Apr 15, 2020

Vibrant


This dress was love at first 'online' sight for it's bright and striking colors. It was winter when it debuted and I was full of energy for a fun and easy dress to wear under the sun.

The print was unique and had an exotic vibe like something you'd see on worldly travels. Clearly that's only happening in our dreams these days. But just because we aren't somewhere far away doesn't mean we can't dress like it. And when we dress for an occasion we feel like we're actually there and that my friends is worth the effort.

While the tiered swing style in a crisp poplin cotton makes this dress easy breezy in a very casual way, the ruffles along the neck and shoulder elevate it to add a touch of sophistication. When informal & formal elements collide it creates a very versatile piece that can be transformed across a multitude of affairs.
It's all up to the details of your styling.  For a dressy event choose heels, shiny jewelry and carry a small handbag like a clutch. For everyday wear, a flat sandal and crossbody bag will have you cute and comfortable.
Plus there's pockets!  Those are universally awesome.

I always, always evaluate the ability of a piece to be adaptable before purchasing.  It's important when investing in your wardrobe that your pieces add value and that means getting worn and in a variety of ways. This dress was a splurge of a gift and I plan to make good on it!








Dress Beautifully in a Vibrant Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Apr 14, 2020

Tuesday Transformation: Bye Bye Blinds - Hello Roman Shades

Last Tuesday I started this series on updates we've done to our home that are fairly quick and easy as we await the big renovations.  I believe this is important for many reasons.  Everyone wants the magazine pretty/HGTV home reveal but in reality that takes time, resources and so much money.
There's also endless design options available so it takes a great deal of searching and deliberation when deciding on finishes. I have stacks of magazines and several inspiration boards on Pinterest with examples of things I like.

We're focused on the downstairs as it's where we spend most of our time, needs the most shine and is shared with others. Thank goodness the  majority of the upstairs has been renovated recently. 
The bones and character are outstanding in our mid-century colonial (that's why we bought it) but it needed some fine touches.  The hardwoods, one of a kind moldings and large scaled layout are all details throughout that they just don't make anymore.


Windows are impactful features from the inside and out of a home.  How you dress them is equally as impactful. Our downstairs windows and doors were covered in blinds.  I detest blinds, so they had to go. Most of the blinds that were removed in the back portion of our home on the French doors and windows I'm not replacing as the unobstructed light is stunning!


Before ... Bye Bye Blinds

Blinds have been the standard window fixture for function and form for decades and while they do in fact block light and provide privacy, they're not for me. Made of plastic they appear cheap and collect dust. I prefer upscale fabrics. One of the things I miss greatly from our previous home was the beautiful custom plantation shudders.  I'd love to have them in this home however they are a significant investment and I'm not sure they would be a best fit for function and the design plan I have for our current home.


Super Easy to Install

I chose roman shades to replace the blinds and gracious what a beautiful difference!
I started in the formal living room as it's in the front of our home and where we spend a majority of our time.  The rug is a family heirloom and the foundation for the entire color palette of the downstairs and because it has such an elaborate print I needed to keep the shades simple.


Ta-Da!
I love that you can adjust the coverage of the shades

I take window treatments seriously and almost always prefer custom creations.  This can be pricey as  I would have chosen a printed fabric with trim but in this case I was able to save money opting for a solid shade with a neutral trim therefore no need to go custom. 
They balance the room with a clean and complementary look. They also darken and provide privacy but in a prettier way!

Note: Donate your blinds - while not my favorite aesthetically, they serve a very helpful function.


Every morning I wait to open the windows with Vivian so that she can look out and watch for puppy dogs to pass on their morning walks.


The morning light is so much prettier - but it's always been fun with this gal



Dress Your Windows Beautifully with Roman Shades

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Apr 13, 2020

Mamma Monday: Priceless Art

They say that art is personal and that when choosing art for your space it should speak to you. 
One of the things I looked forward to most in motherhood was the art work Vivian would make for us.  I remember how fun it was creating pretty presents for my Mamma - give me ALL the glitter! And sure enough when Vivian brought home her first masterpiece from preschool I melted. Literally, I teared up. Bless my Mamma heart. 

So when there was a discussion at my MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group about filtering and storing your children’s artwork I was a bit puzzled. My Mamma kept it all! She had a box for each of us.  At least that’s what I thought. After hearing their input I realized she probably did toss the scribble pieces through the years and kept the best of the bunch. 


Her first finger painting July 2019

And since she’s been in school for nearly a year I’ve created quite the pile that I’ve found myself sifting through. Gifting is a great way to share the joy! Grandparents, and the ladies at church proudly display her work on their refrigerators. 

As much as I love the art I’m not enthusiastic about the mess so I’ve left that fun with her teachers who are so creative and patient.  I also didn’t own any crafty supplies whatsoever … until now. Her school has set out an art supply cart outside every week for parents so that we can have resources at home. Sigh and this is how I came to do art at home.


Painting for Easter

Turns out it’s not so bad, but we aren’t allowed to use anything pigmented inside. 
This picnic table my Mamma got her is amazing for art.
There’s no glitter and my creative skills are lacking but it brings her great joy and it colors my world.

Rather than spend lots of money on art work by famously talented artists I’ve chosen to showcase the artists that are near and dear to me amongst my family and friends.
I prefer framing them as it’s a more polished presentation but you can also clip pieces on a string in a playroom, hang them on the refrigerator or pin them on a bulletin board. Personally I don’t like the cluttered look it gives so I store her pieces in a bin.

My Mamma is an oil painter and her sister/my aunt is also an artist.  I cherish the works they've made and hope to have more of their art in my home.

Here are some pieces I proudly display throughout our home …


This piece, created by my nephew at around age 5 is in our master bedroom.


This is a water color of the first home we ever lived in together on a military base.
A fellow Navy wife and dear friend created it for me as a going away gift. 
I am in process of having a water color done of our previous home and current home.


This one is so special. My Mamma painted it when she was in middle school I believe.
It has some tears and wrinkles but it's fabulous!
We both love to dress up and always have our hair and makeup done.
It is fittingly displayed in our guest bathroom. 


This painting was done by my youngest sister. It was part of an assignment in an high school art class to recreate a segment of Van Gogh's painting 'Sunflowers' and she chose a unique color palette that's perfect for Vivian's nursery. 


This cross painting was done by a dear friend and shop owner where she shares some of her creations.


This one is just precious and perfect for her nursery. I love her tiny hand and foot prints in colors that match her room. She made this in preschool and I'll treasure it forever.
Gracious I'm grateful for her teachers and miss them so!
I shared how I framed her heirloom dresses and displayed them in her room on this post.

Dress Your Home Beautifully in Priceless Art

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Apr 10, 2020

Friday Favorites: Blue & White Motif

Good Friday blessings to you! May we remember, we are saved not by what we do but by what Christ has done. 
It is finished!

Spend today and this Easter weekend enjoying the blessings God has generously given you. Soak up the joy with the people you do have around you to help diminish the sadness of missing those you can not see. Gracious, I'm heartbroken to not be worshiping in our church, hugging on my Mamma and watching Vivian hunt eggs with her cousins. But praise for technology that allows us to video and love that knows no distance


On a colorful note, I love a blue and white motif.  I mean, I live in it as it's the design palette of our home. It's a cool and calm contrasting pairing and it's something Ryan and I both agree on. He's a UNC Chapel Hill alum so Carolina blue is his favorite.

There something refreshing and very classic about blue and white.  It's truly my favorite combination!

Here are several beautiful blue and white pieces I'm loving ... 





























I shared this Jumpsuit (still available) on this post last year

Dress Beautifully in Blue and White

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Apr 8, 2020

Party Piece


While having a party might not be how we'd describe our days of late, this month does hold a lot to celebrate, including my birthday (37!) And my most favorite day of the entire year, Easter Sunday.
That's a whole lot of blessings!

Personally, I don't feel a day over 27 - is it delusional to say I look just as young??

I want to have fun and party a little, or a lot, this month - even on this blog. I've added sharing our home updates on Tuesdays and for the fashion segments its all about party pieces!

I fill a majority of my closet with classic pieces but I believe you should sprinkle fun ones in too.
Isn't this party top so much fun?!! I mean, it's hard not to smile just looking at it.
Wearing it on the other hand equals so much sass.

With Winter behind me I was wanting some happy looks but as I was searching I found that a lot of party pieces were so unique they'd be a one time wear, showed too much skin and just plain unrealistic.

I loved this one because it's uniqueness wasn't too outrageous and pairing options were versatile to carry it through multiple occasions. Think shorts or jeans for a night out and a skirt for church.

Note: It has a very low neckline but I was easily able to pin it.

I encourage you to add some fun to your closet this season, even if you have to wear it on a backyard date night.









Polka Dot Bow Top | Black Pants | Pumps & Here | Sunglasses |

Dress Beautifully in a Party Piece

XOXO Sarah-Louise