Candy Stripes

Well, I told you I was coming back and here I am!  Sadly, my hopes were higher than reality when it comes to this pregnancy sickness. Gals, it just won’t go away.  I often feel like I’m sentenced to torture for 9 months.  But I’m continuing to take my prescription meds with as much of a grateful heart as possible (they make me so drowsy) and to be honest I do throw up less than I used to.  I’m pushing through and have some fabulous and chic outfits to share! 

So this top struck my fancy as soon as I saw it.  The boldness of the stripes and the unique collar made me have to have it.  My only concern was the sleeves.  Because I’m petite and have smaller arms I’m not a fan of volume and length hanging over my hands.  But they hit higher and in a poplin cotton they have just the right touch of structure.

Now, in fully disclosure I am 21 weeks in these pics. My bump is tiny enough that I’m still able to wear non-maternity tops. I don’t say that to be competitive!  Every gal has a different body and pregnancy so embrace yours! I just want to be honest. Now my girls are another story!  Large isn’t the word – they far exceed my bump growth and I’m not a fan.

And since we are sharing, I actually got my feelings hurt ordering the fabric for my nursery drapes because the ladies at the store asked me who’s nursery I was designing.  At the time I was 20 weeks #halfway and no one would ever know I had a sweet baby in my belly. I know, I know I should be thrilled, and a huge part of me is, as I do want to stay healthy, strong and not gain too much but I’m just so proud and honored to have her that I want to show her off for all to see! 

Now, I don’t know about you but I got a candy striper vibe with the red and white stripes of this top (better than the carnival take my sister had on it) so as we were taking these pics she then starts singing the ‘candy shop’ song by 50 cent #bless Just keepin it real … and fun.

I paired this bold top with distressed jeans, yes they are maternity.  But you totally wouldn’t know it! Gals, it’s just too tight to button my regular jeans.  

I’m also obsessed with loafers! My poor feet just can’t strut in heels like they could in years past and they totally complement the menswear look.  My favorite color to wear is white and I carry light shades throughout all the seasons.

I’m glad to be back and hope you’ll pick back up reading along. 

I'm going to start a new series where Monday’s posts are going to be all about Mammahood but since I realize almost all of you aren’t belly buddies with me the fashion will stay on concepts that relate to all.

Striped Top  ||  Distressed Jeans  - Non-maternity  ||  White Loafers ||

Handbag & Similar ||

Dress Beautifully in Candy Stripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

And then there was 3 ...

Where have you been??

Well gals, I've been growing a baby!
Mr and I have been praying for a healthy baby for quite some time and we are beyond grateful to God for this great blessing!!

Despite our hopes it's still the greatest surprise when those dreams become reality.
I had just earned a new career position that I had been working very hard towards and knew its responsibilities and travel were going to have my plate full. But God knows better than we do and just 2 weeks after my first day I saw double lines on the test!

After the surprise, shock and joy came the struggle.  The struggle of 24/7 sickness.  I expected fatigue but the extreme nausea and throwing up around the clock (it will wake me up in a dead sleep) was something no one prepared me for.  My doc prescribed me medicine to help.  And while it has helped me endure I still find myself sick as a dog almost everyday.  Taking it isn't an option - it's a matter of survival. I find that no place nor time is off limits - I carry bags with me at all times.
And I'm so glad I have my own office so that I can shut the door when needed.

With all that said, beyond doing my best in the office everything else has been neglected.  I'm most grateful to Mr as he has picked up my slack, my gal pals for encouraging me and for my sweet sister who when over at our house cleans my room because I'm too sick and tired.

My focus has been taking care of myself and health.  I sleep, eat what I can (boiled noodles, potatoes and crackers mostly) and exercise as much as my body will let me.

So after taking the Summer off (unexpectedly) I'm coming back!

I miss writing to you gals! I miss sharing my outfits!

I'm going to be 20 weeks this Thursday, half way! and I'm having to accept that this sickness doesn't seem to be easing up any so I'm going to try and get back to the things I love.

When it comes to fashion these days I haven't been hitting the racks as I see no need to purchase when I know my body is inevitably going to expand. But no worries I'm staying up to speed on trends. And while a huge part of me wants to have a visible bump to show off I'm still not there yet.  I tell myself to embrace it as the time will come when I will be forced into maternity pieces.

Thank you for sticking around and having patience.  I have a ton of posts lined up!

I'm already learning that motherhood requires strength and that grace is more important than perfection!

Dress Beautifully When Growing a Baby!

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Lemons



TGIF! It's been a while since I've done a Friday 5 post ... let's not count how many Fridays!  I'm sorry gals, I want to say life has been busy but I truly despise the phrase "I'm busy". Like who isn't'??!!! I don't know anyone who just sits around bored.  And can we please not compare busyness? I've been hearing it for years "try balancing with kids" or "just wait til you have kids".

Ladies, kids or no kids one's responsibilities and commitments are no less significant.

I feel like I'm on a rant but we have to do better. I posted a quote on instagram this past Wednesday about lifting each other up; being a cheerleader not a competitor.

You don't have to have the same interests or schedules to support one another and take interest.  Embrace each other and the things in our lives that make us us.

Like this blog. I LOVE writing it. I love hustling at my job, exercising (don't even get me started on the various forms of working out and how everyone's gym or class is better - just sweat the way you want it's all about being strong & healthy!), teaching Sunday School, being on the VBS committee, holding a leadership/committee chair position in the Junior League, keeping up my home (not the cleaning the decorating), and most importantly loving my family.  Yes, just us two is a family!

Let's turn some negative lemons into lemonade ... or better yet limoncello! Cheers to the weekend!

How chic is citrus for Summer?!

If you know me in real life or have been reading along over the past 3 1/2 years you know I love lemons!  Every year my birthday cake is lemon.  My kitchen is decorated with lemon accents, I own a lemon dress, top and a gorgeous pendant necklace Mr gave me for my 31st birthday.

I'd have so much more but I must hold back.

Here are some lemon printed sundresses I've rounded up for you ...

Lemon Midi  ||  Blue and Yellow Lemon Print  ||  Off the Shoulder  ||

 Spaghetti Strap  ||  Navy Lemon  ||

Dress Beautifully in Lemons

XOXO Sarah Louise

Black & White with a Pop of Red

Gingham is just plain print goodness.  Simple boxes of contrast in a grid pattern.

And is there anything more classic than black and white with a pop of red?! Not in my wardrobe.

I did do something slightly unexpected.  Rather than pair with black shoes/sandals, I went with a cognac brown.  Still a neutral but not so matchy.

As far as the pop of red, now that’s completely overplayed but THIS BAG!!!!

Oh and I’m on the midi length bandwagon. AND I’m petite. So throw out the mindset you have to be tall and thin to rock a longer length! Key is to have a defined waist line, the higher the better and you will look longer, I promise.

Gingham Dress  -  Here & Here & Here  ||  Sandals  ||  Handbag  ||  

Dress Beautifully in a Gingham Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bells & Blues

This year it seems as Summer is not only the season for shorts but also for statement sleeves.  Whether is cold shoulder, one shoulder, off the shoulder, ruffled, embroidered, or belled embellished sleeve designs are trending hot. I’ve embraced all of these sleeve styles and I must say one shoulder is my favorite! 

I loved this top particularly for the blue embroidery and they sleeves were short enough not to hang over my hands - deal breaker! Also in a light fabric I'm not going to melt. 

Now shorts, from April through September are a functional staple down here in the South.  While I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else the heat can be miserable making shorts essential for keeping cool.  But I hate wearing shorts.  I love the look and style of them but my legs are my most least flattering feature.  It’s been a life long struggle.  I exercise daily including intense cardio, distant running and heavy lifting and while they have improved over the years due to my diligent workouts they will never look the way I’d like.  I remind myself every day how blessed I am to have a healthy strong body.  I was made in God’s image and for that I am grateful!

You won’t see shorts on this blog but maybe a couple times a year because I like to focus on classic pieces and since I'm a career gal professional dressing. Hence I don’t wear shorts on a high frequency basis but funny enough I do have over 10 pairs. Hey, I haven't changed size and like I said I opt for classic so they're always in style. They’re also all cotton in pretty colors and prints and must be 4-5” long.  Any shorter and I’m not coming out of the dressing room. Any longer and I feel frumpy. What I don’t have is a denim pair … until now.

Denim shorts take the challenge to a whole new level.  They tend to be thick and stiff, gap on the back waist band and super tight on my legs – gross!

I’ve always been on the hunt for a pair as it’s an American classic to wear a pair of cut off jean shorts in the Summer.  Mr has been begging me to wear them for years and I’ve been promising him that if I found a pair that fit comfortably I would.

Gals, I found them!  They are soft, distressed, higher waisted so no gap, long enough and roomie in the leg opening. I truly couldn’t’ believe the dressing room mirror!!!

Now all I need to do is where them in real life.  I have a date with Mr tomorrow night – not sure if they’re appropriate for an evening date but definitely for our next weekend afternoon together.

Bell Sleeve Top & Here  ||  Denim Shorts  ||  Wedges ||  Earrings  ||

Dress Beautifully in Bells Sleeves and Denim Shorts

XOXO Sarah Louise