Friday Favorites: Back to School Kicks - Grown Up Edition

One of my favorite memories growing up was shopping for school supplies and clothes at the end of Summer. I had so much excitement for a new school year. Funny enough I'm 40 and still feel the same! Even though I'm not starting 'school' I am starting a new season of PTA (ekkk), bible study, activities with Vivian, and a new sport-pickle ball! 

I took Vivian shopping this week and it was so much fun!

New shoes were always at the top of the list, but back to school kicks aren't just for kids. Grown ups can step into a new year in style too! And whether they're sparkly or neutral a sneaker is a comfortable & chic shoe. 

I think it's wonderful that sneakers come in so many different colors and designs so that you can showcase your unique personality! 

Here are some sassy sneakers to step out in ...

Glitter

b/c sparkle makes everything better!

Neutral Glitter Mid Top

I have these and love the neutral sparkle

Green

I love this color!

Neutral Classic

My neighbor has these and she loves them

Pastel

4 color options

Calf Hair

lots of print/color options

Metallic Platform

lots of color options

Classic Suede

9 colors - love this purple

Classic Court

All Star

timeless!

Style Tip: pair them with jeans, shorts, long skirts and dresses ... basically everything! 

I could not be happier about this comfortable style trend.

Note: Some of these sneakers are a splurge! I evaluate these purchase with a cost per wear approach and since I wear them nearly every day during the week they can be a good investment.

Dress Beautifully in Sneakers

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Sassy Sneakers

TGIF! Trends tend to be unique and fade fast but finally there's a trend that isn't outrageous but actually practical and purposeful. I'm talking about walking sneakers! Wearing simple sneakers paired across a variety of looks is a trend I'm a big big fan of. 

I never gave sneakers much thought until 3 years ago (I was more of a heeled pump kind of gal). Now, I wear my sneakers daily. 

Fun Fact: I used to think my Mamma lacked style by wearing sneakers with her dresses ... She was simply ahead of the times! 

My Sneakers & Here

I bought my first pair right after Vivian was born and gracious have I got my money's worth! Read why I love Golden Goose sneakers & my 5 reasons to invest in these on this post. I added a second pair recently but this time with color and sparkles :)

Note: These Golden Goose sneakers are costly, but when evaluating the cost/per wear it's a smart spend. I try to save and spend very little on pieces that are more occasional.

While I may not jump on the athletic wear train, I do enjoy being active and playing (more like chasing) my darling Vivian. So I will absolutely wear a fun sneaker with a dress, skirt, jeans .... basically any outfit so that I can strut around in style. I believe that's the key to making sneakers chic, pairing them with contrasting dressier pieces.  And if you are a gal that likes leisure wear, try dressing them up with some jewelry and/or a scarf.  Pairing opposites creates an interesting and balanced style. 

Here are some super sassy sneakers ...

Glitter Sneakers

All White

A Hint of Color

Cool Canvas

Neutral & Snake 

Leopard

Timeless All Star

Retro

5 color options

Superstar

Designer

Lace Up Ladies in a Sassy Pair of Sneakers

Dress Beautifully in Sneakers

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Chic Sneaks

Happy Monday Mammas! I hope you're week is off to a joyful start.

Gracious ours is, especially coming from such a fun weekend! The only thing missing was Ryan, sadly he's working every weekend except for 2 through the end of the year. (I just realized that was a 'woe is me' complaint sigh must keep practicing having a grateful heart SL!) anyways ....
It was our church's annual Fall Festival on Saturday (I realized the first one we ever attended was 10 years ago as an engaged couple #timeflies) and I was extra jazzed this year because Vivian can run and play! There were bouncy houses, pony rides, hay rides (she insisted on riding over and over and over again!), and a tractor that she absolutely LOVED playing on!

Then on Sunday it was the dedication of Vivian's tiniest cousin.  Like going to a wedding, these ceremonies remind me of the vows we took to raise Vivian Louise in God's image and the family and friends that vowed to do so alongside us. It was a special time together with my family.

And we couldn't visit Grandma without playing with the chicks and ducks!

This is a 'fashion' blog so I do want to keep that the main focus.
So for today's post I want to talk about sneakers.  Apparel and footwear have taken a very big casual turn over the past few years and while I'm not super laid back with my style I have to admit since becoming a Mamma I've relaxed a bit. In fact I didn't own a pair outside of my running and gym shoes until last year.
Chasing a toddler will force you into comfort!

Sneakers are being styled not only with athleisure wear but with dresses, skirts and your typical jeans.
They're not just for function but for very chic form!

I think of them as the new ballet flat. You can basically style them with everything and look very modern and feel very comfortable.

Tip: Think twice before wearing them shopping b/c when you go to try on clothes it's such a pain taking them on and off (last week's situation)

Here are some very chic sneaks to add to your outfits ...

Converse are such a Classic

Such a Preppy Sneaker

Animal Print

So Sweet - I totally wore them as a little girl

The IT sneaker - they're a spurge but I bit the bullet and got them last year.  Totally worth it!  I only wanted one good pair and these are quality & made of leather.  They're not as polished as I typically wear but they balance my outfits. They fit my rule of buy quality over quantity and I truly wear them several times week. 

Designer

Love this sneaker for it's many color options

 My sister loves these

Another Classic

Slip On

Wedge Sneaker

I'll leave you with this sweet sweet smile who turns 22 months old today!

Dress Beautifully & Comfortably in a Pair of Sneakers

XOXO Sarah Louise

Golden Goose - 5 Reasons to Splurge

Gals, I'm here to share with you the superstar of sneakers made by GGDB (Golden Goose Deluxe Brand). Unless you live under a rock you've seen and heard all about these 'IT' sneakers. And if you haven't no judgement because until now you've been saving yourself money. I say that because these sneakers are a splurge!!!

You gals know I'm not a casual gal so sneakers aren't my thing, unless they're my running shoes and I only wear those while running or at the gym. But Mamma life has me embracing the more comfortable side of style.

So why in the world are these so sought after? And why the high price tag? And are they even worth it?

Well I'm here to tell you why ...

1. Quality - these sneakers are made with high grade leather throughout in Italy. And we all know the Italians make the BEST shoes. They are also hand finished. 

2. Unique - Each shoe is distressed and finished by hand so no two are alike.  And yes I said distressed. Just like the ripped jeans you wear, you can also strut in sneakers that are scuffed up a bit.  Think of them as already broken in.

3. Comfort - They are constructed with a thick and slightly wedged insole that's epically comfortable.

4. Style - These sneakers are designed with the brand's signature star along with bold colors, textures and even glitter! Definitely not your average sneaker.  And with all the fun designs not only can you find a pair that suits your personality. And these sneakers look just as chic with dresses and skirts as they do with jeans and loungewear.

5. Limited Editions - New styles are released each month of very limited quantities. And they sell out quick!  Personally, if I'm going to spend a significant amount of money on something, I don't want to be wearing the same style/color as 10 of my gal pals. This also means you have to move quickly when you find just the right pair. At least that's what I did. 

I always consider cost per wear when I make a purchase and I'm getting my money's worth on these! I've purchased shoes in the past and they get worn a handful of times.  I've said this to you gals many times - I'd rather spend more on quality and style and have fewer items. 

I chose these 'superstar' sneakers with a bright metallic purple snake embossed toe/tongue and a darker purple suede star. I also liked the grey shoelaces (even though I think it's the most hideous color in the world) they won't show dirt. 

Here are the best places to shop GGDB sneakers : 

Nordstrom, Revolve, Shopbop, Net-A-Porter, & Farfetch

Dress Beautifully in a Pair of Golden Goose Sneakers

XOXO Sarah Louise

Athleisure

Athleisure.  What does that mean anyways? Sounds like some word made up for marketing purposes.  Well it is; sorta.

According to wikipedia it 'is a trend in fashion in which clothing designed for workouts and other athletic activities is worn in other settings, such as during work, casual or social occasions.'

spot on.

Now, I'm sticking to my strong belief that gym clothes are for exercise only and not appropriate elsewhere. But I am softening a bit and incorporating some casual and relaxed pieces into my weekend wear.

Gym clothes are NOT everyday clothes! They are meant for exercising, by all means do that daily.  I believe it all began when gals started wearing yoga pants as pants because they were stretchy. It's lazy, sloppy and unflattering! Stop reading if you must but leggings of any sort are NOT pants.
Only underneath a tunic/shorter dress with your derriere concealed is it acceptable.
Honestly, it's more effort to squeeze into those tights than it is to step into a pair of pants.

Think of it as wearing an evening gown to the grocery store - situationally inappropriate!

Off my soap box and onto what is appropriate for a casual and comfortable dressing...

These track pants with their soft, flat-front elastic waist and tailored leg incorporates elements of comfort with the style of a dress pant.  (wearing them as such in a later post!)

A semifitted tee/tank in a solid color or with a cute quote that shows your off your personality = Yes.  An oversized t-shirt you got for free at some promo event = Fail.

Add a light weight sneaker, denim jacket and cross body or tote bag and you're ready to go.

More options: a duster cardigan, field or bomber jacket, quilted vest, slip on sneaker, sandal and scarf

Please don't opt for: fleece jacket, heavy running sneaker, tight tank exposing undergarments and cleavage, or flip flops

It's all about the pant when it comes to athleisure wear.  You're basically swapping out your jeans or if you're guilty of wearing leggings/yoga tights (repent now) for a loose but tailored lightweight pull-on pant.

I'm obsessed with this pair! They literally look like dress pants. Flat front so no bunching or added volume around the hips, skimming yet roomy leg and ankle length with no elastic hem (ew).
These are perfect for ALL - even those gals that are expecting or post pregnancy.  It's a hard time for dressing but these make it easy.

Go get yourself a pair of these pants - I wear them at least once a week #truestory.  They define go-to.

Track Pants || Tank || Denim Jacket || Sneakers || Crossbody bag || 

Dress Beautifully in Athleisure Wear

XOXO Sarah Louise