Tag Archives: accessories

When Does It Make Sense to Sell Old Jewelry?

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When Does It Make Sense to Sell Old Jewelry?

Many people have their old jewelry tucked away in drawers, storage containers, and jewelry boxes. Some people’s pieces may have been gifts and others may have been left over from changing their fashion and preferences. Some may simply be broken or incomplete. While all of these items often remain out of sight for many years, they will still hold a lot of value. Deciding whether you want to keep or sell your old jewelry is a very personal choice. However, there are situations where selling may be the most practical and financially sensible thing to do.

Understanding the factors that are involved can assist individuals in making informed decisions about the pieces that they no longer wish to use:

One of the first things to consider is whether or not the jewelry is going to serve a purpose. Some pieces are going to carry sentimental value simply because they are connected to important memories, life events, and family members. The emotional significance will often outweigh any financial benefits that can be had from selling. Other items may have very little personal meaning. Broken chains, outdated designs, and single earrings may simply take up space without providing a lot of value in everyday life. Evaluating the role that each piece plays will make the decision a lot easier.

Life circumstances can change as time goes on. People may choose to save up for a major purchase, build an emergency fund, or pay off debt. In situations like these, selling unused valuables is going to provide access to funds without it having an effect on your everyday income. Jewelry that has not been worn for many years will often represent an asset that could be put towards your more immediate financial goals. This does not mean that every item needs to be sold, but it can be very worthwhile to understand what pieces are worth it for you.

Unlike many consumer products that lose their value over time, precious metals will often retain their worth. Due to their material gold remains a sought after asset because of its long-standing role in investment and manufacturing. As a result, items that appear damaged or outdated may still have value based on the gold content. This is one reason why many individuals start to explore options for obtaining cash for gold when evaluating the unused jewelry in their collection. Understanding the value of precious metals will assist you making more informed decisions.

Before you sell your jewelry, it’s extremely important for you to think about financial and sentimental considerations. A piece may have a limited market value but be significant emotionally or vice versa. Taking the time to evaluate each item on an individual basis will help to prevent regret. In many cases, keeping a meaningful piece while selling unwanted items will give you a more balanced approach.

Old or damaged jewelry could be providing you extra funds for a rainy day. What’s in your jewelry box that you could sell?!

Featured Image By: Mian Shahzad Raza from Pixabay

It’s In The Bag: Juicy Couture Duffle Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Juicy Couture Duffle Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of It’s In The Bag! For every gift giving occasion, there is a one thousand percent chance that I will receive a TJMaxx gift card from someone and I was blessed with one from Johnny’s parents for my birthday. As my family is going to Italy in the fall, I planned to purchase a carry on bag for myself with these newly acquired funds. I didn’t tell anyone about this idea and was genuinely shocked when my mom beat me to the punch. She gifted me with the most gorgeous Juicy Couture duffle bag and it is the perfect measurements for a carry on!! I am beyond obsessed so let’s take a moment to ogle my new bag altogether:

As soon as my mom presented me with her present, I knew exactly what it was and I still couldn’t quite believe it. It’s like she read my mind! However, she one upped what I had in my head completely. I was going to get a simple suitcase carry on with my gift cards and didn’t even dream about a duffle bag like this! That raspberry color, the collegiate style patches, those adorable puppy and mini purse accessories?! I was swooning. Part of it was the bag itself, of course, but the other part was the brand. I have loved all things Juicy Couture since I was a teenager but never had anything other than their perfume. This duffle bag made my teenage and thirty-two year old self so happy that I can’t even put it into words lol. 😀

Not only is this bag going to be just right for our Italy vacation but it will also come in so handy as an overnight bag in general. The only overnight bag I have was a freebie from Victoria’s Secret that I got for spending X amount of money over fifteen years ago! The zipper is busted and it looks every bit of its age from all of those years of toting it on vacations and sleepovers. This major upgrade of a birthday gift means that I can finally lay my elderly Vicky’s Secret bag to rest. My only wish is that I had an overnight occasion to break it out for because I’ll be on pins and needles until I can finally use it for Italy!

Big ups to my mind reader mom for the most amazing gift. I absolutely love it!! ❤

What is a brand you love but don’t have anything by? Do you go on overnights often? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Daisy Darling OOTD

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Daisy Darling OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past Sunday we enjoyed a wonderful day out celebrating my brother’s birthday and it was so much fun! We started our adventure by mini golfing at Fun n’ Stuff and then wrapped up the festivities with a delicious Middle Class Fancy meal at Applebees. We really lucked out with the weather because rain was on the forecast and it ended up being a bright sunshiny day – just what I needed to break out a sassy little OOTD! Check it out:

Daisy Crop Top: This was purchased forever ago at PacSun!

Jean Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters

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

Cherry Earrings: Anthropologie, TJMaxx

Spring is one of my favorite seasons and, unfortunately, it has been total crap in good ol’ Akron, Ohio. This spring has been cold, rainy, and grey and it basically feels like five o’clock in the evening all day. It was so exciting to be blessed with some warm weather so I could finally wear something other than jeans and a hoodie when I’m out and about! It was eighty degrees during our outing and my mind immediately went to a crop top and shorts to enjoy the weather before it changed for the worse. And, in classic Ohio fashion, it did a few days later lol SMH.

The crop top I chose was an ancient relic from my days at PacSun and it has to be around fifteen years old at this point. Do I care? Hard no! This delightful daisy crop is not only nostalgic but one of my favorites and I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of it. That punchy pink color is the sweetest and I mean, do we need to say anything more about the daisy boobs? That speaks for itself! All that was left to do was put on a pair of my go to AEO jean shorts and then it was onto shoes and accessories…

For my shoes I went with a fabulous pair of platforms by B.A.I.T. that were actually purchased for my Candy Queen Halloween costume. How adorable is that candy button motif?! Buying these heels was a total win/win because it was perfect for my costume and also perfect for spring and summertime use. They are oh so comfy and I had no problem strutting about for an afternoon on the mini golf circuit! Last on the agenda was accessories and since my tattoos were doing the talking, I kept it simple with a pair of simply charming cherry earrings. They provided an extra pop of girly cuteness and were the best little treat from TJMaxx at just ten dollars. With that, I was ready to score a hole in one!

Stay tuned for the Blooper Reel from my Daisy Darling OOTD and lots more fashion fun here on lifewithlilred! ❤

What is spring weather like in your neck of the woods? What is your favorite warm weather activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Accessory Story: Earthbound Bracelet Edition

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Accessory Story: Earthbound Bracelet Edition

Howdy!! My sister and I had the most fantastic time in New Orleans and it was such fun to explore the city with Kristen. Prior to our cousin’s Saturday evening wedding we shopped till we dropped in the French Quarter. We hit up plenty of markets and quirky souvenir shops and had to laugh at the random CVS because it stuck out like a sore thumb. There weren’t many chain stores to visit but we did end up stopping in Earthbound as we have never been there before and the closest one to us is an hour away. It was a cool, hippie chic shop that boasted clothing, decor, and beautiful jewelry. They were also running a buy one get one half off sale which was a score! Kristen ended up purchasing a lovely bracelet for her daughter and treated me to this dynamite snake wrap bracelet. Check it out:

When I saw this bracelet on display, I literally clutched my pearls. I absolutely love snake themed jewelry and have several pieces in my collection. None of them are like this one, though! Unraveled, this bracelet stretches two feet long and then you can wrap it up as a bracelet or a necklace. All of my bracelets are just cuffs and this number by Earthbound is the perfect jewelry embodiment of a real snake. The salesperson at the store told me they got the bracelet back in stock the day before and that they sell out very quickly. I can definitely see why!

As this bracelet was a bit pricier at twenty dollars, I told my sister I would buy it and get the bracelet she wanted for the half off price. Instead, she got it for me and it was just the sweetest! The whole weekend away warmed my heart and it was so special to have a memento from her to commemorate our trip. I have worn it several times since our mini vacation and it’s impossible not to smile about it. Not only is this bracelet insanely fun to put on but it instantly takes me back to all of the amazing memories we created. Spending all of that time one on one with my sister was the greatest gift I could ever ask for and this bracelet from big sis to little sis was the cherry on top. ❤

Tune in tomorrow to check out an OOTD featuring my new hair and this fabulous Earthbound find. See you then!

Which store has your favorite jewelry? What is your favorite kind of accessory? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Orleans Wedding OOTD

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New Orleans Wedding OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! The weekend of Friday the thirteenth was a fantastic one as my sister, Kristen, and I were in New Orleans to celebrate our cousin’s wedding. We went to a wonderful pre wedding party on Friday and then the big show happened on Saturday evening. The wedding was absolutely beautiful and we even got to parade through the street after the happy couple said “I do”. It was way cool! It was such fun to get dressed to the nines with my sister and be with our extended family and new friends. Take a look at what I wore and let’s discuss:

Floral Dress: ModCloth, Coconinno

Fringe Shawl: TJMaxx, Laundry

Gloves: These belonged to Johnny’s grandma!

Heels: Steve Madden, Kohl’s (I think!)

I think the earrings are from Target!

Outside of going to Playhouse Square for a play or musical, I rarely have the chance to get super dressed up and definitely took advantage of the wedding to do so. Styling formal wear is something that I get to do maybe once a year and there is no better occasion than a wedding to get all dolled up! For my wedding look, I started with a gorgeous dress by Coconinno. I actually wore this when my oldest brother got married over ten years ago and am very glad it still fits lol. From the fitted top to the a-line skirt and the stunning medley of colors, this dress is so charming. This Coconinno number is also quite light making it ideal for a summer wedding or an early spring one in New Orleans. I just love the movement of the skirt and it was perfect for dancing the night away!

Next up was shoes and accessories. For accessories, I added a little bit of everything! First was an adorable fringe shawl by Laundry which is oh so pretty and unique. Although the dress could have been worn without it, the shawl covered up the bra area and I really appreciated that as I could attend the wedding without worrying about bra straps being visible. It also added movement to the top half of the look with the fringe bouncing with every step I took. I also decided to wear a pair of gloves that belonged to Johnny’s grandma which I thought looked so elegant. If you look closely, you can see that there are ruffles going around the wrist and it was yet another sweet detail that elevated this fit.

Last but not least for accessories, I added a pair of dangly three tiered black gemstone earrings. I styled my hair in a chignon inspired do and the gems looked so pretty as they danced around my bare neck. For shoes, I went with the very first pair of heels I ever owned – a strappy little pair by Steve Madden. I will never part with them and that is a good thing because they were exactly what I needed to wrap this OOTD up. That wooden heel is so funky and it was a thrill to hear them clacking across the brick sidewalks! With that, I was ready for a night to remember at the most lovely wedding. ❤

I felt like a star in this look and am so in love with how it turned out. The dress was already great but the accessories took it over the top!

Are you going to a wedding this year? Do you get the chance to rock formal wear often? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Accessory Story: SuperKitties Necklace Edition

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Accessory Story: SuperKitties Necklace Edition

Howdy! My sweet nieces absolutely love doing crafts and making jewelry. For Christmas, I got them each a necklace kit with one featuring Moana 2 for my biggest niece and SuperKitties for my middle niece who is a super fan. There is nothing better to me than when they gift me with one of their works of art and I keep them proudly displayed throughout my apartment. This past week, I swung by my sister’s after work for a visit and had the best time dancing around like crazy people with my girl squad. I was also delighted by little feet running towards me with a present in hand. A SuperKitties necklace just for me!

Being an aunt is truly one of my greatest joys in the whole world. I revel in being a TT to the literal coolest kids on the planet and they are never far from my mind. I am always thinking about them! Are they having fun? Have they said anything hilarious? Did they learn something new today? They really are my little besties and any time spent with them is treasured. That’s why it’s so special to receive crafts that they made for me. It shows that they are thinking of me too and looking forward to TT time. When my niece handed me the necklace and said she made it all by herself for me, I seriously could have cried. It was just so sweet!

When I see my girls, I never show up empty handed. Like I said, they are never far from my mind and I can’t help but pick up new treats or toys whenever I am doing some shopping. During our visit, I was able to give them all of their Valentine’s Day prezzies and returned home with new bling bling around my neck. I have a massive jewelry collection but I can’t think of one piece that is better than the jewelry my nieces made me with love. TJMaxx may have an excellent jewelry selection but they will never have anything as beautiful or special as my homemade bling. ❤

As soon as I got home, I hung my SuperKitties necklace up on one of my jewelry stands and it makes me smile every day. What a perfect Valentine’s Day gift!

What was your favorite craft as a kiddo? Do you enjoy making jewelry? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

It’s In The Bag: Antik Kraft Saddlebag Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Antik Kraft Saddlebag Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of It’s In The Bag! I so loved going on a TJMaxx trip with my mom and had grand plans for my Christmas gift cards. 1) A skin care restock. 2) A new piece of Valentine’s Day clothing. 3) A new pair of black skinnies. And 4) A new purse if the gift card could cover it. I am pleased to report that I achieved all of these goals with EXACT CHANGE. Peep this girl math… The amount left over for me to pay was $18.01. As luck would have it, the cash in my purse totaled to eighteen dollars and lots of change for good measure. It was freaking awesome and I just had to share. ANYWHO, let’s take a look at this bag, baby!

I haven’t bought a purse for myself since 2019. Yes, you read that right – seven years of no new purses. However, I never felt the need to buy more because I have so many and always prefer to spend my moolah on clothes and shoes. My tune definitely changed in the past few months, though! During the fall, TJMaxx had a gorgeous black purse that was embossed with skulls. I was obsessed but couldn’t justify the eighty dollar price tag. So, I waited for it to go on sale but someone with great taste snatched it up in the meantime. As much as I wanted it, it was no harm no foul and I vowed to eventually find a purse at a price point I was more comfortable with. I sure did with this little number by Antik Kraft for thirty-five dollars! That was much more like it. 😀

When I made my first round through the purse department, I noticed the same bag by Antik Kraft in a rich camel hue. It was pretty, but I am an All Black Everything girl through and through and thought to myself how much better it would be if it were black lol. As luck would have it, black was the other color option available and it was perfect. The saddlebag shape is just so cool and I do not have a purse in my collection that even remotely mimics that style. The oversized stitching on the strap is everything and the size of the purse in general is ideal. It’s big enough to hold all of my belongings without being so big that I can’t find anything. Despite this purse’s simplicity, it still manages to invoke an edgy vibe and it just had to come home with me. I swapped purses as soon as I got home and feel like a star with it slung over my shoulder!

Although I never ended up with the skull adorned bag of my dreams, this Antik Kraft saddlebag will do just fine. Even better, actually, because the price was right!

How often do you swap out your purses? What is your favorite accessory to shop for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Beautiful Bracelet Gifts

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Beautiful Bracelet Gifts

Hello! My family celebrated Christmas on Sunday and it was the most wonderful time. The only thing that was missing was my brother in law who wasn’t feeling well. We played games, opened tons of prezzies, and had a delicious lasagna for dinner. I had been so looking forward to giving everyone their gifts as I have had them for months at this point lol. What I was especially excited for was a gift for my niece. When she started school last year, I got her best friend bracelets for us to wear. She promptly lost it that day while I have been wearing mine every day since. So, I decided to get us new ones for Christmas. Her and my sister had bracelets on their brains too! Check out these gifts:

My niece requested that we open our gifts to each other at the same time and as luck would have it she selected the tiny gift box with our bestie bracelets first. We cracked up when we saw that we had both gifted each other bracelets! I cannot even explain to you how much this Best Aunt bracelet from my best gal means to me. She picked it out at the Santa Shop at her school and used her own money to buy something perfect for me. My gal completely knocked it out of the park because this gift surpasses perfection. Being an aunt is one of my greatest joys and I am so happy that my nieces and nephew feel that too when we are together.

The next bracelet I received was a gorgeous sentiment for sisters from my big sis. I can’t believe at one point we were mortal enemies when we have been besties for so long! I was so touched by the thoughtfulness of this gift and I adore the colors of those beautiful beads. Between both of our busy schedules it can feel hard for us to make time for each other. This is a physical reminder that we are always together anyways and I felt so loved from it. ❤

It was a jewelry kind of Christmas and I was so there for it. I have a few new bracelets to add to my “wear every day” collection now and they are the best additions!

How did you celebrate the holidays? Did you get a meaningful gift this year? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Let It Snow OOTD

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Let It Snow OOTD

Howdy everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past Saturday I enjoyed a wonderful pampering session at The Shear Shop and emerged with a beautiful new do in a peacock palette. Afterwards, I could not wait to take pictures to show off my new look – rain, shine, or snow! Once I returned home from the salon, Johnny and I ventured out into the cold for some OOTD magic in the freshly falling snow. I just love how these pictures turned out! Take a look:

Faux Fur Jacket: Me Jane, TJMaxx

Coated Skinny Jeans: Seven Jeans, TJMaxx

Heeled Boots: Olivia Miller, TJMaxx

Gloves: StilEstro, TJMaxx

I have no idea where the earrings are from!

I pondered what I wanted to wear for these pictures as I drove home from the salon and decided that I wanted to sport an All Black Everything motif. These pics were about the outfit, of course, but also to showcase the hair. I wanted the rockin peacock palette to be seen in all of its glory and that called for a neutral background to prevent color clutter. This may be a simple OOTD but between the unique details in the clothing and my new hair, it turned into a full fledged fashion statement.

For my jacket, I chose a stunning faux fur number by Me Jane. I am an avid fan of faux fur and this jacket is pure sophistication. I adore the visible diamond shaped stitches and the brooch style button. The shape is so classic and it is nice and warm for the wintertime. The timelessness of this jacket created such an interesting juxtaposition with the modern hair and I felt like an old fashioned movie star! As I was going with All Black Everything, I paired my jacket with some top or another underneath as I planned on wearing it buttoned and my coated skinnies by Seven Jeans. These pieces paired together formed a long and lean silhouette while also playing with texture from the shiny coating of the jeans and soft faux fur to make the eyes dance.

Next up was shoes and accessories. I went with my favorite pair of chunky heeled boots by Olivia Miller which added a shiny pop of bling from the chains. It also helped tie the look together from head to toe thanks to the blinged out brooch button on the jacket. As another additional sparkly surprise, I chose a pair of gloves by StilEstro in a gorgeous cream hue that featured a big flower brooch on one of the hands. Finally, I popped on a pair of dangly earrings with sizeable burnt amber gems hanging from them. These playful touches of shiny gems and silver looked so striking against my neutral palette and the white fluffy stuff falling from the sky!

With winter fashion this good, I say Let It Snow… In moderation, of course!

Have you had a snowy winter? What is your favorite wintertime activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Thxgiving Pt. 2 OOTD

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Thxgiving Pt. 2 OOTD

Hi!! The day after Thanksgiving, Johnny and I enjoyed a wonderful lunch at El Meson with his parents. I might have still been in a slight food coma but I never say no to Mexican food and El Meson is, hands down, the best restaurant in our neck of the woods. The meal was delicious, the company was delightful, and I loved piecing together this little something to wear. Also, so aware there aren’t many pics to check out. We were starving and freezing our nads off when we took these before leaving and it was definitely not my best work. Lol, hey it happens to the best of us!

Jacket: Vince Camuto, TJMaxx

Skinny Jeans: 1822 Denim, TJMaxx

Boots: Candie’s, Kohl’s

Earrings: Argentino Vivo, TJMaxx

The hat belonged to my grandma! ❤

I am not a fan of winter in the slightest and am a spring and fall girl through and through. However, I sure love dressing for winter! Jackets are one of my favorite fashion items and I have quite a collection of cold weather coats to choose from. It is exciting to break them out again and I couldn’t wait to wear my amazing blazer style jacket by Vince Camuto. It is one of my all time favorite TJMaxx purchases and I feel like a star in it. Those faux fur cuffs just scream luxury and I have a little Devil Wears Prada moment every time I slip it on. This jacket is a timeless staple with a twist and that is exactly what I like.

The base of this outfit was kept simple as I wanted the jacket and accessories to do all of the talking. And anyways, I had no intention of taking my jacket off. Did I mention it was freaking freezing?! Black skinny jeans and a form fitting navy sweater were the move and it was off to accessorize. This is always the best part of dressing for winter for me as I am a huge accessory girl and the cold months are my time to shine. As a heavily tattooed chick, accessories fly out the window when it’s hot out because they are my accessories. In the winter, I forget I have a majority of my ink because I’m all covered up!

For accessories, I delved into my hat collection and returned with a beautiful vintage cloche hat from my grandma. She had the most impeccable style and hats were her favorite. I am lucky enough to have several of her hats and it brings me so much joy to wear them. I think she would be so happy about it too! This hat is so timeless yet modern with that black feather and it was just right with my jacket for that freshened up old-timey feel.

In the shoe department I opted for a gorgeous pair of thigh high boots by Candie’s to strut my stuff in. These boots are eight years old but I just can’t part with them! I love their length, the heel, and how form fitting they are for a sleek and lean silhouette. Last but not least was jewelry and I chose a medium sized pair of hoops by Argentino Vivo in forest green. As red and green are complimentary colors, they looked especially striking against the vibrant red of the hat. With that, I was ready for food coma round two!

I love me a holiday where all that’s required is to dress up and eat. Is it bad that I’m already thinking about Christmas dinner… and next year’s Thanksgiving?! 😀

What is your favorite holiday? How do you celebrate it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah