Thrifting for Treasures

Last Tuesday I visited my most favorite thrift shop. It's such a treat each and every time I go to see the smiles of all the staff and marvel at all the surprises I find. For 15 years I've been collecting unique things from thrift shops. I have an affinity for old things, things with a story and things that are just pretty.

This purse is one of the most fabulous treasures I've ever found! A straw handbag covered with colorful fruit. It's vintage and has the perfect charm to carry this Summer. Vivian loves it too! This gem was a mere $5.

I also brought home this side table & lamp. While it is pretty in our entryway, it will fit nicer upstairs in the hallway/landing. I love small tables! They fill a room adding surface for lighting and decor. I prefer tables for showcasing photos and sentimental items. The table was $16.

Note: I can rarely find/bring home furniture as I drive a car but gracious the things I'd furnish our home with if I had the cargo space!!

For the crystal lamp, I will replace the shade and add a fun finial.  The lamp was $8.

This needlepoint horse pillow cover is for Vivian. She absolutely loves horses and the impeccable detail in this handmade pillow is perfection. I simply ordered an insert online and voila! 

She sleeps with it on her bed each night! The pillow cover was $5

I brought home several sets of linen napkins, placemats, a table cloth and some glassware that were lovely for a little lemonade party Vivian hosted for her gal pals after school last week.

My Favorite things to thrift:

China

Silver

Decor

Frames

Handbags

Table linens

Drapes

Holiday

I find that in these shops are unique, handmade and quality items that just aren't available in this modern time. I love the nostalgia and story old items hold. Even my engagement ring is old, 100+ years old!!

I encourage you to add some vintage and preloved treasures to your home. 

Dress Beautifully Thrifting for Treasures

XOXO Sarah Louise

Palm Beach Ready

Gals, I love a printed pant. This palm print is particularly striking as it has a retro summer vibe. The fabric is a woven grasscloth that gives it a bit of structure while still light enough for for sunny days. The bold bright colors & black neutral base can easily go right into the fall with denim, a light sweater or Moto jacket.

A crisp cotton white top is my #1 for pairing with just about everything all year long, but in the summer it's the best for staying and looking cool.

I went dressy styling these palm pants, probably because I miss having places and occasions to be dressy so much I'll take every opportunity I can to polish up (even if it's just for this blog).
A loafer or ballet flat fits for indoor days while a flat or wedge sandal would be so pretty for the outdoors.

Alining with the vintage feels I layered my shiniest gold baubles and a 1970's vintage wood beaded bag. I feel I should be down in Florida ... sigh I guess I'll have to just settle for looking the part.

Bonus: This print is available in a top, dress (soooo flattering), short, and a tiered & pencil skirt. 

Crisp White Top | Palm Pants - More Palm Printed Pieces | 

Loafers | Sunglasses | Bangle | Similar Bags 

Dress Beautifully in Palm Printed Pants

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Rosy Posy Romantic

Airy eyelet, delicate lace and romantic ruffles are some of the sweetest design elements in making a pretty piece. This dress is full of so much of these details making it anything but simple yet at the same time one that isn't so elaborate it fades with the times.

I'm loving shorter dresses this season!  But let's keep it classy so not too short. An a-line shape on a shorter dress or skirt allows for more movement and coverage while sitting.  It also makes for a really fun twirl!

This muted rosy dress breaks my typical crisp, classic style with more whimsy.  I'm excited to continue to add more romance to my wardrobe with pieces that mix vintage vibes in modern ways.

Eyelet Mini Dress - Similar  | Sandals | Earrings | Sunglasses |

Dress Beautifully in a Romantic Mini Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Retro Statement Skirt

Gals, I'm definitely in a separates phase, specifically skirts. I've found myself finding and being drawn to skirts with interesting detail or pattern, like this one I shared 2 weeks ago.

Printed skirts have endless style options and can really allow your personality to shine.
For example: if you're way cooler than I am you can pair the oh-so popular rock band graphic tees (maybe even tied in a knot on the hem) with a tiered midi skirt, or if your style is more on the casual side a chambray shirt or basic tee, and if you're like me, my go-to is a crisp white button up shirt.  The sky is the limit because the skirt already checks off the color and pattern elements of your outfit.

I found this skirt late last year and immediately loved the vintage color, print and style.  I'm all about some retro vibes. The bright pink is an expected color for me but it was the pretty orange in the print that sold me.

I've really grown to adore accents of tangerine orange in my home decor and in fashion.
Orange was an 'it' color in the 70's and then there's the iconic Hermes orange. While I used to hate the color (probably due to insecurities of my red hair growing up), I now find it so fun to incorporate in small doses.  I used it in Vivian's nursery, in a few home decor objects and I even have a bangle and handbag I wear all the time that add such a sweet bright pop to my outfits.

The cut of this skirt in a straight design (very elongating) with a ruffle hem is so unique and feminine. The flattering flat front with center pockets is also a winning detail.

I REALLY wanted to style this with a white button up or ivory blouse but I decided to show you gals something different and wear one of the 3 black tops I own because the reality is I'm the minority in my lack of black.

This skirt can truly transcend all the season with sweaters and boots followed by light tops and sandals in warmer weather.

Puff Sleeve Top | Ruffle Hem Skirt | Booties |

P.S. This would be lovely for a Valentine's Day Celebration!

Dress Beautifully in a Statement Skirt

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Style in Spades

Hey, it's May! Gracious time flies doesn't it?! When it comes to fashion time plays a cyclic role.  We heard our Mammas say when we were young how they dreaded trends coming back around and here I am watching what was cool back when I was young (and much cooler) coming right back on the racks.
And to be honest, I've embraced some of it.  I find that most gals have a period of time in which they gravitate to the fashion.  For me it's definitely 60-70's!

This sundress while classic has it's retro vibes with the brown flowers and belted waist. The exposed zipper, ruffled neckline and racerback keep it modern.  The crisp cotton is cool, comfortable and holds a nice shape.  I also love the midi length! Gives it a touch of the 80-90's.

While this dress alone makes a very pretty statement, it's up to you to add personal style.  At first glance you may think there's nothing left to do since the print and colors are so bold.

Start at the top. Your hair is a great avenue to add style.  Since the neckline is high and the back has interest show them off by pulling your hair back.  And when your hair is back it's an opportunity to highlight your earrings.  I went with shiny gold hoops, but earrings don't have to be big, studs are worth highlighting too.

You could also swap out the belt.  That's one of my favorite ways to add style.

For a little more throwback this vintage brown leather frame bag added the perfect polished touch. I adore collecting vintage accessories (and furniture).  Like I shared above, it all comes back and quality items tend to be timeless. This purse still has the old smell.  Vintage shopping can be time consuming and it seems as though we allocate our time down to the minutes with nothing to spare.  Use it as a time to fellowship with your gal pals.  And don't have huge expectations, finding treasures is often pure luck.  But also be prepared to buy because those treasures are one of a kind.
And don't forget Etsy and Ebay, they are both great online sources.

This dress is made by one of my most adored designers. In fact during a game at my bridal shower (9 years ago this month woah!) one of the questions was 'Who is Sarah Louise's favorite designer?' And it still holds true, Kate Spade. The handbags, clothes, jewelry it's ALL beautiful and amazing quality. The epitome of fun yet classic style! #LOVE

Adore a racerback!  It shows just a little extra skin and shows off the shoulders which to me are one of the pretties features on a lady. And since the dress is longer in length it gives good balance.

Tip:  All gals should have a racerback bra - especially for the warm months.  It's so tacky to have your bra straps showing!!! And I find them to be super supportive.

How about swapping out those dressy sandals for sneakers?!!!  Sneakers with everything is all the rage. Oh, wait it totally was in the 80-90's.  See, I told you it all comes back.  News flash to those that think it's so revolutionary, go check out those rat pack movies and you'll see. I remember thinking my Mamma was so uncool wearing sneakers with her midi dresses.  Honestly, she was just being practical and comfortable.  I fell ya Mamma!

Lavender Flower Dress | Heels | Handbag | Sneakers |

Dress Beautifully in a Retro Style Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Resort

This Dress!  I shared with you on this post last week that I love getting birthday offers and tend to over treat myself. #sorrynotsorry This dress is a result.

Just this past Tuesday night Mr and I were celebrating my birthday (belated because he worked nights in the ER 8 days straight UGH) and my new job! WAHOOOO Gals, I've been working and praying so very hard for this opportunity! And while poppin' and sippin' on our favorite bottle of bubbles from our Napa trip (I never wrote a post on that oops) we were discussing where we should take a trip this year.

This dress screams vacation! It's easy breezy with the pleated, flowy, light weight fabric and design.  It's also eye catching with the unique straps/neckline and printed pattern.  You won't see this color palette everyday!  It's just stunning in my book!  It has a glamorous feel and far from an evening gown.

Wear this at the beach, at a vineyard, backyard party, wedding, date night, basically anywhere but the office.

My gal pal was eyeing this dress but wanted it in petite.  I must say I was concerned about length too when I first saw it on the rack.  I'm 5'2" and even in flat sandals it doesn't drag the ground on me in regular sizing.  I did pair it with a low block heeled sandal just to give me extra walking room without getting the hem dirty or tripping on it. The lining in this dress is fairly fitted so you don't feel overwhelmed with the fabric. You can also cross the straps in the back - I prefer the front, more unique.

Disclaimer: You will twirl in this dress.  It's involuntary!

So, where are you gals headed on vacation this year? Suggestions for us? This trip we prefer short flights so East of the Mississippi.  Our goal is to alternate a small and bigger trip every year so next year we'll go big.

Maxi Dress  ||  Sandals & Similar  ||  Rattan Bag (mine is vintage)  ||  Earrings  ||  Wrap Bracelet  ||

Dress Beautifully in a Maxi Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise