Minis

 It sounds a bit backwards to talk about mini skirts in the colder months but in rich textures paired with tights and boots I find them very stylish. 

Note: I'm uneasy wearing hem lines above the knee - however I'm working on squashing that insecurity! 

HOUNDSTOOTH TWEED MINI SKIRT

Tweed mini skirts create a classy look with a slight retro vibe. Think Jackie O. & Barbie. 

Houndstooth is timeless & traditional and especially in a contrasting black & white is very sharp - for these reasons it's always been one of my favorite patterns.

FAUX LEATHER WRAP MINI SKIRT

A faux leather skirt is a modern option for a mini skirt.  I particularly love the faux wrap design of this one as it's flattering. Pair with blouses, sweaters, colors and fun prints. 

Style Tip: Jewelry & layers (vest, jackets, scarf) add the finishing touches.

Pretty Mini Skirts ...

FAUX SUEDE

DENIM

PATCH POCKET

also in black

Dress Beautifully in a Mini Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Morning Routine

Good Morning! You can't see me, hear me or experience my energy but just know I'm wide awake. Since high school I've been waking up around 5am.  I don't use an alarm but rather pop out of bed enthusiastically for the day... 100% morning bird! 

I'm often asked what I do in these dark quiet hours so today I'm sharing with you what I do each morning from 5-7am.

5:00 -5:20

I start by coming downstairs and reading God's Word. I don't just flip it open at random but use a study with questions.  Currently I'm in a ladies bible study on Ruth. I have this one in my cart. 

I truly believe starting the day with God prepares our hearts with gratitude, patience and endurance for the day. I encourage you to go beyond a quote of the day or devotional and use a study with questions to create more intention and growth. 

5:20-5:45

I then move on to chores. Unloading the dishwasher occurs nearly every day but other chores may include folding a load of laundry, cleaning the floors, watering plants, polishing furniture - whatever can be done to tidy our home in the quiet. 

5:45-6:00

At this point I'm very hungry! I've been eating the exact same breakfast for over 15 years. 

FIRST, I make coffee! I grind 1/4 cup of beans to 2 cups of water. We use Black Rifle Coffee and highly recommend auto shipment. 

I then cook 2 eggs over medium with a sprinkle of cracked black pepper and toast 1 piece of Ezekiel bread with a light dusting of butter.

6:00 - 6:15

I wait until I've been up for an hour before opening my phone or computer to check email and social media. 

6:15

I recently added this 20-30 minute face mask to my morning routine. It's amazing!

Now I sip the piping hot black coffee!!!

6:15-6:50

I spend this time writing blog posts or working my job.  I'm my most creative and sharp in the morning which makes for writing that's genuine.  I've always found it efficient to complete work tasks prior to actual business hours so that there is room in the day for responses and tasks. 

 

I consult my planner and create/modify the day & week's to-do list so that I can be organized. 

My list making is a bit over the top but it makes me happy and accomplished! 

6:50 - 7:00

I quietly go up stairs to wash my face, brush my teeth and get dressed for the gym.

Vivian will be waking up in the next several minutes and I'm now ready to focus on getting her prepared for school. We leave around 7:30 and then I'm off to exercise.

Note: I'm insistent on making the bed immediately upon waking up however Ryan comes home from the hospital most days between midnight and 6am so I must wait until he's up.

I highly recommend this tidy task to set your day up for success!

Dress Beautifully in a Morning Routine

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Silver

TGIF! Silver has caught my eye this season. The shine adds a modern and interesting element to outfits that I'm excited to incorporate. 

My Moto Jacket

Shiny Silver pieces ...

Pleated Midi Skirt

Top

Column Midi Skirt

Cropped Wide Leg Pants

  

Mini Satchel

Glam Tee

Denim Mini Skirt

Belt

A-Line Midi Skirt

Loafers

Booties

Puffer Vest

Blazer

Shearling Jacket

Dress Beautifully in Silver

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pearl Sweater

 It's finally sweater weather! The mornings and evenings have had a refreshing chill and I couldn't be more excited. (I'm focusing on these times of day because the afternoons are still borderline hot!)

PEARL CABLE CROPPED SWEATER

While you want to keep warm, a little ladylike knit will also add pretty, especially with pearls. I like this one for the dramatic sleeve, embellished neckline and modern cropped length.

Style Tip: If cropped doesn't suit your fancy - layer on top of a dress or jumpsuit!

PEARL IVORY SHORT SLEEVE

PEARL HEART SWEATER

GRAY PEARL SWEATER

PEARL SLEEVE

Dress Beautifully in a Pearl Sweater

XOXO Sarah Louise

Before You Speak ...

 Growing up my Mamma would always say to us "Stop, and think before you speak". 

The older I get the more I appreciate the significance of what she was trying to teach us. 

Gals, I'm here to tell you that words hurt!!! Think of them like toothpaste once they're out of the tube you can't take it back!! I know for me there's so much I wish I never said and so much I wish I never heard.

We MUST be careful with our words.

What if before we shared words with one another we asked ourselves are they ...

TRUE

GOOD

USEFUL

I find this very convicting and am working hard to change the conversations I have with others!

We can look pretty on the outside but no outfit can cover up ugly gossip #facts

Dress Your Words Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise