Dress Beautifully

Nov 12, 2019

Service Call

Good Tuesday Morning Gals! Pushing hard to see the good today. Woke up to cold and lots of rain, had to jump start my sister's car (go me!) and now I'm sitting in the dealership getting 4 new tires right before Christmas UGH
But hey I'm pretty stinkin proud and grateful I was able to help my sister, have the means to unexpectedly afford new tires and there is preschool to take care of sweet Vivian so I can manage solo.

I didn't share a 'Mamma Monday' post yesterday because my bestie from college came to visit for the long weekend and we were soaking up all the fun with her! It was a long weekend for the best reason, Veteran's Day!

Welcoming him home from deployment in the Middle East

BEST. DAY. EVER.!!!!!

I find that it's easy to go about our lives exercising our freedoms and forgetting that our safety comes at a price. I encourage you to take time and give gratitude to those that help provide these things like our military service members, law enforcement, and fire fighters.

While those fields aren't for everyone I believe that everyone is called to serve. Most importantly we are called to serve our loving God NOT ourselves which is completely counter cultural.
Our nature is to strive to satisfy ourselves rather than others.
But God created you in His image with the purpose of glorifying Him, loving Him and others.

We all have our to-dos, agendas and things that bring us joy. But I promise serving others with bring you great reward.

Serving looks different for everyone. Ryan loved serving in the military and now in medicine. It's also his love language so I often receive acts that include a clean car, house chores and a delicious meal (all things I struggle to do well). I love serving as a Sunday school teacher, volunteer in the Junior League and even through this blog because serving one another through encouraging relationships (or lifting one up via a great outfit) is valuable.

I know others that serve in a variety of nonprofits and also some that just love on others through child care, a meal or even an ear to listen in fellowship!

Acts of love and kindness are the greatest forms of service and gracious do they glorify God.
Get creative and serve using the skills and abilities you have. AND don't forget to teach your children to do the same :)

Dress Beautifully with a Loving Heart While Serving

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Nov 8, 2019

Friday Favorites: Winter Weather

TGIF! Happy Friday gals! I must admit I didn't have the best of attitudes coming into this week because Vivian didn't have school Thursday due to a teacher work day but like almost all things I get anxious about it turned into a blessing and a play date with her cousin. Nothing gets my panties in a bunch like a change in my plans or schedule (I can literally hear God laughing).
Oh and I found out I need all new tires asap UGH.
But on a jolly note several of Vivian's Christmas & birthday gifts were ordered and have arrived.

I'll talk gifts next week ... sigh ... I'm just NOT ready for all the holiday hustle.

And before I forget, because I already have the past several weeks, here are some current sales to take advantage of.... and they're GOOD

1. J Crew - 40% off
2. Ann Taylor - 50% off
3. Madewell - 25% off sweaters & shoes
4. Banana Republic - 40% off
5. Loft - 40% off
6. Sephora - up to 20% off

Today I want to share some beautiful winter finds ....

Faux Leather Sheath Dress
A chic and edgy take on the LBD

Faux Leather Pants
These are a much better option than skinny leg since the fabric isn't as forgiving

Winter White Dress

Gracious I can't get enough white in my wardrobe

Sweater Dress
Adore this pink color - comes in several others

Velvet Blazer
A soft and warm option to the classic piece - I'm loving the lavender

Bobble Cardigan Sweater
I have this one and it's super cozy. I wear it buttoned up since I'm not a cardigan gal

Tiger Sweater
Something other than leopard and snake to shake up your animal prints

Puff Sleeve Sweater
I wore this today with these jeans.

Cable Knit Sweater
Give me all the purple! Comes in other colors

Pink Pants
I have these and DYING to wear them!

Herringbone Coat
Love the texture and neck on this coat

Velvet Pants
Like the faux leather I believe a wider leg is more flattering in these fabrics.

Corduroy Maxi Skirt
Obsessed with this skirt! It would be amazing for Holiday events and even Christmas card photos.

Sequin Blouse
I NEED a party to go to so I can have this blouse!!!!!

Puff Sleeve Sweater
A bargain that doesn't look or feel like it.
This sweater was a casualty of a #targetrun

Lip Stick Set
I have this one and adore all 5!

Dress Beautifully in Winter Weather

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Nov 6, 2019

Bright Booties

Since I prefer lighter color palettes in my wardrobe I offset the season's darker pieces with light accessories. White booties are all the rage in doing just that! I love these for their shorter heel, soft leather and wider opening at the ankle.

Note: These are actually an off-white color. I encourage you to go with more of an ivory white over stark white.

Floral pieces shouldn't go dormant in the Fall and Winter months. In darker and more subdued hues they are a way of keeping your looks lively and pretty. I shared another darker floral dress a couple weeks ago here on this post.

Smocking is showing up on blouses and dresses everywhere. It adds a fitted element giving shape to garments made of light weight fabric like this one in silk.

I know that some of you are rule followers, I raise my hand with you, and wearing 'white shoes' after Labor Day is an offense. But like I just shared they are off-white (or ivory or winter white or cream ... pick one). Personally I thrive under rules but when it comes to fashion I feel like these days every gal is skirting them. Except for wearing white to a wedding - NEVER EVER do that!

My rule to never be broken is to always dress beautifully, like a lady with modesty.

Floral Midi Dress & Here & Here | White Booties | Crossbody Bag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Pair of Bright Booties

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Nov 4, 2019

Mamma Monday: Practical Wardrobe

Happy Monday Mammas! I hope you had a fun weekend. Our was simple and sweet. We enjoyed our Halloween take 2 Friday night with a neighborhood party and I had a dinner with some gal pals. On Saturday we went to story time, shopped, had a delicious sushi (my favorite) lunch with a previous work colleague and a fun trip to the park. I decided to keep Vivian up an hour later that night to adjust her to the time change ... it failed! She was up an hour early, but we had a ball dancing to Moana. Sunday we worshiped together and her Daddy was able to make it before his next shift.

Confession: Gracious Ryan is so handsome on Sunday mornings! I always see him in his workout clothes running to the gym or scrubs. But he goes ALL out for church, nice dress shirts, tie, silk pocket square, sport coat, fun socks and always shined shoes. #bestillmyheart

Now that I'm a Mamma I've dialed down my dressing just a bit. I'm still very polished but with a touch of comfy.
I want to share with you some pieces that are utilitarian and functional for Mamma Life.
NO, that does NOT mean leggings!

Sidenote: This was a huge discussion/lots of laughs at a recent dinner with some gals from MOPS. I strongly believe that leggings are NOT pants and that the only way to wear them is with your derriere covered! It created a lot of curiosity and giggles when they realized I literally chill in my home wearing jeans. Gym clothes are ONLY for sweating!
They've all decided they're wearing leggings to our gathering this Friday LOL

Here are some pieces that are casual and comfortable but can hold up to the often messy and high speed activities that go along with chasing littles.

Basic Tees

They're light, easy to layer and prints hide stains!

Sherpa Cowl Neck

Heart Sweatshirt

Jogger Pants

Light and Comfortable but are a pant.

I love these and pair with sneakers or sandals

Distressed Boyfriend Jeans

Easy to move in and any destruction blends in.

Vest

I love these because I can move my arms easily and don't get too hot chasing her around.

I also run in the cold in this.

You can top off a sweater and jeans too.

Fleece Jacket

Cozy for staying warm, easy to wash and soft for snuggling

Hair Ties

I love these for holding my mane back without messing up my curls or style with a big crease. And if Vivian decided she wants to pull it out there's no harm.

Dress Beautifully and Practical

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Nov 1, 2019

Friday Favorites: Pretty Little Purses

Happy Friday Gals! I hope that you had a spooky good Halloween.
We had major storms here so our neighborhood like most in Charlotte has decided to move the festivities to tomorrow. Although, once the storms passed I had quite a few treaters.

But this little lady was the cutest of them all!!!

We dressed her up in the afternoon and she had a ball playing outside in her costume.
I'm so happy she loves playing dress up already. #likemotherlikedaughter

Today I want to talk handbags. Are you one of those gals that has one 'workhorse' bag that you use every. single. day.? Personally, I change my bag several times a week - it all depends on what I'm wearing and doing.

I feel as though most gals tend to fall into the 'one bag fits all' category. Meaning a bag that's bigger, in a neutral color such as black or brown, and they have everything but the kitchen sink in it for everyday use.

Personally, I only have 1 tote and 2 other bags that are larger but those have top handles so I carry them on my elbow. I'm petite so I find bigger bags cumbersome and honesty I don't carry very much at all. So I most often carry medium bags that are colorful and ladylike.

Here's what you'll find in my handbag:

A very small wallet with my cards

Keys - can't get anywhere without them

Snack

Lipsticks

Ink Pen - Constantly making lists & there's a notepad that lives in my car

Phone - not pictured b/c I used it to take this pic

I completely understand the utilitarianism of a tote for the Monday-Friday hustle but I encourage you to consider a pretty little bag for lunches, nights out and church.

Here are some pretty little bags that I think would be a darling addition to your wardrobe ...