Together

It's so great to be together this Tuesday, virtually that is but still truly it is great! I missed my 'Mamma Monday' post yesterday and you know what? It worked out perfectly because the more I thought about it the topic it really is for everyone and after yesterday I have new thoughts to share that I wouldn't have before.

I want to share with you the importance of fellowship. Having friends isn't about having the coolest 'squad' or 'tribe' ugh social media can add pressures and expectations and just lies about life! It's about having sisters in Christ to bear each others burdens and to 'show up'. God did not create us to live in solitude but to commune together.

As hard as it was in high school, it's just as hard as adults to develop friendships. And with the seasons of our lives relationships look different and often some end.  Let me say this, the world shows us an ugly picture of what friendship looks like (real housewives of ...) but IRL they are full of encouragement and love.

In my 20's and first half of my 30's fellowship happened so freely whether it was shopping, dinners, workouts or even weekends away. As a Mamma I have found that fellowship is planned (nap times and babysitters rule) and take place on playgrounds, in our homes and occasionally out on the town and gracious those nights are exciting!

God uses people in your life for his purpose. And liking each other's posts on FB and Instagram is NOT fellowship. There is great reward in face to face time.
It's challenging at any age. Everyone has responsibilities.
FYI: I HATE the phrase 'I'm busy'!!!

Here are some ways to incorporate fellowship in your life:

Join a Nonprofit / Volunteer
     I joined the Junior League of Charlotte back in 2009 and love it more and more each year.  It's rewarding giving back to my community in so many ways, I've developed leadership skills and met so many wonderful ladies along the way.  I also contribute to 3 other nonprofits in my area.

Find an organization that matches with your interests.

Participate in Gym Classes / Exercise Groups
     I love taking classes at the gym.  They're challenging and keep workouts exciting.  You can also make friends!

Sunday School Class & Bible Study
    Participating in Ladies ministry has been the most impactful and encouraging aspect of my life. We gain so much from each other as we study.  And the food these Southern ladies make is always a treat! That's saying a lot because I'm the farthest thing from a foodie. When it's my turn to bring a dish I definitely purchase from a local store. BSF is a wonderful bible study that's national.

MOPS
   I just recently joined MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and LOVE it! The gals all live close and most have children at Vivian's school.  We're all in the same boat and it's nice to support one another in this season. It's a national group too!

I've also met other Mammas at story time/library, at the pool and through preschool. Don't hesitate to exchange phone numbers when you meet someone you connect with. It's not creepy it's friendly.

Whether its a bunco group, book club or trivia team, just fellowship!

You can't love on others or be blessed by others hiding in your room with Netflix.
You won't be lifted up and encouraged through the joys and hardships of life by yourself.

Before you were a mother, a wife or professional you were a woman created by God to glorify Him in great ways.  Make fellowship one of those!

Dress Beautifully in Fellowship

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Fall Wedding Style

Fall isn't just PSL season (I'll never understand the obsession - I drink my coffee piping hot and black) it is also wedding season. October is basically the new June for brides.
So between back to school and pumpkin patching you've got bridal showers and fancy receptions.
Meaning, you're going to need a pretty dress to wear. More than a church dress but less than a ballgown.
This is an opportunity to get all gussied up so embrace it!

Tip: Since this is more than likely a one time wear piece, Rent the Runway is a fabulous option!

I must also tell you that as I was collecting these dresses to share with you a majority of the dresses I loved I couldn't choose because they far too pricey!

Here are some statement worthy dresses for a Fall wedding ...

Tiered Off the Shoulder Dress

Available in multiple colors

V-Neck Chiffon Gown

Available in multiple colors

Off the Shoulder Sheath

Available in multiple colors

Lace Sheath

High/Low Satin - Longer Version

Available in multiple colors

Off the Shoulder Sheath

Jumpsuit Gown

Available in multiple colors

Embroidered Chiffon

Floral 2 Piece Set
Love that you can split the top and skirt up for several looks beyond the wedding.

Front Tie One Shoulder

Dark Floral

Metallic Floral

Tiered Ruffes
Perfect for a destination wedding

Peplum Gown

Ruffled Off the Shoulder

Dress Beautifully for a Fall Wedding

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Puff Puff Puff

Gals, give me ALL the puff sleeves.  I shared about them on this post and you're going to see them again today and I'm confident at least another post or two.
They are the IT detail in fashion right now and I'm so happy about it.  While the 80's were a decade of bad makeup and hair, the puff sleeve was on point and I'm happy to see it come back in more subdued  designs.

If you've been reading for any length of time or know me IRL my obsession with crisp white shirts is borderline hoarding status. I'm not the least bit sorry.  I have almost as many white dresses and pants as I do tops.  I LOOOOOOVE white!

Note:  I was with my best friend when I bought this, and in the dressing room together she said 'girl you don't need another white top' ... she tried but you have to go with what you like.  At least it's different!

I found this top at a local boutique and while it may be on the 'extra' side of style I'm strutting proudly in it.  The ket to styling a statement piece is to keep everything else understand and simple.  So I went with distressed jeans (my new favorites!) a classic pump (balances the trendy) and a little color.

I also believe that when it comes to a statement piece it's the shape or print that's bold not both.

Puff Sleeve Top | Jeans | Similar Pumps | Handbag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Puff Sleeve Top 

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Put your shine on

Happy Monday Mammas! If your littles are really little like mine I imagine you're celebrating the start of preschool / Mother's Morning Out along with me!

First Day drop off smiles!

One of the things I've noticed at drop off and pick up is that a majority of the mammas are in gym clothes. I should probably stop here just in case any of them become my gal pal and read this little blog BUT I'm going to keep it real and honest so here goes ...
I bet a significant number of those mammas aren't coming from or headed to sweat. Just sayin. And if they are, get it girl!
I understand that most of us are out of the office, but I personally believe it takes more effort to get those spandex leggings on than a pair of jeans.
I'm ALL about exercise, in fact I plan to run Vivian to preschool most mornings (so grateful we live so close) so yes, I'll be in workout clothes glistening with sweat.

How about you glisten & remain comfortable/casual?

Mammas, put a little shine on. I'm talking jewelry.
Add jewelry to an outfit composed of a simple tee, (you can even go a little extra and do a little front tuck paired with some jeans (boyfriends are great for a loose and casual look) and I promise you'll look and feel sassier and more confident.

Here are some great jewelry pieces that are modern and add a touch of "put together" pretty to your look ...

RINGS

I've rarely ever see a mamma without her wedding rings on but how about adding some fun bling on your right hand? This is wear you can showcase costume and current trends.

Large Stone Ring
I just ordered this one and am waiting to see the UPS truck out of my window.  I plan to wear it on the index finger of my right hand.  I'm obsessed with big rings.  Which is slightly unexpected because I feel as though I have the world's smallest hands.  For reference my wedding ring size is 3.5 and of the 3 times a year I get a manicure they always comment on my tiny nails.
I have 2 cocktail rings that are fine jewelry - and let me tell you they are huge and gaudy (Mr rolls his eyes but treated me to them anyways) and lots of costume cocktail rings.

I like this set for a more delicate look and to wear stacked or on multiple fingers.

EARRINGS

You can't go wrong with light weight hoops. I wear these more than any other pair of earrings I own.

Love the colors of these tortoise earrings several options.

Studs are always a simple staple.

BRACELETS

Wrap bracelets are more natural and understated.

Small bangle - less jangle

Delicate and pretty

NECKLACES

Go big just keep it neutral so that it goes with everything.

Delicate but just enough. I have this one and wear it all the time.

Long necklaces makes you look taller ... at least that's what I tell my petite self :)

Vivian does have some fine jewelry to wear when she's a bit older but until then she is accessorizing with her little purses. This past Sunday she was so excited I let her carry one to church for the first time!

Dress Beautifully with Jewelry 

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Berry Chic

A printed wrap dress is one of the most flattering and timeless pieces a woman can have in her wardrobe.
FYI: DVF makes the best ones!
A wrap dress creates a very feminine silhouette with movement and highlights the waistline.  The v-neckline is elongating. They're great for all occasions, office, church, date night and special occasions. Prints make outfits fun and interesting while also camouflaging (aka disguising any areas/lady lumps you don't want highlighted).

Belts are one of my absolute favorite accessories.  Most of mine are vintage.  I almost always remove the belt that may come with a dress or even if not add my own belt.  It breaks up a solid or print and adds texture.

Snake print is on fire this season and I'm thrilled!  As much as I love leopard print I think it's now 2nd to snake.  Now, I'm deathly afraid of them in real life but as for clothing, shoes and handbags, I'll cover myself.  I particularly loved this dress for it's raspberry color.  Great shade for transitioning into fall. And it's nice to have animal print not in neutrals.

Dress - Similar | Heels | Belt |

Dress Beautifully in Color & Snake Print

XOXO Sarah-Louise