Bright Block Print

 The beauty of block prints can be found in wallpapers, table linens, upholstery and in fashion.  I've seen these patterned florals for several seasons now and find them to be quite lovely. 

Typically I see them in pastels and muted shades but this dress, in a rich vibrant mint with bright orange flowers really stands out! The halter neckline is flattering in that it showcases the shoulders, however it does require a strapless bra (you can't have it all!). It also has a sliming natural waist with a tie back, subtle cut outs on the sides and a skirt that has pockets! 

BRIGHT BLOCK PRINT HALTER DRESS

Dress Beautifully in a Bright Block Print

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Feel Pretty Dresses

TGIF! Our clothes are purposeful (they keep us from running around naked) but they also can evoke confidence and pretty feelings. 

Each year in June Ryan takes me on a special date in Kiawah Island to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We cheered to 14 a little early but with a lot of gratitude & love! It's important to me to wear something that makes me pretty and significant, just like the occasion.

I believe it's essential to have pieces that make you feel as exceptional as the reason you're wearing them. That could be a random Tuesday or a shindig that's been on your calendar for months. 

Note: It's not about the outfit being fancy or expensive (the dress I wore last year was a resale purchase). 

 

MY DRESS

For me fabric like silk, rich colors and a unique cut/design are elements I look for.  I often say to my gal pals "I don't want to look like my every day mom, Sunday school teacher or work roles!". 

Here are some dresses I believe will make one feel pretty ...

TEAL MAXI

YELLOW ONE SHOULDER MAXI

ORANGE HALTER MAXI

I have this! it's currently 50% off!

LINEN GEOGRAPHIC BORDER MAXI

CRISS CROSS HALTER MAXI

STRIPE HALTER MIDI

Dress Beautifully in a Dress that Makes You Feel Pretty

XOXO Sarah Louise

Retro

 I find retro, mid century style so chic, colorful and fun! The rich colors and sharp patterns lend to a look that's bold but also ladylike. 

This a-line maxi in shades of green is interesting with its sleek design, flattering fit and long elegant length. It could easily be a show stopper at formal occasions and casual summer events. A simple heel versus sandal really changes the look.

A clutch for evenings or straw bag for day.

GREEN MAXI DRESS

Dress Beautifully in a Retro Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Dip Dye

TGIF! Fun fact, I never made a tie dye shirt as a kid. I feel like I missed out on an important childhood craft.  I Mamma, I stick it to Summer camp and my friends for not hosting the activity.

While a psychedelic t-shirt isn't my jam, I do enjoy the beauty of a smeared color palette in a more sophisticated design. I look at it as abstract art, reminding me of a sunset at beach. 

Here are some pretty dip dyed pieces I'm loving ....

This gauzy maxi dress is coming with me to the beach in just a matter of days!

Blue Maxi

Pastel Ombre Maxi

Bubble Sleeve Top

Open Back Vaca Dress

Mini Skirt

Embroidered Blouse

Sweatshirt Tank

Babydoll Dress

Puff Sleeve

also in pink

Long Sleeve Tiered Dress

2 more color options

Dress Beautifully in Dip Dyed Colors

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Pockets of Sunshine

Little pockets of joy are everywhere! You just need to stop and look around. 

Gals, there's not a dull day in the news and rarely is it ever good. Whether it's COVID, politics, or as of late winter weather wreaking havoc don't let it put a dark cloud over you.  Pull that sunshine out of your pocket and celebrate the blessings you have despite all that other stuff. 

We've all tried on a dress and as our hands are skimming the fabric in admiration we feel that side seem and slip into a little pouch. And suddenly that dress went from a prospect to 'it has pockets, score!' 

Pockets are functional for men, they carry their wallet, keys, money clip, and maybe chapstick or a handy tool or two.

The funny thing is, pockets aren't really for storage for us ladies, we have handbags for that.  Well, it's not unheard of for Vivian to slip some acorns or left over snacks in mine for me to hold for her #momlife. Pockets are more of a place holder for our hands. It keeps us from fidgeting and aids in standing tall with good posture. They're little hidden gems of confidence. 

Here are some pretty pieces with pockets ...

Button Front Trapeze Dress

Under $40

Flutter Sleeve A-Line Dress

6 prints/colors - Under $40

Navy Print Maxi

Ruffle Sleeve Maxi

3 prints

Gingham Maxi

Ruby Stripe Maxi

Ruffle Front Dress

Flutter Sleeve Floral Mini

Popover Dress

5 colors

Flutter Sleeve Dot Dress

also in black

Dress Beautifully with a Little Sunshine in Your Pocket

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Smocked Frock

Gals, I'm loving dresses with a smocked bodice.  It adds just the right amount of stretch and shape to an otherwise billowing dress.  Smocking can be tricky.  It's super clingy and can accentuate therefore opt for prints and small areas  like the chest and waist. I would avoid the hip area. 

I love this dress for it's vine print with birds, pineapples and hibiscus flowers.  The fabric is crisp with the perfect amount of weight for all season wear.  While the cut is great for warmer months with a pair of sandals the colors are gorgeous for Fall. A brown Moto jacket or blue denim jacket with booties would be the perfect styling this season. 

Smocked Dress | Similar Booties | Handbag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Smocked Frock

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Rosy Posy

Who couldn't use some rosy posy delight?!! While we know that perception isn't always reality, presenting yourself to yourself and others in a delightful way can actually create delight!

The pretty prink blooms, in a vintage style print, are so lovely in this flowy maxi design. The ruffled wide scoop neck keeps it modern with a touch of sass. The fabric is light and breathable but with the right amount of weight to lay beautifully and resist wrinkles. The waist seam is just above the natural waist creating a long silhouette that floats away from the body at it's smallest point. Meaning it's beyond flattering!

Note:  You can pull the shoulders down for an off the shoulder style, but personally I avoid strapless bras like the plague (or covid-19). Also, off the shoulder is cute but I fell like I have t-rex arms not being able to extend beyond my elbows because the garment will snap up and I'll have to shimmy it back down. #annoying

This ladylike dress speaks for itself so minimal jewelry along with neutral shoes & handbag pair perfectly.

I chose a strappy heel for a dressier look and a little height but a flat sandal or even a sneaker would be just as chic and comfortable.

Rosy Ruffled Dress | Heels | 

Dress Beautifully in a Rosy Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise