Category Archives: Fashion

Jan22

It’s In The Bag: Antik Kraft Saddlebag Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Antik Kraft Saddlebag Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of It’s In The Bag! I so loved going on a TJMaxx trip with my mom and had grand plans for my Christmas gift cards. 1) A skin care restock. 2) A new piece of Valentine’s Day clothing. 3) A new pair of black skinnies. And 4) A new purse if the gift card could cover it. I am pleased to report that I achieved all of these goals with EXACT CHANGE. Peep this girl math… The amount left over for me to pay was $18.01. As luck would have it, the cash in my purse totaled to eighteen dollars and lots of change for good measure. It was freaking awesome and I just had to share. ANYWHO, let’s take a look at this bag, baby!

I haven’t bought a purse for myself since 2019. Yes, you read that right – seven years of no new purses. However, I never felt the need to buy more because I have so many and always prefer to spend my moolah on clothes and shoes. My tune definitely changed in the past few months, though! During the fall, TJMaxx had a gorgeous black purse that was embossed with skulls. I was obsessed but couldn’t justify the eighty dollar price tag. So, I waited for it to go on sale but someone with great taste snatched it up in the meantime. As much as I wanted it, it was no harm no foul and I vowed to eventually find a purse at a price point I was more comfortable with. I sure did with this little number by Antik Kraft for thirty-five dollars! That was much more like it. 😀

When I made my first round through the purse department, I noticed the same bag by Antik Kraft in a rich camel hue. It was pretty, but I am an All Black Everything girl through and through and thought to myself how much better it would be if it were black lol. As luck would have it, black was the other color option available and it was perfect. The saddlebag shape is just so cool and I do not have a purse in my collection that even remotely mimics that style. The oversized stitching on the strap is everything and the size of the purse in general is ideal. It’s big enough to hold all of my belongings without being so big that I can’t find anything. Despite this purse’s simplicity, it still manages to invoke an edgy vibe and it just had to come home with me. I swapped purses as soon as I got home and feel like a star with it slung over my shoulder!

Although I never ended up with the skull adorned bag of my dreams, this Antik Kraft saddlebag will do just fine. Even better, actually, because the price was right!

How often do you swap out your purses? What is your favorite accessory to shop for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan20

Very Truly Yours Valentine’s Day Sweater

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Very Truly Yours Valentine’s Day Sweater

Hello! I have a nice long break between shifts on Tuesdays. During that time, I like to read or work on the computer. If I have nothing to do, I use that time to shop because I am right in a plaza with a TJMaxx. It’s a gift. Speaking of gifts, my mom joined me this past Tuesday on a shopping trip and we had the best time! I had Christmas gift cards and TJMaxx rewards burning a hole in my pocket and I planned on restocking the skin care I needed and purchasing treats for myself with the remainder. I did exactly that and ended up with this gorgeous little number for Valentine’s Day by Very Truly Yours. Check it out:

As soon as we walked into TJs, this sweater was the first thing I saw and it was love at first sight. It is just the sweetest! The baby pink color, the argyle style diamonds, white embroidered hearts, and heart buttons put me in Valentine’s Day heaven. This sweater fits snugly without being tight, is soft as can be, and literally gave me heart eyes! Although V-Day is a while away, I plan on busting it out this weekend as Johnny and I are going on a date to Playhouse Square to see Stereophonic. Hey, it’s never too early to give some Valentine’s Day OOTD inspo on the ol’ blog!

Even before trying this sweater on, visions of what I could wear with it swirled through my head at a rapid pace. What I decided on is a Bratz doll inspired look that I am so excited for all of you to see. I’m thinking a white pleated mini skirt, thigh high tights, and a funky pair of pink platforms. Bratz doll style is all about girly clothes with a sassy twist and I hate to toot my own horn but I think this outfit is going to fit that to the T. Keep it posted on lifewithlilred for a review of the show and exclusive OOTD pics. Can’t wait? Follow me on TikTok for an early peek at an outfit video coming soon. ❤

I had such a fabulous time shopping with my mom and had a great haul to boot. Lots more fashion fun is on the way!

What is a perfect Valentine’s Day date for you? Were you a Barbie or Bratz girl? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan19

Hail Yourself OOTD

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Hail Yourself OOTD

Hi! Johnny took last Friday off which was great! The bunnies got to stay out and play all day and it gave us time to knock out a quick OOTD shoot before I left for work. Normally, we save that for Saturday but it was SO hard going back to work after holiday time off that we had no intention of moving once the day was out. I am pleased to report that we made good on that goal! The look you are about to see is ultra casual as I was bopping around town for work but I still loved it just the same. Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Cropped Sweater: Johnny got this for me from the Last Podcast on the Left website

Star Skinny Jeans: Kut From The Kloth, TJMaxx

Wedge Boots: Jennifer Lopez, Kohl’s

The earrings were a Christmas gift from my blogging bestie!

This past Friday was a balmy fifty degree day so I started building this outfit in the sweater department of my wardrobe as that’s all I needed to be comfortable. From there, my eyes landed on the Last Podcast on the Left cropped sweater that my main squeeze got me. Johnny is an avid fan of that podcast and treated himself to a bit of their merch as well as a little something for me too. It was so sweet and this sweater rules! I am all about the sentiment, that oversized neckline, and the pentagram elbow patches. Way cool!

After my top was selected, I moved on down to the jeans department and went with a pair of star patterned skinnies by Kut From The Kloth. I knew I was going to sport an All Black Everything ensemble so that gave the opportunity to have some fun with a bold pattern. Also, the stars on the pants nod to the pentagrams on the sweater which I didn’t even notice until now lol. Hey, that worked out well. 😀

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For my shoes, I picked a pair of hidden wedge boots by Jennifer Lopez as they were relatively plain minus the stud details. These shoes are ten years old, were purchased for four dollars, and I just can’t part with them. They are SO comfy while providing extra height and are just right for trudging around in the lousy winter weather. Last but not least, I popped on a gorgeous pair of sword earrings gifted to me by my bestie. These earrings also feature a dangling burnt orange gem which was a perfect match to the lettering on the sweater. With that, it was off to work!

It is very rare for me to do my makeup or wear something other than skinnies and a hoodie to work. As simple as this look was, it definitely felt like I was spruced up!

What do you usually wear for work? How long does it take you to get ready for work? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan15

Christmas OOTD Pt. 3

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Christmas OOTD Pt. 3

Hello everyone and welcome to my last Christmas OOTD! Better late than never, amiright?! This holiday season was magical, to say the least. However, this weird January limbo leaves a lot to be desired! Every day feels like a month long Monday and I never know what time it is because it always looks like five in the afternoon. Winter has been cool and all but I am so ready for spring now! Before the ol’ blog shifts to warmer days ahead, let’s take a look at this blast from the past half a month ago lol:

Who? What? Wear?

Step Brothers T-Shirt: Spirit Christmas

Christmas Tree Skirt: Spirit Christmas

Bedazzled Fishnets: Urban Outfitters

Heels: Bamboo, TJMaxx

The earrings were a gift from my mother-in-law!

When I visited Spirit Christmas for the first time, I couldn’t believe my good fortune. I walked away with the fabulous tree skirt and a silly sweater vest. Most importantly, though, I purchased the festive Step Brothers holiday t-shirt. For those of you who don’t know, Step Brothers is one of my all time favorite movies. I could not even put a number on how many times I have watched it but at this point I think it’s safe to say I have the flick fully memorized. I just love Dale and Brennan and nothing says “season’s greetings” more than a shirt with them on it. My family shares in my passion for comedy gold and I know they appreciated this top during our Christmas celebration too!

I couldn’t let Christmas pass by without wearing my tree skirt one more time so that was the move for this outfit. And, although the skirt was paired with the gemstone tights already, I just couldn’t help myself but wear them again. They just add to the sparkly brightness of Christmas Day and both pieces were a huge hit with my nieces and nephew. The littles couldn’t get over the disco ball ornaments, pops of bling bling, and shiny tinsel. In fact, my nephew told me I looked like a “very fancy woman” and it was the best compliment ever. 🙂

To wrap up this look, I went for a darling pair of red heeled boots by Bamboo. These boot babies are great for any season but that gorgeous red just screams Christmas! I think Mrs. Claus should get a pair so we can twin but I am assuming she would prefer something more sensible at Santa’s Workshop. The last order of business was popping on a pair of pretty silver earrings from my mother-in-law and I was ready to enjoy the holiday with my nearest and dearest. ❤

Sayonara, Christmas and see you soon, spring. Here’s to dethawing, glorious sunshine, and spring flowers!

How has your 2026 been going? Has January felt like it has been dragging for you too? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan11

Christmas OOTD Pt. 2

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Christmas OOTD Pt. 2

Hello!! My Christmas OOTDs are a dollar and several days short but that’s okay. 1) It gives an extra incentive for all of you to follow me on TikTok for immediate OOTD content. *Shameless plug* And 2) I had so many fantastic holiday hauls that definitely took first dibs. The look you are about to see was from when we celebrated with Johnny’s family on Christmas Day. An OOTD that answers the question of “What do you wear when it’s fifty degrees on Christmas?” Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Feliz Navidad Sweater: Walmart

Skirt: Kyodan, TJMaxx

Heels: Reaction By Kenneth Cole, TJMaxx

Frilly Socks: ModCloth

The headband and chain earrings are both from Target, I think!

A balmy fifty degree day on Christmas was honestly confusing lol. What do you wear on a winter holiday that feels like spring?! Rather than be too warm or too cool, I decided to combine the two seasons for a look that kept me comfortable during the heat wave while serving up a dose of festive fun. To start, I chose my favorite and only Christmas sweater from Walmart. Johnny and I got this years ago when we went to a friend’s Christmas party and I just freaking love it. Those bright colors completely pop and this twenty buck purchase has served me well for many a Christmas Day.

Next on the agenda was what to wear on the bottom. After a cold spell, the weather turned into spring. Like a true Midwestern gal from Akron, Ohio that means it’s time to break out the short shorts. Or a skirt! Trust me, no matter how cold it is here there are always tons of people in shorts so I knew I was in good company with my devil may care comrades. For my skirt I went with an adorable tennis skirt by Kyodan that has a pair of shorts built in. The pleats are oh so sweet, I never had to worry about a wardrobe malfunction thanks to the shorts, and the ventilation was definitely needed. We were all burning up!

The last order of business was shoes and accessories. To keep my leg line long and unbroken, I selected my pair of darling red heels by Kenneth Cole and slipped those on with a pair of frilly ankle socks. I am all about a frilly sock and they add such a touch of girly cuteness to each look. For accessories, I went with a pair of gold chain earrings and popped on a headband too. The burnt amber gems of the headband went perfectly with the rest of the look and I never say no to more bling bling. With that, I was ready to step into the sun and enjoy a beautiful holiday. ❤

Was it Christmas or Easter in this look? Who’s to say? This was a healthy combo of the two but when you’re in the Midwest, you just make it work!

What are the seasons like in your neck of the woods? Do you have a favorite holiday sweater? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan6

Christmas OOTD Pt. 1

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Christmas OOTD Pt. 1

Hi! If you follow me on TikTok, you were able to see my Christmas OOTDs in real time. If not, let’s take a look at them in blog time AKA several weeks later lol. I had three festive fits to break out and I was so excited to wear them all – even if it was just for the sake of taking pictures. That was very much the case for the outfit you are about to see. We didn’t have an adult holiday party to attend and I couldn’t have imagined wearing this ensemble to visit our parents! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Ho Ho Ho Sweater Vest: Spirit Christmas

Tree Skirt: Spirit Christmas

Bedazzled Fishnets: Urban Outfitters

Red Heels: Reaction By Kenneth Cole, TJMaxx

Hoop Earrings: Argentino Vivo, TJMaxx

I had a blast visiting Spirit Christmas before the big celebration and was hoping to find a cute elf or Mrs. Claus costume to wear. Instead, I walked away with a Step Brothers T-shirt, a sweater vest that put me on the naughty list, and a tree inspired skirt. Now, during a normal shopping trip I am looking for pieces that can be worn for several seasons rather than one day of the year. However, I just couldn’t say no to the Santa’s Favorite Ho sweater and a skirt that looked like I had stolen Christmas!

This OOTD was part naughty, part nice, but oh so much fun and I WILL find an event to wear it to next year, damnit. That cheeky sweater vest with the make you blush saying paired so perfectly with my tinsel skirt adorned with red and silver ornaments. It was like a sassy version of Santa’s elves and I got to do it Lil Red’s way as opposed to a store bought costume. The sweater vest may or may not have been a for the sake of content purchase but I did get to bust out the skirt again for my family celebration. My nieces and nephew were obsessed with it and so am I. Although the tinsel definitely started to shed after extended wear!

To wrap up this fiercely silly look, I slipped on a pair of bedazzled fishnet tights from Urban Outfitters for an extra pop of bling and, dare I say, naughtiness! To balance things out, an oh so sweet pair of red heels by Kenneth Cole were in order. It matched the sweater vest to the T and I just adore that fringe detailing. Last on the agenda was a pair of forest green hoop earrings by Argentino Vivo to keep with the Christmas palette. With that, I was ready to take pics and get back in my pajamas lolol.

I might not have gone anywhere in Part One of my Christmas OOTDs but that’s no matter. This look was for me (And all of you too!) and I am SO happy with these purchases even if they can only be worn during the holiday season!

Do you have a collection of holiday seasonal clothes? Where do you like to shop for them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan4

Big Blanket Co Robe

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Big Blanket Co Robe

Hello! This Christmas was all about the gift of warmth. I received a brand new heated blanket from my parents to replace my broken one as well as an extra dose of cozy comfort. Johnny’s aunt gifted us with HUGE robes from Big Blanket Co and Johnny and I have basically been living in them since Christmas. It may have taken several minutes to release the robe from its bag (Peep my TikTok for that soon!) but it was so worth it. Once the robe was free was when the real magic began because this baby was full of fun surprises to keep me warm for the rest of the winter. Check it out:

When Johnny and I first opened our Big Blanket Co gift we genuinely thought it was a sleeping bag and were oh so surprised when it ended up being a robe! Johnny got a charcoal grey one and I got purple because I am a queen lol. It has been frigid cold in Ohio with temperatures barely above twenty degrees and I never realized how badly I needed something like this until now. It is the epitome of comfort and is so nice to wear around the apartment. This is especially true during the mornings at chez nous while it warms up after a freezing night. However, it makes me just want to go back to bed! 😀

The Big Blanket Co robes are definitely not the ordinary. It is SO heavy that it almost feels weighted and that extra heft paired with the soft fleece lining makes you want to wrap yourself in it and never leave. What Johnny and I love the most about these robes are the thumb holes! As soon as he realized they were there we were simply delighted by it – probably from our elder emo roots lol. Not only are there thumb holes but there is also a hood and sleeping mask too! This is literally a comforter and robe combined and it is nothing but joyous when we return home from work and put it on for the evening. Highly recommend. 🙂

For my fellow freeze babies out there, have I got a robe for you. This Big Blanket Co robe is everything and more and you will love it!

Do you have a favorite drink to warm you up when you’re cold? How about a go to piece of clothing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec31

Beautiful Bracelet Gifts

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Beautiful Bracelet Gifts

Hello! My family celebrated Christmas on Sunday and it was the most wonderful time. The only thing that was missing was my brother in law who wasn’t feeling well. We played games, opened tons of prezzies, and had a delicious lasagna for dinner. I had been so looking forward to giving everyone their gifts as I have had them for months at this point lol. What I was especially excited for was a gift for my niece. When she started school last year, I got her best friend bracelets for us to wear. She promptly lost it that day while I have been wearing mine every day since. So, I decided to get us new ones for Christmas. Her and my sister had bracelets on their brains too! Check out these gifts:

My niece requested that we open our gifts to each other at the same time and as luck would have it she selected the tiny gift box with our bestie bracelets first. We cracked up when we saw that we had both gifted each other bracelets! I cannot even explain to you how much this Best Aunt bracelet from my best gal means to me. She picked it out at the Santa Shop at her school and used her own money to buy something perfect for me. My gal completely knocked it out of the park because this gift surpasses perfection. Being an aunt is one of my greatest joys and I am so happy that my nieces and nephew feel that too when we are together.

The next bracelet I received was a gorgeous sentiment for sisters from my big sis. I can’t believe at one point we were mortal enemies when we have been besties for so long! I was so touched by the thoughtfulness of this gift and I adore the colors of those beautiful beads. Between both of our busy schedules it can feel hard for us to make time for each other. This is a physical reminder that we are always together anyways and I felt so loved from it. ❤

It was a jewelry kind of Christmas and I was so there for it. I have a few new bracelets to add to my “wear every day” collection now and they are the best additions!

How did you celebrate the holidays? Did you get a meaningful gift this year? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec22

Let It Snow OOTD Bloopers

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Let It Snow OOTD Bloopers

Hello!! My wonderful hair stylist blessed me with a Christmas miracle by squeezing me in on her birthday for the appointment I had to miss when I had Covid. Honestly it was the best Christmas gift ever and I couldn’t be more thankful to her. Once I got home with my brand new do, I couldn’t wait to venture out into the snow to show it off in an OOTD shoot. It was icy cold but the fashion was oh so hot. These pics? Ehhh… Not so much lol check out the Blooper Reel from my Let It Snow OOTD:

Literally everyone in Ohio when it starts snowing… in the winter

Not sure what caught my attention but I had to put a pause on the pics to take a look see

I’M SEXY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who’s ready for those classic throwing snow pics?

Good…

Better…

Best lololol

When it comes to gift giving occasions, I am extremely impatient and would prefer to give my giftees their prezzies as soon as they’re purchased. I absolutely love picking out the perfect gifts for everyone on my list and I just want them to have it ASAP. Unfortunately, the old “Can I give you your Christmas gifts now?” works on literally no one. Except for one person – my Johnny! ❤

Since we started dating, I truly can’t recall one Christmas, birthaversary, or Valentine’s Day where we gave each other our gifts the day of. It goes a little something like this: I am a chronically early gift shopper, I ask him regularly if I can give it to him, then he eventually caves. On Thanksgiving week, Johnny finally cracked and I was able to give him his Christmas prezzies – all of the Spinal Tap albums on vinyl. In my defense, however, Johnny technically gave me my gift earlier. All I wanted for Christmas was Little Nightmares III and he got it for me the day it came out in October. The Little Nightmares series is one of my all time favorite games and I simply couldn’t wait until December to receive the latest installment. It looks like Johnny beat me at my own game this year and I’ve never been more proud. 😀

No matter when, it’s always so fun to give and receive gifts… Preferably on the early side though!

Are you patient when it comes to presents? What is on your Christmas wish list? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec20

Let It Snow OOTD

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Let It Snow OOTD

Howdy everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past Saturday I enjoyed a wonderful pampering session at The Shear Shop and emerged with a beautiful new do in a peacock palette. Afterwards, I could not wait to take pictures to show off my new look – rain, shine, or snow! Once I returned home from the salon, Johnny and I ventured out into the cold for some OOTD magic in the freshly falling snow. I just love how these pictures turned out! Take a look:

Who? What? Wear?

Faux Fur Jacket: Me Jane, TJMaxx

Coated Skinny Jeans: Seven Jeans, TJMaxx

Heeled Boots: Olivia Miller, TJMaxx

Gloves: StilEstro, TJMaxx

I have no idea where the earrings are from!

I pondered what I wanted to wear for these pictures as I drove home from the salon and decided that I wanted to sport an All Black Everything motif. These pics were about the outfit, of course, but also to showcase the hair. I wanted the rockin peacock palette to be seen in all of its glory and that called for a neutral background to prevent color clutter. This may be a simple OOTD but between the unique details in the clothing and my new hair, it turned into a full fledged fashion statement.

For my jacket, I chose a stunning faux fur number by Me Jane. I am an avid fan of faux fur and this jacket is pure sophistication. I adore the visible diamond shaped stitches and the brooch style button. The shape is so classic and it is nice and warm for the wintertime. The timelessness of this jacket created such an interesting juxtaposition with the modern hair and I felt like an old fashioned movie star! As I was going with All Black Everything, I paired my jacket with some top or another underneath as I planned on wearing it buttoned and my coated skinnies by Seven Jeans. These pieces paired together formed a long and lean silhouette while also playing with texture from the shiny coating of the jeans and soft faux fur to make the eyes dance.

Next up was shoes and accessories. I went with my favorite pair of chunky heeled boots by Olivia Miller which added a shiny pop of bling from the chains. It also helped tie the look together from head to toe thanks to the blinged out brooch button on the jacket. As another additional sparkly surprise, I chose a pair of gloves by StilEstro in a gorgeous cream hue that featured a big flower brooch on one of the hands. Finally, I popped on a pair of dangly earrings with sizeable burnt amber gems hanging from them. These playful touches of shiny gems and silver looked so striking against my neutral palette and the white fluffy stuff falling from the sky!

With winter fashion this good, I say Let It Snow… In moderation, of course!

Have you had a snowy winter? What is your favorite wintertime activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah