Dress Beautifully

Mar 27, 2018

Statement Sleeves

It seams like a majority of tops (and dresses) these days all have statement sleeves and for a gal that prefers sleeveless I find my self a bit frustrated. You can go overboard designers.

It's not that statement sleeves aren't pretty, I just find them overwhelming and in the way. I also have petite arms so not always a good fit.

This top hit the mark for fit and embracing the trending statement sleeve. I actually purchased it when I was still pregnant with baby girl as a potential top for her newborn pictures.
The top is made of a heavier off-white fabric so it lays nicely without being see through. The sleeves work because the 2 layers of ruffles start at the elbow leaving the upper arm slim and end far above the wrist as to not be in the way.

I paired it with these frayed crop jeans and velvet heels for a more casual/night out look. Because that's what I have on my mind being cooped up with a baby all day! When I'm back at work a skirt or trousers will pair perfectly.

Note: I wore this top to church this past Sunday with a pink skirt and the sleeves were never in my way. Meaning I managed to not dip them in my plate during Sunday supper because again length was just right!

I always like to add some print somewhere in my outfits and animal is my first choice most of the time so I chose this snake bag. Subtle and neutral.

Statement Sleeve Top || Crop Frayed Jeans || Velvet Heels || Snake Handbag ||

Earrings || Initial Necklace ||

Dress Beautifully in a Statement Sleeve Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mar 22, 2018

Embroidered

Embroidery is an embellishment that is trending across all categories of garments: tops, dresses, jackets, even jeans. I prefer embroidery for added detail over beading. It adds color and dimension in a soft intricate way. I also feel that done in vibrant colors in a floral pattern is very worldly looking.

I kept my shoe neutral in a strappy heel but a pair of flat sandals would look great too and give this look a more casual vibe.

I decided to go with a red bag and pull from color within the dress.

Embroidered Dress || Heels || Earrings || Necklace || Handbag & Similar ||

Dress Beautifully in an Embroidered Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mar 20, 2018

Bottles of Bubbles

Happy first day of Spring! While the weather isn't as bright as I'd like I'm still excited about warmer temps to come. Baby girl and I love to go outside for our daily strolls and soak up the fresh air.

Before #momlife I would use such occasion to have a glass of bubbles, my favorite spirit. I mean bubbles don't really require an occasion but if having a reason makes you feel better then go ahead and pop bottles.

Since sleep deprivation prevents me from pouring a glass I will celebrate in the next cutest way in this champagne printed blouse.

I saw it and had to have it! It spoke my language with those soft pink bottles.

As did the rest of this outfit. I mean these pink suede pumps with the silver block heel. Just Yes.
Dressy enough for the office and comfortable enough for the weekend.

Everyone has a favorite symbol or object that represents their favorites. Mine would be lemons, champagne or magnolias for example. Most recently the color lavender since I've decided that's Vivian Louise's color. I know a gal who loves flamingos and pineapples (shout out Emily).

When you find things that speak to your favorites you have to have them.

That's what I told myself b/c this blouse was a bit pricey. But it would have haunted me if I didn't bring it home.

Champagne Blouse || Jeans || Pink Suede Pumps || Handbag || Earrings ||

Dress Beautifully in a Blouse with Bubbles

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mar 19, 2018

Mamma Monday: Magic Beauty

Now that I'm a Mamma my time is not my own - Vivian Louise clearly rules over my schedule however I'm working so hard to create a routine that creates pockets of time while she sleeps for productivity and that allows us both to get a good night sleep. Read the book BabyWise (it's taken us much longer since she was a preemie but I'm seeing progress!)

Since time is limited I do not primp to the full extent that I used to. Also being on maternity leave I don't have to be dolled up every day. But, gals it's not my style to be in yoga pants with my hair in a bun all day. It makes me feel good to spruce up, even just a little every day.

So these days I have mini primp sessions.
Confession: sometimes they don't happen til mid morning ... ok at the latest early afternoon. I have to get my work out in first.

My beauty products have to be high performers because the lack of sleep has a high impact. So I want to share with you products that have 'magic' abilities to make me feel and look beautiful despite the absence of beauty sleep.

Under Eye Concealer: Like I said, MAGIC! Just a tiny amount and my green eyes are bright and wide awake. This tube will last you forever.

Nail Polish: I can't stand for my nails to be naked. I like them short and filed (long nails gross me out). I try and use the time while I'm pumping to paint them. My favorite polish color is 'Clambake' by Essie. I'm pretty sure this is my 4th bottle.

Dry Shampoo: My whole life I've never washed my hair but every few days. It's incredibly thick, dry and naturally wavy so there's no need. And who has time to blow dry and style a lion mane more than that?? I use this dry shampoo on days 3 & 4. Beyond that I wear a hat! It smells so good and truly refreshes my mane.

Mascara: I've been wearing this mascara for at least 9 years. I have super pale eyelashes so with out it my eyes look very odd. It makes the world of difference.

Brow Powder: Along with my eyelashes my eyebrows are very pale (red hair problems) and thin. Brows really frame the face so by filling them in you add great definition. I've been using this product for several years now. It's a cream powder that I feather into my own brows with a brush. It's also the only one I've found that matches my red hair.

Liquid Lipstick: This is more like a stain. It's creamy and intense on color so it will last all day long. I put it on very lightly and use gloss on top throughout the day. My lips are small so it helps to add strong color.

While I'm not putting on a full face on the daily, these few products make a huge difference.
And for the days that my face is all natural there's camera filters :) haha

Dress Beautifully with a Mini Primp Session

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mar 15, 2018

Tie Up Top

After a very cold first half of the week I'm beyond excited for temps in the 60's this afternoon. I'm craving Spring soooo bad! Being cooped up with a newborn makes it worse. I can't take her out for our strolls when its cold and we both delight in sunshine and outside time. Now that I'm back in the gym and seeing the return of my figure I'm itching to get into lighter and brighter clothes.

Tie front tops remind me of the 60's and are trending this season. This one in particular I love because it's in a gingham print (classic) and not only does it have interest in the tie front, it also has buttons down the back - forgot to take a pic of that. It's light weight to wear as a tee for a causal look but also appropriate for work if paired with trousers or a skirt.

Black and white combo is timeless and sharp. A very clean palette. For an extra summer and on trend look, I paired it with these comfy white wide leg jeans. I bought them last season. They're super comfy. The trick for wide leg crop pants to not overwhelm you with volume, especially if your petite like me, is for a high waist design and a shorter or tucked in top. Also consider a shoe with a heel for elevation.

I added just a hint of color with these blush slides.
I plan to pair these jeans with a sassy top & high heel for date night.

Add a twist to your basic top or tee with a tie front!