Tag Archives: accessories

Mar10

It’s In The Bag – Embroidered Beauty Edition

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It’s In The Bag – Embroidered Beauty Edition

Hi everyone and welcome to a new edition of It’s In The Bag! It’s been a while since I purchased a new purse and it hasn’t exactly been a priority of mine to get a new one until my latest online buy. My newest bag is from Imoshion and all of their products are made from PETA approved vegan materials which is very important to me. My Embroidered Beauty purse was unintentionally introduced to me by my mom who was showing me an outfit that she thought was cute in Redbook magazine. The outfit was fine but my eyes went straight to the accessories. A gorgeous dusty teal, floral embroidered, fringed purse better known as Imoshion’s Bertie style bag. Take a look:

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^^^ SO. PRETTY!

Like all things in my wardrobe from clothing and shoes to accessories is that when I see something, I know right away if I like it or not. If I don’t like the item, I won’t even give it a second glance. However, if it falls into the like category, there’s a ninety-nine percent chance that the heels, hat, or bangle bracelets are going home with me. This beautiful bag definitely fell into the more than like category because I freaking loved it.

What sold me initially on the bag was actually the color. I have another purse that is a similar shade to my Bertie bag and it is one of my favorites. You would be amazed at how difficult it is to find a purse in that hue so when I first saw it, I was instantly drawn to it. The amazing embroidery, fringe, and somewhat bucket style shape was just a nice afterthought. The fifty dollar price tag was also something that I considered really reasonable and the free shipping was a great added bonus.

It took a little over a week for my bag to arrive all the way from LA to little old Akron, Ohio and the anticipation was freaking killing me! So, needless to say, when my package from Imoshion arrived yesterday, I was over the moon. I was really impressed with the care that they took to pack the bag safely in the box. It was kept inside a laundry style bag and tucked inside hot pink tissue paper and bubble wrap which made me happy. There’s nothing that I hate more than when a company does a poor job on shipping their products so Imoshion definitely gets an A+ in that regard.

So the shipping was great but the beautiful bag that was hidden beneath the paper and bubble wrap was simply divine. The quality of the purse was so high and it was just beautiful to look at. The suede was soft, the embroidered flowers were vibrant, and the teal shade of the bag was even more amazing in person. As soon as I walked in the door with the package, I was already dumping out everything in the purse that I was using to transfer into my new bag. I am SO excited to have such a stunning accessory hanging from my hip and I am prepared to recommend the Imoshion website to everyone who compliments it. I would without a doubt shop with them again and their Bertie bag is truly the beginning of a beautiful friendship!

So there you have it, the latest issue of It’s In The Bag: Embroidered Beauty Edition! What is your favorite store to shop at for accessories? What does your favorite purse look like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar5

Hats Off: Nicole Marciano Edition

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Hats Off: Nicole Marciano Edition

Hiii everyone and happy weekend! I hope all of you are having a wonderful and relaxing Sunday! Yesterday, a quick stop to TJMaxx got me a super cute new floppy hat by Nicole Marciano for a whopping four dollars. Thanks to a ten dollar off coupon compliments of their credit card, I was able to snag this little beauty which I am SO stoked to sport this summer. Take a look:

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^^^ So. Fun!

I have quite a large hat collection due to a love that I developed from my grandma who had over one hundred of them! I love, love, love floppy hats but all of mine are either felt or wool which is fine for fall, winter, and the spring but not so much for summer. I’ve wanted a big, floppy, straw style hat for a while now but never managed to find one that I liked enough to purchase. They were all either too big, too small, too blah, or the shape wasn’t to my liking. Seriously, some of the floppy hats that I’ve encountered were HUGE which would result in the hat to droop in an unflattering sad elephant ear style that was just…no.

But, I absolutely LOVE this little Nicole Marciano number. It’s big without being gigantic, the shape that the hat takes when it’s actually on is quite attractive, and the “bonjour” detailing was just too darling to pass up. And for four dollars?! Hello! This hat is going to be so charming with a little sun dress, chunky wedges, and “don’t look at me” sunglasses for a glam but fun summer time look. It will provide me with the perfect shade and a touch of Paris chic for a day of shopping at my favorite outdoor mall, a trip to the zoo, or simply reading the latest issue of Cosmo on my deck. Just thinking of it makes me more than ready for summer!

Hats Off, indeed, to this cute as can be Nicole Marciano piece! What is your must have accessory for spring or summer? Who else has a hat collection of their own? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar2

So, What Exactly IS Smart Casual?

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So, What Exactly IS Smart Casual?

Ever had one of those occasions where you simply don’t know how to dress for it? Maybe you’ve been invited to a party where you don’t know the people or the vibe or maybe you are going somewhere during the daytime and you don’t want to look overdressed. Although no one will mind if you are dressed a little bit differently (unless you’re in something totally outrageous, that is) it can make you feel awkward and self-conscious. At a social event, that is the absolute last thing you want as it can end up hindering your whole experience there.

But what do you do when you have no idea what kind of outfit is suitable for a specific occasion and you either can’t or don’t want to ask in advance? The best thing to do here is to go smart casual. The ‘smart cas’ look has been around for decades and isn’t always the easiest thing to get right as there is plenty of ambiguity over what constitutes ‘smart’ and what constitutes ‘casual’! The important thing is not to overthink it – as long as it’s not too sparkly, tight, or short you’re probably on the right track! So, with that in mind, here are some easy looks that mean you are ALWAYS dressed for the occasion:

A Dress: You might hear the word ‘dress’ and think immediately, that this is too formal for smart casual. But in reality, there are plenty of ways that you can rock a dress and still not look like you are taking yourself too seriously. Remember, that dresses come in all shapes and styles. A cute tea dress is demure while still being flirty – opt for something that kicks out from the waist, which is a cut that flatters pretty much every body type. Go for a floral print and pair it with some cute pumps for the daytime or with some heeled sandals for a fun evening look.

If you need to look a little more corporate in your smart casual ensemble, stick to muted colors such as grey and choose a classic shift dress. Pair with some knee high boots and a jacket. But remember, if your dress is already very tailored, soften the look with a waterfall jacket, or something else that is a bit less structured. All-over tailoring does, unfortunately, emphasize the ‘smart’ aspect of smart casual a little too much.

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You can’t go wrong with a pretty floral dress.

Top & Jeans: If you were ever looking for a classic smart-casual combination, it doesn’t come much better than the top and jeans pairing. The jeans are the staple piece for this outfit, so make sure that you invest in a pair that is clearly of good quality. It might mean spending a little more money but trust us – other people can spot cheap denim from a mile off. Skinny or slim-fit jeans are the most versatile and the more flattering on basically any figure, despite what social norms about slim fitting clothes are.

If you are a little more conscious of your stomach area, simply opt for a high-waisted pair that will nip you in at your waist. The top can pretty much be anything you like, but try to avoid cotton T-shirts and tank tops as they look a little too low-key. A lace or satin blouse is always a fail safe option. As far as footwear goes, try and judge the occasion as best as you can. Sometimes heels might be necessary, but other times you might even be able to get away with trainers – providing that they are something classic, like women’s Adidas originals.

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Cute boots are always a safe bet!

Co-ords: While it’s advisable not to don anything too outrageous for a smart casual event, that doesn’t mean that you can’t still have fun with some interesting pieces of fashion. We first saw the trend for the co-ord emerge early last year and it remains a useful item in the wardrobe of many women today. Remember that a co-ord is very different from a suit: you can get them in varying prints and colors, so don’t be afraid to go bold! Plus, you can ditch the traditional top and trouser combination for all kinds of different mismatches. Why not go for a wide leg, high waisted trouser paired with a crop top (this will make your legs go on for miles) or opt for a boxy shirt layered over a matching A-line skirt? Whatever you choose, your co-ord set is going to take all of the stress out of deciding what to wear!

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Hello, stilettos!

Featured Image By: Flickr

Mar1

Accessory Story: Sparkling Snakes Edition

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Accessory Story: Sparkling Snakes Edition

Hellooo everyone and happy Hump Day! I hope all of you are having a wonderful week so far and are looking forward to an exciting weekend ahead. When it comes to fashion, Lil Red loves it all. Beauty, makeup, clothes, shoes, purses, hats, and of course – jewelry. I have quite a staggering jewelry collection that I am just now beginning to appreciate. I’ve grown to love layering necklaces, throwing rings on multiple fingers, and stacking bracelets and bangles on my arms. This Accessory Story is an ode to two of my personal favorite pieces – my Sparkling Snake arm cuffs. Take a look:

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One of these bracelets is Betsey Johnson and one of these pieces is from the gift shop at the Akron Zoo. Can you guess which is which? Lol, don’t worry – I’ll tell you! The gold snake with the pink toned gems is a Betsey Johnson cuff that my mom gave me a few Christmases ago and the blue gem snake is from the zoo (which sounds so weird saying!). I am an avid lover of all of the fun, quirky, sassiness that is Betsey Johnson so my mom was spot on in gifting me with this cuff. I actually think she might have gotten me the bracelet from the zoo, as well, as a birthday present. So shout out to my beloved mama AGAIN!

When it comes to jewelry, I don’t do subtle and soft. I want loud, in your face pieces that really make a statement. And, honestly, what better way is there to make a cool, glam rock impression than a couple of gem stoned snakes coiled around your arm? I normally like to wear one snake for each arm and love breaking them out in the summer time when they can be fully appreciated thanks to tanks, tees, and crop tops. Not only that, but in the intense summer sun, you can only imagine how gorgeously these cuffs glisten!

So, how did my mom land on gifting me with snake themed bracelets? Do I like snakes? Not particularly. I don’t dislike any animal but it’s not like I’m going to go out of my way to get a pet snake any time soon! And also – HOW DO THEY PEE?! I wish that I could say that jokingly but I REALLY WANT TO KNOW!! But I digress. I actually think I pointed out the zoo snake bracelet to my mom and told her how much I liked it. Then, it must have been the same year that she gifted me with the Betsey Johnson one at Christmas because she had to have remembered how much I liked my birthday prezzie. Oh, mom! What a darling, perfect gal! ❤

So there you have it, my latest Accessory Story: Sparkling Snakes Edition! Does anyone else own any animal themed jewelry? Where is the strangest place that you have ever bought jewelry from? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb21

Springtime Style On A Budget

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Springtime Style On A Budget
Hi everyone and welcome to the final post of my Think Spring guest bloggers series compliments of one of my darling friends, Carlie, from Bombshell. It has been such fun over the past year getting to know Carlie better and chatting over email, Facebook, and blog post comments. Carlie’s page is just as charming and lovely as she is, so please be sure to check it out and enjoy her post on ballin on a budget throughout the spring:

Springtime Style On A Budget

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If you are yearning for some new spring style items to add to your wardrobe but can’t afford or don’t want to buy new clothes or accessories, here are some ways to celebrate springtime without hurting your bank account:
1. Affordable Shops – If you are wanting some new floral clothes or just a new item in spring colors, check out shops like Ross or TJMaxx. They get new cute tops, bottoms, and even shoes for each season plus have designer items with prices that are a steal. Sometimes you have to scour the clothing racks for the perfect thing but you are guaranteed to always find something that you’ll love.
2. Accessorize – You can celebrate and update your spring fashion with cute little accessories such as hair flowers, floral head bands, scarves, jewelry, and more. Stores like Claire’s or similar places carry an enormous array of cute seasonal accessories for great deals.
3. Makeup – If you don’t want to go crazy with a new wardrobe just for spring, you can celebrate the season with your makeup. This time of the year, you can find pastel and springy colored makeup like eye shadows and lipsticks in pinks, greens, and pretty shimmery colors. You don’t need to go to department stores or even Sephora if you don’t want to or are on a budget. CVS and Walgreens drugstores always have a huge selection of great quality makeup in every color that you can imagine for amazing prices.
4. Hair – If you’re interested in trying more of a punk or rocker look for spring, you can buy clip in extensions in an array of different colors almost anywhere, including online. Or you can get hair chalk, which is temporary and can be found in drugstores and beauty supply shops. You’ll definitely have your own original look for the spring, while utilizing the “it” colors like jewel floral tones and pastels.
5. DIY- If you’re an artistic or creative person, then your spring style ideas are pretty much endless. You can use your talent to make your own items and accessories with affordable supplies from places like Jo-Ann’s or other craft and fabric shops. Some examples include chokers made with silk ribbons in floral colors with cute charms or your own flower hair pieces, brooches, and corsages.
These are just a few ideas to help you create your own original look and style for the upcoming season. Let these ideas and tips inspire you. Have fun with them and have a most wonderful spring.
Love, Carlie

^^^ Thank you so much again to the pretty as a picture Carlie for sharing her tips for a budget friendly spring wardrobe with us! And, of course, thank you to all of my amazing guest bloggers who participated in my Think Spring series. How do you style for spring on a budget? What is one of your favorite DIY spring crafts? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb20

Monday Update: Spring Cleaning Edition

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Monday Update: Spring Cleaning Edition

Hiii everyone and happy Monday! The weather in Ohio has been insanely springy these past few days which is crazy, because our winters can be brutal. The sixty degrees and sunny weekend had me outside reading while listening to music, driving with the windows down, and taking my precious pups on long walks. The warm weather also resulted in a hard bite from the spring cleaning bug which left me with a much cleaner closet and desk which I am so happy about!

I didn’t really have any intention of spending my Sunday evening spring cleaning but I wanted to find a spot in my room to display my college degree, which is what began the process. I still haven’t found the perfect spot to put it but I did manage to clean off my desk and clear up some of the clutter in my closet so I guess my degree display can wait! Over the winter, my desk turned into more of an additional storage unit as opposed to an actual work space. Between multiple jobs and random odds and ends, my desk became the piece of furniture where paperwork, knick knacks, and whatever else I couldn’t find a specific space for in my room went.

The most obnoxious thing on my desk, though, was a cute container full of accessories like beanies, gloves, and bandanas that I had no idea where to house in my room. I knew that if I found a spot for them, that I would clear up a lot of additional space so I decided to create my own accessories drawer in my dresser. As I opened up the drawers and tried to figure out what I could condense into a shared space, I found hope in my very bottom drawer. I cleared it out and gave all of the items in it a new home, and then created this little nook for my clothing accessories:

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I’m admittedly not the best at DIY solutions for storage problems and decor but I was really happy with my idea for an accessories drawer. It definitely helped free up my desk top clutter and I was able to put all of my outfit extras into a space where they wouldn’t collect dust and are easily attainable. I was able to finally see accessories that I haven’t worn in forever that were shoved into the bottom of my original container, which was really satisfying and left me feeling like I just returned from the mall with all of these old but new goodies.

Hopefully, I find a suitable place to put my degree soon but I would still say that this cleaning sesh was a success!

So there you have it, this week’s Monday Update: Spring Cleaning Edition! What is the weather like in your neck of the woods today? Who has started some early spring cleaning for themselves already? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb19

Fashion From India To Singapore

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Fashion From India To Singapore

Hello hello and welcome to a poignant and thoughtful post by my friend Lakshmi from The Rink. Spring is always connected to transformation and new life. In this personal excerpt from Lakshmi, she discusses the metamorphosis of her personal style after she moved from India to Singapore. Miss Lakshmi has been featured here on lifewithlilred before and I absolutely love working with her. I encourage all of you to check out her page and get to know her because she is such a doll and a talented writer, to boot!

Fashion From India To Singapore

I used to live in a small city in the conservative South India and went on to the developed island nation of Singapore. There were so many differences that I saw…from the small things like food, the way they dress, and basically everything! A small introduction to Singapore is Mini-America – in terms of how the culture is. People from other countries come as immigrants, become citizens, and embrace their unique culture. It is true that there are lots of South Indian families, but somehow, they have adapted to Singapore in such a way that they had accepted a different more accommodating lifestyle. So, even though I could relate to them, it stopped to some extent. This changed in a matter of time. Why, my fashion sense actually evolved there!

Revealing Clothes: The first thing that I noticed was how the girls would flaunt their exposed skin! They felt free and not a soul leered at them or judged them for the way they dressed. I knew that it marked the beginning of my transformation from being a girl from a conservative city to a girl in the open world! Gradually, I started wearing shorts and letting the outside world know that my change had begun. I stopped caring about what others thought of me and my style and it was all about whether I liked the outfit or not. I had the choice to wear any outfit I liked. I had the choice to expose skin…It was crazy!

Styling Up The Daily Outfit: Back in my city, my daily outfit would be a round-neck shirt or a regular top with a pant or skirt. I never thought much of it and that was it. Other than the regular pair of earrings and a watch, I wore absolutely no accessories! I was never interested in accessorizing my outfits. However back then, I was no fool when it came to dressing at that point – my outfit would have always been well suited and matched. Nevertheless, it just improved when Singapore entered my life! I got a better insight into style by just looking at my Singaporean friends. They wore their accessories in a simple yet elegant fashion and it looked so chic. The proper jacket or a perfect belt sure does make a huge difference!

Keeping Up With The Trends: Speaking of accessories, I was in Singapore during the rise of choker chains. For a long time, I did debate on buying one and giving it a shot but I always felt that it was going to choke me to death! Hahaha! There was this one day when I felt like I had to experiment with this style and tried it on – it looked classic and it was like my neck’s guard and it really didn’t choke me. With instances like this, Singapore had soon become a place where I experimented with the styles and current trends. And guess what? I wasn’t alone in this endeavor – all my friends did this from time to time!

Singapore brought about great changes in my wardrobe, but the best part is that I always retained my love for Indian fashion (especially the Indian prints). This was also the period when Indian fashion designers rose to bigger and international platforms, and they started tweaking Indian clothes to accommodate western styles. The timing couldn’t have been better! Fashion from India to Singapore didn’t change me or my identity over the course of time – it became another dimension of my life.

THE RINK

^^^ Thank you so much again to Lakshmi for creating this post special for lifewithlilred! Please be sure to check out her page and give it some love! How has your sense of style developed over time? Can you relate to Lakshmi’s story at all? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

To close out my Think Spring guest bloggers series, the lovely Nida from Shopaholic Blogs will be featured on my page tomorrow!

Feb18

What DO I Wear?!?! Spring Has Sprung

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What DO I Wear?!?! Spring Has Sprung

Hi everyone and welcome to an OOTD post compliments of the darling K.M. from Ankhor You for my Think Spring guest bloggers series. This post is a branch out from her What DO I Wear?!?! segments on her blog so definitely check them out because they are all equally fabulous! K.M.’s Spring Has Sprung look will show you how to create the perfect ensemble for browsing botanical gardens, sipping coffee at an outdoor cafe, or simply hanging out with the girls once the warmer weather hits. Take a look:

What DO I Wear?!?! Spring Has Sprung

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” ~  Coco Chanel

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Spring is one of my favorite times of year. It is the signal of the end of winter doldrums. The streets become busier as people, birds, and flowers alike come out of the cocoons they hibernated in, blossoming with a plethora of energy. In the city it seems almost over night that the abundance of food carts and street side cafes are introduced back onto the blocks, fully stocked with goodies for sale. The city is vibrant again. We are no longer hunched over protecting ourselves from the wind and bitter cold, but instead stealing away on our lunch breaks to the park, taking trips to the Botanic Gardens, or hanging out at Bryant Park on the weekends.

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Despite the new zest on life, Spring can still be brutal in New York. While the days might be getting longer and the sun stronger, Mother Nature still likes to play pesky mind games. Which is why despite wanting to shed the darker palette that makes my winter wardrobe, and don a cute sundress, I also don’t want to be freezing my Kim K derrière (!!!!! -Sarah) as I smell the flowers in Central Park.

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//Sunglasses and bag: Tory Burch// Sweater and shirt: Anthropology// Jeans: White House Black Market// Sandals: Aldo// 

When Sarah and I discussed ideas for this post I immediately went to an oldie but goodie. It is an oldie because jeans and a shirt are such a classic look and can be worn anywhere depending on how you style it. I have chosen to give it a bit of an update with some spring pizzazz, which incorporates the going strong trend of florals. Because let’s be real, spring is the perfect time to look like a flower pot, so I say go for it if you want to bust out those flowery prints! It also makes layering super easy, which is a must during this time of the year. It combines casualness with some glam making it perfect to transition from frolicking in the park to hitting the two for ones at night. Just add some cute cork wedges and you are ready to go.

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Now the Look:

Being a petite curvy gal, I am obsessed with White House Black Market’s jeans. They not only come in petite but a variety of styles making them flattering for everyone but especially those who have a little bit of a booty. This style is called the Skimmer Jean and is similar to the skinny jean. I love the dark wash, and the rips at the knees creates an edgier look. While I love a good dress, the jeans make it much easier to have some spring time fun, whether it is an impromptu yoga session in the grass, or playing a game of catch on the green in Bryant Park.

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I decided to pair my jeans with a floral blouse from Anthropology channeling one of the trends for Spring. This shirt is as comfy as it is feminine and chic. The chiffon fabric, delicate embroidery, and ruffled collar channel my inner skater girl making me feel poised and graceful, without feeling too buttoned up. It is that perfect combination of casual and glam.

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I am obsessed with this Primula cocoon sweater from Anthro’s 2016 fall collection. It feels like I am wrapped in a big cuddly yet fashionable snuggie and is perfect for those Spring days where Mother Nature doesn’t know whether to shine or be a downer. The wool blend isn’t at all itchy and the blush color adds that perfect touch of spring softness.

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I love going barefoot, especially in a park with my feet in the grass, so when it hits about fifty-five degrees, I throw the boots away and dive into flip flops as soon as I can. These sandals from Aldo are equally comfortable AND fashionable.

To finish the look, I decided to keep with the blush theme and added a SeaMilligan Design necklace and paired it with my Tory Burch sunglasses and tote bag. Last but not least, I added my lace cuff bracelet, another Anthropology treasure to close out the look.

^^^ Thank you so much again to K.M. for such a beautiful post! I loved your look and pictures as I’m sure all of my readers did! How do you still a spring ready look? What is one of your spring wardrobe staples? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Make sure to tune in tomorrow for a post by Lakshmi from The Rink!

Feb14

Get Ready With Me: Valentine’s Day Style

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Get Ready With Me: Valentine’s Day Style

Hello everyone and happy happy Valentine’s Day! Shout out to the couples celebrating today and also shout out to the single ladies (like me) who will be enjoying wine, chocolate, and chick flicks solo dolo! But hey, whether you’re in a relationship or not, there is one thing that I’m sure we can all agree on: Valentine’s Day is a day to get cute. It’s no matter if it’s just for yourself or for your significant other, V-Day is the day to pull out all of the girly fun stops that might not fly for you on the regular. We’re talking florals, lace, darling dresses, and accessories for days.

“But Sarah, you’re the farthest thing from girly when it comes to your style”, you might say? Yeah, I know but watch me put together the best of both worlds of rocker chic and totally sweet with this look:

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My Outfit:

  • Butterfly Moto Jacket: Nasty Gal, Signature Eight
  • Floral Dress: One Love Yoga & Boutique, Millibon
  • Dove Detailed Heels: ModCloth
  • Heart Shaped Sunnies: PacSun
  • Pearl Necklace: My grandma’s! ❤

When styling this look, I knew that I wanted to create something very feminine and pretty but I also wanted to give myself a bit of edge so that I would still feel like myself. I started the process with my burgundy floral Millibon dress and began to piece together a cohesive outfit from there. The butterfly moto jacket from Nasty Gal was a no brainer to throw over the dress. The olive hue of the jacket matched those in the dress perfectly but what sold me on it was the shape. To toughen up a sweet as pie dress, all you need to do is throw on your favorite motorcycle jacket and you’re off!

My dove detailed heels are from ModCloth and they are actually so worn that I can’t even tell what brand it is anymore! Anyways, I was toying with putting on one of my many pairs of black heels but my ModCloth pair just looked too cute to pass up on wearing them. How can you go wrong with something so darling on Valentine’s Day? My heart shaped sunnies seemed like the perfect way to go to add some cheeky fun to the look, but the accessory that I’m the most excited about is the pearls that you can see peeking out in the pictures. This strand of pearls belonged to my beloved grandma and it is my favorite piece of jewelry to wear with basically everything. Not only are the pearls timeless and beautiful, but I love knowing that my grandma is with me, especially when they’re fastened around my neck.

After assembling an outfit that I was pleased with, it was time for hair and makeup. As you can see, I went with a rocker chic pompadour to add that little extra something something to the look. Nothing makes me feel more glam rock than a hair to the heavens pompadour a la David Bowie and this is what kept me feeling like me while sporting such a pretty look. And, of course, there is no better time than Valentine’s Day for a set of ruby red lips to pucker up with. I’m sure all of you already know that I went with my favorite shade of Pure Red by NYX considering that’s literally all I wear!

Now, I realize that Valentine’s Day is the day for us accessorizers to get some new jewelry to add to our collection. Whether your new jewelry is a gift from your special someone or a total TREAT YOSELF splurge, I am sure that all of my darling readers will go gaga over the gorgeous jewelry from AUrate. This company specializes in the most fantastic gold accessories to add a touch of glam to your look and I just had to share two of my favorite pieces with you from their gold necklace collection. Take a look and proceed to drool:

^^^ SO. PRETTY!!

If you guys haven’t gathered by now, I love, love, LOVE pearls. The glamour, the elegance, the pure beauty – pearls just speak to me. That’s why I simply adore the Simple Pearl Necklace that AUrate offers. The single drop of a perfectly shaped pearl on a glistening gold chain? Woof! I’m sold.

And this wouldn’t be a signature lifewithlilred post if I didn’t go all heart eyes over a piece of clothing or accessory with my favorite color: black. Say hello to AUrate’s Black Diamond Choker. This piece is so totally in right now and nothing screams Lil Red more than an expertly crafted black diamond accessory. SO gorgeous! *insert heart eyes emoji*

Do check out the rest of the stunning gold necklace collection from AUrate and be sure to leave the page up on your computer as a little hint to your honey! 😉

So there you have it, a look perfect for date night, girls night, or a TREAT YOSELF day as seen in my Get Ready With Me: Valentine’s Day Style post! How do you sport the perfect Valentine’s Day look? What are you and your significant other doing to celebrate? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb9

Accessory Story: All Gold Everything Edition

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Accessory Story: All Gold Everything Edition

I treasure all of the moments that I shared with my late grandma equally but one thing that I particularly remember about her is her sense of style. My grandma (like me) loved to shop. She loved looking her best and she always wore outfits that were simple but elegant. I remember one time, we went to her favorite store, Talbots, and I helped her pick out a brand new winter wardrobe. Once the bill was tallied all she could do was laugh and say “I went hog wild!”

No outfit is complete without the right accessories, though, and this is something that my grandma was an expert in. She had the most divine jewelry and I kid you not, over one hundred hats!! I have such fond memories of playing dress up in grandma’s closet and jewelry box as a child while she played the piano or baked a delicious meal or sweet treats. After my grandma’s passing, a lot of her pieces of jewelry went to myself, my sister, and my mom (her daughter). Quite a few of her hats and floral maxi skirts also ended up in my collection, as well.

I have to say, I’m not the biggest accessory girl in the world. I literally wear the same earrings and necklace every day. But I am getting more adventurous with accessorizing my outfits after I looked at all of my necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings and realized that all of them were essentially going to waste. That was when I decided to add one of my grandma’s necklaces to an outfit that I was wearing and it became my new favorite:

About a week ago, my outfit consisted of my new Forever 21 cheetah print jersey, Nasty Gal patched moto jacket, Loft velvet black skinny jeans, a backwards baseball cap, and a killer pair of heels. But, it felt like I was missing something. I was trying to go for an urban chic look that day and all I could think about was how fabulous a big, chunky, gold necklace would be to complete the look. Then, I remembered that I already had one!

I snagged the drop dead gorgeous necklace seen above from my dresser and as soon as it was on, it instantly transformed the outfit. I wasn’t just trying to emulate an urban chic vibe, I was urban chic and it felt amazing. It’s funny to think that such a cool, almost tough girl feeling came from a necklace that belonged to my grandma (as seen in the featured image photo), who was the most sweet as pie, beautiful woman that I know. But hey, I think that she would be proud that I was wearing her jewelry in a way that helped enhance my personal style and was thinking of her the entire time that it was around my neck.

Since last week, I think I’ve worn my new favorite outfit at least three times and I still love it just as much as the first time that I wore it. I can’t wait to begin utilizing all of the wonderful accessories that I have from my grandma and the ones that I have accumulated over the years. I am so excited to see which piece of jewelry will transform one of my outfits next and am looking forward to sharing it with all of you!

These silly pictures of me and my sister are from my brother’s rehearsal dinner from his wedding but they give you an idea of what the necklace looks like on:

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So there you have it, my first Accessory Story: All Gold Everything Edition! What is your favorite accessory that you own? What is your favorite kind of accessory to wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah