Dress Beautifully

Oct 16, 2019

Retro Cross Stitch

I've shared with you many many times that 'It's all in the details', 'style is a reflection of your personality' and that 'pieces should speak to you'. This blouse reflects all of these ideals.

The cross stitched floral pattern, the shear overlay, the scalloped hems, neckline trim, slightly puffed elbow sleeve and back buttons are details you rarely find, not to mention all together.
The colors are a unique balance of bold and neutral with a retro vibe. Orange, brown, teal and fuchsia definitely have a 70's feel and I'm all about it!
But it's the large cross stitched floral design that spoke to me. I used to cross stitch as a young girl and loved it. I've often thought about picking it back up to make something for Vivian but gracious where's the time?!!

While the orange and brown shades fit with the Fall season this blouse would be absolutely gorgeous all year long. I would definitely pair with neutrals like brown, navy, ivory, white and of course denim so that you let the colors shine. Although bright pink or purple would be amazing!

Garments like these make you smile and you'll wear them for years!
They will also attract lots of compliments :)

Dress Beautifully in a Detailed Blouse

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Oct 15, 2019

HONEY

Hi dear friends. I missed writing to you Friday and yesterday. I had the best of intentions for Friday (and some super cute things to share) but in preparing to leave for the weekend on my church's annual Ladies Retreat in the mountains and attending my MOPS meeting (NOT missing those sessions of fellowship & encouragement) I wasn't able to squeeze it in.
I did however manage to have our home spic and span and the kitchen stocked with groceries and prepared meals.

Covering her with kisses to get me through a weekend away

For my 'Mamma Monday' post I planned to share with you some of the encouragement from our retreat.

But yesterday my dear sweet cat, Scragley, passed in our home that morning.
Gracious, I'm already crying.
I know, I know, he's a cat. I don't even like cats, but he was mine for over 10 years. He was literally by my side every day. He was a sweet companion while living alone for 4 years and during Ryan's deployment. His neediness drove me crazy but I'd do anything to have him back at my feet.

He loved us fiercely but especially his baby Vivian. He watched over her from the time we brought her home. He was always near her and tolerated her pulling on his tail and ears. He waited for her to wake up every morning and he was the first thing she looked for when I brought her downstairs.
That's the hardest part gals, not seeing them together.

I had fun over the years dressing him up. He was such a large cat that I could put him in medium dog outfits. Even my gal pals loved him because he was so relaxed and never met a stranger.
We are going to pack up his belongings this afternoon and give them away.
It will get better over time but our home will always be missing him.

Let's pull it together, shall we...

This was my second year organizing my church's ladies retreat.
I wanted it to be a time of encouragement and refreshment.
Before we held on job titles, were mothers, were wives, we are women created by God to serve Him and bless others. The world and it's pressures can weigh us down and distract us from our purpose.

I found this article and shared it as part of my devotional. In a nut shell, we will NEVER ever be 'enough' for the world. No matter how big our salary is, how beautiful our home is decorated, how well behaved and accomplished our children are, how in shape we are, how many fancy trips we take, how cool our friend circle is or beautiful outfits we wear, we will always find ourselves striving to measure up.

But in Christ we are enough. In Him and ONLY Him will we ever have peace, joy, contentment and love.
So stop running on the hamster wheel of what the world says you should be, have or do and focus on God's will for you.
I also touched on the overwhelming agenda of self absorption hidden behind the title of 'self care'. You aren't here to satisfy and treat yourself but to glorify and serve God. #truth
So rather than spending your efforts on attempting to please yourself how about taking care of your soul (open up the word and read sisters).

We also discussed Psalm 81.
We are constantly disobedient and resist opening our hearts and lives. We are stubborn. But if we open wide and submit he will fill and satisfy us.
Verse 16 says "But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you"

If we abide in him luxuries and necessities will be provided.
He is our rock, grace and mercies are from Him.
From the hardest of times, God can extract honey - sweet blessings.

Whatever you're struggling with, turn to Him and abide. Dig deep in His word. Fellowship face to face with your sisters in Christ as they are here to minister to you and help bear your burdens alongside you. I urge you to pray for the right company to turn to.

Dress Your Heart Beautifully in Him and Out Will Come Honey

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Oct 9, 2019

It's all Gucci

"It's all Gucci" ... apparently that's what all the cool kids are saying these days. What it means is that 'everything is fine' / 'it's all good'. The Gucci brand has been around for 98 years! This luxury Italian brand of leather goods, fashion, watches, perfume, accessories, shoes .... has boomed in popularity. You see the 'GG' logo everywhere, especially when it comes to belts and handbags.

While I love fine leather goods they are always something I have to work and save for. It also gives me time to really be confident on my splurge. This red handbag was the result of a new job over 2 years ago. While red isn't one of my go-to colors, I find red handbags and shoes to be very classic.

I was shopping online and down a rabbit hole I found this very Gucci looking dress. In fact I'm really digging this site's designer and vintage style pieces!
Note: Don't expect these to arrive at your front door in 2 days, more like a week but well worth it!

When it comes to designer imposters I avoid the direct replicas. They're never quite right. Instead I like to find pieces that resemble elements of the designer piece.

These dress is a perfect example. It has a colorful and bold floral pattern, that's more mural like than an all over repeating pattern, that has a high end look. But it's the emerald green and candy apple red ribbon trim that gives it that Gucci look.

Rather than spending a mortgage payment on a European designer handbag, opt for an American brand like Kate Spade or Tory Burch. The quality is just as nice, designs are similar but won't have you eating hotdogs and noodles!

I love this timeless shirtdress that's great for all year wear and endless color pairings!

Dress | Handbag | Pumps | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Gucci

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Oct 8, 2019

Tuesday To-Do: Delegate It!

Happy Tuesday! I hope your week is off to a great start and that wherever you live, the weather gave you a little chill this past weekend. We got a taste of Fall on Saturday and gracious were we grateful for it!

I clearly missed yesterday's 'Mamma Monday' post and if you know me in real life, I'm a morning bird (up at 5) and absolutely can NOT stay awake past 9 (I'm often in bed by 8). So, I'm up this morning trying to make it right even if it is a day late.

Last Monday I shared with you some encouragement on adding more fun into your days. To partner with that, today I want share with you some ways to delegate in order to make room for the fun you want to add.

Whether you're working inside or outside of the home, 1 little or 4, big budget or little, you do a lot! #amen And while yes, we are super women the fact remains we do NEED a village.

Sidenote: I actually know of a gal that is adamant about refusing to ever ask for help/share responsibilities outside of her husband. Shame on her. I say that because there are so many around her that love her family and want to participate. And what joy comes from running yourself so very thin doing it all??

There are so many responsibilities that must be maintained in order to keep your home running and I believe it's so very important to lean on others to help. I also know how particular (sounds better than control freak) I am about the way those tasks are accomplished and that it can be challenging to release those into the hands of others.

1. I encourage you to write out your week, day by day and even hour by hour. Look at how you spend your time doing the things you do.

2. Find tasks that you're comfortable passing off so that you can replace that time with having fun!

3. ALWAYS be grateful for the blessing of your village.

Note: delegating doesn't always mean passing it to your husband, maybe it's adjusting your budget for an outside person to clean your home, or cut your grass maybe it's joining in on a carpool or ordering your groceries online.

My Team:

Husband:
I decided to delegate my most dreaded and impactful task, cooking! I HATE cooking and yes I know that's a strong word and I mean it in it's entirety. My husband is home very little due to his demanding job (practices medicine in the ER) but at least one day a week he grills meat and veggies for us to have for a few days. It's been life changing.
He's NEVER allowed to touch the laundry!

Babysitter:
I also have a babysitter two evenings a week so that I can attend bible study, Junior League events, run errands or have a date night.

Childcare:
I use the child care at the gym, MOPS and thank her preschool teachers emphatically for loving her a few days a week. #praise

Cleaning Services:
My MVP! Right after Vivian was born we were connected to the most amazing gal to clean our home. She's a hard working and God loving soul that not only gives us a home that sparkles but makes us laugh.

Gal Pals:
Last but not least my dear friends lift me up and help steer me right through this journey.

Whatever you decide to delegate, be sure it makes room for fun!

Dress Beautifully While You Delegate

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Oct 4, 2019

Friday Favorites: 20 Skirts

TGIF! I hope you gals have had a fun week. I know I surely have. I spent Sunday and Monday in Raleigh with my 2 best gals from college for a quick little getaway. We saw Carrie Underwood in concert Monday night and Oh. My, Goodness! She is absolutely amazing!! We even got upgraded to floor seats (thanks to Meghan's good looks and flirting abilities). It was such a nice time away from the 'work' at home. But I missed my sweet Vivian Louise something fierce! And of course she missed me right back and practically wouldn't let me go once I picked her up from school Tuesday. I loved every squeeze :)

Me, my girl and her cracker :)

I feel like skirts have much bigger share on the fashion scene this year. And in longer lengths.

My favorite thing about skirts right now is that you can pair them with tees and sneakers, maybe even add a denim jacket for casual occasions.
Or, a chunky sweater and booties for a casual/dressy occasion.
Or a pretty blouse and heels for an all the way dressy occasion.

Here are some of my favorite skirts ... 20 to be exact!

Leopard Midi Skirt

Pleated Midi Skirt (also in Navy & Snake)

I have it in navy and love it!

Denim Skirt

I share this one with you on this post!

While I've been wearing it with sandals the past few months I'm ready to put boots with it!

Faux Suede Skirt

Faux Leather Skirt

I have this one (yes I fall victim to the 'come out with extras' on a target run)

It has pockets and slightly a-line so you can move and it flatters!

Tiered Floral Skirt

I saw this one in a local boutique yesterday and I'm still thinking about it!

I wanted to try it on but time was ticking and I couldn't be late to pick up Vivian from school.

Not only are the tiers of tiny flowers pretty, but it's an all year round skirt so you could wear and style it endless ways! Just wishing it was a bit lower in price :)