Purple Majesty

 

Holiday Style is all about glitz, glamour but in a polished manner (New Years Eve comes later where you can replace the polished element with sass). Purple is an elegant color.  It's one that has been associated with royalty throughout time. Its a rich and unique color that's always been a favorite of mine.  However, I have found that it's not such a common color on the racks. So when I find it for myself or Vivian I scoop it up.

I believe it compliments and is just so beautiful on all women regardless of hair or skin tones. 

You don't have to wear red or green to have holiday style.  Shop your closet for rich colors and pair with black and heavy textures for a seasonally fitting ensemble. Bows and gold are always fun to accessorize with.  My black skirt is vintage.  Pieces from the past are my most treasured in my closet for their unique, classic and storied beauty. They also tend to be made with the highest of quality. 

Put on some purple and feel like a royal!

Ruffled Silk Blouse | Skirt & Here | Pumps & Here | Patent Leather Clutch

Dress Beautifully in Royal Purple

XOXO Sarah-Louise

More like Mary

Happy Monday! The Christmas spirit is strong in this gal's world! Jingle jams are playing, the halls are decked and my mind, soul and heart are deep in His word, the story of our Savior's arrival. 

Now that I'm a mother, I have a new perspective on Mary, the mother of Jesus. I find my self trying to imagine what it was like for her and well, I just can't. It just seems so overwhelming and hardly comparable. While it's impossible to put ourselves in unknown situations we can prepare ourselves so that we are ready when life hands us challenges. 

I want to learn from Mary as she exemplifies unwavering humility, willingness, boldness, and trust!

Here are ways we can be more like Mary ...

1. Be Humble

When God asked Mary, through the angel, to be the mother of Jesus she didn't get a puffed up sense of herself. She also didn't argue saying she wasn't good enough. She simply said " Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" Luke 1:38

Have you ever had someone ask something big/important of you? I feel flattered and so special.  That can easily turn to thinking too much of myself. 

Finding ways to be more humble may look like doing a chore that no one will notice without mentioning it. It could be holding your tongue when you want to defend or even just smiling and saying 'Thank You' when someone pays you a compliment. 

2. Be Willing

Mary said yes to God. It was a charge filled with questions but she accepted and God did amazing things for and through her. 

She could have said no that's too big for me, you'll have to find someone else. 

As a type A person, I easily pass and resist things because they don't fit into my plan BUT this life I've been given isn't to be lived according to my plan but for HIS! Rather than attempting to get out of something or ignoring it we can ask God to help us have courage to face what God's placed on our hearts.

 

3. Be Trusting 

Mary knew God's Word. She knew of angels and the promise of the coming Messiah. 

When we are in the scriptures daily we gain confidence, peace and faith in His promises and provision. 

His love never gives up or turns away. When we pray we can know that He will never let us down.  The outcome may not be what we want but we know we can boldly go to him with ALL things.  There no room for questioning whether He's got it or not. 

4. Share Your Joy

Mary didn't keep the news of carrying the son of God to herself. She went and told her cousin Elizabeth, who was also carrying a baby boy.  They were both miracle pregnancies and they embraced each other in celebration. 

Sometimes it can be hard to share in another's joy when we are hurting or to share our good happenings for fear it will be perceived as bragging. Being a part of a family and friendship isn't just about sharing some fun times but truly reveling in the joys of others. 

5. Embrace the Hard

Mary, pregnant outside of marriage, faced criticism and disownment from Joseph. And gracious, we could never imagine the horror that Mary faced when Jesus was crucified. She was with him.  Her love never turned away or gave up. We ourselves and those around us will have struggles. In the face of a crisis we can be there for others with a listening ear, lending a helping hand or just by their side in their hurt. 

Let's be inspired by Mary in saying yes to God's will for us!

Dress Beautifully with a Mary Inspired Heart

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Christmas Red

TGIF! Christmas Red is the color of the season. Red ribbons, red Santas, red noosed reindeer and a fresh red striped candy cane. The crimson color is bold and bright and seeing it everywhere truly makes spirits bright. 

Red isn't a color I typically wear in my garments, probably because I'm wearing red on my head everyday with my hair.  But I absolutely love to accessorize with red! It's a primary color and a classic to compliment with all year long.

Here are some beautiful Christmas Red pieces ...

My Handbag

Chevron Quilted Handbag

Tote

Turtleneck Sweater

I'm wearing this one in the pic above

Crew with Gold Shoulder Buttons

Fair Isle Sweater

Halter Top

Shimmer Blouse

Polished Midi Dress

Sweater Dress

Belted Dress

Over the Knee Boots

Booties

Coat

Parka

Lipstick

Nail Polish

Dress Beautifully in Christmas Red

XOXO Sarah-Louise

A Little Warm - A Lot of Cool

Gals, it may be sweater weather most places but down here in the South we can have some down right warm Winter days which makes a sweater vest a perfect fit. I absolutely love sleeveless tops for layering and a knit adds texture and warmth.

A pretty button up/blouse underneath or jacket on top and you won't be too cold or hot. 

I loved this one for it's mix of classic cable knit and modern exaggerated shoulders and shorter hem. I paired it with the most comfortable faux leather pants! These pants fit higher on the waist and have a straight cropped leg allowing for easy movement and show off a pair of sassy shoes! I also love the neutral burgundy color for something that's dark but not as harsh as black. 

Sometimes you just need something else besides a pair of jeans and leather is a chic option. You don't have to dress them up with pumps, although 2020 has lit a fire to get dressed up and go out! A sneaker and denim top/jacket with a graphic tee is a very cool & casual option. 

Sleeveless Sweater - Here - so many pretty ones Here | 

Leather Pants | Studded Pumps | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Sweater Vest

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Chasing Joy

Joy to the World! The Lord is Come! Let Earth Receive Her King! Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room!
I feel that it's safe to say that this year's been a doozy and 'JOY' may not be the first word, or even a word at all, that comes to mind to describe 2020. 

Here are some facts: life isn't perfect and you aren't perfect. There are hard times and a lot of work required.  But your days can still be awesome! I promise!

Ask yourself these questions:

Would you rather be perfect or joyful? 

What's awesome about this stage of your life?

What's your attitude like when you start your day?

What if I chased JOY as much as I chase my toddler? a promotion? a new __ fill in the blank?

Embracing an attitude of JOY requires pursuit & practice!

Regardless of what does or does not happen.

Being joyful isn't based on our situation, it's a decision. 

And you know what? ... God wants us to have JOY. 

Here are some ways to cultivate joy ...

1. Make normal things special.
Rather than eating dinner at our dining room table, sometimes I spread out a big blanket on our living room floor and we have a picnic together. Daddy is cooler than Mamma and will treat Vivian to chicken nuggets from the carpool ... that's what she calls the drive through LOL 

2. Improve your attitude 
How you start your day sets the tone. A morning routine is important in creating a day that's joyful. Personally, I'm up before the chickens at 5am so that I can have quiet time with God in His Word, exercise, work on the computer, complete chores, and sip a piping hot cup of coffee in peace!

I'm not saying you have to be like me and bounce up like a pop tart but maybe you can adjust your routine to kick start your day with JOY.

3. Leave something better than you found it 

I'm not saying start picking up litter off of the side of the road but maybe as you stroll the aisles at Target you can put something back that's out of place, pay for the person's order behind you at Starbucks/anywhere or share a smile and compliment to cashier at checkout.

When you find JOY in the little things, it trickles into big things.

When I think about my gal pals and why I love them it isn't how skinny they are, what clothes they wear, or how big their house is. The things that impact others is loyalty, kindness, generosity and love. 

This was a year ago! How is she almost 3?!!!

Maybe you change the way you greet your family, with the same excitement you give when they've just returned from a trip away. 

Maybe you stop what you're working on, play a fun song and have a dance party in your kitchen.

Maybe you treat your kids (and yourself!) to dessert on a random week night.

Nothing is Perfect but it can be JOYFUL!

Dress Beautifully Chasing JOY

XOXO Sarah-Louise