Friday Favorites: Feel Pretty Dresses

TGIF! Our clothes are purposeful (they keep us from running around naked) but they also can evoke confidence and pretty feelings. 

Each year in June Ryan takes me on a special date in Kiawah Island to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We cheered to 14 a little early but with a lot of gratitude & love! It's important to me to wear something that makes me pretty and significant, just like the occasion.

I believe it's essential to have pieces that make you feel as exceptional as the reason you're wearing them. That could be a random Tuesday or a shindig that's been on your calendar for months. 

Note: It's not about the outfit being fancy or expensive (the dress I wore last year was a resale purchase). 

 

MY DRESS

For me fabric like silk, rich colors and a unique cut/design are elements I look for.  I often say to my gal pals "I don't want to look like my every day mom, Sunday school teacher or work roles!". 

Here are some dresses I believe will make one feel pretty ...

TEAL MAXI

YELLOW ONE SHOULDER MAXI

ORANGE HALTER MAXI

I have this! it's currently 50% off!

LINEN GEOGRAPHIC BORDER MAXI

CRISS CROSS HALTER MAXI

STRIPE HALTER MIDI

Dress Beautifully in a Dress that Makes You Feel Pretty

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Night Out Dresses

 I'm eager to have a night out! I love to get gussied up in something that I don't wear every day and that makes me feel sassy. For outfits like this I find it smart not to invest too much. 

Style Tip: Consignment shops or resale sites are great places to find socially occasion pieces!

Here are some fabulous dresses for a night out ...

SLIP MIDI DRESS

ONE SHOULDER PLEATED

2 more colors options

LINEN CUT OUT MIDI DRESS

2 more print options

SATIN MIDI DRESS

3 more color options

STRAP SLIP DRESS

HALTER MINI DRESS

also in blue & orange

YELLOW HALTER

Add to Cart!!!

V HALTER MINI DRESS

Dress Beautifully on a Night Out

XOXO Sarah Louise

Dark & Sharp

 There's soooo much red, green, plaid and sparkles for holiday wear and while fun and festive it's often so specific making it a one time wear.

I find that an all black outfit in rich lustrous textures is a sharp way to dress for the holiday and any dressy occasion throughout the year.

I added a satin heel (the pants hide their beauty) that has a gorgeous rhinestone chain across the top - new favorite shoes! They're so so comfortable and very designer looking! 

TOP & SIMILAR - PANTS - SIMILAR BAG - HEELS

THIS JUMPSUIT is a sleek option!

I wanted to keep the monochromatic look sleek so but not too plain so a little sparkle goes a long way. A vintage broach, stud earrings and party purse were just enough. 

Note: when wearing neutrals a red lip really pops!

Style Tip: Don't buy anything new for a one time occasion. All black is forever chic!

Dress Beautifully in a Sharp Black Outfit

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

Sparkle & Shine

We could all use a little bit of sparkle this Summer. #amen My favorite kind of sparkle is the sunshine glistening on the water, but a pretty sequin skirt is a nice second.

Now, I bet you're first thought was, Sarah-Louise, what in the world am I going to do with a sequin skirt when there's no where to go.

Gals, let's be positive! Social times are coming again and when they do hopefully you'll be ready to dress for them.  Sequins are NOT just for holidays and black tie affairs. In pretty patterned pieces you can surely style them in a dressy way but they can easily pair with casual pieces for less formal occasions.

I love the pretty colors and flower pattern on this skirt. It allows for a lot of options in styling.  Any colored top would compliment, denim, a crisp white shirt and don't forget your darker neutrals black brown and navy.  Whether you're a graphic tee and sneaker gal or a blouse and heel gal this skirt will have you shining!

And how chic would this be in the colder months with a sweater and/or leather Moto jacket and booties!

If you've got a shower, wedding, date night, vacation, church service or a gathering with your gal pals (mine have been backyard hang outs on Friday nights) show up in sparkles!

Sequin Skirt - Matching Top | Pumps | Blouse - Here - Here  | Ring & Here | 

Dress Beautifully in Sparkles

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Go Big

Gals, in a mere 3 days I will be celebrating my 37th anniversary on this earth! It's a true testament to the phrase 'time flies when you're having fun'. When it comes to special occasions I go big with my ensembles.

I loved this dress when I saw it for 3 primary reasons, cotton poplin fabric (most favorite for it's crisp coolness), straight midi length (most longer dresses are a-line and for a petite gal that's often overwhelming) and the oh so fabulous balloon sleeves.  I mean let's not be basic.

I also found the colors of the tiny floral print cheery and fitting for the season.

Now, I'm all ready with a dress and nowhere to go. If you're are optimistic like me, you're holding on to attending Summer soirees and this dress will be perfect for them. Weddings, showers, gals' night out and hopefully vacations are times when a little something with pizazz is what you need.

I added a white belt to break up the long line of print but because this dress has a slim silhouette it's not necessary for shape.

Tip:  When wearing an outfit with ample sass, no need for competing accessories such as jewelry. Keep it simple. 

Balloon Sleeve Dress | Pumps | Belt | Sunglasses | 

Dress Beautifully in Balloon Sleeves

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Party Piece

While having a party might not be how we'd describe our days of late, this month does hold a lot to celebrate, including my birthday (37!) And my most favorite day of the entire year, Easter Sunday.
That's a whole lot of blessings!

Personally, I don't feel a day over 27 - is it delusional to say I look just as young??

I want to have fun and party a little, or a lot, this month - even on this blog. I've added sharing our home updates on Tuesdays and for the fashion segments its all about party pieces!

I fill a majority of my closet with classic pieces but I believe you should sprinkle fun ones in too.
Isn't this party top so much fun?!! I mean, it's hard not to smile just looking at it.
Wearing it on the other hand equals so much sass.

With Winter behind me I was wanting some happy looks but as I was searching I found that a lot of party pieces were so unique they'd be a one time wear, showed too much skin and just plain unrealistic.

I loved this one because it's uniqueness wasn't too outrageous and pairing options were versatile to carry it through multiple occasions. Think shorts or jeans for a night out and a skirt for church.

Note: It has a very low neckline but I was easily able to pin it.

I encourage you to add some fun to your closet this season, even if you have to wear it on a backyard date night.

Polka Dot Bow Top | Black Pants | Pumps & Here | Sunglasses |

Dress Beautifully in a Party Piece

XOXO Sarah-Louise