Tag Archives: fall

Oct3

Fall Flowers OOTD

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Fall Flowers OOTD

Howdy y’all and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! These past few weeks have been simply exhausting as I have been trying to work ALL the hours before my vacation to Italy. By the time the weekend rolls around, I can barely move lol. In fact, we had tickets to see Billy Idol a few weekends ago and we didn’t even bother going smh. The OOTD you are about to see is truly a case of “all dressed up with nowhere to go” because as soon as pictures were taken, I went straight back into my pajamas! Comfort is, indeed, king! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Blazer: Scotch & Soda, TJMaxx

Cami Top: mittoshop, French Rooster

Bedazzled Jeans: Banjara, TJMaxx

Heeled Combat Boots: BCBG, TJMaxx

Hoop Earrings: Argentino Vivo, TJMaxx

When I think of fall clothing, floral patterns do not come to mind. However, my Scotch & Soda pajama style blazer makes me think otherwise and I started building my outfit from there! What does come to mind when I think of fall clothing is burnt and jewel toned hues and this blazer definitely checks the burnt box as a gorgeous burnt orange is the primary flower color. I absolutely love this blazer and one of my biggest regrets is not purchasing the matching pants that came with it for a fashion forward take on pajamas! All I can do is work with what I’ve got and not think *too* much of what I don’t have lol. With the main focal point selected for my OOTD, the rest of the look built itself from there.

I paired my Scotch & Soda blazer with a pretty oyster shell hued cami top by mittoshop. I just adore that delicate color paired with the sexy lace and it makes for a top that can either be sweet as can be or ultra sassy. This was the perfect option to wear under the blazer and it blended well with the cream flowers scattered throughout the pattern. In the pants department, I kept with the slouchy vibes of the blazer by wearing a cool pair of bedazzled boyfriend jeans by Banjara. Try saying that five times fast! Pajama pants, they are not, but the gems added a fun pop of bling and the distressed rips provided some much needed edge to the girly pieces on top. With that, it was onto shoes and accessories.

I went with my pair of army green heeled combat boots by BCBG for shoes because, let’s be real, you can never go wrong with army green for a fall OOTD! I also definitely needed the extra height because the boyfriend jeans are a bit long on me. Although green wasn’t featured in the blazer, that was okay because they were far enough apart in the outfit that it didn’t matter. Besides, I had a trick to tie the look together from head to toe: A beautiful pair of emerald green hoop earrings by Argentino Vivo! I am an avid fan of his jewelry and these earrings were just what I needed to complete this fit. With that, I was ready to snap some pics and change back into real pajamas!

Keep it posted for the Blooper Reel from this look as well as a sneak peek of my Italy OOTDs. You already know I have grand plans!!

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

Sep18

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:

The face I made when I got the price of the Little Red Love Machine’s last massive repair

Just riding the waves, man

Asking for the pretty face discount at the car dealership lol

Poise, grace, elegance

Aw shucks!!!!!!!

Lil Red OUT!!!!!

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

Sep13

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:

Who? What? Wear?

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

Sep9

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

Sep6

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

Sep5

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

Sep4

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

Aug31

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

Aug28

Seasonal Decor Refresh: Easy Updates For Every Season

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Seasonal Decor Refresh: Easy Updates For Every Season

Changing up your home’s decor with the seasons is a lovely way to feel more in tune with the world just outside your window. A few simple swaps can totally change how a room feels, making it fresh and new without a huge effort. It’s all about making your space reflect the energy of the current season, whether that’s the bright, hopeful vibe of spring or the snug comfort of winter:

Spring into New Decor:

When everything outside starts to bloom, it’s only natural to want to bring that fresh feeling indoors. Spring decor is all about light, air, and a sense of newness. A great place to start is by swapping out heavy winter fabrics for lighter ones, like linen or cotton. Think pastel throw pillows, a light-colored rug, or crisp white curtains that let the sunshine stream right in.

Bringing nature inside is another big part of it. A vase of fresh tulips or daffodils on your dining table instantly brightens things up. You can also add botanical prints to your artwork or fabrics. This is also the perfect time to do a good decluttering, which helps create a more open and spacious feel. Looking at different seasonal decor ideas can give you tons of ideas, from color palettes to flower arrangements, helping you nail that perfect springtime mood.

Cozy Fall and Winter Vibes:

As the days get shorter and cooler, create a warmer, cozier home with rich textures and autumn-inspired colors. Add chunky knit blankets, velvet cushions, faux fur rugs, and shades like deep orange, mustard, burgundy, and forest green. Use warm lighting and candles to create a soft, inviting glow. Layered textures and gentle lighting can make your home into a cozy retreat from the cold.

Beyond the Decor: Deeper Updates:

Sometimes, a simple decor swap just doesn’t quite cut it when your home needs a refresh. If you feel like a room needs a bigger change, you might think about updates that go beyond just accessories. A fresh coat of paint is one of the most impactful things you can do. A new color can completely change the mood and energy of a space. Other small projects, like updating cabinet hardware in the kitchen or bathroom, or swapping an old light fixture for a modern one, can make a surprising difference. If you find your home needs more extensive work to truly feel right, you might start thinking about bigger renovations. These deeper updates can transform not just how your home looks, but how it functions and feels overall, making it a more enjoyable place to live all year round.

Decorating on a Budget:

You definitely don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your home feeling current and stylish each season. There are plenty of budget-friendly ways to spruce up your home decor. One of the easiest tricks is to focus on textiles. Instead of buying brand new decorative pillows, just grab new covers to slip over the inserts you already have. The same goes for kitchen towels, bathmats, and throw blankets. Thrift stores and flea markets are fantastic places to find unique decor items. Look for interesting vases, picture frames, or small decorative pieces that you can easily add to your space. And don’t forget the power of nature! A bowl of pinecones in the fall, a jar of seashells in the summer, or a few branches in a tall vase can be beautiful, free decorations.

Seasonal updates can be a mindful way to appreciate your home and the present moment. Once the changes are made, take time to enjoy how they affect your mood and daily routine. Small seasonal touches can keep your home feeling personal, welcoming, and comforting!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Nov28

Weekend Adventure OOTD

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Weekend Adventure OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past Saturday I went on a fun little outing with my dad and Johnny to a lunch and vendor fair event. It was such a nice afternoon with my two favorite fellas! I knew both my boyz were going to keep it casual in their fashion which was fine by me because it was a go there, go home kind of day. A day that called for the softest sweater in the whole world with elbow patches to feel oh so perfectly fall! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Sweater: Blu Pepper, Dry Goods

Boyfriend Jeans: Banjara, TJMaxx

Snakeskin Boots: These were purchased forever ago from Target!

Necklace: This was purchased from a vendor fair by artist John Deveer.

Earrings: These were purchased forever ago from PacSun!

This was actually not the outfit I originally had in mind. However, when I was shopping in the pants department my eyes landed on my Banjara boyfriend jeans and I decided to pivot. I absolutely love these bedazzled beauties and it reminded me of something that Miranda or Taylor would wear from my guilty pleasure, Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives. I had just binged it so it was weighing heavy on the brain! These jeans are just so totally cool and they are exactly what I like – an exciting take on classic staples. Give me distressing and huge rhinestones and I am sold!

As these jeans give such a comfy, chill vibe I decided to pair it with a cozy sweater to match. I went with a lovely little number by Blu Pepper and also had a brain blast. I recently bought a dress of the same brand, knew I had something from Blu Pepper in my wardrobe, and couldn’t remember it for the life of me. Then, there it was in my hands! This dusty pink hued sweater was a lovely compliment to the charcoal grey jeans and I am all about those extra details. I am a sucker for elbow patches for a nod to collegiate chic and the up the side buttons. My sweater was also slightly oversized which was just right for pairing with the slouchy boyfriend jeans.

Next up was shoes and accessories. I definitely needed the extra height as the Banjara jeans are REALLY long on me and selected a pair of heeled grey snakeskin pattern boots from Target. The muted tones fit the color palette I had established to the T and snakeskin is my all time favorite pattern! For accessories, I chose a beautiful hand carved necklace from a vendor fair I attended in Atlanta. I love its simplicity and it can literally pair with anything for jewelry without going overboard. Last but not least was a pair of vintage brooch inspired earrings that offered flowers in the same dusty pink shade of the sweater. With that, I was ready to go on an adventure!

I may have had Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives on the mind but this look was one hundred percent Lil Red!

What is your favorite guilty pleasure show? What are your weekend plans? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah