At The Table

There is great significance at the table. It is where we are still, where we are together and where we nourish our bodies, minds and souls. 

When you are seated at the table this Thanksgiving I encourage you to 

BE PRESENT

Leave your phone and troubles put away in another area.

Give your undivided attention to others, listening attentively.

SHARE LOVINGLY

Let your words be truthful, free from gossip and exaggeration. 

Share things that are good and useful.

Talk about ideas not people.

GIVE GRATITUDE

Stop and look around you. Go outside.

Go to God in prayer thanking Him for the abundance of blessings.

Dress Beautifully at Your Thanksgiving Table

XOXO Sarah Louise

Midi Skirt 4 Ways

 Thanksgiving is tomorrow! This day is all about cherishing time with those we love and sharing a yummy meal. When it comes to significant occasions I believe you should dress accordingly. It shows yourself & others that this time matters ... but you also need to be comfortable to cook & play!

I find a midi skirt to be a pretty option! In a light cotton fabric there's plenty of room for movement, a feminine shape and lots of style options.

Here's 4 ways to style a midi skirt ...

DENIM

Denim Puff Sleeve Top

I absolutely love pairing denim with everything!

It has a timeless and casual look.

BLAZER

Classic Navy Blazer

If your attending a more formal dinner or like us, going out to dinner,

a blazer offers a polished look.

SWEATSHIRT

Fun Sweatshirt

Sweatshirts have come a long way from the days of my childhood and college.

They have the same soft comfort but in designs and patterns that are modern. 

SWEATER

Cozy Sweater

In the South we don't always get a cold Thanksgiving.

This year we will definitely be in sweaters!

It seems fitting to be cozy at the holidays.

MIDI SKIRT

Dress Beautifully in a Midi Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Thankful for You

 In the spirit of Thanksgiving I want to share my appreciate to each and every one of you that read along! 

I've had this space for nearly 10 years now!!! Typing that was mind blowing. 

With each and every post I want to share things that I find beautiful in efforts to spread beauty into your world from the inside with motivating posts to grow your hearts to the outside with outfits that create confidence to shine your light.

I enjoy this space. I enjoy writing and creating and sharing with friends I know in real life and those that I 'know' virtually. 

With every like, comment and message I receive, my heart smiles in gratitude for your interest and support. It truly is the little things that mean so much.

I pray that as long as I continue to create here that it's edifying to you.

There is joy all around us and I'm happy to share some of mine with you!

Dress Beautifully in Thankfulness

XOXO Sarah Louise

Harvest Plaid

There are patterns and textures that represent seasons and for Fall, I think of plaid. Plaids with warm, rich, earthy tones. Plaids that are full of colors mimicking the changing of the leaves and in designs that keep you warm.

Note: Next month will be all about the 'Christmas' plaids - tartan, black watch, lots of red (while festive, these are not my favorite to wear as they're just too specific to the holiday time)

PLAID CULOTTES 

Think of these super wide leg pants as a skirt but with the ease of a pant.

Style Tip: Pair plaids with colors found in the pattern to really make it pop. OR stick with neutrals OR denim (you can never go wrong with denim!)

Here are some warm plaids that are lovely for the season ...

WIDE LEG TROUSERS

VEST

CROPPED SHACKET

FLANNEL SHIRT

MODERN BLAZER

Dress Beautifully in a Fall Plaid

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: The Day After Thanksgiving

 Today is a special kind of Friday. The day after Thanksgiving is filled with its own set of traditions and fun. Personally I enjoy several and manage to do new things each year. I like to exercise, shop the sales (in years past it was in store but now I take advantage of online convenience), eat left overs, decorate our home for Christmas - my Favorite! and this year we are hosting Vivian's cousin for a weekend sleepover and going to a hockey game!

My Sweater

This day is a nice day for a slow down and to take in the start of the season.

Here are my favorites sales to shop ...

J CREW

50% OFF + 10%

Classic Sweaters - like this cable knit too

ANTHROPOLOGIE

30%OFF

It's very rare to find this type of sale here!

I love this dress for all

This clutch purse is great for yourself or as a gift

roomy, comes with a strap & in several colors

ANN TAYLOR 

50% OFF

I love their classic pieces

Pearl Cuff Sweater

TUCKERNUCK

20-30% OFF

Fair Isle Sweater

SHOPBOP

25% OFF

Great opportunity to save on designer/splurge pieces

I have this top and love it!

I love these crop jeans!

Several washes & finishes - they're not at all that cropped on me

MADEWELL

50% OFF

This sweater vest is great for layering

Madewell makes amazing jeans 

Dress Beautifully Enjoying the Day After Thanksgiving

XOXO Sarah Louise

3 things to Bring to the Thanksgiving Table (that you don't have to cook!)

 It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is just a few days away. I've been focusing on gratitude these past few weeks and I've noticed my heart increasing in contentment and calmness.

But then I think about the chaos of gathering with a lot of family and the noise they bring and I instantly cringe (I love my family with all my heart but I thrive on quiet and order). But all that noise is laughter and memories being made and I'll look back on that day with a smile and cherish those moments.

Cooking isn't my thing (an understatement) so here are 3 things I am bringing to the Thanksgiving table ...

ATTITUDE

Our attitude is a reflection of our faith. Despite the circumstances the hope and love we have knowing Jesus allows us to live a joyful life. Gratitude and bitterness can not coexist. Approach the day with a positive attitude. It will change your entire outlook even if the happenings don't.  It's also contagious so spread some happy around!

GRACE

I can be really hard on myself when it comes to what I eat. I’m going to give grace and enjoy (maybe even indulge a bit ) on the yummy dishes.  Maybe you have to give grace in another area of struggle. Whatever you like to grab control over, let it go so that you can freely enjoy!

PATIENCE

It's a blessing to have a lot of food, moving parts, people and noise surrounding you. Life isn't perfect nor does it go according to our plans but it is so purposeful. Exercising patience will create a day of ease.

My Top | Skirt | Earrings

Dress Beautifully at Your Thanksgiving Table

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tree of Thanks!

Gals, I'm not embracing the Christmas season until after taking this month to practice gratitude! I believe this is extremely important in remembering why this season exists and to humble our hearts. 

In my MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting on Friday we cut out leaves together to create a daily gratitude activities for our families. Some are making garland, some wall art but we are making a tree to sit on our dining room table. Each night at dinner we will all write something we are thankful for on a leaf and clip it on to the tree. 

Gratitude is a PRACTICE! It is a constant effort that creates contentment.

Here are 5 ways to show gratitude ...

REMEMBER HIM

Who we are and everything we have is a gift from God. He has given us a unique purpose with unique gifts to fulfill that purpose. Acknowledging Him, the source of our life and everything in it.

SERVE OTHERS

Use our gifts, resources and talents to bless others. It can be lending a helping hand, a listening ear to a friend or volunteering locally.

We are not meant to carry this life alone.

EXPRESS GRATITUDE TO OTHERS

Thankfulness is not something we keep to ourselves. Tell others! I know how great I feel when I receive thanks and I want to share that.

Whether it's modern with a text or my preference, a handwritten note in the mail letting others know you appreciate them is love!

NOTICE THE GOOD THINGS

Gals, our days are so FULL and we can be so distracted. Look for the good things! Appreciate them! 

The hard things look less hard when you do.

We haven't earned nor do we deserve what we have.

A great attitude to have is  "I get to" rather than "I have to"

PRAY

Talk to God. Praise Him for all that He is and does. Thank Him. Lean on Him. Ask Him for forgiveness and strength and patience. He will always and forever provide, protect and be present!

Dress Beautifully with Gratitude

XOXO Sarah Louise

Warm & Western

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving! It's never been a holiday I get super excited about (I don't care for food or cooking) but I do value giving gratitude.  Each year our gatherings are different with our families.  More often than not, Ryan works ... in fact he is working Every. Single. Holiday. this year, sigh.  Talk about being grateful, his work schedule has been a big challenge! But we will enjoy him through lunch time before he heads to the hospital. 

When I think about outfits for fall gatherings I believe that all gals want to look cute but not over done, feel comfortable but not too casual. 

My Sweater | Jeans | Booties

A cozy sweater, jeans and a bootie is my advise. Rather than a simple solid sweater, choose one with some detail. A straight relaxed jeans is comfortable and classic. I like booties because they're more modern and in a western style, super chic. I love these booties so much - they just might be my best winter purchase.

If it's too hot in the kitchen, a fun printed blouse in fall colors will be perfect.

While what you wear is insignificant to the time spent with loved ones I do believe it's important to present yourself in a way that shows just how valuable the occasion is. It shows that you care about the day, event and people you're with. In other words, skip the lounge wear.

Dress Beautifully in a Warm Sweater & Western Boots

XOXO Sarah-Louise

A Thankful Heart

Happy Monday gals! It seems to me that a lot of us have skipped past Thanksgiving and jumped right into Christmas with decorating and shopping. This doesn't surprise me in the retail world but in our homes before we begin decking our halls, gifting and celebrating I believe it's important to give thanks for the blessing we already have.

Vivian brought home this paper heart from school and it made me pause and think about my own heart.  It is amazing what we learn through the world of a child. 

I want to have a heart that's thankful, humble, forgiving and loving.

Here are 3 things that can help to have a thankful heart:

1. Write it Down

I'm an old school paper & pen gal.  I make daily lists and still use an agenda every day! I find that writing things (or typing into your phone if you must) really helps solidify things to mind & heart.

You can simply make a list, keep a journal or even a wall board in your home.  I'm a morning bird (5am) and find that it's a great way to start my day but gratitude is a great way to end your day too. 

2. Stop Scrolling

Whether it's on your computer or phone, seeing ALL the influence of ALL the things can create a sense of inadequacy or want. The reality is we have so much to be appreciated. Enjoying what you already have can diminish seeking happiness in more things.

I like leaving my phone in a designated space in our home.  I can always go and check it but its not by my side.  I try not to use it the first hour I'm awake and the hour before bed. 

Mammas, airplane mode is great so you can use it to capture sweet moments with your kiddos but you're not distracted with alerts. Great for date nights and time with friends too.

3. Love Others

Focusing on others is not only humbling but also rewarding.  God commands us to love Him & love others.

Sharing your blessings with those in need is a great way to be generous. So is sharing encouragement, an act of service (use the wonderful talents you have) and my favorite, quality time.  Even if it can't be in person I love a good chit chat over the phone or FaceTime. 

Selflessness is the best form of soul care!

Let Our Lives Be Full of Both Thanks & Giving

Dress Beautifully with a Thankful Heart

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Pretty Printed Silk Blouse

Happy almost Thanksgiving! No matter what plans you have this year I'm hoping they still include seeing those that are dear to you.  However you plan to feast, you're going to want a dinner outfit.  Now, I'm never going to pull out a pair of stretchy pants, the truth is I don't really own them, and believe even if your meal is just your immediate family that the occasion merits appropriate effort.  

We are quick to point out just how different, hard and strange this year is BUT still we have an abundance of undeserved blessings to give thanks for. Let's respect the occasion with a pretty presentation.  I'm not saying dress formal, you can wear a lovely outfit and still be comfortable.  

I love a printed silk blouse for it's feminine beauty and timeless style.

Pair it with a soft pair of jeans and you have a look that's practical and pretty.

Note:  While I may not support the wear of leggings (not pants) I do advocate a soft warm pair of slippers. 

This blouse caught my attention months ago and I've been waiting eagerly for it to go on sale.  I scooped it up immediately when it did.  I love the gorgeous print mimicking hand painted art.  While it is primarily pastel colors, I swoon over the soft pink, there are small amounts of darker saturated tones which make styling options endless.

You could go casual with jeans or pair with colored bottoms such as ivory, other pastels or since it's Winter burgundy, navy, black or dark green. I'm planning to pair it with this leather skirt & these leather pants!

P.S. These jeans are absolutely amazing! Soft, comfortable and great length for any shoe pairing. 

So many colors to pick from when it comes to styling.

This blouse is a piece you'll wear for many many years!

Silk Blouse | Jeans | Loafers & Similar | Handbag | Earrings | Ring

Dress Beautifully in Printed Silk

XOXO Sarah-Louise