The Jackie

Jackie O. made a profound impact on fashion, making the designs she wore truly timeless! 

I accredit the little tweed dress to her. She wore it beautifully making it an iconic piece for all ladies of all ages. 

MY DRESS

It's beautiful all on its own but has endless opportunities for personal style.

Dress it up with heels or down with sandals.

Make it modern with statement jewelry and layered textures like leather or denim.

Here are some beautiful tweed dresses ...

TWEED SHORT SLEEVE DRESS

comes in TEN colors

LOONG SLEEVE TWEED DRESS

3 color options 

but this yellow is my fav!

Dress Beautifully in a Little Tweed Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pursuit of Cooking

I've been keeping a BIG secret! At the start of 2023 I made a goal that I stuck with the entire 12 months.

I cooked!

BACKSTORY

Food is only important to me in a nutritious and functional way to feul my organs & muscles. I do not have much concern for taste and find all aspects of preparing a meal a torturous chore.

For my husband food is VERY important to him in a tasty and enjoyable way. He truly appreciates a delicious hot meal and a variety of them.

I've known this since I met him 17 years ago as it's a priority in his family. I'm utterly embarrassed to share that I dismissed something so valuable to him because it wasn't to me.

I made a heartfelt decision to cook several times a week beyond raw fruits, veggies, salads and sheet-pan dinners (the extent of my creations for decades).

WHERE I STARTED 

I committed! Commitment is essential to success. I had to recommit myself each and every time I set out to prepare a meal with reminders of who & why I'm serving. 

Searching for recipes and guidance was a bit daunting. I find Pinterest to be the best resource although IG has inspired me some.  To accommodate my nutritional requirements (I avoid all processed foods, dairy, sugar & need high protein) I searched these key words: Whole 30, Easy, Simple & Paleo.

WHAT I LEARNED

I like greek food and I prefer making my own salad dressings.

Ultimately, giving selflessly out of love for someone else is the greatest gift/act I can do. Serving my family a cooked meal is a big sacrifice for me on a lot of levels (meal selection, shopping, preparing, and cleaning ...) BUT the joy and love it brings them is above and beyond worth it.

WHAT CHANGED

I still have the same feelings about cooking, painful and unnecessary, which is disappointing. However, I now have a more positive attitude about it and am more confident being hospitable with others now that I'm a bit more competent.

FUTURE 

Now that I've accomplished cooking for an entire year I want to refine my efforts with efficiency. I'm going to start meal planning so that I can save time by consolidating shopping trips and align the process with our schedules to create ease. 

I encourage you to explore serving others in your goals and know that it's ok to share selectively (not everything is for everyone to know!).

Dress Beautifully Pursuing Your Goals

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Trendy Tops & Jeans

 TGIF! I like my closet full of classics but I also like to sprinkle in trendy pieces. This keeps my outfits interesting and modern. 

I believe the trick for embracing new trends is choosing ones that YOU like, not that others. I also think you shouldn't go to an extreme design as you might not wear very often and maybe even wait a season to see if it lasts.

Statement tops are fun! I know I want to wear something unique when I head out with friends or to an event. It doesn't have to be a one time wear, pair with jeans casually and a skirt for dressy occasions.

Barrel jeans are so cool looking.  I have athletic legs and like the idea of a wider cut.  I found a pair that wasn't as exaggerated and very comfortable.

Here are some trendy pieces to explore adding to your closet ...

CROCHET WAVE SWEATER

 BURGUNDY RUFFLE BLOUSE

FEATHER TRIM SHIRT

also in white and black 

FRINGE SWEATER

LIGHT BARREL JEANS

I'm wearing these

PATCH POCKET CUFFED JEANS

SAILOR WIDE LEG JEANS

Dress Beautifully in Trendy Pieces

XOXO Sarah Louise

Dressing in Sunshine

 Yesterday was a very stormy day here. Thank goodness we didn't have any damage or power loss but it did look like I could canoe through the yards in our neighborhood. 

Today, the sunshine after the storm was such a delight and reminder of so much good.

You can add sunshine to your outfits and quite literally brighten your day with a rich golden yellow.

I whole heartedly believe in the power of dressing. It builds confidence and wearing this bright color, how could you not be happy?!!

I have loved jackets for my entire adult life, particularly lady jackets in a very structured short design. It fits my frame and is very feminine.

I paired this wool jacket with an animal printed short skirt and tights. 

I kept the rest of my outfit neutral but I find French blue, lavender and pinks are all pretty pairing options.

Tip:  I like to contrast saturated colors with pastels.

If you wanted to be more casual, add jeans with your jacket. Lights wash or a wide leg trouser cut are chic options.

YELLOW DRESS - YELLOW BLOUSE

Dress Beautifully in Sunshine Yellow

XOXO Sarah Louise

This is Eleven

It's hard to believe that this is the 11th year I'm sharing on this space. I take time each January and reflect, asking myself the questions:

Why do I create? 

Is this space fulfilling its purpose? 

Does this still fit for my life?

I find it's important with any investment that you take stock and ensure it's the right fit for you and to explore changes that may need to be made because nothing stays the same in life!

When I started, I was encouraged by friends and colleagues to share my outfits as the unique way I paired colors and pieces together as a young professional was intriguing. At the time I was 30 years old working in the corporate world. I focused on professional, feminine styling. 

Since then my circumstances have changed several times.  Now, I work from home part time and my focus has shifted to a well rounded idea that dressing beautifully starts on the inside and touches so many aspects of life.

I share encouraging posts to dress your heart and interactions with others beautifully.

Fact: true beauty starts on the inside!

I share outfits in hopes they'll inspire you to create a look that showcases YOU and builds confidence, allowing you to shine your light brighter to the world.

I share trends & concepts that open your style up to trying new things.

I even share spaces in my home to inspire dressing your rooms with beautiful things.

Note: What this space is NOT is one that persuades you to purchase more/new. I link current options as a resource but find it essential for your style to be authentically yours and that can often be created using pieces you already own!

I pray more than anything, I share the love of Jesus through this space so that you are assured in the wonderful, beautiful lady God made you to be!

Dress Beautifully in Your Talents 

XOXO Sarah Louise