concealed.

Bow Slides - I ordered these a couple weeks ago and love them! I went a half size up.  They remind me of a tuxedo. And though they are a bit fancy I plan to contrast them with distress jeans and a crisp white shirt.  Slides are the key to shoes for pregnant gals.  Bending is just impossible at a certain point so slip ons are a lifesaver.

Ring Crossbody Bag - I'm about to add this one to my wish list.  Ring bags are a blend of jewelry and handbags.  I like that this one has a cross body strap when you don't want to wear it like a bracelet and has an edgy look with studs.  It will be a nice touch to all my girlie pieces. I only worry it's not big enough to hold my essentials but I can't seem to find it in stores to touch.

Your accessories are a great way to express your personality and look put together.  It is hard parting with your old wardrobe but at least you can keep the extras in use!

Dress Your Bump Beautifully with Accessories

XOXO Sarah Louise