Tag Archives: cold weather

Dec21

Have A Cup Of Cheer

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Have A Cup Of Cheer

Hi! I used to be a massive coffee drinker. However, I lost my taste for it after my last not so great job. What used to be a delightful drink to perk me up was filled with negative associations of pounding coffee back to back and consistently being on the verge of a mental breakdown. So, I just stopped drinking it all together and opted for a crispy AF McDonald’s Diet Coke to wake me up before work. Until recently! The past few weeks in Ohio have been freaking freezing and I just couldn’t bear to drink anything ice cold and I am SO back on my coffee kick. And you know what? It tastes great!

I would never call myself a coffee snob because coffee is just coffee to me. That’s not to say I don’t have my favorite coffee treats, though! Every year I look forward to when Starbucks brings back the Peppermint Mocha because that is my all time fave. I only allow myself one Venti Peppermint Mocha per year because they are so pricey but that one Peppermint Mocha awakened something within me and now I can’t get enough of that hot, caffeinated good stuff!

For the past year my Mondays have started with a Mickey D’s Diet Coke and that tune changed for the winter last Monday. It was eight degrees when I went to work and I needed warmth from the inside out. A hot Caramel Macchiato was the move and it was delicious. What made it even better was the silly Grinch cup that it came in! I loves me a seasonal cup and McDonald’s has definitely taken the cake this year. It was also impossible to feel Grinchy when I was de-thawing. 😀

As much as I love a cup of coffee from Starbucks or MacDo, the gas station is just fine for me too. My very first job was working as an actor at a haunted house. My shifts would end around two or three in the morning and every night before work I would go to the gas station for the biggest coffee they had. I would always mix the French Vanilla with the Caramel Macchiato and it was like heaven in a cup. Sixteen years later, for some reason, I had a hankering for this brew and went to the Circle K up the street so I could take a trip down memory lane. Amazingly, the taste of my classic coffee combo hasn’t changed in almost two decades and it was such a wave of caffeinated nostalgia. Like I said, coffee is coffee no matter where it’s from for me and I think my gas station coffee has been my favorite cold weather treat of all!

My deep dive back into the world of coffee has been excellent. It no longer has negative associations for me – it has simply been having a cup of cheer!

Where is your favorite place to get coffee? What do you usually order? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec20

Let It Snow OOTD

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Let It Snow OOTD

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

Who? What? Wear?

Faux Fur Jacket: Me Jane, TJMaxx

Coated Skinny Jeans: Seven Jeans, TJMaxx

Heeled Boots: Olivia Miller, TJMaxx

Gloves: StilEstro, TJMaxx

I have no idea where the earrings are from!

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

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

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

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

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

Dec7

Thxgiving Pt. 2 OOTD

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Thxgiving Pt. 2 OOTD

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

Who? What? Wear?

Jacket: Vince Camuto, TJMaxx

Skinny Jeans: 1822 Denim, TJMaxx

Boots: Candie’s, Kohl’s

Earrings: Argentino Vivo, TJMaxx

The hat belonged to my grandma! ❤

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nov25

Unlock Increased Beauty This Winter With These Tips

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Unlock Increased Beauty This Winter With These Tips

The colder months can bring several beauty challenges like dry, chapped skin and building a defined strategy is vital. The great news is that you don’t need to implement huge changes to see big results. Focus on the five ideas below to look and feel your best in winter and beyond:

Book a spa treatment:

Professional treatments are the ideal solution to relax and pamper. Selecting top luxury spa experiences can address some of the problems you’ve been facing and restore your natural beauty. Both the physical and emotional rewards are huge. Repeat experiences will elevate the benefits to another level. Make this a commitment to yourself and you will not regret it.

Adjust your home beauty routine:

Professional beauty treatments build a strong foundation. For the best results, though, you must look to maintain your success through improved daily habits. Learning to use retinol for skin repair purposes and better overall health will serve you well. Organic makeup materials are far kinder to your face too, which is why they should be added to your cause. However, it is equally crucial to remove makeup before bed and give your skin a chance to breathe overnight. Otherwise, the benefits of strong daily routines will be compromised.

Focus on sleep and hydration:

You already know that your appearance is partly a reflection of your health. So, an investment into wellness is sure to have a positive impact. Overhauling your entire life isn’t realistic, but you can increase your daily hydration with ease. When you do, your skin will gain a far better glow and be less prone to acne. Sleep is the other key focal point. Most people need 7-9 hours per night, but going to bed at around the same time each night is vital. A better circadian rhythm aids looks as well as health.

Embrace color coordination:

When thinking about beauty, fashion is a natural extension. Throughout the winter months, color coordination can elevate your outfits. Lipsticks and eye shadows that complement a cozy jacket or stylish dress takes your look to new heights. Similarly, a new hair color can be supported by nail art. Color coordination makes a look feel more considered, thus creating a far more powerful impact. It is one of the simplest ways to truly stand out.

Shield your skin:

Finally, you need to protect your skin from the damage caused by harsh weather. This could mean protecting it from extreme cold and high winds. It’s equally important to wear SPF sun protection in the winter sun. As well as protecting your cheeks, you must pay attention to the lips and eyes. After all, they are central to all human interactions.

Avoid the blemishes and signs of poor skin protection to maintain your best look all winter long!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Nov6

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:

Who? What? Wear?

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

Oct25

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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Who? What? Wear?

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

Dec19

Hats Off: Misny Merch Edition

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Hats Off: Misny Merch Edition

Hi darlings!! It has been forever since we’ve had a new edition of Hats Off because I haven’t bought a new hat in… Well, forever. That changes today, though, because we have a few hats from the Misny Merch collection to check out! Ohio’s favorite local celebrity, Tim Misny, is the man and it was such a joy to create content with him. We had so much fun showing off the Misny Merch line in its entirety and shining a light on the Cleveland City Mission. All proceeds from merch purchases directly benefit this amazing charity that helps battle homelessness in Cleveland. Tim is a huge supporter of the Cleveland City Mission and I tip my new Misny Merch hats to all of those who give their time and love to those who need it at the CCM. Let’s take a look at this swag!

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During the fall and winter, I feel like I am constantly rocking a beanie. They are such a classic cold weather staple and it’s just too easy to throw one on in the morning and call it a day. My go to beanie features the phrase “bad hair day” and, yes, it does cover up my crazy hair from first waking up but also assists in my pure laziness lol. During the work week, I am either up at three or four thirty AM and the last thing I am concerned about is the state of my hair in the wee hours of the morn! I am LOVING my new Misny Merch beanies because they are really similar in style to my bad hair day one and offer an infinitely cooler tagline: A variation of Tim’s signature catchphrase, “I’ll make them pay”.

Another fun item from the Misny Merch line are the baseball caps that say “Misny To The Max”. I think the slogan is absolutely hilarious and I also have this cap in black too. In fact, I wore it in the OOTD I styled to win the contest that put me into Tim’s orbit. Everything that Tim does, trust and believe he does it to the max. Whether that be helping the Cleveland City Mission, taking on a personal injury case, or even decorating Misnyland – he’d rather go big or go home. These hats are a fabulous reminder to do everything to the max and see what happens. It applies to me firsthand. If I didn’t have a “to the max” attitude, then I never would have secured the interview that made me and Tim instant besties!!

Live your life to the max and good things will come your way. Live your life in a “Misny To The Max” baseball cap and you’ll look cool while doing it. Buy yours today at Misny Merch and support the Cleveland City Mission!!

How do you live your life to the max? What is your favorite style of hat? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov14

5 Ways To Better Animal Health During Winter

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5 Ways To Better Animal Health During Winter

Animal health during the winter is just as vital as our own. As an animal or pet owner, you have a responsibility to care for any animals at your home or farm. Staying active with animals always helps, but you can also keep an eye out for local wildlife that might need help as well. Take a look at some tips to keep your pets healthy all winter long:

Keep Up with Medical Treatment:

Like humans, animals require medical treatment to stay healthy. If you have any pets, then you will be well aware of the medical problems they can get and the effects these can also have. From simple eye infections to kennel cough and worms, dogs are susceptible to all kinds of issues. Yet even strong horses are also prone to worms, so products like Questplus dewormer are highly recommended during winter as worms occur mostly during December and January.

Stay Active with Your Pets:

Pets need lots of exercise, and this can be easy or challenging, depending on what pet you have. For instance, a rodent will go all day if you provide a wheel for exercise. Yet a dog has no such amenity. You must walk your dog and ensure they get the exercise they need, even in winter. This is harder, of course. But you can bear it with some reliable winter clothing. You can also get some clothing for your dog. This looks amazingly cute but will also help keep them warm.

Shelter Provides Animal Health During Winter:

Almost every animal needs shelter, from mighty elephants to rodents. Livestock such as cows, pigs, and chickens (which are common in backyards) need somewhere safe from the elements. A warm and durable shelter is so important year round, but is critical in the winter. You can click here to learn more about safe shelters for chickens and other small animals if you raise them to promote health and happiness during cold spells. The number of deaths from poor shelter during extreme weather runs into the hundreds of thousands every year. This can be avoided with adequate shelter for the animals you keep. Ventilation, dry bedding, and enough feed are also essential for maintaining animal health.

Help Local Wildlife Stay Safe:

You may or may not have pets. But what you will have is local wildlife. From frogs in the pond to birds, badgers, and foxes visiting your garden, there is abundant wildlife almost everywhere. And every now and then, they need a little help from us. For instance, there are toxic gasses that can build in frozen-over ponds, so check that there is always a hole for these to escape. You can also help birds find food with bird feeders. And be careful of hibernating animals when clearing debris.

Be Aware of the Human Dangers:

Winter is a savage time for humans in some places, and we need ways to get through it. Just maintaining your car can be a nightmare. But it can also be deadly to animals, especially cats. Ethylene glycol, the main component of antifreeze, is sweet, and cats are drawn to it. So, store it correctly and clean up spills. Antifreeze can also leak from your car, so be sure to check underneath the vehicle and clean up any residue that could possibly be an antifreeze solution.

Avoid winter health conditions for your beloved pets with the tips above and stay warm!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov14

New Steve Madden Winter Accessories

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New Steve Madden Winter Accessories

Helloooo!!! Yesterday, we took a look at my new favorite dress purchased from my last shopping trip to TJMaxx. That wasn’t the only thing I got, however, and today we’ll be checking out the super fun New Steve Madden Winter Accessories that came home with me too. I have a huge collection of hats, scarves, and gloves for the cold weather and it is safe to say that I am a little bit obsessed with winter accessories. They are such a great way to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank! The selection at TJ’s was excellent and I walked away with an adorable pair of earmuffs and a knit balaclava. Let’s get to it:

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^^^ Peep the original price tag for the earmuffs. I purchased them for ten dollars. SCORE!!

This was a rather exciting accessory haul for me because I don’t own earmuffs or a balaclava. That is the beauty of TJMaxx – you never know what you’re going to find to spice up your wardrobe! The first thing that my eyes locked in on at the accessory wall was the smiley face earmuffs. How cute are those?! They were over the top, vibrant, so much fun, and oh my goodness were they comfortable on. They fit just right without being too tight and my ears were so toasty and warm. I knew that these would make a vibrant addition to the grey days of winter and the price I got them for was a total steal. 😀

The next thing that spoke to me was the knit balaclava, which is something that I knew existed but have never seen before in store. My new balaclava was something that was instantly appealing to me. I only own one jacket with a hood on it and it isn’t warm enough for winter wear. This was not only a fashion purchase but a practical one. There are some days when I have to go to work really early to get a client to work and it is always freaking freezing when I get in the car. Now, I have a balaclava to help with that – do you know how much heat we lose through our heads?! Not only will this help in the warmth department, but it is such a bold statement piece. Balaclavas are most chic and my new one will add a touch of sophistication to all of my winter coats!

I have no intention of buying a new coat this year and I love that I will be able to freshen my winter wear up with these fab new Steve Madden accessories. TJMaxx, you always continue to surprise me! ❤

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

Oct19

New Happily Grey Topper Jacket

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New Happily Grey Topper Jacket

Hello!!! This past Tuesday, I had an afternoon off and decided to do a little holiday shopping at TJMaxx. However, I am in the phase of my early Christmas shopping where I need a treat too and it turned into a shopping trip for me! Lol, when I got home with TJs bags in tow I told Johnny that “I did some shopping for XYZ” to which he said “And…?” My reply: “…And a little something for me too”. Haha, he knows me so well! But, obviously, I just couldn’t say no to this gorgeous topper jacket by Happily Grey:

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I am a huge fan of topper jackets and I clutched my pearls when I saw this number by Happily Grey. Johnny and I love the 70s era of fashion and this jacket gave me all of those vibes. It was one of those pieces that I just knew was going home with me and I considered it a steal at just thirty dollars! I have a feeling that I will be rocking my find all fall and winter long. I own maybe two or so full on “winter jackets”, but I much prefer a topper instead. I like that it gives you the option of layering and that I’m not sweating bullets as soon as I get into a car with the heat on!

I was drawn to my new Happily Grey topper for many reasons, the first of which being the colors. Burnished gold is one of my favorite hues and the cream filigree detailing looked so rich and lux against it. I also live for a faux fur collar, which just added to the expensive aesthetic that this topper gave. The length was lovely too, hitting at the mid calf and I could already picture wearing it with my knee high winter boots. Pair it with cable knit tights and a knee length skirt or dress? Yes, please. 😀

I am so happy with this TJMaxx purchase and I already put it to great use. You can peep that soon in an upcoming OOTD that I created for seeing The Wiz at Playhouse Square. If you are in need of new cold weather duds, hit up TJs ASAP because it is all there for the taking. PS – their holiday decor is out too!

What is your preferred style of winter coat? Does your winter wardrobe need a refresh? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah