Tag Archives: blazer

Sep14

Collegiate Chic OOTD

Posted on by
Standard
Collegiate Chic OOTD

Howdy!! This past Monday, I had an exciting day at work. I visited Kent State University with my boss, Tim, to assist with a presentation to the Principles of Marketing class. We had a blast and it was a joy to interact with all of the students. For the occasion, I wanted to put together a Collegiate Chic OOTD that was professional, but offered that extra dose of Lil Red flare. Unfortunately, I had to leave before Johnny was home from work so he couldn’t take pictures for me. I didn’t want to fiddle around with my tripod and a timer so I figured some mirror pictures would suffice. Never mind the bunny hutch that makes a guest appearance! Check it out:

IMG_8573IMG_8559IMG_8560IMG_8578

Who? What? Wear?

Houndstooth Knit Blazer: Joie, TJMaxx

Navy Blue Skater Skirt: This was a hand me down from a colleague!

Knee Socks: Target

Heeled Oxfords: Lulu Hun, ModCloth

The earrings were a gift from Johnny’s mom!

Sometimes, outfits come to me in a vision and that was very much the case for my Collegiate Chic OOTD. I knew exactly what I wanted and it turned out exactly how I wanted and it was so very satisfying! This look began with the gorgeous knit blazer by Joie. I loved the classic double breasted shape and the houndstooth pattern gave the studious vibe that I was going for. While the shape of the blazer is quite traditional, the color palette is an interesting take on houndstooth and that was the main selling point for me. It gave the quirky aesthetic I needed to do a school inspired look Lil Red’s way.

Obvi before adding the blazer, the base of the outfit needed to be addressed! Aside from the periwinkle pop in the blazer, the remaining colors were fully neutral. Meaning that I could pair it with any other neutral hue and it would form a cohesive look. I chose navy as my neutral and put on a navy blue crop top underneath the blazer and a skater skirt to match. The skirt paired with the blazer offered a modern take on stuffy school uniforms and I felt like the coolest kid on campus because of it.

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. To drive the updated uniform motif home, I slipped on some heather grey knee highs. Remember, you can always add another neutral to the mix without negatively effecting the rest of the outfit. And, of course, what is a fresher take on a school uniform than a pair of heeled oxfords? Peep how the tawny shade in the heels matched perfectly to the blazer! Last but not least, I chose a lovely pair of earrings that my mother-in-law gifted me and I was ready to take on a school day my way.

My Collegiate Chic OOTD was such fun to style and even more fun to wear. I was so inspired by the idea of modernizing a school uniform and it ended up being one of my favorite looks in recent past!

Did you have to wear uniforms to school? What were they like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr5

Easter Extravaganza OOTD

Posted on by
Standard
Easter Extravaganza OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Holidays like Thanksgiving and Easter crack me up because it’s basically just getting dressed up to sit there and eat food lol. That was the case this Easter, for sure, and I am so not complaining – everything was delicious. 😀 Even though I was only stopping by my parents’ house for a short visit, I still had to show out in a fun lil look. Trust and believe I got back in my pajamas as soon as I got home! I was in a champagne and food coma haha. Check it out:

image_50734337(3)image_50457857(6)image_50756609(5)image_50749185(1)

Who? What? Wear?

Floral Blazer: Scotch & Soda, TJMaxx

Cami Top: mittoshop, French Rooster

Distressed Boyfriend Jeans: Banjara, TJMaxx

Snakeskin Pattern Boots: Target

Turquoise Earrings: Lucky Brand

When I am styling an OOTD, I usually like to start from the top down. However, I already knew that I wanted to wear my new Banjara jeans so I built from the bottom up. These boyfriend jeans were an amazing find from TJs and I can’t get over the bling bling embellishment and the price. They were only eight dollars on clearance! As you all have probably noticed, these jeans are not as tight as what I normally wear. It definitely felt different lol! But, they also helped set up the rest of the outfit because I knew exactly how I wanted to style them.

Since the jeans offered more wiggle room, I wanted the top of the look to be a bit more form fitting. I popped on my go to lace cami top from French Rooster to have something on that fit closer to my body. The lace also helped to balance out the toughness of the distressing on the jeans. Then, I went shopping in my blazer department and chose a floral number by Scotch & Soda. For the blazer, I didn’t want a power suit level fit. The Scotch & Soda one was perfect because it is a pajama top style and worked with the fit of the jeans so nicely. It gave shape without going in the polar opposite direction and it kept the look flowing seamlessly.

Next, it was onto shoes and accessories. I wanted to add an additional pattern with the shoes because they are so far away from the floral blazer and the jeans acted as a buffer. After browsing my shoe selection, I went with a pair of snakeskin patterned heeled boots from Target. These are literally old as dirt, but I still love them! They added such a funky pop as they peek a booed out from beneath the slightly too long for me jeans. The pattern was also soft enough that it didn’t clash with the blazer. The last thing I did was put on a pair of turquoise dangly earrings because the outfit didn’t need anything else. I also adored the pretty shade against the orange of the blazer. One of my favorite color combos!

With that, I was ready to go eat at chez parents in style. Our celebration wasn’t an extravaganza, per se, but my outfit sure was!

What is your favorite gemstone? How about your favorite animal pattern? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Dec17

New Anne Klein Blazer

Posted on by
Standard
New Anne Klein Blazer

Hello everyone! Today, we are going to wrap up my TJMaxx Haul posts by discussing a gorgeous new plaid blazer by Anne Klein. I always feel lucky with my findings at TJs but even more so this last shopping trip. Almost every piece of clothing that I found was the only one left in the store and I got them for a steal of a price. The blazer seen below, for example, had an original price tag of one hundred and thirty and I got it for one hundred dollars less! Check it out:

image_50458625(4)image_50725121(1)image_50450689(1)

Going to TJMaxx is like a fashion treasure hunt and you never know what you are going to find. I didn’t expect to end up with so much beautiful clothes this last trip around but here we are now lol. When I saw this Anne Klein blazer, it was love at first sight. The crisp shape paired with traditional red plaid hues was so divine and the stark white stitching gave such an eye catching pop. As if I wasn’t swooning already but the awesome price sent me head over heels. ❤

As soon as I tried this blazer on, so many different styling options began to swirl in my head. In fact, when I was shooting my It’s Not Just A Phase OOTD, I originally had a plaid on plaid scheme in mind by pairing my Wild Fable skinnies with a red plaid blazer from the Goodwill. While the yellow and red plaid motif worked well, the blazer was too bulky and didn’t have the structure that I wanted to achieve the silhouette that I was going for. It bummed me out a little because I knew that it could look really cool and it just didn’t lol. I sure wish I had my new Anne Klein blazer a few weeks ago during that shoot because it would have worked perfectly for the punk rock tuxedo I had envisioned!

This blazer will allow me to restyle my It’s Not Just A Phase OOTD with my initial plan AND MORE. As you can imagine, it would look stunning with some black distressed skinnies and huge platform boots. It will also add a nice dose of rock to flowing maxi skirts and sweet dresses. Or how about paired with a pleated mini skirt for the ultimate preppy bad girl look?! Now, If only I had a pleated mini skirt… 😀

After a whirlwind of Christmas shopping these past few months, Lil Red needed a gift too! I played Santa for myself with all kinds of beauty and fashion goodies and I cannot wait to put all of them to good use, starting with lots of brand new OOTDs. Keep it posted!

Have you bought anything for yourself while holiday shopping? What are you gifting yourself with this holiday season? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Dec15

New Joie Knit Blazer

Posted on by
Standard
New Joie Knit Blazer

Hello! My favorite piece of clothing is, easily, a good jacket. I freaking LOVE them and it never ceases to amaze me just how much they can transform an outfit by throwing one on. If I had to go more specific into which style of jacket is my favorite, then I would say: The blazer. Blazers are awesome and they can be anything that you want it to be. All business? Perfect. Business casual? Done. Date night? Easy. Running errands? Sure! From sleek and chic to sexy and sassy, blazers can be made to fit any occasion and there is really something to be said for that versatility. I have way too many blazers than I care to admit but couldn’t resist two more during my TJMaxx shopping trip! Check out the first of the two with this little number by Joie:

image_50756097image_50434305(2)image_50785281image_50748161(1)

It’s hard for me to describe my personal style because I don’t like to limit myself to just one kind of clothing. The fun of fashion comes from trying new things and shopping at TJMaxx gives me the opportunity to be adventurous. At first glance, this new blazer is probably something that you guys wouldn’t have picked out for me to wear. And, honestly, at first glance I wasn’t completely sold on it, either. However, it never hurts to try clothes on no matter what the result ends up being because you can learn from it.

I wasn’t expecting to like this piece as much as I did prior to trying it on but it was such a game changer when it was actually on me and not on the hanger. From the way it’s made in the double breasted shape to the pattern and knit material, this Joie blazer is so unique and I have never seen anything like it before. My main fear was that the houndstooth pattern in nontraditional colors was going to look super old lady. BUT, it’s the periwinkle blue and black popping against the tawny background that make it quirky with a sweet retro touch.

The knit material of this blazer is also very cool. It offers the classic blazer shape without its sometimes unforgiving rigidity. Whether I had it buttoned or not, I could tell that it was still a blazer but just felt like a cozy knit cardigan. Can you picture settling in an armchair with a good book and a hot coffee at a cafe in this baby?! This blazer looks like going to a library or bookstore and I am so there for it.

I am excited for this new addition to my wardrobe because of all of the styling possibilities that come with it. I can picture it with a simple A-line skirt, tights, and heels for a holiday get together. I can also see myself sporting it with black skinnies and ankle length booties for work or running errands. This Joie blazer was the only one I could find in the store and I feel lucky to have gotten my hands on it! 😀 

What is your favorite piece of clothing? What is something unique that you have in your wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb24

Staircase Photo Shoot OOTD

Posted on by
Standard
Staircase Photo Shoot OOTD

Hello! This past Saturday was an absolute delight filled with dear friends, family, and delicious food. Johnny and I met up with two of our favorite people for lunch at Barrio, which is one of all of our favorite restaurants. Barrio is a build your own taco restaurant and they also have the literal best Margaritas that I have ever had:

image_50424577image_50396161(4)

The food and drinks were divine but the company was even better and Johnny and I had such a fabulous time! Since Johnny and I don’t go out too often, it makes every lunch or drink at the bar an occasion to get dressed up for. I had grand plans of having him take my pictures in downtown Kent but, unfortunately, it was SO. Freaking. COLD!!

It truly is such a Midwestern statement but it wasn’t the temperature that made it cold, it was the constantly blowing wind. And, for once, I even agreed that it wasn’t the day for outdoor pictures, which is really saying something. I was disappointed because I loved the outfit that I was wearing so I just had him take some shots on the staircase in our apartment, instead:

image_50458625image_50432001(1)image_50736641image_50458369image_50427649(1)image_50423809

Who? What? Wear?

I will be the first to admit that this outfit was definitely not appropriate for the weather but that has never stopped me before lol. While selecting my outfit, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to wear and, then, I remembered my Scotch & Soda blazer that I am obsessed with. Although it is a recent purchase, I kind of forgot about it because it has been too cold to wear it. Granted, it was way too cold to wear it on Saturday so I am looking forward to warmer weather even more so I can rock it without freezing my nads off.

The Scotch & Soda blazer is very light, making my black cami the obvious choice to wear underneath. Anything bulky would ruin the way that the blazer lays because it’s so form fitting. My distressed jeans were also, admittedly, not the best choice for a cold day because the holes in it are huge but I never get to wear them during the work week since they’re not the most appropriate!

With the base of my outfit complete, it was time for shoes and accessories. I chose one of my favorite necklaces by Mia Fiore to add some visual interest and it played beautifully against the deep gold accents in the blazer. I also liked the bold chain against such a delicate pattern. Normally, for earrings, I always rock dangly pairs but that wouldn’t work with the necklace so I went with some small studs, instead.

For my shoes, I toyed with a lot of different options but most of them would have broken up the sleek silhouette that I was working with. I finally ended up with my original thought of my platform loafers by ModCloth. They are not in the best shape because they’re pretty old but I loved how they looked with my OOTD.

With the loafers selected, I knew that I needed some type of sock with them because I am nothing if not sensible lol. I had a sheer white pair with daisies on it in mind but I couldn’t find them anywhere. It was all good, though, because I think my black ruffled ones looked even better. I thought it was so cute how you could still see the ruffles with the jeans I had on, which made for a really fun touch!

Was this a good outfit for the weather? Absolutely not. But was it still a good outfit? YES! I fricken love this OOTD and just had to share it with all of you, even if it was just pictures in my apartment! 😀

What is the weather like in your neck of the woods? How would you style my blazer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec21

TJMaxx Haul: Scotch & Soda Pajama Style Blazer Edition

Posted on by
Standard
TJMaxx Haul: Scotch & Soda Pajama Style Blazer Edition

Hello! It has been a while since I had a big TJMaxx haul so I decided that it was definitely time to change that. 😀 This past week, my online order finally arrived in the mail and I am obsessed with all of the goodies that I picked out for myself. After So. Much. Holiday. Shopping. I thought that I deserved a treat too!

Today, we will be discussing an amazing pajama style blazer by Scotch & Soda. My only regret? That I didn’t buy the matching pants! Let’s get to it:

image_67234561image_67506945image_67534593image_67536129

I must admit that when I originally ordered this blazer, I didn’t have high hopes for it and had plans of it being one of the pieces that I returned. But, man, was I wrong because this is one of my favorite purchases from my shopping. What I thought might look like I forgot to get dressed in the morning turned out to be oh so fabulous and I can’t wait to wear it to work/out and about.

This Scotch & Soda blazer was part of a matching set and as soon as I tried it on, I instantly was kicking myself for not ordering the pants too. After my fashion show, I raced to the computer to see if they were still available and, sadly, my size was sold out. I thought that the full set would be a bit much and I genuinely don’t know what I was thinking because “a bit much” isn’t part of Lil Red’s vocabulary.

While I would have liked to see this set in its completion, I still love the blazer as an individual piece just the same. The colors are muted but so rich and they really pop against its black background. I also can’t get enough of the piping throughout the blazer for a touch of pajama party chic!

During my online shopping, I was looking for pieces that could double for work and play and I think that this blazer hit the nail on the head. This is something that I could easily wear to my office or for a date day with Johnny. It’s also light enough that I could sport it during multiple seasons for ultimate versatility.

Whether paired with skinny jeans or a little black skirt, I am dying to style my new blazer so be on the lookout for OOTD pics soon. And, keep it posted for more from my TJMaxx Haul! ❤

How do you feel about clothing sets? How would you style this blazer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec2

Trail Blazers: Jones New York Blazer Dress

Posted on by
Standard
Trail Blazers: Jones New York Blazer Dress

Hello everyone! It’s no secret that Lil Red loves the Goodwill – a spark which has burned brightly since doing a majority of my apartment shopping there when I moved in. Similar to TJMaxx, shopping secondhand feels like a treasure hunt. You literally never know what you’re going to find. Sometimes the shopping trip is fruitless and other times you walk out with a bagful of things you didn’t know you needed until you laid eyes on it.

For example, the last time I was at Goodwill, this amazing Jones New York dusty pink blazer dress was just hanging out on one of the end caps and it was instant love. With vintage vibes and a color I rarely wear, this purchase felt exciting and I am so looking forward to sporting it this holiday season. Take a look:

jny2jny1

The very cool thing about this little number, aside from the fact that it looks fresh out of the 1950s, is the options that it comes with. Yes, it could be worn as a dress, which I plan on doing for at least one holiday get together. But, it also can be thrown on as a trench style coat, which will look particularly becoming in the spring. Buying pieces that can be worn a multitude of ways helps the garment continue to feel exciting with every use and it always makes me feel like I’m getting a lot of bang for my buck.

I spent a whopping five dollars on this dress and I’m sure that the original price tag was at least twenty times that. And, that’s the beauty of secondhand shopping. For five dollars I got to treat myself with an old piece of clothing that feels brand new to me and there is really nothing better than that!

What has been one of your favorite secondhand finds? How do you shop secondhand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov1

Trail Blazers: Christian Siriano Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Trail Blazers: Christian Siriano Edition

Howdy! Back in the day, I was a big Project Runway fan and, if you were too, then I’m sure you’ll remember the boy wonder, Christian Siriano. Serving sass and designing looks to die for, he instantly became a fan favorite of mine and the rest of the Project Runway following. So, when I saw this gorgeous cheetah print blazer at TJMaxx sporting his namesake, I just had to try it on. And, when I saw that it was fabulous, I just had to take it home! Check it out:

chris3chris2chris1

I am completely obsessed with my new blazer. I know, I know I have a ton of them but cheetah print, guys! Cheetah print. This little beauty fits to perfection and I love the uniquely colored pattern. The chocolate base and caramel spots make for an interesting and different take on a classic print and I am so there for it.

I used to shy away from brown, dubbing it a “boring” color. I also used to stick my nose up at animal print, claiming it wasn’t chic enough for me. But, damn, was I dead wrong. Fifty shades of brown from camel and chocolate cherry to tan and cinnamon has become a palette that I have been welcoming into my wardrobe recently and it has become all the better for it. And, I honestly think that my life only truly began when I realized how much fun that cheetah print is!

This Christian Siriano number combines the best of both worlds that I have been exploring lately and I cannot wait to rock it this fall season. ❤

What is your favorite animal print? Who is your favorite Project Runway winner? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct10

Trail Blazers: Rrrruss Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Trail Blazers: Rrrruss Edition

Salutations and welcome to the last article from my Trail Blazers series compliments of spending twenty dollars at a North Carolina Goodwill. The last blazer we will be discussing is a more simple one by Rrrruss. But, with the smart grey tweed and adorable chocolate brown elbow patches, this sweet little number is anything but boring! Check it out:

russ1russ3russ2

Definitely a far cry from the slouchy, shoulder padded blazers we talked about previously, this fitted grey blazer is perfect for scholarly chic fall OOTDs. Everything about my new blazer just feels so collegiate cool and I have big aspirations to go full Blair Waldorf with it by pairing it with a mini skater skirt, cable knit tights, starched white blouse, and a fun silk scarf, tie, or bow tie to complete the look. And, we can’t forget one of her signature headbands!

Although I obviously love me a good boyfriend blazer, there is nothing better than a sharp, tailored to perfection one to create CEO level confidence by simply slipping it on. A well fitted blazer is a power piece, for sure, and it would behoove every single person on planet Earth to have one in their wardrobe. From work meetings to running woman on the go errands, my new Rrrruss blazer will give me Blair Waldorf vibes and a confidence that is all mine. ❤

How do you style a Gossip Girl inspired OOTD? What is your favorite power piece in your wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct9

Trail Blazers: Kasper Pt. 2 Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Trail Blazers: Kasper Pt. 2 Edition

Howdy! I honestly can’t think of a time when shopping has made me feel bad. Lol, I know such a shopaholic – but seriously. When I’m happy, I shop. When I’m sad, I shop. When I’m indifferent, I shop. But, hey, there’s a lot worse things that I could be doing and at least everything in my Trail Blazers series was from a Goodwill in North Carolina so it definitely didn’t break the bank!

I will admit, that I was not in my normal happy go lucky state of mind during this particular shopping trip. However, purchasing four blazers for twenty bucks in total perked me right up! Lol, check it out:

aslasl3asl2

Now, I am well aware that this olive green cheetah print number by Kasper is super old ladyish. Believe you me, I am the first to admit it. But, I just feel like I can do something cool with it especially because the color is divine. Because fifty shades of green is so flattering on me, it took the old lady element out of this jacket and turned it into a piece that’s quirky and unique compliments of the velvet animal print and slouchy fit.

If I wear this blazer before my boyfriend gets to it for a concert with his band, the plan is to keep things really young and fresh. So, I’m thinking of pairing it with shorts with tights underneath, a sweet crop top, and all of the chunky gold jewelry. And, of course, a cool pair of boots!

When shopping secondhand, it’s easy to just search for the things that are more suitable to your age and bypass all of the other options. Unfortunately, this means that you’re turning up your nose to eighty percent of what’s in the store. When thrifting, you have to use your imagination to turn something seemingly “not your style” into a new wardrobe staple. I felt like I could do that with this Kasper blazer and I’m looking forward to seeing how it works. 😀

Which sections do you love to shop in at your local thrift stores? How do you get creative while secondhand shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah