Decorating with Monograms

 Here in the South we have a saying ... more like a belief:

In my 20's I put my personal touch on just about anything with my initials (clothes, jewelry, bags etc.) Then, when Ryan and I were engaged came our married monogram on things for our home.

Fun Fact: my monogram didn't change after I was married as both my maiden and married last name begin with an 'H'! Thank goodness b/c I had quite the investment. 

I've shifted over the recent years to monograming less for myself and more for gifts, home decor and darling Vivian. 

I believe, like in most things, that moderation is key. The way to do that is with intention.  Rather than having everything stamped, choose a few special pieces so that it's more personal rather than 'branding'. You're a person, not a business.

Here are my favorite ways to add a monogram in your home ...

MASTER BEDROOM PILLOW SHAMS

Our Shams

These were the first thing we purchased for our first home. The appliqué monogram makes a formal and bespoke statement on our grand four poster bed. It's our room together and where we as husband and wife end our days (even if Ryan climbs in most nights just a couple of hours before I'm up). We both love Carolina blue and it can be found throughout our home.  It also is a great color to compliment a variety of bedding. I like to change out our duvet cover.

NURSERY

When designing Vivian's nursery, I went with the colors lavender, pink and a pop of orange. A unique palette only found in her special room. Her name is significant as it is passed down from me, my mother, my grandmother and my great grandmother all of whom are first born and have the middle name 'Louise'. Having the baby's monogram displayed is a sweet & specific way of making it special. 

I chose a linen down filled pillow for her rocking chair.  It will transition perfectly to her big girl bed. 

Note: She's 3 1/2 and still happily cozy in her crib. I can NOT imagine my darling girl out of it or not rocking her twice a day in this chair. #tears

ACCENT PILLOWS

I had these silk pillows embroidered with our joint monogram when we were engaged.  I was just sooo excited to be together (still am!).  They've lived in 4 different homes and reflect us, the family that lives here. I'm not typically a 'brown' person but they are neutral and compliment nicely. I love that they can and have moved from our couches to accent chairs throughout. 

Note: A married monogram is the wife's first initial, the last name initial followed by the husband's first initial. 

COCKTAIL NAPKINS

These add a special touch when hosting guests.  They aren't just something you pick up at the party store and can be utilized all year long for any occasion.  I'm not one to purchase decor for each and every celebration.  They also convey a sophisticated touch without being a true linen. 

These make a great wedding gift!

BATH TOWELS

 

Pictured: These Towels

Ryan & I received monogramed bath towels as a wedding gift and have loved them but after 12 years they've been retired.  I love the ones above and often gift them at bridal showers. They add an elegant touch to your bathroom and also a potential pop of color.

Engraving is another way to personalize and create sentimental treasures.  That's another post :)

Dress Your Home Beautifully with Monograms

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Colonial Home

TGIF gals!  This has been a week of the lowest of lows and joyful highs.  But I feel like that's how life is. A mix of good and not so good.  It can often appear that my world is nothing but happiness when you look at this blog and the sweet pictures on my Instagram but I promise my life isn't perfect.  It is however overflowing with blessings and remembering that and giving gratitude is how I overcome the lows.

I've sobbed a lot this week over the loss of a dear friend and will be celebrating her life tomorrow morning. I'm not prepared to share more than that but I will be most grateful for your prayers for the many broken hearts that miss her and love her.

On a more exciting note Mr's parents are visiting this week loving on us and Vivian Louise.  Family time is the BEST!

We've also had 4 different crews of contractors in and out of our house banging and shining up our colonial home! We've lived here for 6 months now and are working towards beautifying her in our own style.  Some of the work done no one will ever see, like the structural modifications underneath.  But we're slowly making changes. I say slowly because it's crazy expensive (and we didn't find a money tree growing in the back yard).

What our home looked like when we bought it.

The first phase was quick and more like lipstick on a pig or should I say cow ... there was literally cow printed adhesive lining in ALL the kitchen cabinets UGH! I removed it the day we closed. The counters and backsplash were replaced right before our offer was submitted so we didn't get to pick them out but since we are going to completely gut and remodel the kitchen they will get us by for the short term. And honestly they aren't bad, just not what I would have picked but again they're short term.  Day 2 after closing we had upper cabinets removed above the kitchen peninsula to open the space up to the breakfast room. HUGE impact.  We also had the entire interior of the house painted. HUGE impact! Our den had tan walls, ceilings and brown molding. That had to go! And the powder room looked like a murder scene with it's blood red walls. I promise I'm not exaggerating.

Next week it's all about the land.  We've being working nonstop on clearing out our landscaping.  I'm constantly referring to us living in a jungle because the overgrowth and ivy is so bad that it's exactly what it feels like.  We've cut down nearly 40 tress and removed almost and acre of ivy. Shivers! I HATE ivy.  It's the homeland for snakes and just plain messy and gross.
Tractors are moving in and we're praying to have pretty green grass for abby girl to play in in the upcoming weeks. IT's funny how those things become important.

With all this work I've rekindled my relationship with Pinterest so that I can be confident of our choices. Nothing is worse than being in a hurry and wishes you had selected different finishes.  Since I have a classic traditional style I'm keeping the character in the dental moldings, banister, flooring and other odds and ends that they just don't make anymore.

Side note: one thing I will NEVER EVER have in our home is the color gray. I HATE it! Even the word is sad. I try and remove it from my world in all aspects. Although our master bath has gray tile ugh It's new so I must live with it. I feel all alone in this hatred but I'm happy with having a style not like the rest.

Here's some of my inspiration ....

I've decided I want to add a rounded portico! 

I've forever dreamed of having a home with white columns and this is just the way to do it.

It won't take away from the original colonial style but it will look grand and add function with coverage from rain to our guests (and packages haha)

This is my formal dining room dream! Minus the chairs and chandeliers. 

I have a Gatsby crystal chandelier I brought from our first home, the formal table, antique buffet and gold mirror. 

All I need is the chinoiserie wall paper and drapes and ta-da! 

I've decided on a white kitchen - I know it's so basic but it's also bright and classic.

However I will not be doing a white subway tile backsplash.

I'm adding shiny pop with a copper vent hood over the stove! 

I LOVE wallpaper and Mr vetos it constantly.  I'm overruling!

I'm thinking light florals for our powder room.

For our Florida room I've picked diagonal white and black tile flooring.

It probably won't be marble since it's fragile and for a high traffic area that would not be practical.

I find it so much fun decorating our home and making it just right for us.  Your home should reflect who you are as well as making your life comfortable and beautiful!

Dress Your Home Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Shoulders & Seersucker

Every year just before Easter I get all excited about bringing my favorite light weight fabrics in their fresh light colors out of storage. I smile as I hang each piece back in my closet remembering the occasion and memories I made in it the year before.  My seersucker suit is one of those special and  distinct pieces that I treasure.

Seersucker is the Southerner’s signature summer swag. The seersucker suit is a staple for church and weddings in the warmer months, not only for keeping cool in cotton vs wool but for its pastel stripes.

I think that most think of the seersucker suit is for the menfolk and a sundress for the gals.  I mean let’s be honest I do have a seersucker sundress but I also love a good set.

The key to embracing the suit as a lady is to opt for a dress and/or skirt as opposed to pants.  Yes, you must have pant suits but embrace the feminine side and add variety.  Especially in the summer, we are made of sweet sugar that melts!

I like to get the most out of my investments and the key to doing so is to separate the pieces for endless outfit options.

For this look I took the skirt from my seersucker suit and paired it with THE hottest trend right now, an off the shoulder top. 

An instant weekend look that’s casual yet very polished.  I swapped out the heels I would normally wear with my suit for wedges. 

I love this blouse for its short sleeves and the option to not show your shoulders by pulling the neckline up for those occasions where you might want more coverage or ease of movement.

Gals, get creative and mix up your classic and trendy pieces! 

Off the Shoulder Top: J Crew || Seersucker Skirt: Brooks Brothers - Similar & Here || 

Wedges: Similar & Here || Sunglasses: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in an Off the Shoulder Top & Seersucker

XOXO Sarah Louise

Southern Belle

This dress is the epitome of my southern style; ladylike and feminine.

Let me explain....
A Southern Belle is a 'Princess' of the South.  My Mamma didn't have to raise me to be a southern belle, it came natural. She did teach me proper manners and ladylike behavior but it was up to me to to uphold standards as I grew up.  I wasn't born royalty by any means but that doesn't mean you can't be a princess.  It's all about carrying yourself modestly.

I feel that our society and culture has lost it's value on modesty and manners, but I strive to maintain appropriate boundaries.  Like Mamma says 'You catch more flies with honey'.  Sweetness and pleasantries go a long way!

Mr is intrigued with my collection of Emily Post's books of etiquette.  To me it's to focus on being respectful in all situations and with the most recent edition you'll find answers to more modern circumstances. Go get yourself Emily Post's Etiquette.

As I have more gal pals that aren't southern, the distinct characteristics of my culture become more apparent. I really try and embrace my southern style as much as I can, more so outside of work wear, with florals, boots and feminine silhouettes. In my home it's all about natural textures including a deer head and cowhide rug to name a couple.

Now that I've shared with you my feelings on being a southern belle, this dress to me, exemplifies the southern characteristics of my style.  It's floral, bright and fun with bell sleeves. I paired it with my grey suede boots but make no mistake my cowboy boots are a perfect pairing come spring!

The fabric is soft and design is a comfortable fit.  Dress it up with heels or down with boots.
It's definitely one of my favorite pieces I've purchased.

Even if you weren't raised in the south or your style is more sporty or edgy, embrace a bit of southern sweetness in your wardrobe.

Bell Sleeve Dress: Anthropoloigie || Boots: Sole Society || Handbag: Similar & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in a Bell Sleeve Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise  

Day Lace

Lace is a feminine, soft, textured fabric that is just so beautiful with it's intricate design yet I've struggled with it when it come to dressing myself; I embrace the delicate fabric when it comes to my vintage table linens (no doilies!)

The struggle is that it can have that old lady vibe, doesn't move/stretch much and it's primarily designed for cocktail or special occasion.

However, over the past 6 months I've seen lace with a more 'day' design in stores.  Made of cotton, with matching linings and styled casually this ladylike fabric is a lovely addition to your closet.

I hunted for quite some time for the perfect 'day' lace dress.  This one sold me as it was navy (yay for no black - it's my least favorite neutral) so I can wear it all year long, it was lined in matching navy (nude or contrasting linings are definitely for evening wear) and the fabric didn't cling and moved nicely.
Gals, nothing's worse than fabric that clings and forces you to work those abs harder than you should sucking in all day or heaven forbid you can't sit without instantly crossing your legs to avoid the dreaded rip sound. Garments should skim and float away from the body - not hug it so tight that it's practically second skin.

I also was insistent on finding a lace dress with scalloped edging.  Not that the piped hems are bad, I just prefer highlighting the floral design and nature of the lace. The sleeves are also fabulous and unexpected with their sheer elbow length.
Note: I didn't have to wear a strapless bra!  I was concerned at first and there is no way visible bra straps under that sheer lace is ok! A nude racer back bra worked perfectly as the straps went right under the lined edge.

I wore this dress for Christmas Eve church service and dinner paired with pumps and a strand of pearls.
Styled with boots, fun jewelry and a casual jacket and you're all set for day time wear.
I also encourage southern/rustic styling with a pair of cowboy boots and maybe some leather jewelry. That is definitely happening come spring!

See gals with simple changes to your shoes, and jewelry I can take this dress from fancy, to casual to even a little country.  And make it work for all seasons!

Go get yourself a lace dress and embrace your creativity in styling :)

Dress: Madewell More options here here and here || Boots: Sole Society ||

Earrings: Towne & Reese || Necklace: Kate Spade || Bangles: Hermes & David Yurman || 

Dress Beautifully in Lace

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

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

Southern Comfort

 TGIF!!!

I Believe in Celebrating Cheerfully on Fridays! We Hustle All Week Long for the Reward of 2 Days Packed of Fun and Relaxation with Favorites - Favorite People, Activities, Food, Bubbles, and Favorite Cozy Pieces.

During the Week we Typically Strut Around in Dressy Duds - Blazers, Pencil Skirts, Pumps etc..
So it's Nice to Slip into Relaxed and Soft Clothing.

For Me, my Favorite Casual Cozy Pieces for the Weekend Look Something Like this:
Sweater, Jeans, and Boots.

Since I'm a Southern Gal these Pieces are Made of Natural Materials (Cotton & Leather) and Represent Our Distinctive Culture.  

I'm Passionate in Supporting Small Business and Entrepreneurship - 
My Boots, Purchased on a Business Trip in Houston TX from a Family Owned Shop.
My Necklace - Made by Local Designers from my Home Town Charlotte NC - It's My New Favorite!! Created from Leather, Horsehair and Natural Beads it's Unique and Definitely a Showstopper wherever I go. Check Out Twine & Twig and their Amazing Designs!

Cable Sweater: Loft || Jeans: Paige || Boots: Cavender's Houston TX ||

Necklace: Twine & Twig || 

Dress Beautifully in Southern Comfort Pieces

XOXO Sarah Louise