Category Archives: Fashion

The Fashion Statement That’s Out Of The Ordinary

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The Fashion Statement That’s Out Of The Ordinary

Fashion is on every lip and in every shop. Consequently, as a fashionista, you know the two magic words that can get you noticed and send plenty of positive trendy waves your way: Fashion Statement. The only problem with fashion statements, is that it needs to be an extension of yourself through the means of fashion without becoming abusive, shocking, or political. In other words, you can’t exactly be wearing a print out of your favorite congressman and call it a fashion statement; it would be a political opinion, and it can expose you to unnecessary painful repercussions once in the street.

Additionally, the statement is about making your outfit work, which means you need to think in terms of accessorizing or finding the right item to wear, instead of openly sharing your opinion about a specific matter with others. In fact, when you think about it, a fashion statement that doesn’t look like anything else is far from being a piece of cake!

The problem with fashion statements:

Do you know where most people go to find the perfect fashion statement? They turn to magazines, fashion bloggers, and, naturally, high street shops. As a result, everyone’s favorite fashion statement pieces are the same. How can you make a real statement if you look like everyone else? Additionally, one could also ask how a mass-produced piece can be the best personality piece for your wardrobe. In short, belts, earrings, clutch bags, hats, and shoes, while they are often the ideal accessories for your outfit, may not work as a unique, stylish item when everyone buys from the same shop. You need to be a little more creative, and that’s a good thing. Making your fashion statement meaningful by making it more personal is hardly a challenge for a fashionista with a sharp sense of style.

Make it vintage and personal:

If you have a love for old clothes, you can transform an outfit by pairing it with a true vintage item. If you know a few good addresses for vintage fashion, you can make sure to add a nice handbag from the 1950s or even some of the 1970s platform Cuban shoes that everyone wants. However, if you’re worried about wearing something that might require more care than modern fashion pieces, you can make your own vintage tee with SE Apparel. You can wear a fake 1970s vintage top with a picture of your parents’ wedding on it, for instance, or with a logo from the time – as logos are back in trend.

DIY:

If you’re particularly crafty, or if you know someone who is, you can definitely transform your style by wearing a hand-knitted scarf or a cute crochet beanie. The most adventurous can even sew their own clothes. There are plenty of simple patterns for beginners that can take you through the art of making your skirt or your dress in a few hours’ time. Nothing says personal statement as much as handmade clothes! Perhaps you might not be skilled with crafting your own clothes but are an excellent artist. This is great too! You could print your own graphic tees using your design for something totally one of a kind. You might even turn this into a side hustle so everyone can enjoy your creativity.

If DIY is not your thing, you can still incorporate aspects inspired by it into your outfits. Go for sweet embroidered pieces, chunky knitwear, beaded jewelry, or you can even buy odd socks with a homemade flare or fun patterns. No DIY skills required!

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Creating your own clothes is the ultimate DIY!

Fashion statements don’t work if they just make you look like anybody else. You have to be creative to showcase your style with original items – and, most importantly, have some fun!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jolie In Jaase Top

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Jolie In Jaase Top

Hello hello and happy Monday! On my last trip to TJMaxx, I picked up a new top by Australian brand, Jaase, that I am simply obsessed with. It’s fresh, it’s floral, and it’s fabulous. This new zipped crop is completely perfect for spring and I loved it on the hanger, in the dressing room, and on my person because I had to wear it immediately the next day. Take a look:

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Other than black and green, I’m pretty sure that my favorite color to wear is the grey blue that is featured in this little number. I love how the simple white flowers pop against such a muted background. I also love how my complexion and hair pops, as well! This is probably my fifth or sixth top that features the pigeon color palette that I am so very fond of and, yes, I am sure that I will add more to my collection soon!

I love the shape of this top. The tight cropped torso is a snap to apply thanks to the zippered front, and it looks so chic paired with its bubble sleeves that taper into the cinched in finale. This Jaase top is unique, and that is so important to me. The shape of it is so different than anything in my closet and the fifteen dollar price tag doesn’t hurt, either.

Once it gets warm enough to wear shorts with tights, trust and believe that that is what I’ll be pairing my new find with. This Jaase purchase is going to look darling with A-line skirts and will add some flare to my black skinnies when it’s too chilly for shorts and tights. So fun!

What is your favorite color to wear? How would you style this top? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Scarf Series: Knitted With Love Edition

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Scarf Series: Knitted With Love Edition

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! This is a special edition of my Scarf Series, because the one that I’m discussing today is one of a kind. My newest scarf was handmade by my mom! Despite my mom having no artistic talent in regards to drawing or painting, her creativity shines through in a different manner. She is an expert in her craft of bread baking and always uses the phrase “kneaded with love” so Knitted With Love only seemed like an appropriate title for this post. Take a look:

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Literally no one in my family even knew that my mom knows how to knit until last month when she had a stay in the hospital. The lovely JANE decided that she would like to spend some of her time there knitting, so we took a trip to the absolutely darling Harps & Thistles Yarn Emporium to pick out some materials for her to work with.

At first, I was ambivalent about my mom making me a scarf, because I already have so many and my sister specifically said that she wanted one, so I wanted my mom to focus on that, instead. But then, my mom and I laid eyes on the gorgeous mustard yellow tweed yarn that you can see above. It was the perfect shabby chic, collegiate cool palette and my prior sentiments of “you don’t have to make me a scarf if you don’t want to” instantly turned to “can you PLEASE make me a scarf?!”.

While my mom was away, it was always so exciting to get a text or hear her say on video chat that she was working on my scarf. And when she finally returned home, which was amazing in itself, it was made even more special to see the fruits of her labor for her two girls with a rose pink and mustard yellow scarf. It hasn’t been cold enough in Ohio to wear scarves, any more (Which is great!), but I did get to wear my home made scarf one time and I loved every minute of it. I can’t wait to get more use of it next winter!!

What is your favorite craft to do? Did someone teach you how or were you self taught? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Stop Replacing Clothes So Often With These Longevity Hacks

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Stop Replacing Clothes So Often With These Longevity Hacks

Do you wish that your clothes would last you for longer than they do? If they did, you wouldn’t have to replace them quite so often, which would help you save a whole load of cash. So, imagine if there were ways that you could prevent all of the wear and tear that your items of clothing have to go through.

Well, there are a few ways you can do just that! And don’t worry, you don’t have to spend a lot of money trying to increase their longevity and lifespan. In fact, these simple hacks can help you see a big difference when it comes to making your wardrobe last longer.

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Cuuuute!

Know What To Fold And What To Hang:

Did you know that storing your clothes incorrectly could shorten their life? It’s true; some clothes need to be hanged up while others should be folded away neatly. For instance, sweaters and hoodies will stretch out of shape when they are hung on hangers in a closet. They need to be folded up in drawers. Similarly, dress shirts won’t fare too well when hung up. However, jackets and coats need to be hung – you can use shirt hangers to ensure that they don’t stretch too much on the hanger. Dresses and skirts also need hanging in wardrobes, as well.

Reduce Your Laundry:

If you regularly wash clothes, they will end up losing their color and the material will also start to fray. So, no matter how tempted you are to pop an item of clothing into the wash, you should try and hold off until it really does need cleaning. Ideally, you should wear everything more than once before it goes in the washing machine. There are some things that can help you put off your washes. For example, lint rollers can remove any hairs from your sweaters and you can also buy anti-stain pens that you can dab onto your clothes to remove any small stains and spills.

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I need that outfit!

Keep A Smoke Free Home:

It’s also a good idea to try and keep your home free from smoke. This includes smoke from cigarettes and vapor pens. The odors from each type of cigarette and e-cigarette will just cause your clothes to smell, even if they are put away in your wardrobe. Cigarette smoke and odors can end up all around the house and will get into your closets and other storage units. Not only that, but the smoke from traditional cigarettes could end up permanently staining your clothes.

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Kaboom Pics Image

Watch Out For Pests:

It’s not just cigarettes that are putting your clothes at risks – any pests that are sneaking around your home could also be causing damage. For example, rats and mice like to nibble on anything they can get their paws on. If they make their way into your bedroom, you might start to find bite marks on the edges of your clothes. They might also do their business on your clothes, which could cause stains and smells. Thankfully, this company can help you take care of your pest problem. You might also want to add some mothballs to your wardrobes, closets, and drawers so that you don’t start to have a problem with moths. These little creatures are known for eating clothes whenever they get the chance!

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Love that backpack!

Work In Old Clothes:

Ideally, you should always keep some old clothes that you can carry out all of your dirty work in. It’s really not a good idea to wear your best shirt and jeans for doing your cleaning and other chores around the house, for example. You will be on your hands and knees, which could wear down your jeans, and you might also spill some harsh cleaning chemicals on yourself which could stain your clothes. So, it’s a good idea to keep some old clothes that you aren’t bothered about for these jobs. You should also invest in an apron for when you are cooking in your kitchen. Just one splash of tomato sauce could end up ruining a crisp white shirt!

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Fun shoes!

Reinforce Your Hems:

As soon as you buy a new skirt, pair of pants, or dress, you should always find the time to reinforce the hem before you wear it. It’s really easy to do, as you just need to know one simple stitch. If you have your own sewing machine, then it is even easier. Doing this will make the hems a lot less flimsy and they won’t experience quite as much wear and tear as usual. Knowing how to sew hems can also help you raise or lower them, which means you will be able to adjust your skirts and dresses to keep up with hemline fashions.

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Definitely wear your play close while exploring!

Invest In Good Quality:

One of the best things that you can do when you are shopping for clothes is to invest in good quality items. If you just buy cheap clothing, you will find that it regularly needs to be replaced. That’s because it hasn’t been made with the best materials or using the best possible techniques. As a result, it will be flimsy and a lot more likely to stretch out of shape.

Plus, you will find that the colors fade quickly. So, rather than scrimping and saving in budget stores, it really is worth investing in top-quality items. These will last you a lot longer so, even though you initially pay more, you will end up saving money as you won’t need to replace them so often. When you buy expensive clothes, you should look for timeless, statement pieces as these won’t go out of fashion quite as often as items of clothing that are bang-on trend right now.

Your clothes should always last you for at least a year. If you find that you are replacing items more often than that, you might really benefit from all of the tips in this post. Good luck with your wardrobe’s new lease of longevity!

Featured Image By: Kaboom Pics

Oh, Heyyy

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Oh, Heyyy

Happy Sunday! I realize that it has been a phat minute since I posted a picture of myself and *gasp* I’m not wearing red lipstick in it! I swapped the red during a day out for one of my favorite Tarte lip paint shades in Rosé. This picture is also featuring a Lauren Conrad top from Kohl’s that I got for a whopping five dollars. What whattttttt!

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Oh, Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

How are you spending Sunday Funday? How often do you take selfies? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Snakeskin, Sister

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Snakeskin, Sister

Hi!! Although I am not the biggest fan of animal prints when it comes to clothing and accessories, I am definitely (faux) snakeskin obsessed. Cheetah, zebra, and whatever other animal prints there are simply fall by the wayside when it comes to snakeskin. To me, snakeskin is the chicest animal print – it tends to be soft and subdued but still has the perfect amount of glam rock edge to it, which sets it apart from in your face cheetah or zebra patterns.

I have never been able to find just the right snakeskin patterned clothing, but I do have a Nine West purse and two pairs of snakeskin booties that I adore. Take a look:

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I think that the best part about snakeskin is that it really is a neutral pattern. The blacks, greys, whites, and taupes blend so effortlessly that it never overpowers the rest of your look. My snakeskin boots are usually my go to’s when I want to spice an outfit up a little while still maintaining a rocker cool vibe.

And, can we talk about one of my favorite purses of all time?! My Nine West bag was a birthday gift from a few years ago and it remains as one of my most frequently used purses. It is perfect for either work or play and is large enough to fit all of my necessities in it without being too big. Sigh, TJMaxx shoots and scores again. :*)

Whether you want a chic pattern to incorporate into your work wardrobe or something more rocker when you’re at play, snakeskin will always be the best way to go!

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

True Destiny Flower Power Top

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True Destiny Flower Power Top

Hi everyone! I don’t know about ya’ll, but I am ready for spring! It has been snowing on and off again in Ohio, so I have still been bundled up in my winter’s best. But, that doesn’t mean that I can’t think about warmer weather constantly and do some spring shopping! Who needs spring cleaning, anyways?!

To get myself ready for warmer weather and spring flowers, I indulged in this gorgeous, retro inspired True Destiny top from TJMaxx. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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I am so obsessed with this top. The colors, the structured torso counterbalanced with larger than life balloon sleeves, and a tie neck back to top it all off. I can’t handle the cuteness. The bright colored flowers bouncing against a bleach white base make me so happy and it takes spring florals to a whole new and unique level. It is truly a mod, flower power top to the max and I’ve already worn it three times this week!

Since it’s been so cold, I’ve only been pairing this shirt with my black skinnies. But, come warmer weather, I am so excited to wear this True Destiny top with a sweet pair of dark denim shorts and my heeled floral sneakers for a fun and sunshiney OOTD.

How would you style this top? What is one of your favorite patterns to wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Carolina Belle Blazer Edition

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Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Carolina Belle Blazer Edition

Hellooo! One article of clothing that Lil Red owns in abundance is jackets. From blazers and peacoats to moto and jean jackets – I love them all. One style that I am particularly fond of as far as an amazing transitional piece from work to play goes is the blazer. Whether it’s fitted and constructed or a slouchy boyfriend style, you can never go wrong with a blazer while you’re on the job or on a night on the town. I own a handful of blazers, but my favorite one will always be this Carolina Belle beauty. Check it out:

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This cobalt blue velvet blazer makes me feel so good whenever I wear it. It makes such a statement thanks to the striking color and pale grey pattern and it gives me a huge confidence boost no matter what mood I’m in. This, in itself, covers what I think clothing should do for someone:

  1. Give you confidence.
  2. Make a statement.

I used to shop very haphazardly when I was younger. I would buy things that maybe didn’t look or fit the best just to have something new or because it was a good deal. Now, as the years have gone by, I try to only purchase things that follow my above guidelines. If the article of clothing that you’re trying on doesn’t instantly make you feel amazing, then what’s the point?

As soon as I tried this blazer on – no, as soon as I looked at it, actually, it made me happy. It made me feel like I could walk into a room or a job interview and be taken seriously but still light it up. I never agree with buying things for the sake of buying. But, how can you not buy a blazer that speaks to you on such a spiritual level?!

What is your favorite style of jacket? How would you style this Carolina Belle blazer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Accessory Story: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, And Something Blue Edition

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Accessory Story: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, And Something Blue Edition

Howdy! Does anyone have an accessory that they wear every day? Maybe it’s your favorite bracelet, the earrings that you never take out, or the anklet that’s too difficult to bother taking off. I actually have four bracelets that I wear every day, compliments of my beloved mom and the beautiful Kate of Ankhor You.

Back in October, you might remember that I spent some time in New York City for the first annual Bloggers Conference between me and Kate. Once I was there, it was fabulous. But, I’ll tell ya what, getting there was a bit of a struggle. I had never traveled alone before and, needless to say, I was freaking the fuck out lol. But, in true mom fashion, my darling JANE always knew just what to say and do to calm me down. She let me pick out one of her pieces of jewelry so it was like she was with me on the trip. It was

SO SWEET

And I ended up selecting the following bracelet set from my mom:

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By the time I arrived home from my NYC extravaganza, I was too attached to the bracelets to give them back and asked my mom if I could keep them. Obviously, she said yes, because I have been wearing them every day since my trip. The bracelets are kind of falling apart now and beads are falling off. But, I plan on wearing them until every single bead is gone. ❤

These bracelets are old, blue, and technically borrowed – so what’s the new one? This here Alex and Ani bracelet from the beautiful Kate, of course:

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This gorgeous Harry Potter themed bracelet was a Christmas surprise from Kate, and I have been wearing it every day since it arrived in the mail. This is my first Alex And Ani bracelet and it couldn’t be more perfect. The theme, the sentiment behind it, the element of surprise from a package in the mail from NYC. I get emotional just thinking about it!!! :*)

When these bracelets combine, I have something old, new, borrowed, and blue and my day wouldn’t feel complete without having them on my wrist. So special thanks to my mom and my darling Kate for gifting me with something that makes me smile every day. I LOVE YOU!!! ❤

Do you own anything that fits the old, new, borrowed, and blue guidelines? Do you have a piece of jewelry that you wear daily or don’t take off? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Love Notes Cropped Button Down

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New Love Notes Cropped Button Down

Heyyyyyyy. One style of top that I have grown increasingly fond of as of late is the button down. I LOVE them and have began to accumulate quite the collection. And, my love grows even more specific, because I always seem to be drawn to blue, vertical striped button downs – like this cropped cutie by Love Notes seen below:

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  • TJMaxx Price: $13

I really freaking like this shirt and, yes, it does look fabulous underneath the sleeveless hoodie that I wrote about yesterday! This top reminds me a lot of clothing from Zara and getting it for a fraction of what it would have costed there makes it an even sweeter buy. My new Love Notes lovely shows what looks like geese in different stages of flight and it’s just a cool pattern to have over the blue stripes.

Not only is the pattern of this top unique, but so is the style of it because it’s cropped. I am so looking forward to pairing this with black shorts this summer and maybe even during the spring with tights underneath for a quirky fun look. Everything about this top is a score for me and you definitely can’t beat a thirteen dollar price tag!

What is your favorite style of top? Who else is an avid fan of the button down? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah