Category Archives: Fashion

Aug16

Concert Cutie OOTD

Posted on by
Standard
Concert Cutie OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Today, we are going to take a look at what I wore to see Dirty Honey and The Struts at the House Of Blues. This was my birthday gift from Johnny and it was the absolute best time! Both bands were so incredible live and it was a blast to dance the night away with my main squeeze. As these bands are super glam, I had to pull out all of the stops for this OOTD and I LOVE how it turned out! Peep these pics and let’s discuss:

Who? What? Wear?

Kerchief Top: Japna, TJMaxx

Mini Skort: Kyodan, TJMaxx

Union Jack Platforms: Y.R.U., Dolls Kill

Lightening Bolt Earrings: These were actually purchased in a gift shop during a family vacation to Universal Studios!

In the case of this Concert Cutie OOTD, I started styling from the bottom up. I knew damn well that I was going to wear my Union Jack platforms to tip my hat to The Struts as they hail from across the pond. I wanted these amazing boots to have the spotlight so the pieces I chose were meant to accentuate and that meant going for a minimal color palette. I had a semblance of an idea of what I was going to wear, but I decided to go to TJMaxx during my break at work on the day of the concert to see if I could kick things up a notch.

Johnny suggested a mini skirt and I thought that was a fine idea, indeed. My hunt for the perfect mini skirt was futile until I remembered that one of my favorite skirts was not found in the normal clothing departments of TJs. It was from the athleisure department! Just as soon as I had this brain blast, I found the school girl style mini skort by Kyodan and I knew we were in business. In the fitting room, the full outfit came to me in a vision and I couldn’t wait to put it altogether.

For the top, I kept with the muted palette with a darling snakeskin pattern kerchief top by Japna. This little number is SO sassy and sexy and it’s easily one of my favorite styles of tops to wear. Very rarely do I get to show off the tattoos on my back and that’s a shame because they are all so cool (Let’s be real, though, ALL of my tattoos are cool!). Kerchief tops were truly the answer to my prayers and I loved my Japna top paired with the stark white mini skort. It was also a great opportunity to play with texture as the top featured a gorgeous sheen against the more subdued material of the skort. The platforms in their glittery glory introduced a new texture too which allowed for the eyes to dance as much as I danced my ass off that night. ❤

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. A little fun fact about these platforms is that they are the reason that Johnny and I went on our first date. I had recently posted pictures of myself wearing them and he shot me a message asking if they were made in a Chelsea style. My heart swooned over the fact that a guy was in my inbox talking fashion instead of initiating a one night stand. We ended up going on a date that very night and have been inseparable ever since! With the boots pre-selected, I popped on a pair of bright purple lightening bolt earrings for a pop of color and was ready for the show!

This OOTD was just as fun to wear as it was to style. A perfect night needs a perfect outfit!

Have you been to any concerts recently? When was the last time you got dolled up? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug10

New Kyodan Mini Skort

Posted on by
Standard
New Kyodan Mini Skort

Howdy!! This past week I made a trip to TJMaxx for a few things. I needed a reup on serum, beaucoup Bluey gifts for our almost birthday girl niece, and kept my fingers crossed to find a new skirt. The TJs gods smiled upon me because I got everything I wanted in spades! For my birthday, Johnny gifted me with tickets to see The Struts at the House Of Blues (Peep a post about the show and my OOTD soon!). I knew which top and shoes that I wanted to wear but I thought a sassy little mini skirt would take the OOTD OTT (Over The Top lol). It took a while to find what I was looking for but success was oh so sweet when I did:

^^^ Originally forty-eight bucks and I got it for thirteen! SCORE!

When I am shopping for clothing at TJMaxx, I typically follow a specific method: Make one round in the women’s and junior’s department, try clothes on, then make a second round for anything I might have missed or different sizes. During my initial trip around the store, I found several options for mini skirts that could have worked and had no such luck with any of them. After a lackluster fitting room session, I made my way back to hunt for more skirts and was coming up empty. Then, inspiration struck right in the knick of time.

As I went through my mental Rolodex of skirts in my wardrobe, I recalled that one of my favorites wasn’t found in my usual departments at TJs. It was actually a tennis skirt that I found in the athletic section. It was just the brain blast I needed and just as soon as I began browsing the athleisure, I discovered exactly what I had in mind. A bright white school girl style skort by Kyodan. It also happens to be the same brand of my fave tennis skirt!

I knew that the white skort was going to work and trying it on only confirmed it. It was the perfect neutral to pair with the crazy platforms I was going to wear and provided the best movement to dance the night away. This skort was also nice and light and I freaking loved the fact that it was a skort. I was definitely trying to let loose for the concert but I wasn’t trying to let everyone see my underoos all night lol. For thirteen bucks, this skort elevated my OOTD and I can’t wait for all of you to see it. 🙂

An amazing concert deserved an amazing outfit and I felt as much like a star as one of my favorite bands on the stage. Thank you, TJMaxx! ❤

Do you have a method you follow when you shop? What is one of your favorite brands? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug6

Summer Breeze OOTD Bloopers

Posted on by
Standard
Summer Breeze OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Summer Breeze OOTD! This little look was worn for a Date Day with my main squeeze and it was a fabulous time! It was also a fabulous fit too and we made the photo shoot work despite the heat. It was seriously hot AF and we were sweating buckets by the time we made it into the restaurant we went to for lunch. But, hey, that’s show biz baby! Take a peek at some of these yikes shots and let’s discuss an update on one of my summer goals that didn’t work out so great:

Straight up CACKLING at something or other Johnny said. Look, mom, no cavities!

FE FI FO FUM

Literally blinded by the light (Revved up like a deuce another runner in the night)

Using my arms for the first time

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Lil Red

LMAO at this face

Peep these PANTALOONS!!!!

As you all know, I simply REFUSE to get my vividly dyed hair wet to keep that color fresh until my next hair appointment. Because of this charming quirk, it makes the activity of swimming literally impossible and is more like wading and treading water instead. I have always said that if I ever were to swim swim, that I would get a swimming cap and have never done so… Until my trip to Idlewild Park and SoakZone with my family. I wanted to swim in the pool at the hotel with my littles and live it up at the water park and was not going to let anything get in my way!

After our first day at Idlewild, I was determined to hit the pool as soon as we got to the hotel to give my bright purple swim cap a test run. Within five minutes, my bikini was on, my hair was safely tucked away under the cap, and I was ready to do this thing! I jumped right into the pool and started front stroke, back stroke, and breast stroking away. I was swimming laps like it was my job and it felt so great! After a half hour or so, I was wiped out and made my way back to the room to see how the swim cap fared and… it didn’t. My hair was soaked and I was PISSED. -_- (Also I learned that swim caps weren’t made to keep hair dry which is something I should have Googled in advance SMFH. Such a good idea in theory!)

As I lamented in the bathroom and brushed out my wet hair that was bleeding color profusely, a small silver bag by the hotel provided toiletries caught my eye. It was a shower cap! Since the swim cap didn’t do NOTHING, I figured I might as well give the shower cap a go at the water park the following day. And you know what? It worked like a charm! In fact, I was getting compliments on my hair left and right at SoakZone because everyone could tell exactly why that shower cap was on to begin with despite me sticking out like a sore thumb. A shower cap might not be the move for actual swimming but it did the job perfectly at the water park and that was good enough for me!

Even though my swim cap idea was a bust from its conception, it still felt amazing to swim and major ups to the shower cap for coming through in the clutch. VERY NICE!

What is one of your quirks? What is your favorite summertime activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug2

Summer Breeze OOTD

Posted on by
Standard
Summer Breeze OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Today, we are going to take a look at a cute little look that I wore for a cute little date day with my main squeeze. Whenever Johnny and I are stepping out over the weekend, trust and believe we are showing out. Throughout the work week, our uniforms consist of jeans and a T-shirt so we take every opportunity to get dressed up very seriously and I love that for us. I am so lucky to have a partner that enjoys fashion as much as I do! Take a peek at my Summer Breeze OOTD and let’s get to it:

Who? What? Wear?

Crop Top: Bozzolo, TJMaxx

Trapeze Pants: Patrons Of Peace, TJMaxx

Lace Up Heels: BCBG, TJMaxx

Cuff Bracelet: Aerie

Spike Earrings: These were a birthday gift from my Mother-In-Law! ❤

It was an insanely hot day for mine and Johnny’s Date Day and it took a fair bit of browsing in my wardrobe to decide what I wanted to wear. All I knew was that I was sick of wearing shorts, I didn’t feel like shaving my legs to wear a skirt, I don’t have a ton of sun dresses to pick from, and oh yeah – I wanted to be as cool and comfortable as possible too. It was a tall order! Then, my eyes locked in on my pair of tropical patterned trapeze pants by Patrons Of Peace and I knew we were in business.

For as gorgeous as these pantaloons are, I don’t break them out very often because I have like two shirts that would go with it lol. The pattern is so bold and it really does require a basic essential that is close to a perfect match to a color in the pants to pair with. All of my basic essentials are either a stark white or black and that simply wouldn’t do. Then, I remembered one of my newest TJMaxx purchases – a crochet cream colored crop top and I could definitely work with that! These two pieces together were easy breezy and so crazy comfy. It might look it, but these pants are not as heavy as they appear. They are made from the lightest fabric and it barely touches my legs. It’s almost as if I was wearing a maxi skirt and it was a great option to break free from the norm of summer basic staples!

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. Honestly, I feel like I could have worn any pair of shoes and it wouldn’t have made much of a difference. These pants totally have maxi skirt length and were mere inches away from the ground after my BCBG lace up heels were on and you could barely see them. #shortgirlproblems ! For jewelry, I put on the prettiest gold cuff bracelet that has a palm leaf etched into it from Aerie. It fit the vibe of this look so well! I kept things simple with my earrings and chose a dangly pair of silver spikes and I was ready to step out on the town with my boo thang! 😀

Listen, I am getting downright fed up with dressing for summer but this Summer Breeze OOTD was such a fun way to shake things up. Can it be fall now, or?!

What is your favorite pattern to wear? What are some of your summer wardrobe essentials? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul29

Maxi Dress, Max Style OOTD Bloopers

Posted on by
Standard
Maxi Dress, Max Style OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Maxi Dress, Max Style OOTD! I always look forward to taking OOTD pictures and TikTok videos, but was especially excited for this particular look. I had just got my hair done, was sporting a new favorite dress, and was feeling my goddamn self and have been every day since my appointment at the Shear Shop. It’s amazing what a new do can do to crank the ol’ self esteem up to eleven! The shots you are about to see definitely don’t fall under the feeling myself category but let’s take a look anyways:

Major Pale Man from Pan’s Labyrinth vibes and I’m living for it!

The prettiest smile just for you ❤

Hanging on for dear life

Tyra Banks would be proud because I am finding the light SO hard

Lmaooo I’m sexy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Top notch John Cena impression

To blog or not to blog, that is the question

Being self employed is a wonderful, beautiful thing. Not having PTO, however, freaking sucks lol. Because I’m losing money when I take a day off, it is a rarity for me to do so outside of holidays or being sick. This is not a good habit in the slightest because everyone needs a day or two off and one of my goals has been to be more lenient when I need a break. Which is why I am so happy to report that I am on staycation, baby!!!!! Outside of two easy peasy shifts, I have THREE full days off and I am ecstatic.

What am I going to do during my me time? Probs nothing but vegging out and enjoying every minute of it! Since mine and Johnny’s birthaversary, our weekends have been jam packed. We have legit had plans every weekend since June first and while it has been so much fun, it was exhausting and a staycation reprieve on my couch is exactly what the doctor (me) ordered. I plan on binging documentaries, TV shows Johnny has no interest in, and kicking it old school with my Nintendo 3DS. I recently acquired the only game in the Paper Mario series that I don’t have, Sticker Star, and playing it has been a blast. I can’t wait to utilize my couch time to the fullest and beat it! 😀

Staycation all I ever wanted, staycation got to stay home or however that one song goes. I’m stoked!!

What would you do during a staycation? Where would you go for a dream vacation? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul28

Maxi Dress, Max Style OOTD

Posted on by
Standard
Maxi Dress, Max Style OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! After getting my hair done, I could not wait to shoot ALL the content and was so excited to break out one of my favorite recent purchases: A gorgeous Max Studio maxi dress that I tried on a whim during an impromptu TJMaxx trip with my mom. As a short queen, maxi dresses are either a hit or a miss. There is no in between whatsoever so the dress you are about to see was a total toss up. You have no idea how happy I was when this pretty little number not only worked but elevated me to feeling myself status! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Maxi Dress: Max Studio, TJMaxx

Platforms: Free People, TJMaxx

Earrings: Sincerely Jules, TJMaxx

Maxi dresses are such a magical summer staple. They provide the most wonderful movement, are lightweight, and incorporate fash-ion into a season when basic essentials reign supreme. This Max Studio dress is, easily, the best maxi dress I have ever owned. The pattern is bold and bright, the ruffle sleeves and tiered ruffle skirt make me want to dance, and that rouched waistline provides an hourglass silhouette to keep me from drowning in fabric. From top to bottom, this dress is IT. The only thing it requires are accessories that enhance because this dress does all of the talking.

With no need for anything else in the wardrobe department, the remainder of this look was simply shoes and accessories. Normally, I like to get funky with my shoe choices but this was not the dress to do so with. With the name of the game being enhancing the maxi dress, there was only one obvious option in my shoe department: My Free People platforms with basically the same color of red as the flowers in the dress for the straps and a buttery caramel heel. These heels gave me extra length to keep the dress from dragging and the colors I needed to prevent this look from feeling cluttered.

Last but not least was accessories. As the pattern of the dress was an accessory in itself, I only wanted to wear earrings. Rather than keep it simple, I went for a pair with some flashy sparkle to extenuate my neck. Outside of my arms, my neck was the only open real estate and it was important to draw attention to it to create the illusion of length. I put on one of my most beloved pairs: A dangly, tier diamond shape with crystal sparkles that my sweet niece got me for my birthday. They have the most delicious movement that danced, just like the dress. With that, I was ready to show off my new duds AND my new do!

This Maxi Dress, Max Style OOTD was so simple in its styling but screamed “look at me”. It is one of my favorite OOTDs of recent memory and I am so in love with my maxi dress! ❤

What is your favorite style of dress to wear? Did you get any wardrobe updates this summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul21

Beach Bombshell OOTD Bloopers

Posted on by
Standard
Beach Bombshell OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Beach Bombshell OOTD! Or more like BOTD (Bikini Of The Day) while I got my Little Mermaid on at Geneva On The Lake. 😀 I literally could not tell you guys the last time I was on a vacation and this two day getaway sparked the travel bug in me something fierce. As a self employed gal, I rarely take time off because I can’t give PTO to myself lol. I definitely feel like I will be more lenient with that in the future because I have been ready for another vaca since we got home from our Fourth of July trip. And, yes, there would be OOTDs and Blooper Reels galore from the travels! Take a lookie loo at some yikes shots that won’t be gracing sexy swimsuit calendars any time soon:

Here comes the Creature From The Black Lagoon

Talk about wind in the hair, amiright?!

Willow Smith would be proud of my hair whipping back and forth all afternoon

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition look no further!

I ❤ Vacation!!!!!

Sun, surf, sand in my eyes

Featuring Johnny’s knees lol he was SO happy he could take these pictures sitting down!

Vacation has been weighing very heavily on my mind and I have found myself daydreaming about taking a trip constantly. Nothing gets you out of the same old same old funk better than new sights, new foods, and new experiences and it has been fun to even think about planning a getaway. Of course, if Johnny and I were to go anywhere, we would remain in the USA. That will NEVER stop me from fantasizing about my dream honeymoon, though!!

Ah, yes. The dream honeymoon. In my perfect, happy, filthy rich world, Johnny and I would have jet set to Europe after our nuptials. And I’m not talking a week or two trip, I’m talking like a whole month lol. Shopping in London, theater in Paris, smoking hella weed in Amsterdam, gazing at the horizon from a cliff side in Ireland – the works! To appease my sweet history buff Johnny, we would visit different WWII battlegrounds and it would be a win/win for both parties involved. I can see it in my mind’s eye so clearly and I know my dream honeymoon will happen eventually… I’m just so damn impatient for it! 😀

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a full fledged journey, it is so exciting to think about a brand new to you place. Let’s hop on a plane and go!

What is your dream vacation? If you could teleport, where is the first place you would go? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul19

Fun In The Sun OOTD Bloopers

Posted on by
Standard
Fun In The Sun OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Fun In The Sun OOTD! These pictures were taken during our Fourth of July getaway to Geneva On The Lake while the pasty pale was still pasty and not pink with the worst sunburns ever. Like seriously, if I could stop peeling any time now that would be GREAT! While the sunburns were a major buzzkill, I can’t say I’m not surprised. This is why you will rarely find your favorite vampire couple outdoors in the midst of summer! Let’s get started by looking at some yikes shots:

Not the most logical footwear for a day on the lake but I stand by my choice!

Queen of The Lake or blocking the sun? It’s both! 😀

Summer breeze, makes me feel fine!

That sunshine got me like

Perfecting my mannequin pose

My arms just have a mind of their own!

Quick lil tummy check lol

As you all know, Johnny and I have a downstairs neighbor who is most beloved to us. We love getting to see him every day and always look forward to our movie nights, dinner club meetings, and going shooting at the range. He is simply the best! Unfortunately, he had to be hospitalized and is currently doing MUCH better and regaining his strength at a rehab center before he comes home. Johnny and I have been visiting him regularly at the rehab facility and, honestly, it sounds like the place to be because my mind was BLOWN during my first visit.

While we were chewing the fat, we got a knock on the door from the Enrichment Director of the facility to talk about the activities for the day. I expected something typical like Bingo or a movie. I was dead wrong! The plan for the day was a resident’s birthday party with snacks, cake, and booze followed by Happy Hour with beer and wine! I have been to several different rehab facilities for loved ones and my line of work and have never heard of such awesome activities. We couldn’t help but have a laugh because I couldn’t not joke about the brilliance of this idea: Get the people good and drunk, they will fall, and stay in the rehab longer! Of course, I kid and it is a doctor approved and monitored drink but, hey, it sure sounds like a lot of fun! ❤

All I have to say is, I know EXACTLY where I’m going if I ever have to go to a rehab facility. The place was beautiful, the staff was lovely, and the activities can’t be beat! 😀

Do you have a favorite neighbor? What do you like to do when you get together? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul18

Simple Summer OOTD

Posted on by
Standard
Simple Summer OOTD

Howdy everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Today we are going to take a look at a Simple Summer outfit I wore to cheer on Akron’s beloved minor league baseball team, the Rubberducks. My core four crew and I went to a game in April and had the absolute best time. It was, however, cold AF and we left early because we were all freezing our nads off. This time around was simply perfect. It wasn’t too hot or too cold – just right for a baseball game! I wasn’t trying to pull out the fashion stops for this outing, rather something simple and sweet. My boys and I get rowdy at the games and I wanted to be as comfortable as possible while constantly getting up on my feet and rooting for the home team. 😀 Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Tank Top: Rachel Zoe, TJMaxx

Jean Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters

Candy Button Platforms: B.A.I.T., Unique Vintage

Hoop Earrings: SugarFix By BaubleBar, Target

Sunglasses: Lucky Brand, TJMaxx

I wouldn’t say that dressing for summer is my time to be lazy, rather my time to be comfortable which results in simpler looks. I’m on a fair bit of medication and almost everything I take increases my susceptibility for heat related illnesses. I have never done great in the heat, but this takes it to the nth degree so I try to wear as little clothes as humanly possible while still being gained entrance to wherever I’m going lol. So, I decided to stick with the classics in this look and what is more classic than a sweet little tank top and jean shorts?!

Being comfy doesn’t have to mean frumpy and I love how form fitting the short and tank top combo was. If I’m going to be wearing basic essentials, I want my curves to be on full display to turn even the simplest pieces into Va Va Voom status. The tank top by Rachel Zoe gets a lot of use during the summertime and for good reason. I’m all about that V-neck, thick straps, and vertical ribbing! The shorts then added a dose of sass factor with their high waist and distressing. With the tank tucked in, it enhanced my silhouette even more to turn these classic staples on their heads.

Next, it was onto shoes and accessories and I knew exactly what I was going to wear. I purchased the darling Candy Button platforms for my Candy Queen Halloween costume last year. They were so fabulous but I was sad that I had to wait until the summertime to wear them again. The baseball game was just the occasion I needed to break them out and It. Was. Awesome. They added such a fun pop of color, were super easy to walk in, and everything I imagined wearing them again would be and so much more! For jewelry, I wanted to let my tattoos do the talking as they were out for god and everyone to see. A sparkly pair of pink, purple, and silver hoops were definitely the move and it allowed for candy cuteness from head to toe!

Did the Rubberducks win the game we attended because of this fit? I think YES! Duck em up!!!!!

What is your ideal temperature for an outdoor outing? How do you stay cool in the summer heat? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul17

Beach Bombshell OOTD

Posted on by
Standard
Beach Bombshell OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Or, rather, welcome to some pictures of me in a bikini lol. In one of my favorite shows, Superstore, one of the characters claims that bikinis and Halloween costumes are the same thing. You wear them every year until they’re threads and then get a new one. I can confirm that to be true, in regards to the bikini part anyways, because the one you are about to see is probably over a decade old at this point. However, it’s one of the only ones I have so that was good enough for me when Johnny and I went to Geneva On The Lake! Check it out:

^^^ You can peep more from this look on my TikTok @lilred6794 !!

As I was saying, I purchased this bikini a long time ago. In fact, I was still working retail at PacSun when I got it which means I was around nineteen at the time. I still remember it. My coworker went to Victoria’s Secret on her break, bought the exact same bikini you see above for her vacation, showed it to me when she returned, and I fell in love. As a bustier gal, it can be hard to find a suit that is supportive enough and my mind was blown when she told me that the tops went by bra size as opposed to Small, Medium, and Large. It was exactly what I needed and I went on my break and followed (swim)suit by getting the same one lol. Total poser, yes, but I just couldn’t resist because this was the best fitting bikini I have ever tried on and that still remains to be true.

It’s not like I haven’t bought other swimsuits in the twelve or so years since I got this bikini. I just can’t seem to part with it though because it still fits and it’s still cute AF! The bustier top, the sweet and sunny pastel hues, and the sassy strap sides on the bottoms are truly a match made in fun in the sun heaven. And the thing is, regardless of the age of this suit, it really hasn’t been worn all that much for two reasons. 1) As a very pale gal, beach and lake situations aren’t my bag because I burn so easily. As I write this, it has been ten days since visiting Geneva On The Lake and I am still peeling constantly. And 2) I refuse to get my hair wet to increase the longevity of my colorfully dyed hair. In the twelve plus years of having this bikini, I’ve probably only worn it twenty times and even that feels like an exaggeration. Here’s to another twelve years of my Beach Bombshell bikini because I fear I well never find one as good as this!

My beloved Victoria’s Secret swimsuit is blessedly not in threads yet and fingers crossed that it stays that way for forever!

Do you have any super old clothes in your wardrobe? How do you keep them looking brand new? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah