Tag Archives: autumn

Almost Autumn OOTD Bloopers

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Almost Autumn OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Almost Autumn OOTD! It’s safe to say that September has been a bit of a doozy and these yikes shots definitely match the vibe lol. Between getting a new car, prepping for my trip to Italy, and squeezing ALL of the hours in at work to make up for these purchases, it has been exhausting but exciting: I’m stoked about my Mini Cooper, I am thrilled to finally travel abroad, and I love my jobs which still makes extra shifts a joy. And, of course, creating content is always fun even with results that look like this:

Prior to purchasing the Little Red Love Machine way back in 2014, I truly never understood how people could be obsessed with their car. Like, it’s just a car lol. However, I ate my words as soon as I got behind the wheel and drove my baby home from the dealership. I worked retail a loooooong time to buy the LRLM and I can still remember that feeling of pride on the fateful first drive home during a January snow storm. There is no other way to describe it other than it felt good. I worked my buns off for the LRLM, I bought it, and I now had this adorable new whip to drive to Taco Bell in. I have so many amazing memories with the LRLM and the purchase of my Mini Cooper, Junior, really is bittersweet.

Don’t get me wrong, I am over the moon about my new used car. I am also overjoyed that the Little Red Love Machine will be driven by Johnny. It’s just going to take a while to get used to because the LRLM was my girl!! It’s such a 180 to feel nothing about a vehicle to feeling genuinely heartbroken about our literal end of the road. Although parting is the sweetest sorrow, the LRLM is not gone yet and will remain forever in my heart. Junior has some big shoes to fill but I can’t wait to share my sassy Mini with all of you. Stay tuned!!

This was my Little Red Love Machine lament and I appreciate all of you being with me during this difficult transition. I might be over exaggerating a smidge but the sentiments are VERY real!!!

What was your first car? Does your car have a name? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Almost Autumn OOTD

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Almost Autumn OOTD

Hi! Mother Nature has been playing sick and twisted games in the good ol’ A-K-ROWDY and has been flip flopping on a dime between pleasant cool temps and hot AF. This has been majorly killing my vibe because in my head fall starts when September hits lol. I just want a nice, crisp day damnit! Dressing for this weird limbo season has fluctuated from fall fits and booty shorts and there is literally no in between. On the bright side, I did get to bust out this Almost Autumn OOTD on a breezy day which sent my soul soaring. Check it out:

Button Down Top: Truth By Republic, TJMaxx

Bodycon Skirt: Originality, Dry Goods

Wedge Heels: BCBG, TJMaxx

Lock Necklace: Michael Kors, TJMaxx

The brooch style earrings were purchased forever ago from PacSun!

I recently purchased the army green Truth By Republic button down at TJMaxx and was so eager to wear it as soon as the weather allowed. I have the same top in navy and it is one of my favorites! The Truth By Republic tops fit me like a glove and I love being able to wear pieces that are more form fitting without the sensation of being too tight. They are the perfect little somethings to pair with a smart pair of jeans or sweet skirt and option B was what I went for. With the top pre-selected, this outfit really did build itself!

In the skirt department, I chose a darling bodycon by Originality that just screams fall! The pattern reminds me of retro wallpaper and the burnt orange that is primarily featured is my most beloved hue of autumn. The skirt and top were truly a match made in fall color heaven and I was able to pull from the small amount of sage green in the skirt to form cohesion with the button down. I wore the top tucked in to form a pseudo dress for a result that was both chic and sassy. I always like to show a little leg! 😀

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. I kept with the green theme for my heels and went for a cool pair of cutout wedges by BCBG. Like the skirt and the top, the green wasn’t a perfect match but it was close enough and the combo definitely makes the eyes dance between all of the different shades! For accessories I opted for a pretty pair of brooch style studs because I loved the neckline the top created and didn’t want to deter from it. Rather, I enhanced it by adding on a gorgeous Michael Kors necklace in blingy gold. With that, I was ready to enjoy a little taste of fall weather!

I can’t wait to style ALL of the fall OOTDs and share them with you. Stick around for so much more seasonal fashion fun! ❤

Have you updated your wardrobe for fall? What is your perfect fall temperature (Mine is fifty-five degrees!)? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Amazing Autumn Guest Bloggers Wanted!!

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Amazing Autumn Guest Bloggers Wanted!!

Oh hey!! As you know, I will be vacationing in Italy in the near future and I am beyond excited!! This trip of a lifetime will be enjoyed by me, Johnny, my parents, and brother and I can’t believe it is right around the corner. It will be very special to go on this adventure with my family and it will also serve as a pseudo honeymoon for me and Johnny as we never went on one after getting married. It’s always a thrill to go on a trip but it’s also a tad stressful because there are a lot of I’s to dot and T’s to cross before it’s go time!

Blessedly, my biggest concern has been tended to: Care for the bunnies while we are away! Johnny and I assembled a super team of three who we trust implicitly to be with them morning, afternoon, and night and that is a huge weight off of my shoulders. They are our babies, after all! The next step in my prep will be ensuring that I have posts scheduled to rock and roll for my social media management job (Be sure to check that out!). I plan on visiting a lot of installation sites interspersed with office visits before my trip to handle that and it might just be in a new (used) car! More on that later when the purchase actually happens because the Little Red Love Machine has been causing me a lot of grief. 😦 *Bawling my eyes out*

Last but certainly not least on my checklist is maintaining my daily content streak here on lifewithlilred. I have been posting every day for seven years and counting and I will be a monkey’s uncle if I ever let that massive achievement fall by the wayside! I have been blogging every chance I get to schedule posts but I also wanted to open lifewithlilred up to all of you in an Amazing Autumn Guest Bloggers Series. This is your chance to interact with my viewers, get to know me better, and have some fall fun too!!

If you have a fabulous fall OOTD, tasty recipes, autumn inspired MOTDs, cool costumes, or spooky seasonal decor that you want to showcase, then let me at it! You can reach me by email at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com and I truly can’t wait to hear from you! Let’s ring in autumn together and celebrate everything that makes this season so magical! ❤

Did you go on vacation this summer? Where did you go? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Mauve & Eggplant Nails

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New Mauve & Eggplant Nails

Hello! This past Tuesday was nonstop between content filming, a doctor appointment, and shifts with clients but you all know I still needed to make time to get my nails done! It was the most welcome reprieve in the middle of the chaos of the day and I was in heaven as soon as I sat down at my nail tech’s station. Even if you don’t have time for a full on nail appointment, it is so important to take a beat during a crazy day to recharge a little! And recharge, I did. I returned to work feeling like I just chugged a few coffees thanks to my break and fresh new nails! Take a look:

My sister and mom both look amazing in purple, mauve, and dusty pink. Myself, on the other hand? Not so much. I think I might have one lavender cardigan in my wardrobe and that is about it. Although I am not a fan of purple clothing on me, I do like pops of purple in my hair and nails. I am especially partial to deep purples like eggplant come fall and that is the color that immediately stood out to me in the nail polish book I was browsing. It might not be fall yet but it is never too early to manifest it with rich jewel tones! To compliment the eggplant, I selected a pretty mauve hue for a mix that isn’t quite fall but was good enough for me. When in doubt, just select a lighter version of the color you are already working with!

Pampering is my favorite form of self care and I enjoy every monthly trip I make to Elysian Nails. This time hit different, though. I had already had such a full day prior to my appointment and it felt so good to just sit lol. I literally could feel the previous shifts melt away as my nail tech and I chatted and was genuinely excited to return back to work with a newfound pep in my step. This was a straight forward fill with no repairs needed (Pat on the back for me!) but a first did happen for myself and my nail tech. As she applied my top coat, it went on really filmy and it seriously looked like fog on my nails. My tech would wipe it off, reapply, and it still happened so she deduced that the glossy top coat got cross contaminated with a matte one. This was not the most riveting story but there is, indeed, a first time for everything lol!

I’m getting my hair done next week and between that and my fill I’ll be acting brand new. Look out!!

How do you spend your breaks at work? Do you like to get seasonally themed nails? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Truth By Republic Top

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New Truth By Republic Top

Hi! As you saw from yesterday’s post, I recently did a bit of pre-Italy vacation shopping at TJMaxx and scored big with a stunning matching set by Avec Les Filles. I also walked away with one other goodie that delighted me – a new Truth By Republic long sleeved top! If that brand sounds familiar to you from being on my page, there is a reason: This is the second Truth By Republic top that I purchased at TJs because I am obsessed with the one I got last year! Their long sleeved tops are seriously something special and both my old and new Truth numbers are going to be perfect for mixing and matching this fall. Take a look at the latest addition:

^^^ What a steal!!!!!

My new army green Truth By Republic top was hanging right in the front of the women’s department and I knew what it was immediately. Lol, what can I say I absolutely love my navy and denim top in the same style! Although it’s hard to tell from the pictures, these tops feature a stiff, starched collar and cuffs which make a terrific contrast to the soft Henley material. However, it was easy to make this difference out under TJMaxx’s fluorescent lights and it shined to me like a beacon. I wish I could have this top in every color and it went straight into my cart!

Normally I am not one to go gaga over basic staples but what really sells me on these shirts is the fit. I like my clothes to be form fitting but never too tight and that is the Truth By Republic tops to the T. They hug my curves without squeezing and I never feel like I am going to bust out of them as I am a bustier gal! It’s so comforting to wear them because I know that, without a doubt, no wardrobe malfunctions are going to happen. The quality of these shirts is also so apparent despite its simplicity and even when worn in the most basic outfits, it looks like a fashion staple over something that was just thrown on.

The color of this top screams fall and can easily be paired with all of the wonderful hues that come with the season. While it will allow jewel tones to pop, it can also add something fresh to classic fall neutrals like chocolate brown, taupe, and camel. In fact, I wore it in the fitting room with the matching set you saw yesterday and it was dynamite! My new Truth By Republic top can be dressed up, down, or any which way and that will be so beneficial to my “packing in sets” approach for Italy. I’m thrilled to be able to add another one of my go tos to my wardrobe!

There is nothing basic about this basic staple! Highly recommend giving this brand a go if you find it at TJMaxx!

Do you buy multiple colors of clothing you like? What is your favorite color for fall? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Avec Les Filles Matching Set

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Avec Les Filles Matching Set

Hi!! I will be going to Italy soon and, of course, it is very important for me to serve in the fashion department during my travels. When in Rome, am I right?! During my past shopping trips to TJMaxx, their clothing options were severely lacking as they transitioned from summer to fall. Last week, however, was a totally different story and I walked away with a handful of pieces that will be perfect to mix and match throughout the trip. This approach is definitely beneficial since I can pack less clothes in my bag to leave more room for clothes to bring home lol! Take a look at this gorgeous matching set by Avec Les Filles and let’s discuss:

As I made my rounds throughout the racks of clothing, my eyes immediately locked on the vest portion of this set displayed on an end cap. Clothes that are like nothing I have seen before are so intriguing to me and this little number fell under that category. I love the pseudo crocodile material, the industrial hardware on the pockets, and that surprise pop of houndstooth print on the back! It went into my cart in an instant and I continued my browsing to happily find the compliment to the vest – a bodycon skirt. With that, I booked it to the fitting room because I could not wait to try it on!!

While I made my way to the fitting room, I knew that this set was either going to be really good or really bad. I fell head over heels at first sight, sure, but that doesn’t always translate especially when the items are not my typical style. I am writing about it, though, so you already know it was really good! This Avec Les Filles matching set is everything. It is so chic and fashion forward while still providing the pop of edge I love through the hardware and fake crocodile skin. The rich chocolate brown is also always going to be on trend for fall and will pair beautifully with jewel toned autumn hues.

It’s a no brainer that I plan on wearing this set in its entirety but there is so much more to be done by breaking the pieces up. The skirt, a lacey cami, and a shawl or large fashion scarf? Boom – that’s a dinner ready OOTD! The vest with a thin long sleeved shirt and a cool pair of slacks? Boom – now you have an outfit to go sightseeing in! This is exactly the shake up to my Italy wardrobe that I wanted and needed and I know it’s going to make packing and outfit planning so much easier. 😀

Lil Red goes Italy soon and I am so excited to share my fashion and all of the fun with you. Stay tuned!

Have you updated your wardrobe for fall yet? What is your favorite season to dress for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bath & Body Works Hand Soap Haul

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Bath & Body Works Hand Soap Haul

Hi! I had a delightful day this past Tuesday as my breaks from work included a coffee date with one of my girlfriends and some shopping! I lucked out at TJMaxx with a couple of gorgeous pieces for my upcoming trip to Italy and I am SO excited to show all of you. I got the funkiest matching set as well as a new top and my current happy place in my head is picturing me walking through the streets of Italy wearing them! Not only did I score big at TJs but I also needed to pop into Bath & Body Works for a reup on my beloved foaming hand soap. These fall scents are seriously out of this world and it is, easily, my favorite autumn collection yet! Check it out:

Green Pear & Apple: I absolutely loves me an apple scent and pear too and this fragrance is the most delicious combo of two of my favorites! The notes on Green Pear & Apple feature “fresh sliced pear, green apple, and cherry blossoms”. In other words, do you know what a pear smells like? Do you know what an apple smells like? Can you picture them both together? Lol, that is this scent in a nutshell and I am living for it!

Wild Blackberry Jam: In case you haven’t noticed, I am a fruity fragrance kind of gal and really enjoy a deep berry scent making Wild Blackberry Jam an obvious choice. With notes of “countryside blackberry, velvet fig, and amber woods” this scent is freshly crushed blackberries with the crisp scent of fall leaves for good measure. This scent is deep and rich but still smells sweet as opposed to musky with the notes of amber woods. B&BW’s fall collection seems to be a perfect pairing of classic fall scents with a fruity twist and it’s like it was made for me. 😀

Honey Wildflower: I am typically not a floral fragrance fan but Honey Wildflower is oh so nice and suspiciously smells a lot like B&BW’s classic Sweet Pea line. So much so that I’m like ninety-nine percent convinced that it’s just Sweet Pea with a different label lol. Honey Wildflower’s scent story includes “crisp pear, fresh wildflowers, and sweet honey”. I can definitely smell the juicy pear and the soft honey minimizes the wildflower scent significantly. If you are iffy on floral fragrances too then Honey Wildflower is just right and smells more fruity over flowery.

Whipped Honey & Vanilla: While I love fruit scents, vanilla fragrances are my all time favorite and Whipped Honey & Vanilla is a total dream. You can’t go wrong with classic vanilla but these notes of “honey drizzle, blossoming neroli, and whipped vanilla bean” are giving it a run for its money. Whipped Honey & Vanilla is so soft and light and almost smells like a shortbread cookie. It’s a fairly muted fragrance but one whiff has left me wanting more, more, more!

Pumpkin Apple: Although fall is my favorite time of the year, I am not big on classic fall fragrances. I don’t like pumpkin and cinnamon seriously makes me feel nauseous. Pumpkin Apple is as close to a true fall fragrance as I can muster and has a scent story of “red delicious apples, fall pumpkins, and clove buds”. To me, Pumpkin Apple smells like mulled cider and while it is nice for a one time use, I wouldn’t get it again. It just didn’t feel right not getting it because it’s such a fall staple scent!

I am incredibly happy with this hand soap haul and cannot recommend B&BW’s new fall line enough. You will want to dive right into it like a pile of leaves!

What is your favorite fall scent? Do you change which scents you use with the seasons? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Cozy Coat OOTD

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Cozy Coat OOTD

Hello! I always enjoy styling OOTDs no matter the season because it’s just pure fun for me. It has been a while since I have had a good clothing haul and that is okay. My funds have been strictly for holiday shopping since September! Regardless of if the clothes are new or not, I love shopping in my wardrobe department store, revisiting old favorites, and freshening them up with new combinations. As we are fully in fall weather here in good ol’ Akron, Ohio there has been one particular item that I have been most excited to break out again. The coat you are about to see is one of my all time favorites and it was like being reunited with an old friend as soon as it was on! Check it out:

Topper Jacket: Lucky Brand

Navy Sweater: Loft

Coated Skinny Jeans: Seven Jeans, TJMaxx

Smiley Scarf: Nardi & Tagliaferri

Fingerless Gloves: Steve Madden, TJMaxx

Earrings: Sincerely Jules, TJMaxx (These beauties were a birthday gift from my niece!)

Red Heeled Booties: Bamboo, TJMaxx

In my perfect, happy world it would be fall weather all of the time. There is nothing better to me than throwing on a coat and adding on cold weather accessories to beat the chill. With all of the extra add ons, the Lucky Brand topper jacket was the perfect way to go. It is a gorgeous neutral which means that I get to pair it with anything I want and it is going to work out fine. This coat is just so beautiful to me lol. It’s uber soft which makes the creamy color even more luxe, has a mid calf length to keep me cozy, and is the ideal in between of a light and heavy jacket. My lovely little Lucky number can go from casual to dressy depending on how you style it and I love it for a day of errands or a night on the town!

When I am on the go, I tend to keep whatever coat I am wearing on ninety-nine percent of the time. The exception being if the place I’m at is super warm. I don’t know why, it’s just one of my things lol. Because of this quirk, I kept what I had on underneath simple with coated skinnies and a sweater. The Lucky topper jacket radiates in its simplicity and I didn’t want to take away from that with a crazy color beneath it. So I kept things neutral with black and navy and it was onto shoes and accessories where I could have some FUN. 😀

For shoes, I opted for a bright red pair of Bamboo heeled booties. They popped so brightly against the cream hued coat and that is exactly what I wanted. I just love a pop of color against a neutral base and these added a vibrant surprise to the look. In the jewelry department I chose the most stunning pair of earrings that my eldest niece got me for my birthday. It is so special to wear these because she wanted to pick something for me all by herself and she nailed it. These earrings feature teardrop jewels that fall into a diamond shape. I had my pop of color and needed that pop of bling!

Finally, it was onto cold weather accessories – my favorite! As this look was all about revisiting my most beloved fall duds, I knew just what I wanted from my accessories stash. For the scarf, I snagged a heather grey little number by Nardi & Tagliaferri. It blended seamlessly with this fit as it was another neutral and the smiley faces provided a cool touch of whimsy. With that, all that was left to do was slip on my go to pair of fingerless gloves by Steve Madden and I was ready to strut my stuff in fabulous fall fashion. ❤

This Cozy Coat OOTD is oh so fall and oh so cute. Stay tuned for more outfit fun here on lifewithlilred. I can’t wait to see you!

What is one of your most beloved pieces of clothing? Have you updated your wardrobe for fall? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Simply Fall OOTD

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Simply Fall OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! The first half of October was unseasonably warm and it has finally cooled down to my perfect, happy temperature. I live for a crisp fifty to sixty degree day. I love the chill in the air but primarily, I love the fashion lol. There is nothing better to me than cozying up in a cute coat and feeling the leaves crunch beneath my feet. I have been waiting to break out my lighter fall jackets for so long and have been eagerly anticipating ALL of the OOTD shoots. Like this one! Check it out:

Houndstooth Jacket: Philosophy, TJMaxx

Sweater: Shrinking Violet, TJMaxx

Coated Skinny Jeans: Seven Jeans, TJMaxx

Heeled Boots: Olivia Miller, TJMaxx

Pinocchio Necklace: This was purchased forever ago from TJMaxx!

I have no idea where the earrings are from!

The beauty of fall OOTDs is that you can turn something basic like jeans and a sweater into something elevated by simply putting on a jacket. It can transform an entire look and it makes dressing for fall oh so fun! Elevated simplicity was the name of the game for this fit and I started with my Shrinking Violet sweater. This sweater is as old as dirt. I actually bought it to wear during my first day of college at Tri-C. I just can’t part with it though because it is so perfect. It is nice and light and just right for pairing underneath a jacket. Remember, when you are layering you want to use a thinner item with a thicker one and it was exactly what I needed for my OOTD.

Next up was the pantaloons department and I wore my sweater tucked into a high waisted pair of coated skinny jeans. These jeans added a pop of texture and sheen while providing shape to my waist as the sweater isn’t the most form fitting. The All Black Everything palette with this combination allowed me to do whatever I wanted with my coat, shoes, and accessories. A monochrome base is never going to be boring when you add a splash of color or a bold pattern to it!

In the overflowing jacket section of my closet, I chose my deep red Philosophy coat with a houndstooth pattern. This little number is so fabulously fall and is one of those coats that you can just throw on and go. I am an avid fan of houndstooth anything and couldn’t believe my good fortune to find this coat at TJMaxx in one of my favorite colors and patterns. That red was popping against the base I had established and livened up this look with a classic fall hue.

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For shoes, I went with one of my favorite pairs of heeled boots by Olivia Miller. These are my go to fall boots – I love the chunky platform shape and that chunky chain across the ankle! For once, I also decided to wear a necklace. In the summer, my tattoos are out in all their glory and no accessories are needed. Fall is a different story and allows me to access my jewelry collection once more. I chose a long necklace with Pinocchio on it and it swayed and moved with every step. To match the brassy hue of the necklace, I popped on a pair of deep gold cross earrings and was ready to go!

This Simply Fall OOTD was the first fully fall look of the season for me and I felt awesome in it. I can’t wait to style more looks for the best season of all!

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

Autumn Errands OOTD

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Autumn Errands OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past weekend was a pretty chill one because I had to work on Sunday at an event. So, Johnny and I opted to take it easy and continued to chip away at our 31 in 31 scary movie challenge for October. Before the movie marathon, we made a trip to Spirit Halloween to complete our Candyland themed costumes. It was a short errand, but one worth dressing up over in a fun lil fall fit! Check it out:

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Chartreuse Sweater: Cynthia Rowley, TJMaxx

Skinny Jeans: 1822 Denim, TJMaxx

Heeled Boots: Olivia Miller, TJMaxx

The necklace was my mom’s and the floppy hat is Brandy Melville!

I would never, ever call my personal style “basic”. However, I do love me some basic fall fashion trends – flannels, huge knit sweaters, tall boots, and floppy hats too! Hey, when in Rome and the weather in Ohio is finally matching the autumn aesthetic I have been yearning for. In this particular instance, basic is honestly exactly what I was looking for as I built the outfit. I wanted something quick to throw on with minimal think work for what was an in and out shopping trip. So the Autumn Errands OOTD was born.

My first order of business was sweaters because I have countless ones that I have been dying to wear as the temperature continues to cool. The sweater I was most looking forward to breaking out was the chartreuse number seen above by Cynthia Rowley. It is my absolute favorite! I am a huge fan of anything chartreuse as it is so bold and unique and the stark white boxes on the sweater made it even more special. Chartreuse is one of those colors that scream “look at me” and it is such a nice change of pace from the normal burnt and gemstone hues associated with fall.

After pairing the sweater with a black pair of skinnies as the obvious choice, it was onto shoes and accessories to spice things up. I have several floppy hats in a variety of colors, but the mauve one spoke to me. Green and purple are complementary colors and even though the sweater and hat weren’t “true” green and purple, the sentiment remains the same. I then pulled from the muted mauve hue and selected a hand me down necklace from my mom. It is incredibly special to me and the choker fit with delicate purple crystals was just right against the faux turtleneck of the sweater. To complete the outfit, I slipped on a pair of my go to heeled boots by Olivia Miller and I was ready to go!

Despite changing into my pajamas immediately upon our arrival home, my Autumn Errands OOTD served its purpose well – albeit a little basically!

What is one of your cold weather staples? What is your favorite color to wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah