Category Archives: Fashion

Jan4

If The Shoe Fits: Unisa Ankle Booties Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Unisa Ankle Booties Edition

Howdy! This brand spanking new edition of If The Shoe Fits is compliments of my holiday haul from my mom and dad. When the countdown to Christmas approaches, I always give my mom a friendly push in the right direction of what to buy me. AKA: Shoes, shoes, and more shoes. I will scour the TJMaxx website and send some links her way and then hope and pray for shoe box sized packages beneath the tree.

Thankfully, my mom got the message loud and clear and I ended up with these pretty new babies by Unisa:

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What drew me to these ankle booties was there texture. I absolutely love an animal print on shoes and am partial to (Faux!) snakeskin. I never really thought about a pseudo crocodile pattern because I’ve never seen anything like that before. When I saw my new Unisa boots, I knew that I had to have them because they are so different from the millions of other pairs that I own.

Of course, I am looking forward to sporting these booties for the rest of the winter season. But, this past summer I grew very fond of rocking a combination of short shorts with ankle or combat boots and frilly socks. Summer is probably my least favorite time of the year for styling because the option for jackets and layering goes out the window. So, a cool combination of girly sweet frills and rocker chic boots keeps me feeling edgy and confident with just shorts and a T-shirt on. My Christmas gift is just what the doctor ordered to continue on with this tradition come summertime!

What is your favorite season to style for? What fashion items do you like finding under your tree? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec29

If The Shoe Fits: Sassy Skeleton Platforms Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Sassy Skeleton Platforms Edition

Hello hello everyone and welcome to the last issue of If The Shoe Fits from my Dolls Kill Black Friday haul. It was so much fun browsing through their selection, picking out the ideal pairs for Lil Red, and eagerly awaiting their arrival in the mail. Well, that last part was a lie because the anticipation was literally killing me – but that’s neither here nor there. Anyways, check out my last pair of platforms from Dolls Kill compliments of their Halloween collection and let’s discuss:

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With a special shout out to human anatomy and the spooky season, these taller than life platforms spoke to me on a spiritual level. I love their exaggerated platform shape and the contrast of the jet black with the pale grey vertebrates climbing up the heel. I am a firm believer in living every day like it’s Halloween because that’s just the emo kid in me and these heels are the perfect ones to enact that with.

Whether you pair these with your best black skinnies or sport it with a black or pale pink tulle skirt, you will be sure to make a statement. You can keep your look edgy or soften it up as much as you like for a punk touch to your OOTD. Either way, you will be the best warm body of the ball in these skeleton platforms. Just don’t break a bone trying to strut around in them! Ba dum chhhhhhhhhh.

What is your favorite holiday to dress for? What is your favorite pair of shoes from my Dolls Kill haul? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec28

If The Shoe Fits: Bat Wing Baby Platforms Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Bat Wing Baby Platforms Edition

Howdy! When shopping Dolls Kill on Black Friday, I was very drawn to their sassy but spooky Halloween collection. From devil horns and bat wings to skeletons (Which you will see tomorrow!), the horror genre lover in me went a little crazy. I just couldn’t help myself, though, and ended up with some amazing statement pieces – like the bat wing platforms by Sugar Thrillz seen below:

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Man oh MAN do I love these heels. They’re just pure fun and the purple translucent wings take them completely over the top. I also really like the funky shape of the heel. The overall look is so vampy with the perfect amount of cheek to it and that’s what makes the shoes on Dolls Kill so special. They all are a tad tongue in cheek and they will definitely start a conversation where ever you go.

I am so looking forward to busting these open platforms out during the summer time with all of the short shorts, maxi skirts, and dresses. I can’t wait to see them poking out beneath maxi length pieces as well as being completely out there, bat wings flapping in the breeze, in the shorties.

Obviously, these are going to be excellent for the Halloween season and will be a great option for parties that I don’t feel like dressing up to. My new platforms along with a spooky chic ensemble is a costume all in itself!

How do you sport a spooky chic look? What is your favorite Halloween character or animal? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec24

Tiny Treat Yoself: New Headband Edition

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Tiny Treat Yoself: New Headband Edition

Hellooo everyone! There is nothing better than purchasing a little pick me up from time to time and that rings true from when I *shockingly* only snagged one thing during my last trip to TJMaxx with my mom. The new headband that I got was only four dollars making that my least expensive TJs excursion to date! Let’s all honor this achievement with a brief round of applause…..

Thank you.

Anyways, I always love tiny wardrobe updates that can transform one of your outfits without breaking the bank. And, with super 70s vibes, this headband will make for a fun retro addition to my OOTDs. Check it out:

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I have become a huge fan of hair accessories this past year. From cute clips and barrettes to headbands and ribbons, I love the unique pop that perks up my do for the day. As soon as I saw my latest TJs purchase, I knew that I was going to need it. The deep gem toned palette along with the swirling pattern and knot on top makes it just right for a salute to the 70s.

This headband will be the perfect addition to an OOTD of a mini A-line skirt, tight sweater, cable knit stockings, and smart oxfords for a modern take on a retro style. I have already gotten so many compliments on my tiny treat and it is a great option for a lazy hair day when I don’t feel like straightening it. It instantly enhances all of my features because of the flattering colors and I go from “blah” to “BAM” in mere seconds!

Despite not having a major haul like usual when I shop at TJs, I was so satisfied with this purchase – which proves the power of a Tiny Treat Yoself. 😀

What is your favorite goodie to buy when you need a pick me up? How would you rock this headband? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec23

If The Shoe Fits: Sugar Thrillz Platforms Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Sugar Thrillz Platforms Edition

Hello! I have had my eye on the shoes that we will be discussing today from Dolls Kill for months now and I couldn’t pass up buying them during their Black Friday sale. These pink plaid, heart embellished beauties are so Cher a la Clueless and I am nothing short of obsessed. Am I a pink girl normally? Hell no. But these Sugar Thrillz platforms were way too sweet to not purchase. Take a look:

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As all of you well know by now, my personal style is far from “cutesy” and much more on the edgy rocker spectrum. So, what drew me to these cute as a button heels? I honestly couldn’t tell you – I just like them! The Clueless vibes just spoke to me and I loved the retro shape along with the heart chain links. They are so adorable but they also have the school girl sex appeal circa Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time”  that made for a perfect combination of sweet and sassy.

I cannot wait to pair my new Sugar Thrillz platforms with skater skirts and cable knit tights. But, I am most looking forward to wearing them with my yellow plaid skinnies from Target and red plaid blazer from Goodwill for an All Plaid Everything look that will be super funky and unique. To me, fashion is all about pushing the envelope and what could be more cool than fifty shades of plaid?! The answer is nothing, of course! 😀

What is your favorite style of shoe? How do you incorporate plaid into your OOTDs? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec21

If The Shoe Fits: Go Speed Racer Platforms Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Go Speed Racer Platforms Edition

Hellooo! I went a little shoe crazy on Dolls Kill during Black Friday but I am so not complaining. I normally have a few big shoe hauls per year and when I can get a bunch of pairs that I like for a great price, I don’t mind the splurge quite so much. The platforms seen below are different, to say the least, but that’s why I needed them! They’re fun, unique, and perfect to wear to a NASCAR event, if you’re in to that sort of thing, lol. Check it out:

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I was really looking forward to getting all of my shoes in the mail but I was pretty excited for this particular pair. I am always drawn to buying things that I’ve never seen anyone else wear before and these ones totally qualify under that category. I love the huge buckles, the checkered flag heel, and the lightning bolt pops of yellow. They are attention grabbing and quirky and I just like them!

I cannot wait for the warm weather to wear these open platforms and they will be so fun to sport with a loose fitting shirt and short shorts. The Go Speed Racers are also ideal for the “athletic chic” style that has become popular within the past few years. Throw these on with your favorite pair of leggings, an oversized hoodie, and a messy bun and you’re all set with a cool and trendy look for whatever the day has in store for you… Even if it’s not going to the gym. 😉

Where do you find the craziest shoes at? How would you rock these NASCAR inspired platforms? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec20

If The Shoe Fits: Devilishly Good Platforms Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Devilishly Good Platforms Edition

Hi! When Black Friday rolled around I just couldn’t resist checking out Dolls Kill to do some “window shopping”. Naturally, I picked out five pairs of shoes that I wanted REAL bad and told my boyfriend to “save me from myself” when he came home. So, he proceeded to shut my laptop and my wallet breathed a sigh of relief.

PLOT TWIST

Fast forward to a few hours later when Johnny and I were at a party and I told him I still wanted the shoes that I couldn’t stop thinking about. His sweet self remembered every shoe I wanted and found them on his phone so I could order them from our friend’s living room. Did I bag myself a winner or what?! Check these pretty babes out and let’s discuss:

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Dolls Kill specializes in funky, unique, and sometimes downright crazy footwear and I think these 666 inspired platforms fit that description perfectly. These heels were from their Halloween collection and I fell so in love with the cheeky design and flamboyant glitter. And, to think that I almost didn’t get them?! I know, I’m shocked by it, myself, because that really is so unlike me!

I have honestly never seen shoes like these before and I don’t think anyone else has either because they were the talk of the night at the Friendsgiving event that Johnny and I went to. Literally every single person in the room paid me a compliment on them and you know I was just feeling my damn self! I have a very special place in my heart for every shoe I own but I think these might be my new favorite. 20/10 would recommend buying a pair. 😀

Did you do any Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping? What kind of deals did you score? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec16

Thrifting With Zip

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Thrifting With Zip

Howdy! As you all know, I have grown very fond of secondhand shopping this past year and am all about the Goodwill. This love for thrifting developed while shopping for my apartment and now I cannot resist the urge to check out the local thrifts to see what treasures I can find.

So, when another beautiful blogger, pen named Zip, contacted me about her amazing thrift store finds, I couldn’t say no to featuring them on my page. Let’s take a look and, as always, if you’re interested in guest posting on lifewithlilred, shoot me an email at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com!

Thrifting With Zip

1.) Snake Skin Short Jacket: The thing I love most about this jacket would be the snakelike design and the dark edgy look it gives off. I would probably pair this with a simple all black casual look with some high fall boots.
*Lil Red approves and recommends sporting a deep red or purple lipstick for the ultimate vampy cool look!
2.) Black & White Marble Blazer: Hence the name I picked out on this fashion find, lol. It was eye-catching the moment I saw it, and the best part is that I got this gem for free from a local thrift shop. I guess it’s true when they say that the best finds in life are free! Anyways, I really love this blazer and the old-school 90’s vibe it gives me. Plus, its a diverse fashion piece which I can wear in many ways. And, did I mention it has pockets?!
3.) Multicolor Sweater Dress: This was probably my favorite thrift find this year! The colors really make your eyes pop and it’s such a bold statement. It’s also reversible, so I can wear it both sides, which is pretty cool. Personally, I LOVE the colored side and the “look at me” vibes it gives off. I would wear this dress with some bad-ass, suede thigh high boots.

About The Author: I am Oprah “Zip” Bradford, but I’m known to most by my pen name Zip. I am just a normal ole gal from the small town of Covington, Louisiana. I am the author of ten books, a full time blogger, the creator of the empowerment platforms OprahZipBradford.com, The Come-Up, and the upcoming book “The Single Woman’s Plug”. I also created the hashtag #ZipPost on Facebook which spreads my empowerment messages around the world.

Contact Zip At:

Thanks again to Zip for guest posting on lifewithlilred! What is your favorite secondhand store? What is your favorite treasure you’ve found thrifting? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec2

Trail Blazers: Jones New York Blazer Dress

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Trail Blazers: Jones New York Blazer Dress

Hello everyone! It’s no secret that Lil Red loves the Goodwill – a spark which has burned brightly since doing a majority of my apartment shopping there when I moved in. Similar to TJMaxx, shopping secondhand feels like a treasure hunt. You literally never know what you’re going to find. Sometimes the shopping trip is fruitless and other times you walk out with a bagful of things you didn’t know you needed until you laid eyes on it.

For example, the last time I was at Goodwill, this amazing Jones New York dusty pink blazer dress was just hanging out on one of the end caps and it was instant love. With vintage vibes and a color I rarely wear, this purchase felt exciting and I am so looking forward to sporting it this holiday season. Take a look:

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The very cool thing about this little number, aside from the fact that it looks fresh out of the 1950s, is the options that it comes with. Yes, it could be worn as a dress, which I plan on doing for at least one holiday get together. But, it also can be thrown on as a trench style coat, which will look particularly becoming in the spring. Buying pieces that can be worn a multitude of ways helps the garment continue to feel exciting with every use and it always makes me feel like I’m getting a lot of bang for my buck.

I spent a whopping five dollars on this dress and I’m sure that the original price tag was at least twenty times that. And, that’s the beauty of secondhand shopping. For five dollars I got to treat myself with an old piece of clothing that feels brand new to me and there is really nothing better than that!

What has been one of your favorite secondhand finds? How do you shop secondhand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov18

New For The Republic Sweater

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New For The Republic Sweater

Howdy! I have been doing a majority of my Christmas shopping in store this year. Shocking, I know. But, I have grown weary of Amazon’s selection and I feel like I have just been giving the same gift every year so I figured it was high time to change it up. While holiday shopping in TJMaxx, I told myself that I wasn’t going to get anything for me. Of course, that never happens, though, and I walked away with this gorgeous new sweater and some holiday treats for a few of the people on my list. Check it out:

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We all know damn well by now that Lil Red never says no to mustard yellow and as soon as I saw this sweater by For The Republic, I knew that I was going to love it. Other than black, I tend to wear a lot of yellows and greens because they always look perfect with my hair and complexion. This sweater was obviously no exception and I only needed to see it on for about ten seconds to make the decision to put it in my cart. The twenty-five from sixty-eight dollar price tag didn’t hurt the cause, either!

Although I couldn’t quite make it out of TJMaxx without purchasing a little something something for myself, I am amazed at my self restraint – there was a lot of things I liked! This bell sleeved beauty is an ideal three season sweater and I am looking forward to sporting it up until summer under cozy faux fur coats and knitted scarves. Now, hopefully everyone will like the prezzies I picked out as much as I love my treat yoself sweater. 😀

Do you prefer to holiday shop in store or online? How do you avoid buying for yourself while gift shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah