New & Navy

You gals know I'm into Navy when it comes to neutrals - well today I'm into a new trimester at 28 weeks, 3rd and final!!! I can see the end! Don't get me wrong I want her to be healthy and grow but being pregnant has been far from fun for me.  I'm ready to not be sick and to enjoy snuggling her sweet little self!

AND I passed my glucose test! I literally said 'Amen' out loud when I heard the results. I could not take another defeat.  I woke up throwing up yesterday morning so getting that nasty drink down was torture at 8am.  But with a lot of prayer, determination and Mr cheering me on holding the barf bag nearby I pushed through.

We heard her strong heart beat at 155/min - music to our ears! We will also get to see her in 3 weeks on ultrasound. I look at all these extra monitoring tests as just another opportunity to see her rather than being stressed. It's all in God's hands anyways.

So, to the topic of interest, this outfit.  I 100% prefer navy over black when it comes to dark neutrals.  I find that a lot of gals struggle with navy outside of summer because they don't want to pair it on top of jeans for fear of being monochromatic with no contrast.  The key is to opt for a lighter wash denim because those white jeans are tucked away for days between Easter and Labor Day - unless you're a rule breaker.

When it comes to maternity dressing I wanted to stay as true to my style as possible but that can be challenging because the options are so limited.  This top spoke my language in a windowpane print.  And it had a unique neckline with more of a peplum design which is very close to what I would like without the bump. It's perfect for the office with trousers but also super cute for weekends with distressed jeans and booties, as you can see.

I topped it off with an ivory jacket I already had to add a dressy element, balancing the jeans.

Prego Pals - we must use as much of our wardrobe as we can, just ignore the inability to button those blazers.

Navy Top - Non Maternity Option & Here  ||  Jeans - Non Maternity Option  ||  Jacket  ||

Booties  ||  Cuff  ||

Dress Beautifully in Navy

XOXO Sarah Louise

Modern Lines

We all have our favorite shops.  Whether it's for coffee and baked goods, a local wine bar, home decor or for unique clothing and accessories.

A couple years ago I found one of my favorite shops and the best thing I ever walked out with was a dear gal pal.  It's owner is a treasured relationship that I cherish no matter the distance between us. I love any excuse to leave the Queen City to visit this small town on the water.

This shop caught my eye for it's beautiful home decor and linens (and all the blue and white I could ever want) but it has grown so much, offering a wide range of must haves.  From furniture to clothing, baby stuff to entertaining ware, linens to jewelry, gifts to art and even design services .... it basically has it all!

An unexpected trip to the coast a couple weeks ago allowed me to have a surprise stop in!  Typically I scoop up home decor or local handmade creations but this time I spotted this dress and had to have it.

It blends modern and fun design with the classics.  Allow me to define.  The mirrored v-neckline (front and back) with choker combined with the black and white windowpane print creates a mix of elements that's sure to have gals stopping you to ask 'Where did you get that dress?'.  My response 'Beaufort Linen Company, You must check them out!'.

This dress pairs modern bodice lines with classic grid graphics that can go from casual with a pair of sandals or wedges to professional with a pair of pumps.  Gals, I literally go through the styling options in my mind when selecting garments.  And don't forget the unlimited amount of color you can add with accessories.

I thought I would share with you a round up of my current favorites at the shop but there are just too many and a constant influx of new things added everyday.  So you must visit their website to shop around and follow on Instagram to stay up to date on their latest arrivals.

I promise you'll want some of everything! And just maybe you'll add this dress to your wardrobe :)

Windowpane Dress  ||  Pumps  ||  Handbag  ||  Sunglasses  ||  Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in Modern Lines

XOXO Sarah Louise

Double Breasted

Stealing from the men isn't a crime it's stylishly sharp!  Menswear is known for it's crisp tailored and sophisticated designs. So why not add some power to your wardrobe with modern suiting.  The trick is to create femininity by highlight curves in the construction.

I have plenty of wool blazers, trousers and sheath dresses in my suiting wardrobe.  This vest adds interest to my inventory.  Something unexpected but equally as timeless.  The clean lines of the windowpane pattern in the wool fabric is simplistic yet makes a bold statement.  The double breasted buttons creates structure and a defined waist.

I paired this navy vest with grey trousers to draw out the window pane lines.  For a touch of fun I went with a bright blue pump.  Layer a dress shirt underneath come Fall or wear open with a fitted long sleeve tee, a pair of jeans and booties/flats for a casual look.

Double Breasted Vest & Similar & Here || Grey Trousers || Pumps || Handbag & Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in a Suit Vest

XOXO Sarah Louise