May 11, 2020

Smile Style


Gals, I hope no matter your place I hope you had a very blessed Mother's Day.
I spent Saturday visiting my Mamma with Vivian for the first time in months and it mended my very broken heart from missing her.  And Sunday, I was privileged to teach my 'borrowed children' in our virtual Sunday school class, worship with online church service and spend the remainder of the day playing and having dinner outside.  I try and live al fresco! Grateful to my husband for celebrating me, especially after 2 overnight shifts at the hospital. 

Nothing makes my smile bigger than my family. As genuine as the happiness that makes it, is the lipstick that makes it so bright.  I always always have color on my lips. They are super small and pale so it really makes a difference on my appearance! While nudes and matte finishes are all the rage, I prefer saturated color and shine.

Even on days at home when I take a break from a full face of makeup, I have on lip color.  
It prevents me from completely scaring myself when I walk past mirrors 😳

So here are my go-to's for giving my smile style ...


Clockwise Left to Right:

1. Giorgio Armani Red- This is a creamy stain that's rich without being dry.  It lasts nearly all day and layers great under a glass if you want to add a little shine.  This is what I wear the most in my outfits pictures on this blog, evenings out and to church.

2. Tarte Lip Balm - I discovered this must have last Fall and it is indeed a MUST.  It is made of healthy ingredients and truly hydrates making my lips so soft.  The only thing that's not my favorite is that the color is extremely sheer. Most gals love this aspect but my lack luster pout needs all the pigment it can get. It is what I wear most at home and on top of my saturated lip colors.

3. Nars Satin Lipstick Pencil - This an long lasting pencil in saturated and vibrant colors. I like this one for something fun and different in the warmer months.  I will keep my eyes softer and more neutral when I wear it.

4. BareMinerals Lipstick - I wear this one in color Bloom during the day and second to my red lip color. It's a neutral but saturated with a hint of pink pigment.  It lasts all day and doesn't rub off on Vivian which is my favorite because I can't resist covering her with kisses!  I'm on my third stick I love it so much. 

5. Too Faced Lip Injection - I inherited this one from my sister. It will give your lips lots of tingle! I layer it on top of my lipsticks when I'm getting all gassed up.  It's a fun product and definitely worth trying if you have a petite pout like mine. 

6. Buxom Lip Cream - This one is a creamy gloss in a bright pink - 'Berry Blast'.  I love this thick colorful gloss for a softer pretty look during the day. 


7. BareMinerals Shimmer Lip Gloss - I've been wearing this one in color 'daredevil' for over 10 years. It's a berry color with a hint of sparkle. 

I'm clearly a creature of habit when it comes to my lip sticks but every now and then I do like to try new ones - this is one I want to try. 


Dress Your Smile Beautifully

XOXO Sarah-Louise

May 8, 2020

Friday Favorites: Summer Bags


TGIF! Gals, I can see Summer coming.  I don't know about where you live but besides being 'home' making it feel like Summer the temperatures are warming up enough to make you want to put on a swimsuit and take a refreshing dip. I told Ryan this week that since we don't know when (note: I refuse to say 'if' b/c I have a ton of hope) the pool will open we should get Vivian a kiddie pool for the backyard.  I resist all tacky outdoor toys but considering the circumstances I'm lowering my standards and living a little.

Another fun element of Summer is the casual resort-like dressing. The colors and fabrics are always cheerful and light.  A key element is a fun little handbag to go along.  Skip the structured heavy leather and put your essentials in a rattan, preferably cute shaped, bag and skip off to dinner al fresco with your favorites.

Here are some of my favorite bags for Summer ...




comes with scarf - 3 color options




On sale in a lighter color


removable leather crossbody strap



2 color options


Just in case I have a super wealthy reader :)


Circle Tote
more options all under $30


Small Canvas Tote


Seashell


Floral Scarf Bucket Bag


Cannage Basket



Dress Beautifully with a Summer Bag

XOXO Sarah-Louise

May 6, 2020

Geometric


A bit of a break from your usual florals can refresh your warm weather style.  The feminine and colorful nature of petal prints will always be a go-to smile maker. However, adding some contrast to such a softness keeps your looks from going stale and predictable.

A geometric design is a striking way to do just that! The lines of the pattern are sharp and crisp, and in this colorful dress design, a sure show stopper.

I saw this dress a few months ago but gracious it was a splurge.  It went on sale just in time for my recent birthday and was gifted to me by my mother-in-law.  It was such a treat!
The cotton is so light and the shorter flared skirt is so sassy.  You don't need much jewelry, practically any neutral handbag will compliment and you can make this look as casual or dressy as you like with sandals or heels.

Long sleeved short flared dresses are a strong trend this year. While I typically prefer sleeveless and longer hems I'm branching out of my comfort zone and embracing these proportions.

This dress gals is what I'll be wearing for my first night out with Ryan or my gal pals ... I'm not going to be picky on who goes first :)









Dress Beautifully in Geometrics

XOXO Sarah-Louise

May 4, 2020

Mamma Monday: Bubble of Happiness

Happy Monday! I hope you are facing this new week at home with a smile and plans to create joy.

I remember when I was first dating Ryan during those blissful moments wishing we could stay in 'our bubble' of just us two without having to return to the world.  We were long distance for the 4 years we dated, first 3 years of marriage by a plane flight and later by a nearly year long deployment overseas.  To say we value time together is an understatement! And now he works insane hours in the hospital with a majority of his shifts nights and weekends. Truly it is a challenge.


Time is something you can't buy, something we are all wishing we had more of and something that always flies by in the blink of an eye.

The world can trap us into an idea that happiness is having, going and doing all the things.
Lies!

Time spent with the ones you love right where you are is a priceless gift. I encourage you to put it all down, preferably go outside and be in a bubble of happiness.


Our state is lifting its stay at home order at the end of this week and while we won't be jumping back into the hustle I find myself in a bittersweet state.  It has been wonderful slowing down and despite loosing over half of our income (many tears shed and prayers said) it has been the greatest blessing in the world to have my whole family home.  That is my bubble of happiness.


Don't let things of this world pop your bubble, protect it with His loving arms.


Tips:  Put down your phone (with the exception of a must have photo op but share it later), hold hands, be outside for playing, reading, exercising and dining, talk, turn off electronics, and give thanks throughout the day for all you can do and all that you have!


Dress Beautifully in Your Bubble of Happiness 

XOXO Sarah-Louise

May 1, 2020

Friday Favorites: May Flowers


TGIF! And for all the April showers that brought us May flowers! Every stroll and run Vivian and I take she begs to pick the beautiful blooms we pass.  Most of the time I grant her her wish but when they are a part of someone's flower bed we have to hurry along and quickly find a dandelion/some sort of weed flower for her to hold. 

A floral outfit can really add cheer to your day just as a live bouquet.

Here are 15 floral tops that will make a pretty addition to your work wear or weekends if you pair with jeans or shorts ...












Pink Puff Sleeve Tee


Botanical


Metallic


Smocked


Yellow Smocked


Dress Beautifully in May Flowers

XOXO Sarah-Louise