Workout Wear

 Happy Monday gals! I exercise nearly every single day, therefore I wear workout clothes a lot and yet I rarely share about these necessities in my wardrobe. 

I focus primarily on function when it comes to these pieces as I do a lot of high intensity movements and I want lots of support and a very good snug fit that keeps me cool and moving easy. But I do still want them to look good too. 

Bathroom selfie b/c I felt silly taking a pic in the gym weight room

I don't have a big variety when it comes to my workout wear. I wear the same tops in many colors/prints, leggings, shorts and tennis skirts. Sports bras is where I do have a big mix. I buy them when I find one that can do the job and that's often at random retailers. 

Note: I ONLY wear workout clothing while actually exercising. Never ever outside the gym or running/walking. Never. 

Note: These pieces are an investment and one I value due to function and frequency of wear. I wash them on delicate and air dry!

Here are the pieces I workout in ...

Tank Top

I have this is so many colors! 

Very light & cool

I wear a size 0 or 2

Training Tank

This one is cropped so I size up to a 4 for length.

It's modern, cool and super easy to move in

High Rise Tight

these are the ONLY ones I wear

I wear a size 2 and can run, jump and do all the moves easily

Shorts

I wear these mostly in the summer for running & outdoor exercise

I size up to a 4 or 6

Skirt

I absolutely love wearing these in the warmer months

A very feminine look when being athletic

I like the longer length and size up to a 6

I wear this classic skirt too

High Impact Bra

I like this one for support & sizing

Socks

These are an investment but the only socks I wear

I have painful arthritic feet so these are necessary 

Running Shoe

I've been running in this shoe for 20 years!

It is the BEST

Exercise Shoe

I wear these at the gym and outside.

I do all forms of exercise in these.

Mat

I just upgraded my very very old mat to this one and love it.

I use a mat daily.

Dress Beautifully While You Exercise

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Celebration Tops

 TGIF! This week was a fun one! Vivian was out of school on Monday which just so happened to be a day that Ryan had off of work. We surprised her and went to a ranch where you drive around the property and can feed animals out of your car! We were also able to tour the property and feed/pet them.  It was a hoot of a time for us all! 

Today is also a big day as we are saying goodbye to puppy Trixie for 3 weeks while she is being trained by a professional. I've been so frustrated with the puppy phase but now that she's gone I find myself a tiny bit sad until I remember her crazy and I'm happy with our decision to better all of our lives.

My Top & Earrings

As I look at my calendar there are so many celebrations already filling it up! Birthdays, girls nights and events. A snazzy top is great option for these occasions. You can simply pair with jeans or trousers. 

Tip: I find a super skinny pants with heels is the most fun!

Here are some tops perfect to celebrate in ... 

Classic Peplum

also in black

Teal Peplum

Fitted Ruffle Shoulder

Simple but so chic in all black

Lace Sleeveless

also in pink

Red Puff Sleeve 

red is always a sassy shade

Sheer Sleeve Top

I have this in white

also in red & black

Shiny Color Block

this is a statement but I love it!

Shiny Sleeveless 

2 other colors

Pink Cut Out Lace

Sheer Bow Blouse

Dress Beautifully at Celebrations

XOXO Sarah Louise

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