Friday Favorites: Comfortable Sandals

TGIF!  This has been an extremely active week.  It didn't rain at all (until today, and it's been coming down all day) and even though it's been cold all week I've been outside for hours each day.  I've had intense workouts (gotta get bikini ready haha) and I've worked in our yard every single day.  Not only did the inside of our new house need some love but so did the landscaping. So I've been cleaning it up and prepping the garden.  This house has a quaint garden framed by a brick wall off to the side.  It's in need of some TLC but I'm excited to try my thumb at growing some vegetables.  I'm also jazzed about introducing Vivian to the deliciousness of a mater sandwich!

I don't know about you but I NEVER expose my piggies without polish. I have tiny and unattractive feet so they need whatever help they can get.  But during the Winter months I take a break and let them breathe. But now I'm ready to put some color on my toes, ditch the boots and closed toe shoes for some sandals!

Gals, I have spring fever something fierce! I've purchased a few outfits and sandals that are teasing me.

Here are some sandals I'm LOVING
confession: some are already in my closet

Knot Slide (these were my valentines day present)

Wedge 

I purchased these!  I'm obsessed because they do not have an ankle strap (impossible to find) or a strap that goes across the base of your toes (also impossible to find) both of these design elements are not flattering nor comfortable on my feet. 

They are also light weight and the wedge isn't too high. Epic Win!

Also the metallic straps make them a bit dressy :)

Heeled Clog

I tried these on today at a local boutique and WOW super comfy.  Definitely pricey but I believe they'd get tons of wear! From casual to dressy. 

Studded Sandal

I love the hardware on these and I'm digging the toe band!  This grey blue is very pretty and different.  This color is exclusive to Nordstrom but the sandal itself comes in several color options. 

Flatform Espadrille

I like these because you get the height without the uncomfortable heel. They come in 6  colors. And the deign is comfortable. I'm also intrigued about a leopard sandal.  Surprisingly I don't have a pair and this price point is perfect just in case they don't get worn as often as a solid neutral.

Dress Beautifully in Comfortable Sandals

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Walking in Whites

I know that here in the South we don't dare wear our white shoes after Labor Day But honestly, the bright whites are a fresh contrast to all the dark hues of the cold season. It just breaks all the rules.

Now 'Winter White' is perfectly acceptable. 

Winter white is the same as ivory, cream, off-white, whatever you want to call it. It's just not the bright bleached white.

I already have the tasseled loafers - they are in compliance as they are an ivory color.

Skirt the Rules Gals and walk in white this Winter! ... I think I may have to in these booties!

Here are my favorite pairs ...

Stiletto Heel Pumps  ||  Booties  ||  Block Heel Pumps  ||  Loafers  ||  Tassel Heeled Loafer  ||

Dress Beautifully in White Shoes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Luxury Look-a-likes

Whew, the holiday hustle is in full swing! While I may not be running around store to store shopping for presents (I made my list early and tackled it quickly), I am enjoying all the holiday soirees and cheers with dear friends.  This weekend is all about Christmas musicals at my church and my Mamma's.  At my church the kiddos are putting on the show and my Mamma is in the choir performing at hers.  I'm so proud of the hard work that goes into putting on these beautiful shows that fill us with the true spirit and love of Christmas! #Jesusisthereason 

When it comes to shoes I'm not your average gal.  I am not overly enthusiastic and have a small inventory compared to most (Mr has a hard time grasping this) but it's the truth.  Like I am constantly sharing with you gals, quality over quantity.  I purchase well made shoes that check the top box of comfort. I also believe that low heeled shoes are far classier and a wise investment. 

Nothing is worse than painful shoes - Can I get an Amen?!!

High end designers make beautiful shoes but they also come with a sky high price.  While I have noticed that recent styles have embraced a lower heel height the cost is still too steep for my wallet.  So, I scout out shoes whose outer, lining and soles are made of leather and look for sewn in soles rather than glued.  These are trademarks for a well constructed shoe.  Just like your garments, shoes should be made of natural elements.

This allows for breathability and for the shoe to conform to your foot for a glove like fit. 

These look-a-likes maybe be a fraction of the cost but they are 100% full of quality and style.

Confession:  I am guilty of owning 4 of the 5 lood-a-likes below. (the exception of the red loafer because I already own these red shoes and don't need 2 pairs of horse bit loafers and my lace up flats are nude)

Gucci is on FIRE and I'm grateful to have found similar looks for less. But I won't be scouting out any impostures when it comes to this handbag - It's #1 on my wish list!

Luxury: Metallic Loafer  ||  Horsebit Loafer  ||  Red Horsebit Slipper  ||  

Velvet Slipper  || Lace Up Flats ||

Look-a-like: Metallic Loafer  ||  Horsebit Loafer  ||  Red Horsebit Slipper  ||  

Velvet Slipper & Here  || Lace Up Flats  ||

Dress Beautifully in Luxury for Less

XOXO Sarah Louise

Casual Camo

For this Southern raised gal and now even more married to US Navy Officer, Camo is an all too familiar print.

I wouldn't say it's a 'favorite' but it is quite the trend and done right can be super cute.  You want to mix your camo prints with modern and feminine pieces to avoid the 'out of the woods' look.  

These pants are super soft and the print is subtle with darker olive green and brown shades.  It's like a 'Monet' far away you can't even tell it's camo print.

I've styled them here two ways Rustic & Sporty:

Camo Pants: Gap Factory Similar || Blue & White Oxford: Polo || Cable Sweater: Loft Similar || 

Booties: Sam Edelman || Handbag: Tory Burch || 

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban |||| Denim Jacket: Gap || Sneakers: Converse || 

Dress Beautifully in Camo

XOXO Sarah Louise

Fair Isle

I'm Totally Feeling Fair Isle this Season.  It's Pretty, Preppy and Keeps You Warm.

This One Caught my Eye because not Only is it Ivory (Fav Color) but it has Subtle Embellishment with Scattered Beading throughout the Pattern. It's Neutral so it would be Beautiful with Colored Skinnies or Skirts.

I Paired it with Black Jeans to Stick with a Neutral Palette and Pull Out the Touches of Black in the Pattern along with a Pair of Grey Suede Low Heeled Booties for a Comfy Look.

Tip: If you are like me and have OCD tendencies, black jeans are totally not the best for this sweater! I had fuzzy lent all over my legs that drove me Crazy!  I'll be pairing with regular blue jeans and wool pencil skirts/pants for the future! ...  I went through lots of layers of sticky tape from my lint roller!

Fair Isle Sweater: Loft || Black Skinny Jeans: Loft || 

Grey Suede Booties: Sam Edelman ||

More Fair Isle Sweaters Here Here & Here 

Dress Beautifully in Fair Isle

XOXO Sarah Louise