Cool Mom

 Whether you're a Mama or not, there are so many social occasions approaching with the start of Fall (bible study, game nights, non-profit meetings, parent gatherings etc ...). 

TIE DIE WRAP WAIST DRESS

also in 3 solid colors & a red print

I find that a dress is easy for many reasons. It's one piece, forgiving in fit, feminine and versatile with layering and accessories. 

Style Tip: Prints are flattering (camouflaging of curves), interesting and allow for opportunities to showcase your personality and other color pairings. 

Here are some pretty printed dress at nice prices ....

LEOPARD MAXI

this one is in my cart

STRIPE SHIRTDRESS

this one is a classic! 

Cinched waist creates shape, great for layering with colored sweaters/vests, 

belts and blazers/jackets. Sandals now - boots later

BLACK & WHITE FLORAL

also in burgundy print

RUFFLE SLEEVE

SMOCKED

Dress Beautifully in Pretty Priced Pieces

XOXO Sarah Louise

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: Dip Dye

TGIF! Fun fact, I never made a tie dye shirt as a kid. I feel like I missed out on an important childhood craft.  I Mamma, I stick it to Summer camp and my friends for not hosting the activity.

While a psychedelic t-shirt isn't my jam, I do enjoy the beauty of a smeared color palette in a more sophisticated design. I look at it as abstract art, reminding me of a sunset at beach. 

Here are some pretty dip dyed pieces I'm loving ....

This gauzy maxi dress is coming with me to the beach in just a matter of days!

Blue Maxi

Pastel Ombre Maxi

Bubble Sleeve Top

Open Back Vaca Dress

Mini Skirt

Embroidered Blouse

Sweatshirt Tank

Babydoll Dress

Puff Sleeve

also in pink

Long Sleeve Tiered Dress

2 more color options

Dress Beautifully in Dip Dyed Colors

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Tie Dye

 TGIF! What a great first week of Fall ... well it's not technically Fall (9/22) and it certainly doesn't feel like it but Labor Day has past and since school, or something like it, is back in session we'll just say it's Fall. 

Speaking of school, Vivian has had a wonderful first week back at preschool in the 2's class.  She's going all 5 days of the week this year and I'm so happy for her.  The hardest part is trying to contain her excitement as we wait in the carpool line for drop off. 

Speaking of fun, is there a kid out there who hasn't created a tie dye t-shirt at a birthday party or summer camp? It's one of those essential childhood crafts. The bright colors and psychedelic patterns are bold and playful but they can also be very youthful and casual.

They key to incorporating the smeared palette of colors without looking like a teen, is in the design of the garment and shades of the colors. In a blouse, skirt or dress you eliminate the adolescent vibes found in loungewear. 

Here are some tie dye pieces that are chic and colorful for us seasoned gals ...

Wrap Skirt

Midi Skirt

Aqua Midi Skirt

Tiered Midi Skirt

Colorblock Midi Skirt

Dress

Midi Dress

Maxi Dress

3 color options

Button-down shirt

Pink & Navy Button-down Shirt

Jacket

Cocoon Kimono

Tote

Earrings

Headband

Similar Black Top & Here | Denim Shirt

Tip: Darker neutrals are great to balance the colors in a tie dye print

Dress Beautifully in Tie Dye

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: 90's Baby

TGIF! This has been a strong week.  After battling a horrific germ I was able to return to my regular workout routine and gracious did I go hard! It felt beyond good to be back in the game.  I also got to have a really nice date night with Ryan Wednesday night.  His work schedule has been more crazy than normal but we make time for just us two so that we, as husband and wife, can stay strong.

Gracious may your coffee always be strong!

Today I feel that there are going to be some strong feelings about these fashion choices.

Do you gals remember the angst our Mammas felt when the styles of their youth returned? Well, I'm here to tell ya that we are now in our Mammas' shoes because our glory days are back in the form of acid wash, tiny floral slip skirts, tapered jeans, tie dye and square toe strappy sandals!

Here are 5 reinvented trends I'm all about with a nostalgic sense of fun....

Acid Wash

Acid Wash Dress

You probably cringed at the image of the splotchy patterned denim and I'm with you when it comes to the high waisted pleated pants BUT in this puff sleeve shift dress I find it cool!

Note: When it comes to the fun trendy pieces, I do not invest! I do balance the fad with classic elements so that I don't appear too outlandish.

Tiny Floral Slip Skirt

Ribbed Tee - Floral Slip Skirt

My gal pals & I wore these proudly on Sunday mornings to church (we are still BFF's). When they reappeared last year I had to have one and even purchased 5. Each and every one was unbearably unflattering. The nature of the skimming cut and light weight fabric with it's high luster is not forgiving on the shapeliness of a lady.

But THIS skirt gals, is beautiful.  The fabric has enough weight to skim and not cling, the tiny print of flowers and saturated sky blue conceal and a hidden elastic waist band allows it to sit snug on the waist for a very flattering and feminine shape.

The best part is that it comes with a guarantee of twirling and extra spring in your step.

Mom Jeans

Modern Mom Jeans

The high waisted, lighter wash and tapered leg jeans became cringe worthy once they were replaced dark flat front jeans.  Today designers have taken those designs and reworked them with modern elements to give us a comfortable feminine fit that's cool.

Tie Dye

Tie Dye Tee

The splattered pattern of color has such a fun and youthful vibe and it's really hard not to be happy wearing it. But if you're not careful in neon colors and excess it can be tacky. In muted and softer shades it can be casual and cool.

Square Toe Sandals

Square Toe Sandal

I find the strong lines of a square toe sandal fun and comfortable.  It is unexpected and gives a sassy flair.  The trick is for the rest of the shoe to stay light, so no platforms or thick straps.
I spared you a picture of my feet in these heels for 2 reasons, 1: my toe nails are unpainted during the winter & 2. I have extremely hideous feet with bunions & callouses. #yourwelcome

Here are some 90's trends that should NEVER be resurrected ....

Fanny Packs, Low Rise Pants, Choker Necklaces, Neon, Torso Revealing Tops, Skin Tight Mini Dresses, Butterfly Clips, Platform Slip On Sandals & Combat Boots ... Just to name a few :)

Dress Beautifully in the Trends of the 90's #GloryDays

XOXO Sarah-Louise