Golden

Last week I wore this golden color and my sister says to me, 'that is your color!'.  I was perplexed. I don't gravitate to this shade of yellow, had never thought about it being a complement to my personal tones and yet I don't think she's wrong. 

It's just the right amount of bright and bold but in a rich and soft way in this feminine blouse. I easily could have paired it with my go-to light wash jeans but I want to show you more ways to mix colors with other colors, giving your neutrals a break.

I wish I had added a necklace, one that's a bit of a statement with some soft colors to add some texture and print. But also I'm happy with just letting the gold shine.

I love these pants for their high waist and minimal pleating for comfort. They add just the right amount of room so that the fabric skims (more flattering that super fitted). 

Tip: If I don't replace the self fabric belt (rare) I will tie it beyond the belt loop so it hangs more on the hip.

I kept my handbag and shoes very soft and neutral as these jewel tones need no competition.

Gold Blouse - More Gold Options - Purple Pants

Dress Beautifully in Gold

XOXO Sarah Louise

Quiet Time

Quiet time is essential. I don't know anyone that doesn't value it. But no matter what your season or schedule looks like, it can be challenging to obtain.

I just started back in a new semester of bible study after a long winter break and I've had to make adjustments to get alone and peaceful time to focus. 

Here are some tips and things that I've implemented to help make sure I get quiet time each day ...

SCHEDULE

Making quiet time a priority is the first key step. Think of treating it like a doctors appointment that is imperative, you can't reschedule or be late for. Often times we let other happenings around us take precedence but I believe putting this time at the top of your list will make the most impact.

I chose 5am (I know that's crazy for most) but in the early morning is when I am fresh and full of energy. It's also when my home is very quiet. Lunch time, nap time, and post dinner time are also great options.

SILENCE

Removing distractions will help you be present in your time. First and foremost start with your phone. Turn it on silent and even place it in a room or drawer that's out of sight. (Same goes for your computer) Also, be thoughtful about the time of day that's the least interruptive. 

SPACE

My favorite space is outside where I can hear the birds singing, feel the warm sunshine and enjoy the beauty of God's creation. I take full advantage when weather allows. In this case I often move my quiet time to the afternoon. 

Maybe it's a comfy chair in the corner of your room or at the breakfast table with a cup of coffee. Find a space where you can cozy up with all your things that's calming.

Note: I find that a space that's away from clutter and view of chores is beneficial. 

We share the same scrunchie face when we smile big!

I encourage you to make your quiet time an intentional practice each and every day! 

Dress Beautifully in Quiet Time

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Ribbed Tops

TGIF! This has been an awesome week! I started a new semester of bible study with a new small group of the loveliest ladies and Vivian started a new big girl gymnastics class. 

I've also been making effort to cook better meals for Ryan - it's a big labor of love! 

Ribbed tops were all the rage in the 70's and again in the 90's in more of a cropped design. I personally love them but they do require some finesse when it comes to styling.

Ruffled Collar Top

Because they are so fitted I believe a high waisted bottom that sits right at the natural waist is key!! This creates a flattering line at the smallest part of a lady's figure. With looser jeans trending, these fitted tops are a great pairing for balance! 

I also believe that well fitting undergarments are imperative. These snug tops hug your upper body so you want everything underneath lifted and smooth.

Tip: a thick dense weave, dark colors and prints are the most flattering.

Here are some pretty ribbed tops ...

Cuffed

also in orange & navy

Button Tank

also in white

Stripe

Crew Neck with Cuff Stripe

also in black

Ruffled Shoulder

7 colors!

Sleeveless Turtleneck

Sweetheart

also in black

Polo Tank

Short Sleeve

also in raspberry pink

Dress Beautifully in a Ribbed Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Popular Pant

Wide leg crop pants are flattering comfortable and quite honestly a pretty pair of pants. They're slimming on the leg and offer the opportunity for any shoes pairing.

This one pair however is so popular among actual gals I know, online influencers and the staff and retailer itself. This pant is so loved that it comes in a ton of colors, prints and fabrics (stretch cotton, corduroy, velvet, faux leather).

I finally got myself a pair and whole heartedly agree they're amazing! They're so easy to move around in and give my go-to denim a break. I chose this dark olive color as you can style this just as you would a neutral. I do have my eye on the purple pair and find the prints super fun.

Style Tip: these do have stretch so I went my with normal size.

Cropped Wide Leg Pants - Lots of other options

Dress Beautifully in a Cropped Wide Leg Pant

XOXO Sarah Louise

2023 Home Design Inspiration

I have so many design dreams for our 1963 Georgian Colonial home! When we purchased it 4+ years ago every single room needed my touch with the exception of the master bathroom. It was perfect! We started by having every wall painted prior to moving in and slowly we've been remodeling and decorating.

Last year we took a break and invested in lots of travel but this year I'm ready to add a lot of design to a few spaces.

Here's the inspiration I have for our home this year ...

GUEST BEDROOM

I love this calming soft mint green color for the wall. 

Contrasted against our rich wood furniture gives a very traditional look.

I'm going to accessorize the room with crisp linens, pop of print in pillows and with my nature treasures: seashells, rocks, feathers, and sharks teeth!

HALLWAY

I believe hallways are one of the most important spaces in a home and yet they are often the most neglected when it comes to design. They are a high traffic space and a center focal point. We have an extra wide and long hallway upstairs with a large landing area at the top of the stairs giving ample opportunity to make a style statement.

I want to add chair molding with picture framing underneath starting on one side of our stairs up and through the entire hallway. I'll then add this fern branch wall paper above! 

POWDER ROOM

We have remodeled our powder room with new flooring and fixtures but now I want to give it more pizzazz with mural wallpaper!

My gal pal put this scene in her sauna room and I love it!

LIGHTING

I believe lighting is the jewelry for the home! I'm looking for shiny gold fixtures for our sunroom, den, office, guest room, our master closet but perhaps a white one for Vivian's room.

KITCHEN

This will leave only our kitchen left to design and it's going to be a doozy! It may be a few more years of waiting. A complete renovation from top to bottom with a big price tag (so we've saved that one for last). But since I'm sharing here's my inspiration for it. 

Dress Your Home Beautifully

(even if it's just in your dreams)

XOXO Sarah Louise