Christmas Princess

It's been a tradition since I was born that my mother got us girls a new dress for Christmas.  It was always a special dress. Velvet and pearls were her favorite and she worked hard to splurge on us. I've carried the tradition but rather purchasing for myself and now for darling Vivian too.

This year, I found 'THE' perfect dress. My first impression of it was that it looked just like something Princess Diana or Kate would wear. Their impeccable style is something I strive to emulate!!

Houndstooth is at the top of my list of classic prints. It's sophisticated without being too strong. I also find a black and white pairing very striking!

The velvet trim, button and bows are details that elevate this dress in a famine way along with the puff sleeves. 

Dress - Similar - Platform Pumps

Dress Beautifully this Christmas in Houndstooth

XOXO Sarah Louise

'The' Sarah Louise Dress

Gals, if I were a dress, this would be it! Me to a T, this dress is the epitome of my style. 

Here's why:

Ivory - Favorite neutral to wear

Crepe fabric - Light and draping fit

A-line silhouette - Shapely and flattering

Midi length- Elongating 

Detailed Sleeves - Shoulder puff adds definition and the flowing gathered length is elegant

Jeweled & Beaded Bows - Resembling broaches adding richness and in my favorite color

Cut Outs - a modern and subtle appeal

Most importantly, I feel like a princess in it!

I believe that dressing up and feeling like royalty isn't just for little girls. Our value doesn't diminish with age so I say find a dress that make you feel beautiful and you wear it with grace.

I will keep this dress forever wearing it on special occasions - or at any time I just want to feel & look special. I hope that one day my darling Vivian will wear it.

Dress - Other color options | Pumps | 

This dress is by a French designer with a fancy price tag. 

I was able to find it for 70% off on a Black Friday sale. 

Dress Beautifully in a Dress that Makes You Feel Beautiful

XOXO Sarah-Louise

What's in a name ...

Names are important.  Personally, my name is extra special.  You see, I'm the 4th woman in my family to carry the middle name 'Louise'.  My great grandma, grandma, my Mamma and myself are all the first born and we all have the middle name Louise.  

So from the start I was a legacy.  

But then my freshman year of high school my grandma, such an influential person, went to heaven.  I then decided I couldn't just be 'Sarah', I was 'Sarah Louise'.  My high school gal pals loved it :) ... besides there were at least 10 other gals with the name 'Sarah' in my class. I had to differentiate.

Four years later her mother, my great grandma, went to heaven.  They both died the day before my birthday 4 years apart.  To me that is the most special.  I carry my name with great pride! 

Today, most people call me 'SL' for short.  It may be too much for some to say 'Sarah Louise' but I love having two names, true southerners understand that for girls double names are a must. 

Sarah means 'princess' and Louise means 'beautiful' - I may not always feel like a princess but when I think of my name I am reminded of the most beautiful women in my world.  My inspirations.  I pray every day I grow to love God and others like my Mamma does. 

So why names??? .... Well last weekend when the news broke that Princess Kate had a baby girl I said to many of my gal pals, I hope she doesn't take my baby name! 

Now, let me be clear, Mr and I have no kiddos and may not ever have one, and we certainly have no guarantee on whether this imaginary baby would be a girl but as a dreamer and planner I do have my names picked out.

My girl name: 'Charlotte Louise' and for a boy ' Reece Warren' after my grandpa.

What did I tell you?!!! Princess Kate stole my baby name! Ok, so it's a classic name and I technically have no claims and it's really hard to be mad at a princess I look up to for her impeccable style. 

I got plenty of texts and messages, trying to make me feel better that my imaginary baby girl name was taken - reminding me that for the next couple of years there will be tons of little girl babies born with my chosen girl name.  

Who knows if I'll ever get to use it but either way, I have my own name that every day inspires me to be better. 

I don't have an outfit for you today but how about that yellow floral dress Princess Kate wore when showing the world her new baby?!!! 

Similar options: Here, Here, Here & Here 

Dress Beautifully 

XOXO Sarah Louise