Friday Favorite: Swan Beauty

 TGI-Fall! Everywhere I look I see things getting refreshed. Front porches are decorated with pumpkins & mums, God's creation is a bit more colorful with the changing leaves and our wardrobes are cozier with jeans and jackets for the hint of chill we have in the mornings (hoping it starts to last a little bit longer). 

I like to put a new spin on things every now to keep it fresh, especially with my style.  I'm all about the classics but adding a little new is rejuvenating and keeps my look interesting & modern. 

My Mamma and Grandma were the opposite, they stuck with the same hair, style and make up their whole lives ... I've got a lot of that in me but branching outside the box is fun! 

That's what I did a couple weeks ago when I took advantage of a makeover session with a local beauty business, Swan Beauty.

Me driving home with the prettiest makeup!

Gratitude to Swan Beauty & makeup artist Julia (she has the best tips!)

This business is so personalized in that they take your information they collect from an extensive online questionnaire along with your wants/needs and recommend products specific to YOU! Your very own virtual makeup stylist! 

I'm no minimalist when it comes to makeup and I try and stay current with new products thanks to my sister & IG. I've been a follower of Swan Beauty's co-founder Lindsey for years! 

This concept intrigued me as I would have a dedicated professional helping choose makeup that is best suited for me and my coloring.  They even provided application tips.

I have a big red lion mane on my head & I'm sprinkled with freckles all over which is not an average palette for choosing complimentary makeup shades. The experts at Swan Beauty looked at my unique beauty and listened to my likes, dislikes and wants. They not only offered products to fit but showed me how to apply them! 

Every gal is created with her own distinct beauty that deserves to shine and this company encourages that! 

Here's what I asked for - a look that's light, enhances my features and feminine.

Every box comes with a card showing you how to use the specific products!

Here's what was in my box of beauty:

1. Foundation - this one is light weight & has ingredients to promote healthier skin. It feels great and covers without completely masking my face. The foundation I was using was great for coverage but I found was heavy and thick at times. 

2. Brightening Setting Powder - It really locks in my foundation and concealer.  I want my face to look bright without being shiny and this does the trick. No matter how tired I may be #momlife my makeup won't let you see it!

3. Cream Blush - this is a game changer! It stays on all day and give a healthy luster to my cheeks. I don't think I can go back to a powder.

4. Eyeliner - this is a pencil & the biggest change for me! I've used black liquid liner winged on my eyes for 20 years!!! That's right two decades.  I told the talented gal, Julia, who worked with me on my makeup that she couldn't pry it out of my hands but that I was open and willing to try something softer. And truth be told I haven't worn my liquid liner since! I'm sure I will for special occasions but I'm embracing the change and the lighter softer look.

5. Lipstick - I love saturated color (no nudes for me) especially because I have small lips.  She picked out the prettiest shade of pink that's creamy and lasts.

Wearing my new makeup to church 

I feel like my face looks softer, fresher and just all around prettier! My make up was hand selected for ME by experts that know A LOT about products and genuinely love helping women feel beautiful.

Swan Beauty is a place for quality products and amazing brands, including some of my favorites Armani, Chantecaille, Peter Thomas Roth and Saint Jane. 

Your face is what you show to the world and 

it's wonderful to feel confident and pretty when I share my smile.

Dress Beautifully in Pretty Makeup

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Winter Florals

 

Botanical blooms in muted darker colors are sophisticated and add a refreshing pretty look in the colder months. There are plenty of lively plants that thrive in the winter time adding rays of beauty and hope to the often drab and bitter days. 

This skirt has so many pretty colors in it that are soft yet they pack an unexpected punch with peaches and dark blues. In a crisp cotton poplin (my most favorite fabric)  it is an all year piece. Paired with sweaters and boots or sandals and tanks come Summer, it's a season-less comfortable feminine piece. 

Versatility is so important when deciding to add a garment to your wardrobe.  Prints with several colors are always a plus allowing for options in color pairings. I plan to add a blue blouse to this skirt for church, an ivory top for a monochromatic look, a silk cami for a night out look and a tied up denim shirt for a casual look.

From neutral knits, crisp blouses and soft tees this skirts can create so many looks that will fit for work, play and special occasions. #winner

Puff Sleeve Ribbed Sweater | Floral Skirt & in Navy | Boots | Earrings |

I purchased this skirt from a local state boutique I discovered on IG! 

I love supporting small businesses, especially those with great style!

I highly recommend Clair De Lune 

Dress Beautifully in Winter Florals

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Baby, Bows & Monograms Oh My!

One of the sweetest things about having a baby girl is adorning her in bows and monograms!
Like mother like daughter!

When I was pregnant I dreamed of dressing Vivian up (smocking dresses galore ... I should really share her amazing wardrobe/closet) and her newborn pictures were the first major occasion.  I knew she'd be tiny, never did I imagine bringing home a 4lb 11oz tiny, so rather than 'outfits' I wanted to present her as the bundle of joy that she truly is.

I love to support small businesses and entrepreneurs so I often turn to Etsy for unique and handmade items.  This is a great avenue for baby items.  I ordered this pale pink silk sash the day we brought her home because her one month early arrival wasn't in my plan but the shop owner made her sash and shipped the very next day! I simply used a solid white swaddle blanket to wrap her and then tied the bow around her.  This sash is not only a keepsake but could be worn around her dresses when she's several years older.

I found my photographer months in advance and had her on standby because I wanted to capture her brand new.  We took these pictures in her nursery when she was only 12 days old. I made sure she was good a fed prior so that she would sleep peacefully through all the moving around.
As for our outfits I kept them light and bright - see my previous post as I wanted the pictures themselves to be soft.  Her pastel nursery was the perfect backdrop.

Vivian Louise

Monogrammed Silk Sash

Dress Your Baby Beautifully in Monograms & Bows

XOXO Sarah Louise

Cowhide

Hide yo kids, Hide yo wives!  Clutch yourself for these cowhide beauties!

I've been called 'Fancy Pants' more than a few times but regardless of my typical ladylike luster I'm a southern gal through and through.  I may never leave my front door 'au naturel' but I love to incorporate natural elements not only in my personal style but in my home decor as well.  Textures found out in nature give an organic, grounded sense to your look or room as well as adding interest and beauty only God could design.

It was truly serendipitous when I met owner/designer of Set in Stone a while back at the Southern Women's Show.  She's got spunk, heart and endless creativity.  My kind of gal! Her designs are one of a kind, handmade from the finest of elements bringing beauty from blends of color, shine, pattern and textures. Her talent can be found right here in Charlotte, NC.

Whether you're a glam gal or more casual chic these accessories will surely add show stopping style to your look.

Because each piece is made of natural hides and stones no two are alike, which can make for quite a dilemma when trying to decide between such beauties.

I carry this cowhide envelope clutch everywhere!  From inside my everyday tote holding my small necessities to outings with the gals or date nights with Mr this clutch is not only functional but a conversation starter wherever I go.

I've incorporated cowhides with a rug in my breakfast room and in a serving tray in my family room so why not in my outfits?! Not only did I bring home this clutch, I had to have some cowhide cuffs from the collection.  But that's not all you'll find from Set in Stone.  A diverse jewelry line and the most amazing modern napkin rings I have set on my dining room table. (Coming soon to a new post).

Go shop Set in Stone and check them out on Instagram @setinstonejewelry

This hide holds all my Essentials

Dress Beautifully in Cowhide Accessories

XOXO Sarah Louise

By the Sea Shore

Living on the coast of NC for the past 2 years is a blessing.  In fact I've been blessed to have visited NC beaches my whole life via summer vacations growing up and attending college by the beach.  

FYI - These photos were taken in my backyard #amazing

The beach is a magical place.  It's peaceful and majestic with the rolling waves, colorful sunrises/sunsets and the feeling of sunshine on your skin and sand in between your toes.  I could go on and on as the beach hold countless fun memories for me!

I have a liking for things with coastal charm.  I also have a love for unique local designs.  There's a personal touch found in pieces of small businesses that you can't find in the big box stores of mass produced items.  Entrepreneurship is inspiring - it takes passion and hard work and it almost always shows!

I discovered Z & Z Designs at Beaufort Linen Co.  They design and create beautiful handmade jewelry right here in NC using shells and other natural materials from our coast.  I was tickled pink to learn they are a mother & daughter team - what a cool endeavor it must be working together.  

I chose a gold oyster pendant necklace, as you know I'm obsessed with all things gold and shiny! 

It was hard choosing just one piece - I may have to go back for this shell pendant necklace - you can never have too much of a beautiful thing :) Check out their instagram @z.zdesngs for a look at their pieces. 

Look coastal chic in locally designed and made jewelry by Z & Z Designs! 

Dress: J Crew Factory 

Dress Beautifully in Coastal Jewelry

XOXO Sarah Louise