Friday Favorites: Spring Shoes

Sandals in all the colors, textures and strappy styles are just as fun as the outfit you wear itself. In fact, they're actually very important because with a comfortable, cute pair of shoes you walk with a whole of confidence!

Here are some sassy shoes for Spring ...

Metallic Flip Flops

Flip flops are everywhere but these are more substantial and dressy

several color options

Flatforms

Different from a wedge in that the platform is nearly flat

much more comfortable 

Fisherman

This style is all the rage 

Espadrille

The ankle ties are fun

Slides are all the rage! Slip on and go!

 I love a bright color - Adds so much fun to a neutral or equally as colorful outfit

Platform

I got these last year and wore them every time I was dressed up!

Bow

These come in so many styes and colors 

but I like this small block heel for wear across dressy and casual occasions

Lace Up

This gladiator style is fun!

Back Strap & This Pair

I like a back strap to a more secure fit! 

Especially running after kiddos

Two Strap

super comfortable - love the dressier raffia finish 

Futuristic 

These while a bit crazy are soooo comfortable - lots of color options

I went outside my box and got them!

Raffia

Knit Sneaker

Light & Breathable - several color options

Jack Rogers

I've been wearing these since college! They're a classic

I realize that most of what I've shared is neutral - but most of my shoes are!

I find them flattering on the leg and pair beautifully with every outfit

but a pop of color here and there is so much fun!

Dress Beautifully in Shoes that Give a Spring in Your Step

XOXO Sarah Louise

Old School Cool

It feels like we've gone back in time living that 1950's housewife life cooking, cleaning and raising children since we've been in quarantine.  Eh maybe not exactly because thank goodness we have modern advancements to get us through. As decades have past women, wives, mammas do much much more! Our world keeps turning and growing but I'm ok bringing back some fashion elements from the past.

These plaid shorts have such a retro vibe in the colors and high waisted roomy design. Gals, they are so comfortable and modest.  I've never been one for short shorts, personally I just don't find them flattering or classy.  I also don't like shorts too long since I'm petite and find that 4" is the perfect length for coverage and still making my legs appear as long as possible.

I paired these with a crisp white shirt to play on the vintage look. A denim top, basic tee or tank in any complimentary color would be just as nice.

I encourage you to try paper bag style shorts.  The higher waist and loose leg give you a feminine silhouette and ability to move at ease. I plan to swap out the fabric tie sash with my own assortment of belts.

I'm embracing a touch of old school cool!

Sleeveless Dress Shirt & Here | Plaid Shorts | Wedges & Here | 

Dress Beautifully in Plaid Paper Bag Shorts

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Kaleidoscope

Gals, Summer is a month away and it feels like it's already here! It's been so stinkin humid and hot these past couple of weeks. When it comes to my Summer wardrobe white jeans and bright colors are the foundation.  First of all I LOVE white! It's my most favorite to wear and it makes me feel light and bright.  As for bright colors, well the truth is I wear them all year round but I take it up a notch in the Summer.

I saw this top online the day it launched and ordered it.  Everything about it spoke to me.  The bold colors, the print, the halter neckline, the peplum waist and ALL the style options!  A top like this can be paired with all the neutrals (white, navy, olive, tan) and even colors (yellow, pink, blue & even red).  Wear it with a pencil skirt, jeans, shorts, or wide leg pants.

This halter style is particularly flattering because it highlights the shoulders and covers the chest area.  I'm not a fan of exposed cleavage. The peplum creates balance and a tiny waist line.

In a nut shell this top is FABULOUS!!!

We are going on our first family beach vacation since having baby Vivian Louise next week and this top will be in my suitcase.

Let's take a moment to appreciate the prettiest bubble gum pink handbag I ever did see!  You gals know I have a love of all things Kate Spade and this handbag is one that I will carry for decades and even pass down to Vivian.  It is truly the perfect shade of pink in a classic design.  The size is just right and the femininity is over the top.

Your hair is an important element of style. It should compliment the lines of your garments and the occasion.  Since the neckline is high I coiffed my mane in a high pony tail to show it off.  I kept it a bit loose because this look is far from serious.  It becomes necessary for survival of the Summer heat to have my mane pulled up.

I believe it's sassy and perfectly fitting to show a little skin in the warmer months. But just a little, always keep it classy.

Halter Top | White Jeans | Wedges | Handbag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Bold Bright Halter Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

Capsule Wardrobe Essentials: Chambray & White

I know you've heard and seen the term 'capsule wardrobe' but what is it? Basically it's a 'mini wardrobe made up of really versatile pieces that you totally love to wear.'  I'm 100% guilty of NOT having a capsule wardrobe.  But, I'm not the hoarder of clothes I used to be either. #balance

I adore the principles of a capsule wardrobe.  Having very few pieces, most recommend around 40, that can be paired in many ways and repeated to eliminate excess in your closet.  While I believe a minimal approach is amazing in almost all aspects of your life, I just can't (don't want) to purge down to that level when it comes to my clothes.

What you will find is that about 75% of my wardrobe is made up of classic, timeless pieces so that I do achieve versatility and longevity.

For example: I wore my wedding rehearsal dress from 9 years ago this past Sunday for Easter. 

If I were to create a capsule wardrobe there would be white jeans and a chambray top.  I can NOT live without lots and lots of white and chambray is so clean, fresh and comfortable matching pretty much everything! 

For a current approach, these wide leg crop jeans and puff sleeve top check all the trend boxes.  Personally I'm obsessed with a puff sleeve.  I have narrow shoulders and it adds a feminine detail that balances my figure.  And the wide leg crops are super relaxed and really show off your shoes. 

My style is polished so I had to tuck and add a belt. It's those touches that define your personal style. 

Chambray Top & Here & Here | Crop Wide Leg Jeans | Wedges | Belt |

Dress Beautifully in Chambray & White

XOXO Sarah Louise

Easter Dressing

Hippity Hoppity Easter's on its way!!! Totally something a Mamma would say in her sweet excited voice! But it's true gals, Easter is just around the corner and one of my favorite traditions throughout my life is the selection of my Easter dress. Easter outfits aren't just for children.  It's a time to refresh with pastel colors, pretty flowers and all the frills.

I feel like Christmas is a much bigger day in our society but for me Easter is everything! It is my MOST FAVORITE DAY of the ENTIRE YEAR - I love it more than my birthday (which is 2 weeks from today) and the 4th of July. I know that Jesus had to be born but the fact that he died a brutal death for mine and every single person's sins and rose again, well that should give you chill bumps!

I have to be honest, this is not going to be my Easter dress.  It was a high contender but naturally I want to match/coordinate with baby Vivian Louise and when I decided on her dress, which is a pale baby blue with pink accents and a pink bonnet (I literally swoon thinking about how precious she's going to be) I decided on this pink dress.

Sidenote: I'm almost finished with her Easter basket/gifts and I am beyond giddy for her to go on her first egg hunt. She runs more than she walks (just like her Mamma) so I know it will be so much fun. 

First I love eyelet lace fabric - it's not as matronly or fancy as other types of lace.  It's cotton and light and the ruffled hem midi length is just the right amount of flounce on this dress. The ruffled shoulders and sash tied in a bow add just the right feminine details. It also comes in 3 other colors.

I also want to take a moment to talk about these earrings. They were a gift from my mother-in-law while she was visiting last week. They are mother of pearl so the iridescent colors compliment what ever shade you're wearing.  Although a statement, they are light weight and just enough for day or evening. I will be wearing them so much this Summer!

Eyelet Wrap Dress | Similar Wedges | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully for Easter Sunday

XOXO Sarah Louise

Summer Breeze

If you live here in the South you know that in order to survive the Summer heat you must dress for function.  And that means easy breeze light weight garments and hats!  Hats aren't just a fun accessory, they protect your skin and shade you from the bright scorching sun.

We all want to be cool and look chic at all our Summer socials.

Well gals, this outfit does just that!  A tank and a light as a feather skirt paired with the most elegant sun hat will keep you cool and looking chic even on the hottest of days.

PS I'm 100% midi length over maxi!  I get the long length without having to hem and I can wear flats or heels. Also, being petite I find it flattering.

My dear friend owns this shop in the cutest NC coastal town and when she posted this beach hat I was just a few clicks away from placing my order.

On a personal note: we are celebrating 8 years of marriage tomorrow and Vivian Louise's turns 6 months on Thursday!!! Time certainly flies when you're having fun and babies really don't keep!
I never thought I'd be the type of Mamma to want to be at home but this time with baby girl has been the most special.  I wouldn't change it for anything in the world! Baby or no baby cherish the moments in your life wherever you are :)

Sun Hat | Tank | Skirt | Similar Wedges | Similar Basket Bag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Easy Breezy Pieces & a Sun Hat

XOXO Sarah Louise