Tag Archives: black

Oct7

Trail Blazers: Criscione Edition

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Trail Blazers: Criscione Edition

Greetings! While vacationing in North Carolina, the home that we were staying in had a Goodwill right down the street. So, of course my mom and I had to stop in! We love us some discount shopping and I have had great success at the Goodwill this past year when it comes to clothing and making apartment purchases. In fact, two of my favorite blazers that I got recently are from there!

At the Goodwill in North Carolina, I ended up with FOUR blazers for a grand total of twenty bucks. You really can’t beat that. Did I need them? No. Did I like all of them? Yes! Especially this one by Criscione. Check it out:

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^^^ Peep those shoulder pads, baby!

I absofreakinglutely LOVE this blazer. It is pure and utter glam rock to the highest degree and I couldn’t be happier with this Goodwill find. From the rhinestones sparkling against the pitch black fabric to the larger than life shoulder pads, this blazer is everything and then some. I can’t get enough of the bejeweled buttons and I adore its length that hits right at my mid thigh for a more tuxedo jacket type feel. You truly can’t find clothing like this anymore and I feel like I hit the jackpot when I stumbled upon this pretty little thang.

The beauty of this blazer is not just in its bedazzled flashiness but in the infinite styling possibilities that it offers. I, for one, am looking forward to pairing it with faux leather skinnies and my Union Jack platforms. But, I also love the idea of wearing it over a dress and knitted tights come cold weather for a look to slay all family get togethers. I’m clutching my pearls just thinking about it!

What has been your best thrift store find? What are your tips for shopping secondhand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct5

Lucky Brand Haul: Black Skinnies Edition

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Lucky Brand Haul: Black Skinnies Edition

Howdy! One of my main bugaboos are the classic, all American blue jeans. From about fifteen on, I have simply refused to wear them because 1) I feel like they make me look fat and 2) they definitely don’t fit with my all black everything aesthetic. So, needless to say, I own black skinnies for days and always have to restock a pair or two at least once a year as the color fades so easily.

While shopping the Lucky Brand outlet store in Asheville, North Carolina, I was able to score a new pair that fit like a glove for thirty dollars – a mere fraction of the original ninety dollar price tag! Take a look:

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What I love about these jeans other than their inky midnight black hue and the more cloth like material as opposed to denim is their fit. Thanks to over a decade’s worth of figure skating, it’s no secret that Lil Red definitely has some junk in the trunk. My legs are extremely muscular and I have a booty boo that I am quite proud of, thank you very much!

This is why I am so happy that I was able to find a curvy but still skinny fit pair of jeans. As we all know, plain old skinny jeans don’t have much give to them and it’s no fun having to do the pants dance every time you want to pull a pair on. And, I hate having to size up in jeans and clothes in general due to an eating disorder which is now under control. I was elated to be able to try on a pair of skinnies that were true to my actual size and still felt *comfortably* suction cupped to my legs, lol.

Also, can we please take a moment to talk about the cheeky “lucky you” on the inside of the fly?! Haha, so cute! It has been a while since I got a new pair of black skinnies for myself and these were very much needed. I can absolutely picture myself purchasing Lucky Brand jeans again if the price is right. My new pair fit perfectly and are exactly what I wanted – no sacrificing self esteem required!

What is your least favorite piece of clothing to shop for? Which store has the best jeans? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug9

Trail Blazers

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Trail Blazers

Hello!! I have been really lucky at the Goodwill lately. Not only have I got a new air hockey table, but I recently bought two gorgeous blazers for a whopping ten dollars total. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my TJMaxx to death BUT ten dollars for two blazers that appear to be brand new is a deal you would never get at one of your favorite discount stores. Especially when one of those blazers is from Express, which usually runs for about one hundred dollars, minimum. Check these out:

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The total cost for both of my new finds would have been on the better half of two hundred dollars and paying ten for them felt like hitting the jackpot. I love the clothing at Express, but would never consider paying for any of it because they are way over my budget. So, getting a sleek blazer that looks barely worn from there was super exciting! And, I have wanted a retro plaid blazer for quite some time now so finding one by Sag Harbor complete with shoulder pads was a major highlight.

I think that blazers are a fantastic piece of clothing and I regret not owning more of them. But, I am happy to start increasing my collection with the ones above. Not only are they the perfect business casual staple but blazers are also an amazing option for fall, creating a cozy, studious chic look.

Of course, I love my more form fitting black blazer from Express and anticipate on wearing it for meetings for work or a night on the town. But, I am particularly looking forward to styling the Sag Harbor one. I plan on doing an OOTD photo shoot tipping my cap to the British punk scene by sporting black leather skinnies, my Union Jack platforms, a hat with a veil created from my tulle purchase, and the plaid blazer over top. I have always been enthralled with the punk fashion scene from across the pond and my Sag Harbor blazer gave me such heavy vibes from that wonderful style and I can’t wait to show all of you. Be on the lookout! 😀

How do you like to style your blazers? Which era of fashion gives you inspiration? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug8

Totally Tulle

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Totally Tulle

Hi hi! I am by no means the craftiest person in the world. The only way I can create cute things is with the most straight forward directions off of a Pinterest post or a how to guide. And, that’s okay, because I know that my strength lies in being a fashion forward word girl. However, the craft bug bit me right in the ass when I was at Joann Fabrics with a client and I walked away with six yards of black and six yards of white tulle at eighty-nine cents per yard. What can I say, I was feeling inspired! Check it out:

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I don’t know what came over me, but when I saw this gorgeous tulle, I just had to buy it. I absolutely love tulle, because it is so prissy and posh but when styled correctly, it can be oh so punk rock and that is definitely the look that I’m going for. I had these fantastic visions of vintage style veils worn with or without a hat and wrapped skirts around short shorts or around the skirt of a dress. And, with six yards of each color, I will have enough to play around and make mistakes – I’m pretty excited!

Will everything I make come out just right? No. But, I know that if I left the store empty handed, I would have stayed up thinking about all of the cool stuff that I could have tried, so I had to make the purchase. My philosophy when it comes to fashion is always about having fun with your looks and pushing the envelope, and I think that I can do a bit of both with my new crafting project. 🙂

What would you create with a buttload of tulle? What do you recommend that I do with mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul7

Accessory Story: SJ Pearl Obsidian Necklace Edition

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Accessory Story: SJ Pearl Obsidian Necklace Edition

Hellooo! Does anyone remember the Power Bead bracelets? You know, those round bead bracelets that were made with precious stones that each had a different meaning. I used to love those when I was younger and I wish that I still had mine and that they were still being sold because I love wearing jewelry that symbolizes something. But, I think I found the necklace equivalent of them in the following beaded necklace by SJ Pearl as well as the one that you will see on tomorrow’s Accessory Story. Check it out:

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I found this gorgeous Buddha inspired obsidian necklace at TJMaxx (Surprise, surprise!) and I added it to my cart as soon as I saw it. It was love at first sight. The Laughing Buddha pendent, as most of us know, offers good luck, contentment, and abundance in one’s life. While the obsidian beads act as a powerful protector.

The combination of the powers given by each symbol sounded exactly like what I needed and I like how heavy this necklace is. You can definitely feel its weight when you wear it and the stones are smooth to the touch, which makes it nice to clutch onto when you feel like you need that extra boost of strength or inner peace throughout the day.

Not only is this SJ Pearl necklace meaningful but, I find it absolutely beautiful, too. It adds a unique touch to any outfit and it makes me feel good on the inside and out to wear. I can remember putting my first Power Bead bracelet on when I was younger and feeling that little surge of contentment as it went on my wrist and I could definitely feel it as I put this around my neck in the mirror at TJs. I am so looking forward to wearing this necklace often as well as the other one by SJ Pearl that I purchased – so tune in tomorrow to see that!

Does anyone own any symbolic jewelry? What is your favorite symbol of good fortune? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun6

New Black & Emerald Nails

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New Black & Emerald Nails

Helloooooooo! Last weekend, I spend a wonderful Saturday morning getting pampered at Elysian Nails for a much needed fill and cut down. My work week was long and stressful so it was so nice to sink into a chair and relax for an hour and a half while my talons got loved on. And, I know I said that I was going to stray away from black nails, but I just couldn’t help resorting back to Old Faithful this time around. Take a look:

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While looking through Elysian Nails’ extensive polish collection, the emerald glitter and black combination just spoke to me. It screamed Slytherin from Harry Potter and I was feeling like a badass and couldn’t say no! The daggers also needed shortened as they were getting much too long, even for me, and the lovely young lady named Mary who pampered me did a bang up job.

When it comes to getting my nails done, I could go either way when it comes to chatting with the nail tech. But, Mary was so bubbly and delightful that it was impossible to not chit chat with her for most of the time. She also worked right next to her sister and their little sibling rivalry and quips was so adorable! It made for an insanely pleasant morning and it left me feeling so much better after a difficult week. 🙂

What color of nail polish do you have on? Do you chat or keep it quiet with your nail tech? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May30

If The Shoe Fits: Carlos Santana Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Carlos Santana Edition

Howdy! It’s been a while since I had a good shoe haul but, thankfully, TJMaxx saved the day with a little online shopping. Do I need more shoes? No. Absolutely not. But, yes. Yes I do. Because, in my defense, a lot of my beloved pairs are getting older and are in my collection more for decoration than wearing them anymore. It saddens me to not get to wear any of my old faithfuls for fear of them breaking mid step so I had to fill that void with more shoes, of course. Take a look at this pair by Carlos Santana and let’s discuss:

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What I love the most about these wedge heels is how high they are. The higher the heel, the closer to god and these definitely lift me up in prayer. But, despite that, they are so easy to walk in and insanely comfortable. The black faux-suede adds some chicness to a summer style wedge and I love the industrial metal that attaches the strap to the shoe.

Although Lil Red will always be partial to all black everything, I dare say that I would prefer these wedges in a different color. Maybe a vibrant red or yellow for some summertime vibes. However, you truly can’t go wrong with black and they will transfer from summer to fall nicely by simply slipping on a pair of tights. Too cute!

What is one of your most loved pairs of shoes? How do you part with your fallen clothing friends? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov23

New Kut From The Kloth Starred Skinnies

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New Kut From The Kloth Starred Skinnies

Hello everyone and welcome to the final post in the PANTS PATROL series! This little number by Kut From The Kloth is probably my favorite new pair, because they’re really different than anything I’ve ever owned before. I’ve never had a pair of patterned pants, even though I have always wanted to. But, I would shy away from them because I thought that they would draw more attention to my curvier skater thighs and booty. I liked this pair by Kut From The Kloth so much, though, that I just had to give them a try and I am sure glad that I did! Take a look and let’s discuss:

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In all of my years of searching for a pair of patterned pants that I actually liked, I have never seen a black pair with some visual embellishment. So, when I found these on TJMaxx’s website, I had to give them a go and see if a black pair would suit me better and it definitely did! At the end of the day, Lil Red just isn’t a white pants with flowers on it kind of girl and, it took this starry pair from Kut By The Kloth, to make me realize that I was trying to play the patterned pants game all wrong.

Not only do I adore the charcoal grey stars adorning my new jeans, but I simply love the fit of them, too! I think that in all of my years of pants failures, the shopping gods decided to smile on me and throw a dog a bone by introducing me to several bottoms that actually fit well. This Kut From The Kloth pair is tight and curve hugging but they look more edgy than sexy to me and that’s the look that I always go for. And, if people happen to think that I look sexy in whatever I wear, then that’s just fine!

I cannot wait to pair these skinnies with my red and black faux fur jacket by June & Hudson and my favorite platform boots from Forever 21 for a look that it totally glam rock. But, I can also see myself wearing them with my ladybug button down from Zara and some ankle boots for an OOTD when I have a more laid back day at work. Dressed up or down, these jeans freaking rule, and I am SO happy to have found such a perfect pair for my first patterned skinny jeans. :*)

How would you style these jeans? Which types of clothing do you shy away from wearing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov21

New Blank NYC Faux Leather Skinnies

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New Blank NYC Faux Leather Skinnies

Hi! While on PANTS PATROL, I was able to invest in a wonderful pair of faux leather skinny jeans by Blank NYC. I have been on the prowl for a good pair of faux leather skinnies for a while now, but they are so hard to find. I don’t want them coated, I don’t want something crazy expensive, and I want something that it going to fit me well. At forty bucks, these new skinnies matched all of the listed criteria and then some! Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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I ordered these bad boys in my actual size off of TJMaxx’s website, but they were SO. FREAKING. TIGHT. that I had to return them and reorder in a bigger size. Once I sized up, they fit perfectly. The fit was tight, but not so tight that I felt like I was vacuum sealed into them! And, I’m sure that after I wear them around for a day or so, they will break in a little more. I am not sure if all Blank NYC bottoms run small or just this one, but Lil Red definitely recommends sizing up.

I adore all of the details that these skinnies have like the zippered ankles, the zippers on each hip, and the ribbed knees and lower thighs. All of these extras add even more edge to an already badass material and, we all know how much Lil Red loves that! The quality of my new pants and the fine attention to detail make the forty dollar price tag so worth it and, although sizing was an issue, I would happily buy Blank NYC clothing again.

Faux leather skinnies are awesome, because you can toughen up a rocker look even more or you can add some spunk to a sweeter garment like a flowy blouse or cardigan. Pairing them with my favorite black moto jacket and boots is an obvious must. But, they will also look just as cool with a peacoat and heels for a holiday get together.

How would you style these jeans? Where do you get the best jeans from? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov20

New Almost Famous Skort

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New Almost Famous Skort

Yo! As we all know, Lil Red has been on PANTS PATROL and I am honestly so happy about it. There’s a few things that I hate shopping for and they go as follows: Bikinis, bras, and PANTS, PANTS, PANTS. Pants are a pain in the ass to shop for and they always have been. Your girl suffers from the figure skater booty and thighs but a tiny waist, which makes getting a pair of pantelones that actually fit well really difficult. The same goes for shorts. Literally anything that you can wear on your bottom half that you have to put both legs through. Lol, so that’s why I was thrilled to snag this adorable Almost Famous skort seen below:

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Hopelessly out of season, I know. But, I just couldn’t help buying this cute as a button skort on TJMaxx’s website. I only own one other pair of shorts, so this actually was a really necessary purchase for when summer rolls around. I thought that this little number would make a really sweet addition to my summer wardrobe, because they are so different than your basic booty shorts, which will definitely add that Lil Red flare to any outfit, even if it’s just paired with a T-shirt or crop top.

Of course, I’m looking forward to wearing this in the summer but, I also plan on incorporating it into my spring wardrobe with some sweater tights underneath. The material of my new skort is nice and thick so it will do just fine. Then, I will pair it with a blazer on top and some cute little booties for a cool look for work or play. Love it!

Which type of clothing do you struggle shopping for? How would you style this skort? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah