American Girl in Gingham

Gals, I love America! I give thanks for the privilege of living in this free country every single day. It's not perfect (#amen) but I'm proud to call it home. I don't believe I ever truly appreciated our country until Ryan served in the US Navy & deployed to the Middle East for nearly a year with a Marine Infantry Unit as their Battalion Surgeon.  To see him take an oath to serve & protect this country and then actually go out and fulfill that was remarkable.

I'm also grateful we get to raise Vivian up here, where she has endless opportunities. 

When I think of the 4th of July, fireworks, backyard parties and all the red, white and blue come to mind. 

Part of celebrating any occasion is dressing for it! Stars, stripes and pretty gingham checks are the quintessential patterns for our Independence day.

Gingham has been around for many many decades and while it is reminiscent of a picnic table cloth, incorporated in home decor & clothing design is quiet lovely and classic. 

I love gingham prints modified in a variety of color palettes for a modern look.  This skirt has more of an aqua tone with a very feminine ruffled hem and ivory faux buttons down the front. It also has uninque detailing with front pockets (this is more slimming than your typical side seam/hip pockets) and a front slit opening for easy movement. 

This is a dressier ensemble that may be a bit much for a pool party or cookout but it's perfectly fitting for gatherings with your gal pals, evenings out and church.

Fun fact: While this skirt was a bit of a splurge, even on sale, this blouse was a bargain! I love thrift shopping for home decor and found this silk gem with the tags for a couple of dollars.  It's an older item based on the tag & quality of the fabric and construction. 

They just don't make them like they used to!

Similar Blouse & Here | Skirt & Similar | Pumps | Sunglasses |

Dress Beautifully in Gingham

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Vibrant

This dress was love at first 'online' sight for it's bright and striking colors. It was winter when it debuted and I was full of energy for a fun and easy dress to wear under the sun.

The print was unique and had an exotic vibe like something you'd see on worldly travels. Clearly that's only happening in our dreams these days. But just because we aren't somewhere far away doesn't mean we can't dress like it. And when we dress for an occasion we feel like we're actually there and that my friends is worth the effort.

While the tiered swing style in a crisp poplin cotton makes this dress easy breezy in a very casual way, the ruffles along the neck and shoulder elevate it to add a touch of sophistication. When informal & formal elements collide it creates a very versatile piece that can be transformed across a multitude of affairs.
It's all up to the details of your styling.  For a dressy event choose heels, shiny jewelry and carry a small handbag like a clutch. For everyday wear, a flat sandal and crossbody bag will have you cute and comfortable.
Plus there's pockets!  Those are universally awesome.

I always, always evaluate the ability of a piece to be adaptable before purchasing.  It's important when investing in your wardrobe that your pieces add value and that means getting worn and in a variety of ways. This dress was a splurge of a gift and I plan to make good on it!

Dress | Sandals | Earrings | Sunglasses |

Dress Beautifully in a Vibrant Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Take Me Out Dress

Gals, This. Dress.!!! I NEED a night out so that I can strut outside my closet in this fabulous number!

I shared with you on this post my focus on more unique and detailed designed pieces.  I also shared that often times these show stopping pieces come with show stopping prices. A savvy shopper always shops the sales, and that's just what I did!

The fabric is a gorgeous, delicately printed silk.  The bodice has soft boning for structure flanked by pleated neckline and skirt (with pockets!).

Now, I'm normally not into long sleeves because I'm petite and they can often overwhelm me, but these I love because they're shear and are just past the elbow so the proportions are just right!

The shear fabric on the upper half along with the shorter length  make this more of a special occasion dress.  So I'm scheming up a plan for a night out that's as fun as this dress is to wear :)

Dress | Rockstud Pumps & Similar | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Snazzy Dress Worthy of a Night Out

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Splurge Styles

Happy Weekend!  Sorry I missed yesterday, but as always I have the best excuses.  Vivian's grandparents have been visiting us this week and we've been having a ball! Splash pads, museums, libraries and park playing.  It's been such a joy to share these amazing experiences with them :)

Yesterday this Mamma got to escape and be a lady who lunches and shops with my best friend.  I decided to take the time to do things I rarely can do since having baby girl/ things she doesn't make a good companion for.

This casual classic look will be posted next week!

So we hit up some of our favorite boutiques.  Shopping at these small stand alone shops can be time consuming since they're stand alone and require driving around but I love it for the experience and all the unique and pretty finds.
AND there's the girl talk and fun of trying things on together.

Don't get me wrong I still love the big box stores and the prices they can offer.  But the older I get and the more my style refines, I find that I truly adore the uniqueness some designers can offer. However the price can be steep!

Here are some splurge worth designers I'm lusting over that you can find in boutiques or I like shopping them on Net-a-Porter & ShopBop. And let's be real, I'm shopping the sale section!!!

Tip: Try Amazon too!

Ulla Johnson

I got this dress for a steal on sale and ADORE it!  These pieces are super expensive so if you find one you like I suggest scooping it up on sale.  End of season is the time to hunt.

Love Shack Fancy

My best friend introduced me to this designer.  I love the ruffles, layers and delicate cotton lace of these designs.  And in cotton breezy fabrics they're comfortable.  Personally I think they'd be great with boots to stretch into fall.  I was soooo lucky to find this midi dress on epic sale and my size was the only one left #winnerwinner
I think the short dresses are so cute but I'm more comfortable at knee length or longer.

Misa

I love the prints and ruffles on these pieces.  I was a bit disappointed when I tried on this dress that it was far too short! But I'd be thrilled to wear a midi length.

Rebecca Taylor

One of my absolute favorites!  I wore one of her dresses for my birthday, a girls night and our family pictures.  I love the ruffles and statement details she puts into her very feminine designs. You can find her at major department stores, boutiques and even at high end Marshalls (I found a sweater there last year!).

Petersyn

I just recent discovered this designer at a boutique and love the tiny floral prints and girlie accents.
I brought home this top (on sale)

BB Dakota

This one is much more reasonably priced with just as much modern detailing. I added this top to my closet and have my eye on this sweater.

Dress Beautifully in Splurge Pieces

XOXO Sarah-Louise