Friday 5: Date Night

This TGIF came a whole lot faster – can I get an Amen for short work weeks?!!!

Memorial Day weekend was a blast!  Mr and I were together as we visited Beaufort and my sweet gal pal’s shop Beaufort Linen Co. (they’re both a favorite!), followed by two days on Wrightsville Beach with 2 of my gal pals from college.  It was straight up good company and lots of laughs – Can we rewind?!

This weekend is going to be equally as fun.  I’ve got Mr here in the QC and plans with our friends. Oh and it’s the last weekend before I run a half marathon with two of my gals – Not sure if I’ve shared with you how hard we’ve been training over the past couple of months, let’s just say we’ve sweat a lot!!!

One of the best parts about weekends are the date nights.  Mr and I have been long distance for 8 ½ of the 10 years we’ve been together so it hasn’t been easy to make them happen (especially during his most recent deployment in the Middle East) but it makes them all the more special when we do get to escape the world  and just be with each other.

Almost all of our date nights involve dressing up.  We both Love it!! It makes me feel special and it’s just too sad to leave those fancier pieces abandoned in your closet.   

Don’t get me wrong I love a good pizza and movie night in with lots of popcorn snuggled on the couch, but something about stepping out on the town all gussied up creates more sparks!

We have a date night planned for Saturday night, and after my 11 mile run that morning I’ve decided I’m treating myself with bubbles and definitely dessert!!!

So for my Friday 5 this week, it’s all about the date night …

The Dress

First you need a pretty dress, one that makes you feel hot.  If you feel it you look it! I’m obsessed with this dark teal dress.  The spaghetti straps show just enough skin, and the luster and drape of the fabric make it elegant. And having snazzy dresses on hand is important not just for date nights but for weddings, fundraisers, and various other soirees or special occasions throughout the year.  It should be classy and skim the body so that you can enjoy your meal and spirits and perhaps even a little dancing without being constrained.

The Heels

You also need a pair of heels.  No work pumps – you strut in those all week. I’m talking a fun pair of strappy heels.  Do not wear something that rubs, pinches or hurts in any way – that just makes for a unpleasant evening.  I scored this studded pair at the Nordstom Half Yearly Sale this week – you must shop this sale! It’s one of my favorites for bringing home fabulous pieces.  Note: I will be wearing them Saturday night.

Jewelry

Make your accessories a statement.  Shine and sparkle are the way to go, but focus on one piece – too much and you look gaudy!  For my baubles, I’ll either opt for chandelier earrings or a bold bracelet and I always wear a big cocktail ring! It’s a bit ridiculous on my micro mini hands but they go perfectly with a tall glass of champagne!

The Bag

Go small with a clutch or baguette.  This shoulder/cross-body bag has been on my wish list for a couple of years – I’m keeping the faith it will happen sooner rather than later J

Perfume

It’s sooo important!  I’ve been wearing this classic scent since high school – I refuse to do the math on how many years that it.  I prefer stronger scents so definitely the Eau de Parfum.  I can’t speak for all men but I know Mr loves my perfume. 

Emerald Dress: Banana Republic || Studded Heels: Nordstrom || Bag: Louis Vuitton || 

Earrings: Banana Republic || Perfume: Chanel || 

Dress Beautifully for Date Night

XOXO Sarah Louise

Denim Dance

Combining the Classics with the Current is the way to Chic.  As a gal in her 30’s I want to look both timeless and modern. 

Denim is forever, while the off-the-shoulder neckline is a something that may drift in and out of popularity.

This denim number with its ruffles literally made me shimmy in the dressing room.  It’s of lighter weight and in a swing shape keeps you cool and gives lots of movement.  Ok it may make you want to twirl too!

I scored this designer dress at my local Marshalls for a steal compared to its msrp.  Let me touch on this, personally I love shopping at Marshalls and Homegoods.  I find unique home décor as well as clothing for great prices.  Living in Charlotte I find my local stores offer high end labels from time to time, but it’s a game of luck catching your size and pieces you like.  A lot of my gal pals find these stores overwhelming and too time consuming to shop.  Eh it’s all about your personal preference.  But in case you didn’t know, you can shop online!

I paired this dress with neutral wedges but a pair of gladiator sandals, perhaps a fedora and a cross body and you’re easy breezy casual for any weekend shenanigans you find yourself getting into.  Add a pop of color in your accessories such as a jewelry or a neck scarf.

I’ve linked several denim off the shoulder dresses below … 

Denim Dress: AG - Similar - Here - Here - Here & Here || Wedges: Clarks || 

Dress Beautifully in a Denim Off the Shoulder Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Louise

I consider myself lucky to have a ‘double’ name.  Louise is a hand-me-down name from my great grandma, grandma and Mamma.  I’m the 4^th so it means a lot to carry it on. I was also born in the early 80’s where Sarah was on the popular list so it helped to distinguish. Louise isn’t so common, but I love it! Oh and it means ‘Beautiful’ J

So imagine my twinkle when I discovered the shoe line ‘Louise Et Cie’.  Finally my not-so-common double name was famous!  AND the shoes,  A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.!!!

I’m not what most would consider a big shoe person.  I like classic and comfortable.  Compared to most gals my shoe inventory reflects quality over quantity  Salvatore will always be my first shoe love but Louise Et Cie is high on my list of favorites.

These shoes are so well made!  The designs are traditional with a modern twist so they’re sure to last over the changing trends.  One of the defining aspects of this shoe line is that there are plenty of mid height heels.  Personally, I prefer mid heels on my painful feet.  Flats aren’t always comfortable or dressy enough and high heels just plain hurt! I also find that a mid heel height is not only more wearable but very classy.  And I’m keepin it classy everyday!

Remember those pink heeled sandals from this Friday 5 post … I couldn’t resist and ordered them! The brown box was waiting for me when I returned from Memorial Day at the beach. 

I’ve rounded up some of the beautiful shoes from the current Louise Et Cie line for you.

I shop them at Nordstrom, Dillards and Louise Et Cie.

PS.  In case you didn’t know she’s the wife of designer Vince Camuto.

P.S.S. I really want to meet her!

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Dress Beautifully in Louise Et Cie Shoes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Marigold

Marigolds are small scented flowers that bloom annually in a golden orange yellow color.  Their bright saturated color is so unique that it’s responsible for the color’s name.  It truly is golden orange yellow because it’s equal parts all 3.  It’s rich which is why I love it so!  And because I love things that can’t quite fit into the ‘box’. 

I find that gals are weary of wearing orange and yellow, hence Marigold is just right. 

My favorite pairings are navy, plum, burgundy and forest green for darker looks, and Carolina blue, lavender and pink for lighter looks.

Like I’ve shared with you here & here, Gingham is the print of the season.  So this top with its sash tied in a sweet bow is perfection!

I went with a lighter neutral palette and styled this top with ivory trousers, perfect for the office.  But how cute would it be with white jeans or shorts?!!  Think about going outside the neutral box and choose a complimentary color from my list above, I’m thinking baby pink shorts will be my pick for this weekend. 

Gingham Bow Top || Ivory Trousers || Sandals || 

Find more Marigold options Here.

Dress Beautifully in Marigold

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Memorial Day

TGIF!!!! … the excitement never fades!

It’s another edition of my Friday 5 favorites.  This one is all about what I’ll be wearing this Memorial Day weekend.  This year is special because I rarely get to spend it with Mr and it’s our first long weekend in the 2 months he’s been back from deployment! Cheers to that!

We will be spending it on the coast of NC with our dear friends.  Our goal was ‘toes in the sand’ and our ‘buns in the sun’ but the weather has a different plan #BOO L  But we won’t let rain ruin our party. My bikini is packed and I’m keepin the faith for some sunshine!

This look is what I typically wear on Saturday’s running errands, brunching with my gal pals or just chillin at home.

Distressed jeans, tank top, sandals and a baseball hat (essential when it’s day 4, or let’s be real 5, of not washing my hair).

Side Note: Distressed jeans are just the best! They’re soft and already broken in.  Something about those ripped up holes make me feel super cool – Mr “Whatever you need to tell yourself”  Bless him, I AM cool! J

Also, tank tops are not all created equal.  It must conceal ALL of my bra straps, not be too clingy and not too loose that I look like a sac either.  These tanks in linen are the perfect balance of softness and shape.

Since it’s summer, I ditch the blues and am almost exclusively wearing white denim.  I found these distressed boyfriends a few days ago and am thoroughly excited to wear them this weekend.  They have just the right about of rips, loose but not too big of a fit, and super soft fabric. 

The tote.  It’s a must in your handbag inventory.  Currently I’m a fraud.  I don’t have one. I want one but I’m having commitment issues! My elbow bags have been great over the years but I need variety. I’m finding them a bit cumbersome when I’m shopping or traveling.  A tote is a NEED!  But how do I chose?  It’s basically coming down to price. I have so many designer bags on my wish list that a compromise is going to have to happen.  Stay tuned.

This tote is on my list of options and the price is right!

This hat is my #1 go-to for hats.  The needlepoint flag says it all. Check out Smathers and Branson’s other needlepoint items including belts and gifts for the menfolk.  

Tip:  Opt for darker ball caps, they hide the inevitable make up stains from your forehead.  Oh and it’s a given for your  ball caps to have the hole for your pony tail.

Whatever you’re doing this Memorial Day weekend, whether it’s vacationing, grilling out, partying with friends or just relaxing at home, please take time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, for our country and freedom!  It’s a strong reminder of just how grateful I am that Mr returned home safely to me!

Flag Hat  -  Tank  -  Distressed White Jeans  -  Sandals  -  Tote 

Dress Beautifully this Memorial Day Weekend

XOXO Sarah Louise