Friday Favorites: Happy Prints

TGIF! Today is a big day. Today our puppy Trixie comes home after 3 weeks of training. I'm going to be honest and share that I'm very nervous. She was a gift to Ryan, as he has wanted her his entire life while I have not. I'm praying for a welcoming attitude and patience.

My Top

On an always happy note, bright colorful prints from brand Farm Rio are some of the prettiest! These designs are so fun to wear all year long. What I admire most about these pieces are the details. Each piece has texture and embellishment making them so unique. 

Truth: I've received compliments every single time I've worm a piece from Farm Rio.

 Here are my current favorites from Farm Rio ...

Green Maxi Skirt

long skirts are my favorite to wear all year long!

Blue Ruffle Hem Skirt

Garden Blouse

Heart Embroidered Blouse

Floral Midi Dress

I love the lavender mixed with darker colors

Black Printed Maxi Dress

I love the classic neutral on this fun print

Black & Blue Mini Dress

Pink Midi Dress

Tropical Maxi Dress

Last Summer

Dress Beautifully in Happy Prints

XOXO Sarah Louise

Flattering & Feminine for ALL

 

I believe that clothing should compliment and highlight the fabulous figure you already have. To me the two most flattering designs are a v-neckline and a wrap waist! 

Here's why: the v-neck elongates your face making your posture appear longer while the wrap waist cinches at the smallest part of your torso creating an hourglass shape.

Truly these two elements are a dress's best features!

Note: Wearing pieces that make you feel pretty creates confidence! Get dressed and go do it! 

I love the colors on this dress! They are bright and bold but balanced with neutrals throughout the print. The collar adds a touch a crispness, the cap sleeve gives just the right amount of shoulder to enhance the waist line even more and the ruffled hem provides you all the flounce to twirl however often your heart desires.

This dress is comfortable, cool and lively making it a great option for vacation, showers, or any other shindig you have this year. 

Add a denim or leather jacket to layer when it's not quite warm enough. 

Wrap Dress (also in black) - Metallic Platform Sandal

Similar Earrings

Dress Beautifully in a Flattering & 

Most of All Twirl Worthy Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Secret Valentine

Happy Monday! Valentine's Day is nearly a week away and I have to share that it's one of my favorites to celebrate. My Mamma always made it such a lovely day for us growing up with candy, flowers, outfits, jewelry etc... and I want to do the same for Vivian.

But she's not the only love in my life, in fact Ryan was first (but he doesn't give a rip about Valentine's Day) and I have my sisters, gal pals and my Mamma that now I can take a turn to gift. 

I'm going to share with you the BEST gift for Valentine's Day BUT it's a secret .....

Sidenote: Vivian loves to keep lots of secrets! She says she only wants her & I to know about where we go and what we do. It's pretty sweet but also a bit challenging when Daddy or her bff want to know about her day. I on the other hand am practically bursting to share with my gal pals the happenings of my days!

I saw this last week and it really really excited me!

Credit: @thelightblonde

THIS gals, is better than chocolates, flowers, jewelry or a card! 

I prayed over who this specific person should be and I've been intentionally lifting her up throughout my days. I've  even found myself grinning when I talk to her because I know of my secret prayers! I'm still praying for other loved ones but I'm finding this act of love very special.

I really want to do this every month of the year! How sweet would that be?!!

Dress Beautifully in Secret Prayer

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Preloved Handbags

TGIF! I'm tickled pink it's February! January seemed like a very long month and I love all the sweetness that comes with Valentine's Day.  My Mamma always make Valentine's Day so special for us. 

Handbags also have a very special place my closet. I have an affinity for fine leather goods but gracious they also come with a fine price tag. 

I have an equal mix of new and new to me handbags and I adore and wear them all the same.

I find that shopping preloved in handbags (along with lots of other things) is a very savvy practice. You know that phrase 'They don't make them like the used to' well that doesn't just apply to cars and houses. I find it true for handbags, clothing etc .... Age can be a great thing when it come to quality with more hands on craftsmanship. 

Here are my tips for shopping preloved handbags:

Knowledge
    Research the item (in person if possible) to know what size & design elements you prefer

    You Tube is great for educating yourself on the details.

    Understand authentic identifiers - serial numbers, stitching, design etc ...

Shop Validated Retailers

    When investing you want to make sure the item is authenticated and as presented

    Retailers like The Real Real - Ebay - Rebag - FashionPhile - Keeks all ensure products are authentic

    Local consignment shops are also a great place to shop & it's in person!

Patience

    You often have to wait a long time for just the right item to become available. - I wanted a Lady Dior bag for over 10 years and finally came across this one that was just right!

Negotiate 

    You can often negotiate with sellers (I did on this bag and settled on several hundred less than the asking price). 

    Be sure to do so politely and reasonably - knowing current market price along with condition and age helps. 

Note: In case you are selling your own designer bag it is beneficial to have all paperwork and receipts!

I encourage you to explore preloved handbags 

and even other items for a new to you treat at a sweet price!

Dress Beautifully in Preloved

XOXO Sarah Louise

Jumpin Jumpin

I love a good jumpsuit! The head to toe cohesive design creates a long line and also plenty of opportunity for style. This one already has modern elements with the puff sleeves, subtle splatter on the denim wash for distressing, sleek front with covered buttons and straight leg pant.

This jumpsuit has ample structure in the denim fabric but with comfortable details in the shape. 

To personalize with style I added my favorite statement belt!

Other options would be a belt that maybe isn't this large but it does need to be of substance to complement the proportions and density of the jumpsuit.

A vest, scarf or statement jewelry are all great options for adding print, texture and shine to this number.

Jumpsuit - Similar Option & Here - Here 

Dress Beautifully in a Denim Jumpsuit

XOXO Sarah Louise