Bodysuit Believer

 While it seems like everybody else has been wearing bodysuits for quite some time, I'm finally wearing one and I'm here to say, I love it!

I was so apprehensive about the fit and comfort that I didn't even try them. Now I want more and here's why. They create such a good silhouette between the top and bottom that gives the illusion of a tucked in top without all the bunching. This piece stays in place as you move with no adjustment and tucking. 

Now, the bottom half which was concerning to me, is soft and fits smoothly. I truly didn't even feel or notice I was wearing a bodysuit. 

Off the Shoulder Bodysuit (also in ivory)

Necklace

I styled this one for a night out in a monochromatic palette. It's very similar to this designer one.

P.S.  I've been embracing black for the first time ever!

I encourage you (if you haven't already) to try a bodysuit for a look that's chic and stays put.

Dress Beautifully in a Bodysuit

XOXO Sarah Louise

Crawdad Room

I strive for our home to tell the story of us, the people who live here. Our guest room hasn't reflected us since we moved in 5 years ago.

This year I really wanted to give it attention and design so that it could be a welcoming and pretty space for our loved ones.

My inspiration for this room came from my collection of coastal treasures, Kiawah Island where Ryan & I vacation each year and the book 'Where the Crawdads Sing' (which is where the name from this room came from). 

This pelican piece of art is a focal point & makes a bold statement!

I love birds and this one sparked joy for me.

I've been wanting to incorporate yellow in our home and these elements add just the right touch.

This half of the room has the chair that holds nearly 6 years of memories from Vivian's room.

This new home across the hall houses it beautifully. 

My hope is that our guests can curl up in it and relax the same way my darling & I did.

The secretary belonged to Ryan's Grandpa. He purchased it in Japan while serving as a Marine in the US Military. I remember him sitting at it paying bills when we were just dating. 

The lamp and mirrored tray I found in a vintage shop.

I have jars of seashells throughout the room that I've collected over the years.

Nature reminds me of God's majesty, His creations and His vast love!

I find caned furniture to be beautiful. It really gives the room a natural & coastal feel.

I chose pale yellow coverings on the bedside tables to complement the rug.

This shelf belonged to my late Grandmother.

The plate represents our late cat, Scragley. 

The heron figurine was a gift from my Grandma to my Mamma and recently to me.

A lot of the shells were a gift from my Mamma and the glass jar houses my collection of sharks' teeth.

BEFORE

AFTER

Paint Color 'Antique Jade' - Rug - Headboard 

Drapes - Rods

Dress Your Guest Room Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Sleeveless Sweater

 TGIF! Gals, it's that awkward time of year where all you see is warm cozy Fall things while the temperature is still blazing hot! 

My Stripe Sleeveless Sweater

Sweater weather is still quite a bit away but I do feel the urge to ditch my tanks for knits. I present to you the option of a sleeveless sweater! They're a bit heavier while in a sleeveless design still light. They're great for layering over long sleeves and under jackets when the temperatures do fall.

Here are some beautiful sleeveless sweaters ...

Collared Cable Knit

V-Neck Stripe

Half Zip

Cashmere Cable

Very Classy - also in pink & navy

Classic V-Neck

5 colors

Classic Cable

also in white

Colorful Stripe

Side Tab

also in black

Ribbed

Dress Beautifully in a Sleeveless Sweater

XOXO Sarah Louise

Power Dressing

A blue blazer is a closet staple! It's a tailored, classic piece that accentuates a woman's physique in a strong way. While the days of suiting up in the office are currently behind me, I still believe in the power of dressing sharp.

The blue blazer gives me confidence. It adds structure and polishes even the most casual of outfits. I look for a shoulder that fits, cinches my waist, skims the hips and detailing like functional cuff buttons. 

As for color, navy is a rich neutral but softer than black. It's my favorite!

Pair a navy blazer with:

trousers & skirts for sophistication

over a casual dress or maxi skirt for a day time chic look

with a mini dress or skirt for evening

along side a white tee and jeans for a timeless ensemble

Ladies the options are endless!

Pair it with pieces you love for a polished look that's unique to YOU!

This particular blazer has attachable underpinnings available!

If I could only inspire you to add one piece to your wardrobe

a navy blazer would be it!

My Navy Blazer - Very Similar - Classic Option 

Dress Beautifully in a Navy Blazer

XOXO Sarah Louise

Big Girl Room

At the beginning of summer as Vivian officially had completed her years as a preschooler, she asked me if now she could have a desk in her room for kindergarten. You see, she has a desk waiting for her that belonged to my Mamma growing up and through her adult years that was passed down to me growing up and through my adult years.  I knew the time would come but all I could think about was the chair.

Ryan & I picked out this chair together when I was expecting. I remember visiting it in the furniture store imagining it in her nursery. Once it arrived I would rock in it, praying for her, singing to her and talking to her about all the dreams I had about being her Mamma. I brought her home to this chair and continued to care for and love her in this chair. 

For nearly six years I've held her next to me sharing countless moments with her.

The chair was going across the hall into our newly decorated guest room where it would compliment beautifully. Vivian said to me "don't worry Mamma we can still rock and read books, we just go into that room". Bless her heart!

It was time for her to inherit this desk. An heirloom piece passed from generation to generation.

I gave it a fresh coat of paint and let her pick out the fabric and help me reupholster the chair seat.

The desk is a part of a set that includes two dressers. I love that we are connected in so many ways to each other and to my Mamma. I'm clearly very sentimental!

Vivian also received a night stand & clock to help her know when it's time to get up for school each morning. 

We only use the color feature but it does have a noise alarm and sound machine options.

As I stand and look at her big girl room I can't help but be so proud of the big girl she is.

I pray this room is a space for her to grow in love!

Dress Your Rooms Beautifully with Heirlooms

XOXO Sarah Louise