Dress Beautifully

May 18, 2020

Mamma Monday: Playdate but Make it Fashion

Playdates have never been my thing and heavens no to hosting them (not raising my hand to have tornadoes run through our home). The reality is you're wrangling your little rascal amongst other little rascals going crazy outside of their normal environment all while trying to hold an adult conversation. Not to mention the struggle of sharing!

BUT I'd give anything to be in a room where Vivian can play with other kids and I can fellowship with my gal pals right about now!

AND when I can, you can bet your bottom dollar I'll be dressed for it.

Let me say 'no offense' first (b/c some are sensitive about their leggings) but there are plenty of 'play on the floor' approved pieces that do not involve spandex athletic wear. I stand for motherhood that is practical, put together and dressed beautifully.

Tips:

1. A pair of gold hoops instantly elevates your look no matter how casual.

2. Dark colors & prints hide any soiling that may occur from outside or art activities

3. Flat, secure shoes allow you to chase after your littles

4. Cotton is King. It breaths, washes well and allows you to stay cool

5. Tuck in or belt when possible. It turns your shape from loose to defined

Here are 7 outfits that are playdate perfect ...

Note: I've linked options that you can pick up on your next #targetrun

Jumpsuit | Sandals - Similar | Belt - Similar |

I found the one I'm wearing at my local target but sadly not online - it's in a cotton poplin that's comfortable and chic with puff sleeves! Jumpsuits are as easy as dresses in their 'one piece and done' design. They also give you a little more alone time in the bathroom haha

Graphic Tees | Similar Skirt - Here -Here & Here & Here | Clogs & Here |

Graphic tees are all the rage and very youthful (I'll take all the help I can get). Besides being extremely comfortable and easy, they allow you to present your personality.

Bonus: there's nothing to match - they go with all colors and prints.

Tie Front Top - Similar - Here | Denim Shorts | Birkenstocks |

The denim shorts I'm wearing are from J crew several years ago but the ones I linked above have great reviews and I'd purchase if I needed another pair.

Tank | Duster | Mom Jeans | Flats |

This is the only duster I own but I believe they are great for adding a long line on the body. They also give great coverage, concealing problem areas without giving you a heat stroke.
A high waisted distressed jean is comfortable and modern.
Bonus: You won't have to shave your legs

Fitted Tee | Skirt - Similar | Wrap Sandals - Similar |

An elastic waist floral skirt will be one of your best friends. They stretch for the perfect placement and stay in place (a skirt that spins is so frustrating). Great for tucking in tops and not having to constantly be shoving them back in. Oh and they create a small waist. #bff

Wrap sandals are one of my favorite trends and on the top of my recommendation for your Spring/Summer wardrobe. I've eyed these for a few years but held back because my ankles are the least petite part of me. In efforts to squash my insecurities I threw my hands up and ordered them. I'm going to do my best to strut confidently - which shouldn't be hard seeing how cute and crazy comfortable they are.
Tip: Don't wear them shopping or anywhere you'll have to take your shoes off - nobody has time to be lacing/tying them up over and over.

Tiered Dress | Sneakers - Similar |

Tiered and a-line dresses are the perfect shape for having to move around and sit with maximum coverage. Sleeveless is best for balance so that you're not overwhelmed with voluminous fabric.
Slip on a sneaker and you're not only ready to run around with your littles but look super chic.

Denim Shirt - Similar - Here | Wide leg Crop Pants - Here | Sandals |

Wide leg crop pants are my jam! Super comfortable, slimming and pair perfectly with any shoe. This is key in creating casual look with flats and dressier with heels.
You can't go wrong with a denim top b/c it's durable to whatever your mamma life throws at it and matches literally everything!

Gracious I hope we all get to have a playdate sooner rather than later b/c having fun together is the best place to be!

Dress Beautifully at Your Next Playdate

XOXO Sarah-Louise

May 15, 2020

Friday Favorites: Book Worm

TGIF! We have a sunny and warm weekend ahead of us and I plan to enjoy it outside playing with Vivian, exercising and reading a good book. Summer is my reading season. The days are longer and there's nothing better than sitting with your toes in the sand and a good book in your hands.

While our beach vacation is cancelled the hammock in our back yard is a second best place to sit back and escape. I've been making a point to spend some of nap time laying in it and reading. Gals, it's been so good for me. It is hard for me to slow down and not be doing 'all the things' but I'm following the wise advise from my Mamma and she's always right!

I encourage you to put down the list or even half the list, that's been best for me (I can't totally let go) and leave your realty to dive into someone else's story.

I'm not going to pretend to be a resource for great literature, great fashion, yes! I don't read anything sophisticated but more light, fun and relatable. My favorite books are those written by female authors and take place in the South. I've read all of the book written by Mary Kay Andrews & Kristy Woodson Harvey both have new releases this month. I actually met Kristy several years ago when we lived on the coast. She was doing a book signing for her first novel at one of my favorite coastal shops. She was such a delight and encouraged me to keep going with my blog. XOXO

Try Book of the Month for a variety of books and even set up a club with your gal pals. I did it when Ryan & were in the military and had a blast. Jenna Bush Hager & Reese Witherspoon also have great book clubs.

So excited to crack open Kristy's latest book!

Happy Reading Gals!

Dress Beautifully with a Good Book in Hand

XOXO Sarah-Louise

May 13, 2020

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

May 11, 2020

Smile Style

Gals, I hope no matter your place I hope you had a very blessed Mother's Day.

I spent Saturday visiting my Mamma with Vivian for the first time in months and it mended my very broken heart from missing her. And Sunday, I was privileged to teach my 'borrowed children' in our virtual Sunday school class, worship with online church service and spend the remainder of the day playing and having dinner outside. I try and live al fresco! Grateful to my husband for celebrating me, especially after 2 overnight shifts at the hospital.

Nothing makes my smile bigger than my family. As genuine as the happiness that makes it, is the lipstick that makes it so bright. I always always have color on my lips. They are super small and pale so it really makes a difference on my appearance! While nudes and matte finishes are all the rage, I prefer saturated color and shine.

Even on days at home when I take a break from a full face of makeup, I have on lip color.

It prevents me from completely scaring myself when I walk past mirrors 😳

So here are my go-to's for giving my smile style ...

Clockwise Left to Right:

1. Giorgio Armani Red- This is a creamy stain that's rich without being dry. It lasts nearly all day and layers great under a glass if you want to add a little shine. This is what I wear the most in my outfits pictures on this blog, evenings out and to church.

2. Tarte Lip Balm - I discovered this must have last Fall and it is indeed a MUST. It is made of healthy ingredients and truly hydrates making my lips so soft. The only thing that's not my favorite is that the color is extremely sheer. Most gals love this aspect but my lack luster pout needs all the pigment it can get. It is what I wear most at home and on top of my saturated lip colors.

3. Nars Satin Lipstick Pencil - This an long lasting pencil in saturated and vibrant colors. I like this one for something fun and different in the warmer months. I will keep my eyes softer and more neutral when I wear it.

4. BareMinerals Lipstick - I wear this one in color Bloom during the day and second to my red lip color. It's a neutral but saturated with a hint of pink pigment. It lasts all day and doesn't rub off on Vivian which is my favorite because I can't resist covering her with kisses! I'm on my third stick I love it so much.

5. Too Faced Lip Injection - I inherited this one from my sister. It will give your lips lots of tingle! I layer it on top of my lipsticks when I'm getting all gassed up. It's a fun product and definitely worth trying if you have a petite pout like mine.

6. Buxom Lip Cream - This one is a creamy gloss in a bright pink - 'Berry Blast'. I love this thick colorful gloss for a softer pretty look during the day.

7. BareMinerals Shimmer Lip Gloss - I've been wearing this one in color 'daredevil' for over 10 years. It's a berry color with a hint of sparkle.

I'm clearly a creature of habit when it comes to my lip sticks but every now and then I do like to try new ones - this is one I want to try.

Dress Your Smile Beautifully

XOXO Sarah-Louise

May 8, 2020

Friday Favorites: Summer Bags

TGIF! Gals, I can see Summer coming. I don't know about where you live but besides being 'home' making it feel like Summer the temperatures are warming up enough to make you want to put on a swimsuit and take a refreshing dip. I told Ryan this week that since we don't know when (note: I refuse to say 'if' b/c I have a ton of hope) the pool will open we should get Vivian a kiddie pool for the backyard. I resist all tacky outdoor toys but considering the circumstances I'm lowering my standards and living a little.

Another fun element of Summer is the casual resort-like dressing. The colors and fabrics are always cheerful and light. A key element is a fun little handbag to go along. Skip the structured heavy leather and put your essentials in a rattan, preferably cute shaped, bag and skip off to dinner al fresco with your favorites.

Here are some of my favorite bags for Summer ...