Friday Favorites: Red White & Blue

TGIF! I sure do hope you had a fun 4th of July celebrating the blessing of our country, our freedom and the service/sacrifice of those that make it possible. 

It's my second favorite day of the year and I enjoyed grilled hamburgers & hot dogs, sparklers and of course wearing red, white and blue!

Vivian & I spent it with Grandma & Grandpa this year and did our best to avoid melting in the intense heat. 

Dress Beautifully as a Proud American

XOXO Sarah Louise

All American in Jean Shorts

 When I think of all American style, jeans are quintessential. For summer, a pair of jean cut off shorts reign. 

MY SHORTS

Jeans are a foundation piece and in a short that's not too short and not too snug you have the same classic piece but you won't melt! 

I say this for full length & short denim: a good fitting pair is worth the investment for the high amount of wear!

Here are my absolute favorite jean shorts (I size up one) ....

CLASSIC

WHITE

VINTAGE

MORE OPTIONS IN THIS SHORT

Dress Beautifully in a Jean Short

XOXO Sarah Louise

Dive In

Jump right in? or take your time inching in?

I'm more of a jump in kind of gal than I ever used to be. I'm shedding my scaredy cat ways and boldly embracing all things fun!

Here are some things that have me diving in - some with a running start! ...

DATE NIGHT

I'll get gussied up in a quick hurry for an evening alone with Ryan!

BIBLE STUDY

I love gathering with other gals for learning, growing and building relationships.

Currently I'm hosting ladies at our church each Wednesday evening. 

ANTIQUE SHOPPING

I love to hunt for treasures!

ICE CREAM

it's my favorite sweet treat

GIRLS WEEKEND

I want days and nights to really soak in my friends

BEACHING

ALL the things!

I especially like collecting seashells and finding sharks' teeth!

DANCE PARTY

Vivian & I do this almost daily in our home

she's recently become a hula hoop queen

DRESSING UP

I love shopping, styling outfits and putting on pretty pieces 

that help make me feel my best to go & shine my light to others!

OUTSIDE PLAY

whether it's a game of pickle ball, a stroll, bike ride, hike or patio chit chat 

I love to do things under the sun amongst the bird songs. 

TRAVEL

This is more recent for me and I'm loving the new sites, experiences and adventures.

I didn't grow up traveling and for over a decade travel was for work or to visit Ryan.

Now it's leisure and I'm incorporating trying hew actives (helicopter rides, zip lining, boating, and next - a hot air balloon ride!)

Dress Beautifully Diving into Things You Love

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Cool Cotton Tops

 TGIF! The heat is on! It feels like the devils kitchen outside so getting dressed is all about staying cool. Cotton is king when it comes to fabric as is a loose fit for airflow.

MY TOP

Here are some cool cotton tops to wear this summer ...

SMOCKED NECK

4 colors

BUTTON BACK LINEN SHELL

8 colors

DIP DYE

also in floral

matching skirt!

LINEN POPOVER

5 colors

POPLIN BUTTON UP

also in white & light blue

LACE SWING TOP

also in black

LINEN CUTOUT

in my cart!

RUFFLE SWING TOP

Dress Beautifully in a Cool Cotton Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Prettiest Dress I Ever Wore

Tomorrow is my 14th wedding anniversary! Let's take a moment for the prettiest dress I ever did wear.

It wasn't expensive, in fact it cost $100.

It wasn't extravagant, in fact it was so simple in just white satin I added covered buttons from top to bottom down the back for embellishment. 

I accessories with a vintage set of triple stranded pearls with diamond flower clasp. An heirloom piece I hope to pass down. This was my something old. 

My something blue was dyed shoes that also dyed my feet - June wedding & lots of dancing!

I wore a birdcage veil with a hairpiece made from my dress fabric that held pins from both our grandmothers. Those were my something borrowed.

This is the one thing (just kidding I'd also have drawn in eyebrows - we didn't do that back then) I would change. It was trendy and recommended from a friend. Looking back I wish I'd have worn my Mamma's traditional veil with lace trim!

Ryan gifted me sapphire stud earrings and a bible with my new married name on it. They were my something new. 

I'll wear a lot of fabulous outfits in my life but this dress, this dress dressed me beautifully for the best day of my entire life!

Dress the Greatest of Days Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise