Category Archives: Fashion

May30

American Eagle Outfitters Haul

Posted on by
Standard
American Eagle Outfitters Haul

Hi!! When I went to Summit Mall a week or so ago for the first time in at least two years, I made the most of it with a huge haul from Altar’d State. I also needed new shorts in a bad way and there is only one store that I can trust will have what I am looking for every time: American Eagle Outfitters. But Sarah, it’s about to be summertime! Every store is selling shorts. Be that as it may, I am not a fan of high waisted shorts and AEO is one of the few stores I know of that still sells classic midrise shorts.

As always, AEO delivered and I found two new pairs of shorts that fit just how I like as well as a multi pack set of earrings for my wedding! Check it out:

I have exactly two high waisted pairs of jeans in my wardrobe and, believe you me, I was very surprised by those purchases! However, high rise shorts just do not work on my body type. I have muscular thighs, a butt, and hips with a small waist so what fits over my bottom half is HUGE on my waistline and leaves a lot to be desired in the fit department. Therefore, midrise shorts will always be the move for me.

I was so happy to find two pairs of excellent quality shorts at American Eagle that I know will last me for a good long while because I only had one pair of shorts before this shopping trip! My midrise AEO shorts fit me like a glove without being too tight and it’s nice to have a little variety between the black shorts and distressed dark denim. Both pairs will go with literally anything this summer which takes any guesswork out of styling so that I can get out and go for mine and Johnny’s next adventures!

Originally, I only planned on purchasing shorts at AEO – until I got to the cash register that is. At the cash wrap, I noticed their jewelry display and remembered that I needed some smaller earrings for my wedding. When I buy earrings, I only go for flashy dangly pairs so there was a definite lacking of no fuss earrings at my place! I like that the multi pack that I purchased had options in both silver and gold and I am excited to mix and match until I find the perfect combination for the big day.

It felt so good to do some actual shopping at Summit Mall as opposed to browsing online and I am incredibly happy with everything that I bought. Here’s to successful shopping trips to all!

What is your preferred rise for jeans and shorts? Do you prefer dangle or stud earrings? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May29

Altar’d State Haul Finale

Posted on by
Standard
Altar’d State Haul Finale

Hello everyone and welcome to the finale of my Altar’d State Haul! Today, we are going to wrap things up by talking about a lovely black and white floral print summer dress. This is a purchase I am particularly proud of because, normally, I wouldn’t have even bothered trying this dress on. Take a look at some pics and read on to find out more:

The first thing that I noticed when I saw this dress on display after how much I liked it, of course, was that a bra would be incredibly visible. As a bustier gal, a bra is absolutely necessary for me to feel comfortable but it would ruin the silhouette of the crossback straps and the plunging V of the back of the dress. As mentioned above, I would usually acknowledge how cute a dress like this is on previous shopping trips and then move on to something I could wear a bra in. So imagine my surprise when I took this dress from the rack to try it on in Altar’d State.

Chalk it up to my quickly upcoming wedding (!!!!!!) but my self confidence has been sky high lately and it feels awesome because of how much I have struggled with it in the past. So, instead of feeling disappointed when I saw this dress because I used to think I “couldn’t” wear it, I tried it on anyways. I thought to myself that I could make it work, especially with the adhesive strapless bras that I got for my wedding and almost jumped for joy in the fitting room once I had it on and loved it so much.

It could be the novelty of trying something so new to me but I think that this dress is just the most. The uneven hem is so charming and flowy and it reminds me of fairies. The pattern is also so beautiful to me and it feels like there’s a surprise on the dress everywhere you look from the peekaboo keyhole on the back to the crossback straps. I hate to toot my own horn but I was feeling my DAMN self in it.

I felt amazing in my new dress and even better about the fact that I took a risk and tried something different. This is the first time I have ever considered an option other than my standard, supportive bra when buying something and I know it has to do with my very improved self image. I can’t wait to go shopping again so I can try more new shapes and styles that I didn’t think were possible for me to wear before! ❤

How do you take fashion risks? What makes you feel confident? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

May28

Altar’d State Haul

Posted on by
Standard
Altar’d State Haul

Hello everyone! Tomorrow we will be wrapping up my Altar’d State Haul with a gorgeous black and white summer dress. And, today, we are going to be taking a look at a mini skirt of the same color palette that might look familiar to you because I got it in lavender too! Let’s get to it:

If you recall, I purchased a matching top for a paired set with the lavender skirt but, unfortunately, there was no crop top to be found for my white skirt. There was also no size small, either, so I opted for a medium instead. While it doesn’t fit as snugly as the small one in lavender, which makes it a true bodycon skirt, the medium still fits me comfortably with a little extra flounce to it. The additional wiggle room will make layering with the white skirt much easier come cooler weather with a tucked in shirt and tights.

Like all of the ladies in my family, when I find something I like that has multiple colors available, I tend to buy a few of them. It’s nice to have options in a piece that you already know you love, which is why I just had to buy my white floral skirt too! I know I am going to have such fun styling this skirt and it will be a totally different experience from the lavender one because of the size difference and not having an option for a matching top.

Sadly, I couldn’t find the top for a pair set in white on Altar’d State’s website but, for now, a black crop top, jean jacket, and a sweet pair of summer wedges will work just fine!

How do you keep your clothes looking brand new? Do you like to buy different colors in a much loved piece? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May27

Altar’d State Haul

Posted on by
Standard
Altar’d State Haul

Hello everyone!! During my first trip to Summit Mall in a good two years, I had a wildly successful clothing haul at a new to me store called Altar’d State. I am seriously so obsessed with all of my purchases and I have been very eager to show all of you. I am just slightly more eager to wear all of them out and about! In Altar’d State, I tried on clothes that I never pictured myself wearing before. The kerchief top that you are about to see is, perhaps, the farthest stretch from something that I would normally wear and I felt proud of myself for even trying it on. The best part? I fell in love with the top immediately! Check it out:

While browsing in Altar’d State, I noticed a dress in the gingham and floral pattern of my new top and wasn’t crazy about it because it was just too much. I really wasn’t expecting to want to try the kerchief top on when I saw it tucked away on a hanging rack but I thought that it would be nice and cool in the summer and I loved the tie back. I don’t get to show off the tattoos on my back very often and I knew this top would display all of them nicely so I added it to my try on pile.

Originally, I didn’t have high hopes for my new top because I feared that I would be too exposed in it, especially as I have a larger bust. I was truly surprised when I liked it so much but there are so many reasons why this top works so well. Let’s start with the front of the shirt and its fit. The length of the material in the front actually shows no part of your stomach to leave a little something to the imagination! I was worried that the fabric might cling in an unflattering way but it hugged my body without feeling tight and that made me feel really comfortable, even as a bustier gal.

Another fear that I had, despite wanting to display my tattoos on my back, is if the tie back would leave me feeling too bare. However, the ties are long enough that you can make a nice, big bow which covered up the middle of my back almost completely, only leaving the top and bottom of my back exposed. After realizing everything that my kerchief top had working for it, all of my worries dissipated and I knew that it was coming home with me.

Like I said, I was proud of myself for even giving this top a try and the confidence boost that it gave me in the fitting room is how all clothing should make you feel. I loved the way that I looked in my top and it was exciting to have something so different work so perfectly. I couldn’t wait to get home to show it to Johnny and I am itching to wear my purchase during our next date day!

What is a piece of clothing that makes you feel confident? How are you upgrading your summer wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May26

Altar’d State Haul

Posted on by
Standard
Altar’d State Haul

Hi!! I had to run to Summit Mall this past week to pick up a few odds and ends, which was my first visit to the mall since before the pandemic. I finally upped my summer wardrobe game and I would say my outing was hugely successful – primarily in the new(ish) store, Altar’d State. I really had no intention of stopping in the store, but the window displays were just so cute that I had to pop in and see what I could find.

The question is, what didn’t I find? I walked out of Altar’d State with a new dress, two tops, and two skirts and I have every intention of shopping there again. If not in store, then definitely online as I now know my sizes there. I can’t wait to show all of you the purchases from my haul and there is no better place to start than with my favorite find. Let’s get to it:

Upon entering Altar’d State, the first thing that I noticed was this adorable lavender skirt and top set and I just had to try it on. I am usually not one for matching sets but this one spoke to me and I thought it would be so sweet whether paired or mixed and matched this summer. Originally, I only tried the skirt on because I wasn’t sure about the color but as soon as I slipped it on, I had to ask one of the darling employees to bring me the top too because I fell in love immediately. 

What I like the most about this matching set is that, despite it being form fitting, it manages to not look overly sexy because of the pastel hue and floral pattern. The skirt also sat high enough on my waist that not a lot of stomach could be seen even with the cropped top. This made me feel completely comfortable as only my arms and legs from the knee down were exposed and I have never felt more like Cher from Clueless than in the dressing room of Altar’d State!

I know for a fact that this set will be one of my go to summer outfits and it felt awesome to try and buy something that I had never worn anything like before. As soon as I left the mall, I called my sister asking when she can go back to Summit Mall with me because I could have stayed there shopping all day. I have been looking forward to shopping for so long throughout the pandemic and being able to treat myself to lots of pretty new clothes made the long wait one hundred and fifty percent worth it. ❤

What are your summer wardrobe must haves? How do you rock a paired set outfit? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May8

The Tiniest T-Shirt

Posted on by
Standard
The Tiniest T-Shirt

Hello! Johnny and I had SO much fun online shopping for our wedding outfits and we cannot wait for our big day! Of course, our shopping wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t find a rock n’ roll inspired outfit for our niece and little flower girl, Valerie, and her TT went all out for it. Thanks to the Etsy shop, Pinehart, I was able to order her the tiniest Rolling Stones T-shirt which I was having a lot of difficulty finding. The Rolling Stones is Johnny’s favorite band and we had to have Miss Val represent! Check it out:

^^^ Is that not the cutest thing you’ve seen in your life?!

Pinehart had an amazing selection of shirts and patterns to pick from in sizes ranging from infants all the way up to men’s and women’s. In fact, Johnny is so jealous of his niece’s new shirt that I’m going to have to order one for him too! I was highly impressed with the quality of this little T-shirt as the material is thick and sturdy and I have no fear of the logo peeling off, either. It is printed on there so well and that was a concern of mine because we all have had an experience where a logo on a shirt seems to be crackly or flimsy enough that you could just take it off yourself.

I paid under twenty dollars for this tiny top and I considered it such a steal. Pinehart even sent me a coupon for ten percent off all of my future purchases which is so generous and much appreciated because I plan on being a repeat customer so Johnny can get another Rolling Stones T-shirt to add to his massive collection. I swear, he could wear a different Rolling Stones T every day of the week!

Prior to being engaged, I have never really shopped on Etsy before and have now made several purchases through the site. I have been blown away by the quality, prices, and fast shipping of all of my orders and am looking forward to finding even more favorite Etsy shops in the future. 😀

What is your favorite Etsy shop? If you have an Etsy shop, feel free to leave your link in the comments too. I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May3

Lil Red Loves… Wedding Online Shopping

Posted on by
Standard
Lil Red Loves… Wedding Online Shopping

Hi everyone! All of my purchases for my wedding OOTD were done online and I have been so impressed with everything. It is also such fun to have gifts from me to me show up in the mail several times a week, lol. While I won’t be giving away any details about my look for my wedding in this post, I will be commending all of the wonderful websites and Etsy shops that I bought through. Let’s get to it:

VermeerJewelry:

My engagement ring was purchased from the Etsy shop, VermeerJewelry, and I am continuously blown away every time I look at my hand! I have never seen a more perfect ring in all of my life and the craftsmanship of the carved pearl and sterling silver band is nothing short of breathtaking. The ring arrived quickly and was affordable while still being drop dead beautiful. I would happily purchase from this Etsy shop again… In fact, there are a few pieces that I have my eye on! Highly recommend.

Momaeker:

My wedding veil from the Etsy shop, Momaeker, arrived recently and it is stunning! I felt like a blushing bride just from slipping it on momentarily while I was in leggings and a T-shirt. The veil is like nothing I have ever seen before and I think the same will go for a lot of people! My purchase was made and shipped promptly, which was much appreciated and I think any bride to be would be lucky to wear one of Momaeker’s fabulous creations.

Wildly Untamed Boutique:

If you have been keeping up to date on my blog, then you will know that I am obsessed with Wildly Untamed Boutique and their AMAZING customer service. Shockingly, it took me a decent amount of time to find the perfect pair of wedding heels but once I saw my incredibly unique purchase on Wildly Untamed Boutique, I knew I had to look no further. Saying that my heels are different is a severe understatement and I definitely plan on shopping with Wildly Untamed Boutique again. You just can’t beat their crazy cool selection and the help from customer service if needed.

EricDress:

The wedding dress that I ordered through EricDress is the first and only wedding dress I have ever tried on and it is so beautiful. As we all know, a traditional wedding dress is just not for Lil Red and my custom order was made quickly according to my measurements and arrived with ample time to make some necessary tweaks. Their selection is also really affordable. I can picture myself shopping with EricDress for my next special occasion and have a feeling that my reception dress will be ordered from there!

When it comes to our wedding apparel, Johnny and I both wanted pieces that make a statement without breaking the bank. I truly believe I found that from each of the sites I bought through and give all four of the above the Lil Red Stamp Of Approval. I cannot wait for my big day so I can finally show everything off. 🙂

What is your favorite Etsy shop? Can you guess what I purchased through any of the above websites? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May2

NiiDor Adhesive Strapless Bra Review

Posted on by
Standard
NiiDor Adhesive Strapless Bra Review

Hi! My wedding dress boasts a beautiful open back and while I am so excited to show off all of my tattoos, I must admit that it was a bit of a struggle finding an adhesive bra that worked for me. In fact, I almost had the dress customized to close up the back so I could wear a bra comfortably because I need the extra support. The back was just too pretty to make that sacrifice, though! After looking over countless “best adhesive bra” lists online, I settled for the well reviewed NiiDor Adhesive Strapless Bra that I purchased on Amazon:

While I am, overall, pretty impressed with this adhesive bra, I feel like it’s important to review it honestly so you don’t run into any of the issues I had if you are on the market for a backless bra. Before placing my NiiDor order, I read through a plethora of Amazon reviews and the resounding theme was that the adhesive bra fit true to size. However, this was simply not the case for me by a long shot.

I ordered the Niidor bra in my actual size and one size up and, to my surprise, both of them were too small and I had to return them and reorder it in two sizes up. The one size up did fit better but it wasn’t big enough to provide the lift that I desired for the “charming cleavage” that the box promises. The two sizes up was a much more comfortable fit but my fear is that the lift will loosen up after a few hours of wear. To help with that issue, I ordered some nipple pasties that not only provide additional coverage but extra lift with transparent tape.

I am sure that there are many occasions when the NiiDor adhesive bra fit someone perfectly but I definitely encourage buying an additional bra in a size up – especially if you need it for an event. I am just glad that I ordered these bras a good amount of time before my wedding so I had the option for trial and error!

What is the best adhesive bra you have tried? What are your experiences with the NiiDor bra if you have used it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr27

Accessory Story: Little Red Riding Hood Pin Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Accessory Story: Little Red Riding Hood Pin Edition

Hello! Have you ever ordered something online and realized after the fact that you forgot to put in a coupon code? It is the literal worst and as a seasoned online shopper, I am ashamed to say that that is exactly what happened to yours truly when I ordered my wedding heels. While making my purchase on Wildly Untamed Boutique I was so excited that I didn’t even realize the website was running a ten percent off promotion and didn’t find out until a few hours later when I just had to see my shoes again.

I reached out to Wildly Untamed Boutique’s customer service to see if there was anything that they could do since it was so shortly after the order was placed. I wasn’t expecting much because it was my mistake and I would have completely understood. So, imagine my surprise and total appreciation when they offered me a free item because the price couldn’t be adjusted!

I got to choose between a pair of stud earrings or a Little Red Riding Hood inspired pin. While the lipstick kiss studs were adorable, I much prefer dangly earrings and went with this super unique brooch, instead. I’m obsessed!

I am not a stud earring wearer and I’m actually not a pin wearer, either. However, this fairy tale themed brooch was just way too cool to pass up. I have never seen anything like it before and am already picturing all of the different ways to incorporate it into my outfits. This pin definitely makes a statement and is a wonderful tip of the cap to my love of the slightly macabre.

I had never heard of Wildly Untamed Boutique before until their ads began appearing on my Facebook newsfeed. I always remember being tempted by all of the beautiful clothes and shoes and have many a screenshot saved for potential future purchases. After a long time of window shopping, I decided to check their site out while wedding shoe shopping and I am so glad I did!

Not only was Wildly Untamed Boutique’s customer service impeccable but their selection will leave you with a wish list a mile long. I know for a fact that my wedding heels will not be the last purchase I make on their site and, in the meantime, I will be pinning my brooch to all of the button downs and light jackets this spring. 🙂

What is your favorite fairy tale? What is the best or worst customer service you have had? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr14

Lil Red’s Outstanding Customer Service Award

Posted on by
Standard
Lil Red’s Outstanding Customer Service Award

Hello! I have not been actual shopping since before the pandemic began and have turned to online shopping for everything I need – skin care, groceries, you name it. This also includes all of my purchases for my wedding apparel. Customer service while online shopping can be a mixed bag but Wildly Untamed Boutique went above and beyond to help me and I truly appreciate that.

I have been getting ads for Wildly Untamed Boutique on Facebook for months now and would constantly find myself drooling over their unique shoes. I decided to check their site out to see if I could find a pair of heels for my wedding and had great success. I can’t say anything about my totally nontraditional wedding look but I will tell you all that the heels are red! Johnny and I both agreed that the pair I selected was definitely “the one” and I quickly placed my order.

After my shopping, I spent the entire evening thinking about my purchase and I just had to see them again. I pulled up Wildly Untamed Boutique’s site on my iPod and my stomach dropped. I don’t know how I didn’t notice it when ordering on the computer but they had a ten percent off a purchase promotion running and I was disappointed to have not been able to use it. We all know Lil Red loves a deal!

I emailed their customer service right away to explain the situation and by the end of the week I had a reply from a member of their team. While they couldn’t alter the price of my order, they offered me a free item of my choosing from a selection they sent and I couldn’t believe their kindness! They also gave me the sweetest congratulations for my big day.

I, honestly, wasn’t expecting anything to happen when I emailed Wildly Untamed Boutique and that would have been one hundred percent okay because the mistake was my fault. However, they surpassed what I even expected and I appreciate that so much. I ended up selecting an absolutely gorgeous Little Red Riding Hood inspired pin and I cannot wait to see my little gift and shoes in real life.

Like I said before, customer service with online shopping can be a mixed bag and I actually just had a really crummy experience with Amazon’s customer service. A real person from Wildly Untamed Boutique helped me as opposed to automated replies in a chat box and, while I already planned on doing more shopping on their site regardless, that just sealed the deal.

I am proud to bestow the Lil Red’s Outstanding Customer Service Award to Wildly Untamed Boutique and highly recommend their site. They have some of the most unique, beautiful designs that I have ever seen and I think all of my fellow fashionistas will be just as smitten as I am!

What is the best customer service experience you have had? How about the worst? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah