Category Archives: Fashion

Dec9

Confessions Of A Shopaholic

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Confessions Of A Shopaholic

Heyy everyone and TGIF!! So, if you have been reading my blog for a while or just take a look at the plethora of posts under the “Fashion” category, you might be able to guess that I love to shop. Honestly, the word love is an understatement because I am lightweight obsessed with purchasing all things fashion, beauty, and accessories. There’s just something about the act of going to your favorite store or getting comfy on your couch to shop online that’s moderately addicting to me.

Why is that? I guess because it feels good, damnit. Sometimes I have a really hard time feeling good. Long story short, things at home are basically a shit show seven times out of ten so when I can just go and surround myself with things that are pretty, it feels like a much needed vacation. Even if I don’t end up buying a single thing, I could spend an hour filling up a cart on ModCloth and wind up feeling infinitely better.

Is this a bad thing? Sometimes! My bank account definitely doesn’t love me for it! In fact, just last night I had a splurging sesh on TJMaxx’s website but it was a graduation gift to myself so I thought that it was okay (the voice of an addict!). BUT sometimes I think that my shopaholic nature is a blessing.

1) I have the most phenomenal wardrobe that I know of.

2) I am never spending money that I don’t have.

3) I rarely turn to getting sloppy drunk or self harming methods anymore when I feel like shit.

As I mentally rearranged new homes in my closet and shoe wall last night after my TJMaxx graduation shopping spree, I had to stop and think if some of the purchases that I have made in the past have been worth it. And honestly? I answered with “yes” to every single one of them. If it takes treating myself to something new and pretty when I’m feeling blah every so often, then I say go girl!

I feel as though some people have a hard time with treating themselves but hey, they don’t call retail therapy “therapy” for nothing! If you get happy or have something to look forward to with a purchase, then do the damn thing! Buy the heels, get the pedicure, take yourself out to dinner. At the end of the day, you have to take care of yourself and if a little splurge here and there helps ease the ache that life can throw at you, then I will be with you there at the checkout line.

Here’s to shopping (In moderation!). Here’s to making yourself feel good. Here’s to treating yourself like the amazing person you are!

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How do you treat yoself when you’re feeling blah? What is your favorite way to splurge on yourself? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov24

Looking After Your Wedding Dress After Your Big Day

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Looking After Your Wedding Dress After Your Big Day

Your wedding gown is a big purchase, and while you might only ever wear it for one day, you’ll still want to keep it in good condition. St George wedding dresses at VA Bridal are a stunning reminder of the day itself and who knows- in the future your own daughter might want to wear it for her wedding! After the celebrations are over, you’ve been on your honeymoon and are back home settling into married life, here’s what you need to do to look after your wedding dress.

Have It Cleaned: Having your wedding dress cleaned doesn’t have to be expensive, you can find cheap dry cleaning services just about anywhere. Inquire about wedding gowns, ensuring they have experience in cleaning and preserving them. It will be carefully inspected and cleaned using special chemicals that won’t damage the delicate fabric. It’s important to have this done, as sometimes stains can be invisible at first, but contain sugar which will brown over time. If there are any particularly bad stains such as red wine or mud, have these professionally cleaned as soon as possible. This is because the longer they sit, the harder they will be to remove. If there have been any spills like this on your gown, you could ask a friend or family member to take it to the dry cleaners for you. Especially if you’re jetting off on your honeymoon right after the wedding and won’t get the chance to do it until you’re back.

Package Carefully: It’s so important to use the right materials when you’re storing your wedding dress. Any kind of plastic wrapping or bags will eventually break down and cause yellowing of the dress so these should always be avoided. An acid-free paper or muslin will protect it, while still allowing it to ‘breathe.’ And finally putting it into a box will protect it from yellowing in sunlight. If you’re putting your gown up into the attic or a cupboard, a sealed box can be a good idea to prevent pests from being able to enter and destroy the fabric.

Handle Gently: The whole point of keeping Bridal Gowns beautiful is so you can look back on them in years to come. So if you want to get it out to have a look, go for it! Just be sure to handle it with care. Wash your hands before touching it and open the box in a clean area- keep any open drinks or food away. Alternatively, you could have your dress packaged in a box with a clear lid so you can see it without taking it out. Just be sure that the clear lid is acetate rather than plastic, which as mentioned earlier can cause yellowing. *Side Note: A girl on my Facebook newsfeed did this and it looks SO gorgeous!*

Looked after properly your wedding dress will keep in good condition for years to come and is a beautiful reminder of one of the most special days of your life. If you’re married, how did you have your wedding dress stored? If you’re getting married soon, have you put much thought into how you will preserve your dress? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov1

TJMaxx Fall Haul (Pt. 3!)

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TJMaxx Fall Haul (Pt. 3!)

You know how they say that you shouldn’t shop when you’re feeling emotional? Kind of like how you shouldn’t go grocery shopping if you’re super hungry? I call bullshit. This past Friday proved that emotional shopping is actually the best thing ever. Saying that my mom and I had a rough day is the understatement of the century. By the time the evening rolled around we were totally over wallowing about what a shitty day we were having and needed to get out of the house.

Naturally, the first place that came to both of our minds was TJs. We had a ten dollar gift card burning a hole in our pocket and after a day of complete crappiness, an evening spent among pretty things was much needed. There’s just something about going out and picking yourself out something nice that makes you instantly perk up. Finding a gorgeous new pair of shoes or simply a new winter scarf gives you back that “yes!” feeling and has you ready to take on the day again. Or is that just me?

Anyways, my mom and I decided to venture a little farther into Fairlawn as opposed to our usual TJs stomping grounds in Cuyahoga Falls. The Fairlawn location offers a more high end selection while the CFalls one is more of a value store. Neither one is better than the other, though, because I have gotten amazing hauls from both of them as well as completely struck out before at both locations, too. Our little evening trip ended up being totally worth it because we both walked away with new shoes, new winter accessories, AND some Christmas presents for our beloved pups. :*) Take a look:

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The Haul:

  • Leopard Print Booties: Circus by Sam Edelman
  • Tan Boots: Toms (My mom picked these out for herself! So cute!)
  • Pink Beanie: Kate Spade
  • Smiley Face Scarf: Nardi & Tagliaferri

I have been hooked on the idea of owning some kind of footwear with leopard print on it for a while. However, every boot, heel, or sneaker that I have come across always just ended up looking really cheap. I was pretty dead set on wanting to find a printed bootie since it isn’t exactly heels weather anymore so I was so happy when I came across my new pair of Circus booties by Sam Edelman.

I have always had a deep love for little black booties and have at least six pairs that boast various shapes, zippers, buckles, and styles. If I had to pick a favorite style though – I would have to say that I love buckles and a sharp pointed toe. My new pair of Sam Edelman’s offer all of that as well as a little peppering in of leopard print to help curb my current obsession.

If you ever come across a pair of booties in this brand that are similar to mine, I will say that they run quite big so I would go down at least half a size. I am normally a solid 6 1/2 and was really lucky that they had a size six. If not, I don’t think that I would have been able to purchase them because the 6 1/2 legit looked like clown shoes on me. Thank you for smiling on me, shoe gods!

The pair of Toms boots that my mom got were too freaking cute not to share, too! These boots were only THIRTY dollars which is crazy because I know that that brand of shoes costs a pretty penny. I love when my mom finds something new that makes her feel good and we always have the best time playing fashion show when we get home. That’s when I help her style outfits for work and play and if she’s feeling saucy she’ll even try and help me create a new outfit for school or work! So precious. ❤

And finally, my new winter accessories. The TJs that we were at had a gigantic section filled with gloves, scarves, hats, and earmuffs and all of them were unbearably cute. However, the problem was that they had a million of every single item that I liked. That is something that I really try to avoid because I like for all of my purchases to have a slim possibility of being worn by someone else.

So, I decided to utilize the technique that I employ quite often. It’s kind of like playing I Spy. You go through each row of items and you try and find something in there that doesn’t belong. Whether it be from someone shoving it in the wrong place or the fact that there was only one of the pieces left, it is a great way to find something that feels like it was there just for you. That is how I found my hot pink Kate Spade beanie as well as my Nardi & Tagliaferri (made in Florence!) scarf.

My mom and I are kind of in love with all things Kate Spade so when I found this hot pink beacon of a beanie popping out amidst a sea of creams and greys, I had to try it on. I actually don’t own anything hot pink because I’m just not that kind of girl but this hat is so darling! I love the bow on the top and it’s the perfect touch of girly among my normally all black outfits. Not only that, but it goes perfectly with my new scarf!

I only own one winter scarf and I have had it since freshman year of high school. (Eight years! Yikes!!) A new scarf wasn’t exactly a priority on my list of things that I want but when I was playing my I Spy game and found the cheeky smiley faces peeking out from all of the draping scarves, I knew that it was the one. I love, love, love heather grey and the scarf was the perfect mix between being too warm and not being warm enough. When I tried my scarf on along with the Kate Spade hat and the tan safari jacket that I was wearing, I felt so fall chic and fun that I couldn’t not get it! And of course, I love having things from Europe so the fact that it was made in Florence was a big plus for me!

Was this shopping trip to TJs with my mom absolutely necessary? I would say, YES. After such a successful haul as well as some quality time with each other, we were back to our chipper selves – just a bit more fashionable than before. Sometimes all you really need is an evening out with your mom at TJMaxx to shake away the blues of a bad day! Love you mama! ❤

So there you have it, my TJMaxx Fall Haul (Pt. 3!)! Who has started their holiday shopping already? Where is the best place to get some amazing seasonal deals? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct25

What Is Your Third Love Bra Personality?

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What Is Your Third Love Bra Personality?

One thing that I truly believe in is amazing lingerie. I stand firmly with the statement that under every gorgeous outfit is fabulous lingerie to go with it. Ever since I was out of trainer bras (those were the days!), I have been enamored with the endless possibilities that come with shopping for the perfect bras and panties. If you guys know me, and my “If I like it, I obviously must buy it” attitude, it should come as no surprise that I have two drawers filled with pretty little underthings. I’m talking bras and panties for days. Some are fun and bold, others are pretty and flirty, while a few are totally va va voom sexy.

The lingerie that I house in my dresser can only be described as a magnificent, lacy hodgepodge of styles so I really wouldn’t say that I have a bra “personality”. That’s why I am so totally excited to feature this way fun quiz by ThirdLove here on lifewithlilred. It is going to be such fun to take this quiz together and find out what our fall lingerie look is.

After the quiz, you fabulous people are going to have free range to shop till you drop because I am going to give you a fifteen percent off promo code for any purchase on Third Love. Their lingerie is to die for and nothing is better than getting something pretty for a steal! Is everyone ready? Let’s do this.

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My Answers:

Favorite Fall Activity: Howling through haunted houses, obvs! This weekend my boyfriend and I are going to the Factory Of Terror and I’m SO excited. As a horror buff, haunted houses are a must and I can’t wait to make my way through the five haunted houses that the Factory has to offer.

Best Fall Flick: HORROR MOVIE MARATHONS!! I do this on the daily anyways but it’s even more fun when the spooky chill of Halloween is in the air! Also, is it bad that I’ve never seen Hocus Pocus…?

Go-To Fall Outfit: If by my boyfriend’s flannel you mean my flannel, then YES! I love flannels all the time but they are the best ever in the fall! Whether they are tied around your waist or keeping you nice and warm under a quilted sleeve coat, flannels are a no brainer for an autumn outfit.

Favorite Fall Flavor: All apple everything, please! I’m not a big Pumpkin Spice Latte kind of gal but I’ll take a warm glass of fresh apple cider any day!

The Results:

  • 24/7 Classic T-shirt bra

I can totally see why I ended up with the bra that is perfect for a fall fashionista on the go. Whether it be browsing through pumpkin patches or a night hike through the woods, I’m always down for fall activities. However, I don’t own one single t-shirt bra. Is that bad? In Lil Red’s world, appearance trumps all functionality when it comes to lingerie so I want the drama, the lace, and the perfect push up.

As opposed to the 24/7 Classic T-shirt bra, I can totally see myself sporting the 24/7 Strappy T-shirt bra. I absolutely LOVE it. This bra is too cute to not play peek a boo with so I would style it with a warmer fall afternoon in mind. Here are my steps to creating a totally cool fall look that will make the corn maze your new runway:

  • 24/7 Strappy T-shirt bra: You want a pretty bra with a rocker edge? Say no more. Whether you play peek a boo with this bra or not, knowing that you have a gorgeous bra on with some sass to it is a huge confidence boost. WORK!
  • Muscle tank with oversized arm holes: A muscle tank with the slouchy sleeves and a fun pattern or logo is a must for the Strappy T-shirt bra. The double band is totes adorbs and will be able to make a guest appearance through a tank with some slouch to it.
  • Flannel tied around your waist: All of the flannels that I own are pretty oversized and I really like that when I tie them around my waist, it goes down close to my knees. I recommend a larger flannel but any size will do! When you are getting dressed, don’t just grab any old flannel, though. You never know when it might get a little chilly and wearing it wouldn’t be a bad idea! Make sure the flannel compliments your outfit well because the possibility of a fall chill is real.
  • Black or dark blue skinny jeans: Of course, I only wear black skinnies but a nice, dark wash indigo jean is the perfect hue for fall.
  • BOOTS: Ankle booties, mid rise combat boots, knee high riding boots, or thigh high va va voom boots, boots are a must for this outfit. Take your pick of style (I’m not picky!) and strut your stuff!
  • Oversized sunglasses: To accessorize, make sure to pack some oversized sunnies to fight off the fall glare.
  • Canvas messenger bag: I think messenger bags are so on campus cool and they are perfect for storing apples from the orchard, beautiful fallen autumn leaves, and some extra cash for a PSL for later.

No matter how you style your fall looks, just remember to have fun and that the base of any amazing outfit is some amazing lingerie! What was that? You want the promo code to pick out some super fab ThirdLove bras of your own? But, of course! Happy shopping!

Fifteen Percent Off Promo Code: TLBBOCT16

So there you have it, my Third Love Bra Personality! I hope you guys enjoyed reading this post as much as I did making it! Who is going to do some shopping on Third Love? What was your bra personality? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct19

TJMaxx Fall Haul (Pt. 2!)

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TJMaxx Fall Haul (Pt. 2!)

Hiiii everyone and happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a fab day so far. So, in case you haven’t noticed by now…I have a serious problem when it comes to shopping at TJMaxx. I love that store more than life itself and when it comes to an evening of “browsing”, my mom and I don’t mess around. You guys need to know that I literally have no self control and that these purchases had to happen. Let me show you some pics and you’ll see why! Take a look:

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The Haul:

  • Faux Fur Coat: Me Jane, $20
  • Fox Hooded Nightie, Munki Munki, $16
  • Animal Print Backpack: Unknown *read below*, $25
  • Knee Highs: Bonetti Giordano, $7

Sarah, you have too many clothes, shoes, and accessories. STOP GOING TO TJMAXX! Juuuuust kidding. 😉 Now that I reprimanded myself, let’s discuss the gorgeous new additions to my wardrobe in detail:

Faux Fur Coat: I didn’t mean to like this coat but it just kind of happened (that’s a lie.). I saw it hanging on the rack looking so sad and forlorn without me in it that it would have been cruel to not put it on. But, come on? Only twenty dollars?! It was practically begging me to take it home. I have been on the hunt for a beautiful, faux fur coat since last winter but they are just something that you do not see often in stores. Therefore, it was totally necessary for me to try the coat on, period, to see if my obsession was even worth it. I mean, you never know – it could have looked awful.

Lucky for me, it didn’t! I fell in love with the romantic, 1940’s feel that this coat had and don’t even get me started on those brooch style buttons! It is worth mentioning that this coat was also in my favorite color, BLACK, so it’s like it was meant to be. I do wish that they had it in other colors, though, because I think that it would look so gorgeous in a dusty gray or pale pink. It also would be super fun in a bright color, too, like cobalt blue or violet. I cannot wait until it gets cold enough to break this coat out because I plan on pairing it with vintage hats from my beloved grandma and its going to look so chic that I could just die. ❤

Foxy Nightie: As you guys know, I have developed an obsession for jammies! My one and only pair that I got recently from Target is just not enough so this little nightie was a total necessity. Not only is the pattern adorable but it also comes complete with a hood and the little holes in the sleeves for your thumbs which I thought was such a sweet touch. This nightie fits perfectly in between being too light or heavy which will make it ideal for snuggling up in this fall and winter.

Printed Backpack: My desire for an unbearably stylish backpack developed many a years ago thanks to the adorable assortment that Elaine from Seinfeld always had. I’ve been watching Seinfeld since my childhood with my parents so, to put that into context, it’s been a long time coming. Anyways, I was so excited when backpacks became cool this past year because that would mean that I would finally find one that was perfect. Wrong.

Every single backpack that I’ve come across just didn’t do it for me. They were all either boring or way too over the top. I needed something that was sleek and edgy, not an eyesore. So when my mom pointed out this little beauty from a brand that I do not know because I literally cannot find it ANYWHERE on the product/tag, I was thrilled! This bag has everything that I wanted – a great shape, a cool pattern, and the option to wear it with everything. I absolutely love it. I cannot wait to break this baby out when I change purses at the end of the month!

Knee Highs: In my defense, I really do need some new knee highs/boot socks. I begin my second year of coaching figure skating for the Special Olympics tomorrow and haven’t purchased new “wear with figure skates” socks since I quit skating…about seven years ago. I am so in love with my new Bonetti Giordano (made in Italy, darling!) socks and have already had such fun wearing them off the ice. I broke out these little babies on Monday for my boyfriend’s birthday with a burgundy floral print dress and forest green platform wedges. The look was a hit and I can’t wait to continue pairing my knee highs with sweet dresses and skirts for a fun fall look. Now, I just need a pair in every other style that was there and I’ll be set!

The reason why I am so okay with this wonderful TJMaxx haul is because I literally own nothing like every single item that was purchased. Everything that I found or was scouted out for me by my fashionista mom were things that have been on my fashion wishlist for forever so to not buy them would just be cruel and unusual. A very fashionable fall is in my forecast! Ciao!

So there you have it, my TJMaxx Fall Haul (Pt. 2!)! What are some of the things that are on your fashion wishlist? What store do you have a hard time saying “no” to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct19

Feel Confident and Look Fantastic For a First Date

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Feel Confident and Look Fantastic For a First Date

A first date is exciting and daunting in equal measures. Knowing what to wear can be a bit of a difficult one, as you want to make a good impression but without looking like you’re trying too hard! If you have a first date coming up, here’s how you can make sure you look and feel as confident as possible.

Have a Pamper Night: Before your big date, spend some time relaxing and using your favorite products. A facial, hair mask, and some exfoliating and moisturizing products will all get your skin and hair into tip-top condition. A hair removal wax such as sugaring hair removal will get your skin looking completely smooth. This is particularly important if you’re wearing an outfit that shows off your legs! Paint your nails and generally unwind with some music and scented candles. You’ll feel rejuvenated and will be looking your best when you get ready for the date.

Wear Something Comfortable Yet Flattering: You want to look like yourself on your date, just the best version of yourself. So if you don’t usually wear dresses or high heels, now isn’t the time to start. Instead, choose items that you’re comfortable in, but look good on you. A good tip is to pick one area to show off and keep everything else covered, this allows you to show a little skin while still keeping it classy.

You could opt for a top that shows your decolletage, collarbones, and cleavage while wearing tights or trousers and long sleeves. You could choose to show off your legs with a shorter dress and go for sleeves and a higher neckline on top. Or, you could show off your arms or back in a top while wearing trousers. Any of these combinations work well for a first date, so decide which areas that you’re happiest with and wear what will give you confidence. Then, you can look into your wardrobe and plan accordingly or even treat yourself to a brand new look by shopping Ethical Fashion for Women. Regardless of what you wear, if you are confident – it will radiate!

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 Mascara is a must!

Go For Pretty, Neutral Makeup: When you want to look beautiful, it can be easy to go overboard on the makeup. But if you’re just going to the movies or for causal drinks – strong highlight and contour, dramatic lips, smokey eyes, and killer false eyelashes are just going to look a bit much. Again wear what you like and makes you feel comfortable, but your best bet is to accentuate your natural beauty. A dewy foundation with a flattering shade of blush, light neutral eyeshadow, and plenty of black mascara, for example, will give you a radiant, fresh-faced appearance.

Wear Perfume: While this isn’t something that will impact how you look, a spritz of perfume shouldn’t be missed from your first date outfit. Research by Cosmo showed that fragrance has the ability to seduce and excite. Over a third of men polled said that gorgeous perfume will captivate their interest on a first date. It will probably give you a bit of added confidence too, which is never a bad thing

What is your perfect first date outfit? What are some of your tricks to avoid first date jitters? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct15

PAJAMA PARTY!

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PAJAMA PARTY!

Hi everyone and happy weekend! Last night I had a little Pajama Party with me, myself, and I…and also Harry Potter. I have been OBSESSED with the new jammies that I got from Target and have taken every opportunity I’ve had for the past two weeks since buying them to get comfy, cozy, and cuddle up. I have been in need of new pajamas for years now but have just never really bothered. I just continued to make do with the body butter and lotion saturated sweats that I purchased from Aerie like three years ago.

However, this past month I have been OBSESSED with finding the perfect pair of PJs. I had tried Kohl’s, TJs, and Target a few times but nothing really spoke to me. I was looking for something that was the perfect combination of cute and cozy so not just any pair would do. After shopping trips to the three stores resulted in failure every time, I had damn near given up. But one final trip to Target changed the PJ game.

I had tried Tarjay before and was in love with their Disney line PJs but they were absurdly expensive for a nightgown or top and bottom set. So, despite the cuteness, I had to pass. My mom had pointed out the pair seen in the picture below and initially I turned them away. But after further examination, I decided that the red, flannel, lumberjack chic jammies were perfect. They were warm, cozy, and absolutely adorable. I could definitely picture myself counting a few sheep in them! Take a look:

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It’s admittedly not the best picture but you get the point. I love snuggling up in my new pajamas every night and now I just need a pair in every color! You can shop Target in stores or online to join in on the Lil Red Pajama Party happening nightly! Where is the best place to get pajamas from? What does your perfect pair of PJs look like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct14

Weekend Photo Shoot

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Weekend Photo Shoot

Hi everyone and TGIF! This weekend, I will be doing a photo shoot with my fabulous friend, Britta, who I had the pleasure of working with a few months ago. As an exchange of services, I will be conducting an interview with her so she can tell my readers and her clients all about the rebranding of her business. It should be a lot of fun and I am so excited to sport some fall fashion because it is my absolute favorite.

BUT, I need your help! I am looking for recommendations on outfits that I should wear. To help a sister out, please feel free to browse my Facebook page and pictures and tell me what in my wardrobe I should wear for a fresh fall look. You can also peruse through the “Fashion” tab on my blog to see some of my latest purchases that might not be showcased in a Facebook picture just yet. So take a look and I can’t wait to hear what you guys come up with! Much love. -Sarah

Oct11

Vacation Purchases

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Vacation Purchases

Hello everyone and happy Tuesday! I have regrettably been home from the beautiful Asheville, North Carolina for about a week now but with some fab purchases made during my vaca, it makes transporting my mind back to the fun I had just a little bit easier. I stocked up on one of my favorite beauty products as well as added some super cute new accessories to the mix so take a look and let’s discuss:

The Haul:

  • Appalachian Naturals Complexion Bar
  • Two fringe bandanas from Francesca’s

Beauty Bar: When I was in Asheville in June, my mom and I must have spent at least an hour in Appalachian Naturals which boasts a wide assortment of handmade beauty products. We still have a ton of body bars left but I was in need of another one of their complexion bars. I began using my first bar in June and I am still not done with it yet, which just shows you how long lasting their products are. This beauty bar is one of the best things that has ever happened to my skin and leaves it feeling (and looking!) like a million bucks. I can’t recommend the products of Appalachian Naturals enough and urge all of you to check out all of their amazing goodies on their website!

Bandanas: One of my favorite accessories are bandanas. I love wearing them with flannels, jackets, T’s, dresses, – basically any clothing item that you can imagine. I think that they are so fun and edgy and they add just the perfect amount of grungy cool to any look. My family went shopping at the outlet malls while in NC both times and a Francesca’s had opened shortly after we left in June. Shopping in the relatively new store was a lot of fun and when both my mom and I saw my two new bandanas, we instantly knew that they were mine.

Of course, the black one was a must for me and I’m actually wearing it right now with a black sweater and a camouflage trench coat from Urban Outfitters. But, at buy one get one half off, I figured I might as well indulge in other style as well. I don’t own a white bandana because I never really cared to but I really like my new one! What made me love it so much is that not only does it have cloth fringe but it also has metal chains hanging from it, too. I had never seen anything like these new additions to my wardrobe and I am having such fun incorporating them into my OOTDs. My new bandanas instantly transform any outfit and I am so pleased with my Francesca’s purchases.

I didn’t return from my vaca with a huge haul of goodies but I could not be happier with the items that I took home. They are the perfect little mementos from my trip and I look forward to getting great use out of all three items.

So there you have it, my Vacation Purchases! What has been your most recent treat yoself item? What is your favorite local store to shop at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct6

Setting Up Shop Online And Not Screwing It Up

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Setting Up Shop Online And Not Screwing It Up

Setting Up Shop Online And Not Screwing It Up:

Hi everyone, this time, we’re looking at something slightly different. Everyone who loves fashion and thinking about it has probably had the same idea at one point or another. How you would like to be in the business. Nowadays, what with the internet, it’s not that hard to set up a business of your own based on what you love. In particular, we’re looking at ecommerce. Here are just a few of the things I’ve learned from great (and not so great) fashion ecommerce sites:

Smarter Sites: Hyper smart site design isn’t something that a lot of people think about regularly – but it’s important. When you’re thinking about customers, you have to think about how well you’re retaining them. Even just a few ‘off’ features can put them off. So look at things like buying without the need to sign in. Consider how smart and well placed your search function is. Breadcrumb navigation is another smart choice, which makes sure the customer knows how far along they are in the purchase process. You might also want to look into setting up a store on an existing eCommerce platform with the help of something like this Amazon Marketplace Management Agency if this is an area you struggle with or are pressed for time. You want the shopping process to be easy for every single one of your customers and even one issue can be a major setback.

Bold Ads: Advertising across different social media platforms and websites can bring in tons of traffic if they’re done right. Dynamic Product Ads can make the difference between a few sales a day to several and provide you with repeat customers. Go bold with your ads and have fun with them. People want to see why your business is different than all the rest and this is your chance to showcase it.

Photography Rules: Photography and fashion go hand in hand. A high-quality picture is going to sell people much more than a low price tag or a few lines of hype. For your site, there are two kinds of photography you should consider. First, mannequin photography, so people can inspect the item from different sides and zoom in. Second, it’s a good idea to have a model and professional photographer show how it looks being worn. You can’t go amateur with this step. Unless you’re a practiced photographer, it will just end up looking off.

Don’t Be Hard To Buy From: A big part of running an online shop is how accessible it is. How many times have you been frustrated and given up on a site because it went all wonky on your mobile? How many times have you been turned away because a site can’t accept your method of payment? That site probably lost you as a customer. So if you’re starting one, avoid that mistake. Make the site responsive in its design. Then research options like the difference between payoneer and paypal, different payment processing solutions, and payment security so you’re able to take money in a whole range of ways.

Speaking of making payments, do you have a model for the prices of your products? Is it a one time purchase or a subscription based service? On the topic of subscriptions, have you considered your payment platform and how this works? Some work on a subscription basis so you pay a specific amount each month to handle all your sales. Others work on a flat markup model basis, a markup model is where your processor takes a small percentage of every sale, so this may be better when you’re getting started out. It does ultimately depend on what you’re dealing with however.

Don’t Be Broken: Don’t launch too early! Whenever you’re making changes to the site, test it and test it again. If you can, hire some QA guys to come browsing and have them try to actively break the site. Discover any broken links and functions and get them fixed before you’re online. You will also want to pay close attention to your IP reputation score as this can be a strong indicator of cyber crimes happening on your site. Your website should be tested as often as possible because once it is compromised it will be very hard to maintain any of your current customers. This is enough to sink your business before it has even got off the ground.

The reliability of the site isn’t the only thing you can test as well. A lot of businesses also test how good their sites are at making customers. Customer rate optimization is something a lot of businesses need to think about and many use A/B testing to do just that.

If you want a successful site, it’s all about the look and the feel of it. You need to make sure it’s accessible and looks amazing. After that, it’s all about finding the right product.

Does anyone own an online business? Feel free to post the links in the comment section below! Much love. -Sarah

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