Uniform of Honor

Today is ‘National Military Spouse Appreciation Day’. So I'm sharing a different type of dressing, one that's like no other.

 I never thought I’d be married to a US Naval Officer, but here I am proud and honored!

When we started dating 10 years ago, pause for ‘wow moment’, Mr was pursuing a career in medicine and I admired his heart for service and helping others.  But that passion went deeper.  He comes from a family of military service, father, both grandfathers and 3 uncles.  There is over 100 years of service combined!  So, you could say it’s in his blood. As we prepared for our wedding day nearly 6 years ago, we both prayed and came to the decision to join the US Navy where he would serve as a medical officer following the completion of his education.

I was so scared!  I honestly had no idea what that meant.  After leaving my career, my home in Charlotte, my friends and family, I believed my life was over.  Instead, I received the greatest blessing of my life, the privilege of being a military wife!

The sacrifice these service members and their families make for our freedom and protection is selfless, admirable and priceless.

I can also say with great passion and love that it’s the bond among us military wives that’s equally as invaluable!  My military gal pals are my sisters for life.  We support and encourage one another unconditionally.  They will have my heart forever! My gratitude is endless!!

While this isn’t an ‘outfit’ post I ask that you take a moment to recognize those in uniform and their families.  The camouflage, medals and boots represents much more than a job, it’s a symbol of strength, pride and honor!

Every once in a while, we need some encouragement to get through times of great challenge.

Here are some quotes that inspired & helped me through the tough times as a Navy Wife…

·         I’m the girl who waits months for a single kiss. A kiss that make the months apart worth every second

·         I may not be able to fill their shoes but I will always support our troops

·         She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way (and it surely has not), she adjusted her sails -Elizabeth Edwards

·         No matter how far you go, no matter where you go, my heart is always with you

·         No matter how expensive the pillow is it could never be as comfortable as my husband’s shoulder

·         I’ll hold you in my heart until I can hold you in my arms.

·         I won’t give up on us, God knows I’m tough enough, We’ve got a lot to learn, God knows we’re worth it – Jason Mraz

·         I’ll Be Waiting. Every. Single. Time.

·         You are my favorite hello and my hardest goodbye

·         A successful marriage involves falling in love with the same person, many times.

·         The worst part is waiting. The best part is having someone worth waiting for.

·         You’re worth every mile between us

·         A strong woman is one who is able to smile like she wasn’t crying last night.

·         I refuse to sink

·         I keep myself busy with things to do but every time I pause, I still think of you.

·         I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy, I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it

·         Don’t judge that I’m one of the few girls strong enough to live this life. Don’t judge because I’m one of the few girls willing to make sacrifices to love a man half-way around the world. Respect me for giving love and support to a man fighting for our freedom.

·         One day we will won’t have to say goodbye, only goodnight

·         “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

·         Distance between two hearts is not an obstacle but a beautiful reminder of how strong our love can be

·         I believe in the immeasurable power of love; that true love can and endure any circumstance or reach across any distance

·         Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

·         He risks his life for people he doesn’t even know, Imagine what he’ll do for me

·         Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and love him always

·         With you, I’m home.

Dressed Beautifully in Honor, are the Men & Women Who Serve!

XOXO Sarah Louise

All American

In case you missed my earlier post on Gingham, or live under a rock you should be aware that this print of large checked squares is Hot Hot Hot on the scene. 

It has that All American, Summer picnic vibe.   And after that visual how could you not want to go outside and enjoy a sandwich and cold lemonade?!!

In my Southern family, July 4^th was celebrated with lots of enthusiasm.  Living in a free country with the abundant privileges that we have, is something to always be grateful for.  Just watch the news, we are blessed! 

When I think of America I think of a home, family, hamburgers & hotdogs, backyards and simple happiness. And of course the colors red, white and blue.

Personally, those stars and stripes mean everything to me and Mr.  He serves this country as a US Navy medical officer and his father , both grandfathers and all his uncles served our country in the military. Over 100 years in combined service!!  His recent deployment although extremely hard, made me very proud of our sacrifice in protecting what we value most, our home, the USA!

I embraced the ‘American’ vibes styling this gingham top in the classic red, white & blue colors.

When it comes to white jeans "The Struggle is Real".  They're not very forgiving.  If constructed too stretchy and thin it can do a disservice to your lower body.   I'm very happy to see that straight and wide leg jeans are coming back.  Don't get me wrong I LOVE my skinnies but a looser cut on white jeans is much more favorable.

I’ll definitely be wearing this look a lot this summer J

Gingham Top: Anthropologie - Similar & Here - Here - Here & Here ||
White Straight Jeans: Loft || Red Sandals: Tory Burch ||
 Earrings: Similar || Sunglasses: Kate Spade || 

Dress Beautifully in Red White & Blue Gingham

XOXO Sarah Louise

May Flowers

April Showers Bring May Flowers! 

It was a rainy weekend and rather than being inconvenienced by the mess I find myself very happy when the clouds water my plants.  I’ve been working so hard on our yard for 7 months, which is a big deal because I have black thumbs but our landscaping was just dated, overgrown and needed an overhaul.  Taking out bushes, trees and what felt like miles of ivy was an amazing and very rewarding stress reliever while Mr was deployed.  And as a bonus, it was a killer workout and improved my upper body strength.  You’d think after several months of labor it’d be ‘Southern Living Magazine’ ready but sadly it’s still a long work in progress.

With the help of my Mamma – a certified botanist in my book, I planted all new bushes and flowers in our beds and on corners last month.   It’s funny, I never really cared or appreciated plants like I do now.  I’ve worked so hard to keep them alive that I am now invested and want them to flourish.  I’ve even filled my sunroom and just about every other room in our house with plants.  Watching them grow seriously brings me joy! #winning

I’ve never been one to have fresh bouquets of flowers in our home and Mr knows I prefer hand written notes over chocolate and blooms.  I mean fresh flowers die & chocolate isn’t good for my figure.

Note: I often give potted plants when meeting a new neighbor or for a hostess.  They’re a gift that you can foster and enjoy for extended time.

What I do love, is floral prints.  I prefer my fabrics and my prints to be natural because there is nothing more beautiful than God’s own creations.  So bring on the animal spots & stripes and all the pretty plants.

Wearing floral prints brings life to your look.  The colors just make you smile and think of warm sunny days.

Printed pants aren’t a staple or foundation piece but you can’t be boring and strut solely in solids.  

Now, I’m not one to draw attention to my lower body/legs but prints are very camouflaging while making a statement.

These irises are just beautiful! Of all the pretty petals out there magnolias and irises are my favs! I even found a single iris plant growing beside our house last week.  Talk about finding treasure!

I scored these pants at Nordstrom rack but I’ve linked lots of pretty options for you below.

I paired them with a navy racer back top and cognac leather belt for a bit of casual and a pump to add polish.  Mix it up gals!

And as for pairing options, the sky’s the limit.  You have lots of colors to choose from and if you’re extra adventures double up with another print like stripes or polka dots J

Sprinkle some statement pieces into your wardrobe and start with a pair of floral pants! 

Floral Pants: Tory Burch - Similar & Here & Here & Here & Here || Tank: J Crew || 

Pumps: Tory Burch || Belt: Madewell || Earrings: Kendra Scott || 

Dress Beautifully in Floral Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise

Goddess

I'm definitely a dress gal.  They're feminine, comfortable and easier to fit.  Dresses make me feel pretty and like myself.  Ladies, if your clothes aren't doing that for you it's time to evaluate your wardrobe!

One of my favorite things about Spring and Summer fashion, besides the return of bright white and linen fabric, is maxi dresses.  They make me feel long and tall (which is a big deal).  Maxi dresses while commonly casual manage to make me feel like i'm dressed for a special occasion.  When I think full length dresses, I imagine weddings and fundraisers. But design a full length frock in cotton and you're bringing the fancy to the weekend.

Personally I get a little anxious when I think about short season as my legs aren't my favorite.  So when I'm having those days where I feel like being covered, maxi dress to the rescue!
And what's even more fun, is that their easy breezy design is perfect for a little twirling!

Oh and gals, go ahead and invest in hemming.  Your legs don't need to be elongated with heels (no one can see them) so treat your self to comfortable flat sandals.
Note: I'm 5'2" and did not have to hem this dress and it's not petite.

I added a wide leather woven belt to break up the solid color and add texture. I adore woven belts because you can adjust their size.

Maxi Dress: Banana Republic || Sandals: Tory Burch || Belt: Michael Kors || 

Earrings: Kendra Scott || 

More Maxi Dresses: Here & Here

Dress Beautifully in a Maxi Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Summer Crisp

The crisp white shirt is not only my favorite, it's the quintessential piece for the making of a fabulous wardrobe.

For so many reasons I'm obsessed with this classic and timeless piece.  It's crisp and polished with it's structured collar and cuffs, it's cool and comfortable in cotton and refreshing with it's flattering seams and brightening white color.

The crisp white shirt pairs with everything! It's a clean slate and has the ability to wake up a tired look. Because white is vulnerable to stains/blemishes I believe in having several.

I hate to state the obvious but gals ironing is nonnegotiable.  Now popping the collar, while chic can sometimes be too bold for some, for me personally, it's a standard in styling.  And if you're really feeling adventures add a monogram on the cuff or cuff links.  I have my own collection of cuff links, it may be a borrowed accessory from the menfolk but it's also a sophisticated way to showcase your personality.

Southern Summers are HOT HOT HOT! And crisp cotton is key to surviving the heat.

I've rounded up some crisp cotton pieces to keep you polished and cool ...

Popover Short Sleeve Shirt - Stripe - Oxford Blue ||  Cotton Shirtdress ||

Note: I have these popover shirts in multiple colors - more is more!

Also: the large sleeve opening is slimming on the arm :)

Sleeveless - Short Sleeve - Long Sleeve || Classic Blue ||  Trapeze Shirt ||

Tie Waist Dress || Sleeveless A-Line || Shirt dress ||  Utility || 

Dress Beautifully in a Crisp Cotton

XOXO Sarah Louise