Tag Archives: fashion

Italy OOTDs

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Italy OOTDs

Yoohoo! Literally everything about our tour in Italy through AAA and Collette was fun and, yes, that includes packing for the trip too! As I’m sure you imagined, I was most excited to sport Lil Red looks in Italy and that took a fair bit of planning and self control lol. My suitcase isn’t huge and as much as I would have liked to over pack, I restrained myself to the outfits I dreamed up so I would still have room for souvenirs. I just barely did and I think I will definitely be purchasing a bigger suitcase for my next trip! Take a look at some of my Italy OOTDs and let’s discuss my packing process:

I would never say I am last minute about anything because it keeps my anxiety at bay. However, I did pack the day before leaving for Italy and it was in the name of practicality. I was going to create my outfits based on the activities and weather forecast for each day and wanted the results to be as accurate as possible, which meant leaving it till the last minute. I have to say, this method worked like a charm and it also eliminated the stress of figuring out what to wear every day in Italy! Thanks to my planning, I had a guide of exactly what to wear every day as well as alternate options should the weather call for it.

Prior to our trip, we received a booklet from the travel agency with a plethora of housekeeping information and a description of what we would be doing every day. For each day, I looked up the weather of the city we were in and wrote it down. This served as my North Star as I shopped through my wardrobe for outfits. When you’re traveling, the name of the OOTD game is classic pieces and sets that you can mix and match to create multiple different looks. This is exactly what I did by packing a few pairs of smart slacks, a couple of basic essential tops with a twist, two dresses, and some cool weather options like a jacket and cardigan in case I needed it. Although all of the pieces I packed weren’t a perfect match to each other, I could still use a majority of them together and I honestly think I packed light!

As important as it was to dress for the weather in Italy, it was also just as important to dress for the occasion. This is why I really appreciated the booklet we were mailed because it gave insights into how to dress for visiting a church, for example. At most churches in Italy, you must have a top with sleeves and a skirt down to your knees to enter. We visited several churches during our trip and I was not going to be the one waiting outside due to not knowing the dress code! Our booklet also gave excellent descriptions of the scenery in each city we visited so it was also fun to try and match outfits to that. IE: The orange/red flower patterned maxi dress looked stunning against the blue waters of Lake Como!

With some careful, albeit last minute, planning I created a travel wardrobe that kept me stress free and serving looks for my entire vacation!

Are you an early or last minute packer? What are some must haves in your suitcase? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

If The Shoe Fits: Miss Left Platforms Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Miss Left Platforms Edition

Hi!! Our Italy content has been postponed today because: HURRAY! The platforms I ordered for my Mrs. Lovett Halloween costume finally arrived! AND they fit! This was the third pair I had to exchange to get the sizing right and I couldn’t have been happier when they fit like a glove. These platforms are absolutely perfect for my costume and honestly every day wear too. You all know I love my huge platforms with spooky vibes! Take a look and then we’ll discuss the sizing fiasco that had me genuinely concerned that I would be going shoeless for Halloween:

Shoes are one of my favorite things to purchase because no matter what, I know my size. I am a true size six and if the shoes I am trying on are too, then there is no reason why they shouldn’t fit. Until these Miss Left platforms. Little did I know when I ordered these shoes that they were actually Chinese sizes. When they were delivered and I eagerly tried them on, I was so disappointed because they were HUGE. They fit more like a size eight than a six and it was a hazard even attempting to walk in them. Based on the measurements listed on the size chart, I exchanged the size six for a size five and couldn’t wait for them to get here because surely they would work, right?

WRONG! The smaller size was still way too big and I was at a loss, so I contacted the company and they were wonderful. They let me keep the too big shoes and requested that I send my foot measurements for a new pair. From my measurements, they informed me that they were sending a size four and all that was left to do was cross my fingers and toes and wait. The original shipping information said that my package would arrive on October 26th. However, they were shipping from China and I was concerned that delays might happen. Blessedly, that was not the case and they were delivered on the 22nd, well ahead of time.

I have to admit that I was nervous about these shoes not fitting because I would have had to throw my hands in the air and pivot. That would have been a huge bummer because I couldn’t imagine my costume without these platforms! I am pleased to report that the size four did the trick and now I know what size I am if I ever order shoes from China again. I am so appreciative to the employees at Miss Left for helping me solve the problem of the not fitting shoes because they were incredibly helpful and kind. And, thanks to them, my costume will be exactly what I pictured. I can’t wait for you all to see it!

Costume? Check. Platforms? Check. Accessories? Double check! I am SO amped for mine and Johnny’s Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett costumes!

What are you being for Halloween? What was your favorite Halloween costume you have used recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Perugia Purchases

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Perugia Purchases

Hi! As exciting as the premise of shopping in Italy was, it was quite difficult to find stores with prices that I was comfortable paying. You all know that I am a TJMaxx girl through and through so paying full price for anything is always a shock to the system! It was definitely fun to see the high end stores but it was even more fun to be in stores where I could afford something, like the ones in Perugia. Although there were stores there that sold clothing for the price of a used car, there were also several places that didn’t make me feel like I wanted to die when I swiped my credit card! Two of which were Studded and TipTap (The cutest name for a shoe store!) where I made my purchases from. Check it out:

Studded was a fabulous find in Perugia with Zara prices and a lot of one size fits all clothing in classic shapes, colors, and patterns. As soon as I looked at one of the price tags, I knew I could hang out there for a while and tried on a handful of different clothes. Some of them were pretty but not my style in the slightest. The only thing that really moved me was the button up that you see above. This one size fits all masterpiece was the first item I grabbed off the racks and was the one that came home with me. I just love that rich green and pale pink and it almost looks like watercolor flowers. The material is so soft but it’s thin and lightweight which will make it an ideal layering item under a cozy cardigan this fall.

After Studded, I found a glorious shoe store called TipTap that was right around the corner and, blessedly, their shoes featured what I would consider to be TJMaxx prices. Both of these boots were only thirty euros apiece! My shoe situation coming into Italy had dwindled because I literally had to throw some out after the wear and tear of all of the walking for the day. Little did I know that tossing those items made room for more shoes lol! My two new pairs of heeled boots were both on the markdown shelf and in my exact size. It was a positive sign to buy them both!

I absolutely love a “cuffed” boot like the first pair and actually saw something similar in a shop window that was WAY more expensive. These boots were the perfect substitute for a style I covet but have never had for myself. And, don’t even get me started on that zip up pair with the metal toes because holy WOW! Those pointed toes are everything and the metal embellishment adds such a unique and edgy pop. I have never seen a pair of boots like those before and would have deeply regretted not buying them. You already know that I am a self proclaimed “shoe whore” and I am beyond thrilled to have two new pairs fresh from Perugia!

I cannot wait to style fall OOTDs with these amazing new finds and also I am never going to be over the store name TipTap!

What do you like to buy for yourself on vacation? Which vacation location had the best shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

It’s In The Bag: Made In Italy Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Made In Italy Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of It’s In The Bag! It should come as no surprise that my primary mission in Italy was to shop till I drop and I was chomping at the bit to pop some tags. So much so, that Johnny and I went on a shopping excursion immediately after arriving in Rome. Of course, I was eager to buy clothing but I also wanted to treat myself to a nice purse as a keepsake that I could use every day so I could always have a piece of Italy with me. Not only was this goal necessary for fashion and sentimental reasons but it was also a necessity as the bag that I brought with me had seen better days!

I toted my mustard yellow vegan leather purse by Chillx because it had a sturdy lock and zippered compartments to ward off pickpockets. However, the vegan leather was peeling and the traveling to Rome only intensified it. The bag I purchased couldn’t have come a moment too soon and I threw my old purse out as soon as all of my items were swapped. Check it out:

^^^ You can learn more about the items in my OOTD in this post!

I am a well seasoned shopper and I tend to know within a second’s glance if a fashion item is a yes or no. And, as Johnny and I strolled through Rome and I took a quick look from the sidewalk into a local leather store, I just knew that the purse for me was in there. I walked in, the gorgeous oxblood mini messenger bag caught my eye, and the haggling for a better price proceeded. Outside of shopping, I was most looking forward to putting my Italian skills to the test and had been practicing diligently before my trip. This paid off quite literally because the store owner knocked the price of my purse down by thirty euros and I happily left the store with a great deal and timeless accessory. I was also glowing at the compliment from the salesperson that my Italian was very good!!! 😀

My new purse was joined at my hip for my entire vacation and I could not be more pleased with my purchase that was made within a half hour of being in Rome. Hey, I’m a gal who knows what she wants! Although I typically shy away from leather goods, all of my previous vegan leather purses had been tossed due to the peeling. I wanted something that was high in quality and would last forever and that was why my Made In Italy leather bag came home with me. It delighted me that all of the members of our tour group went gaga over it and their sentiments matched mine exactly. This truly was the ideal purse for me and I didn’t even bother looking at any more during the entirety of the trip. Why would I when I already had perfection?!

By the by, the scarf that you see in the purse pictures was purchased in Assisi and can we please talk about what a stunning combination it is? When the scarf wasn’t jauntily tied around my neck, I had it wrapped around the purse’s strap for an added pop. That oxblood paired with the navy blue and bright orange is simply divine!! ❤

With this purse by my side, Italy isn’t far away at all. It’s right there with me and will serve as a tangible daily reminder of my trip of a lifetime!

What kind of souvenirs do you like to purchase on vacation? What are some of your favorite Italian brands? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Fall Flowers OOTD Bloopers

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Fall Flowers OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Fall Flowers OOTD! I don’t know how it’s going in your neck of the woods, but it is feeling SO fall in Ohio and I am living for it. Johnny and I spent this past summer sweating our nads off in our stifling apartment and it is a joy to feel comfortable both inside and out of our home. In fact, it has felt downright chilly some days at chez nous and it has been absolutely delicious to finally snuggle up in a cozy blanket and warm pajamas. It’s the simple things in life, right? Let’s get a peek at these bloopers and then stick around because I have the most insane story to tell you:

After seeing Resident Evil with a friend, I went to see it on a date night with Johnny over the weekend. I really enjoyed the movie and I was so excited for Johnny to see it because he is an avid fan of the games. We loaded up on snacks and drinks at the theater and made our way to our smack dab in the middle seats for a perfect view of the big screen. When the movie started, a handful of people walked in and seated themselves in the rows directly in front of the screen. They were kind of loud and obnoxious and had their phones out but it wasn’t anything distracting enough to take away from the movie. Until it was about halfway through…

When the movie started getting to the really good parts, I couldn’t quite believe my eyes and it was not due to the horror on the screen. One of the people had their bright phone high in the air and was literally FaceTiming the movie to a friend. Everyone in the back seats could see exactly what she was doing and it was pure insanity. I am one of those people who if I see you stealing something then I sure didn’t. However, this person was taking away from the experience of everyone in the theater and I wasn’t going to stand for it. Yes, in that moment I was that girl.

I got up from my seat to go “use the bathroom” AKA tell an employee what’s going on and the offender was promptly removed from the theater. She pitched a huge fit but babygirl what did you expect?! Lol I wouldn’t have cared if she was shooting off a text or two because I have definitely done that in a theater. But FaceTiming a movie to a friend for all to see was such a bold move and I was genuinely flabbergasted. I hate to be a person that complains but I definitely think it was complain worthy because what in the literal F!

Although this experience left me shaking my damn head, we still had a great date night and a crazy story to tell afterwards!

Have you ever experienced a similar situation at the movies? What happened? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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:

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

No Concert Cutie OOTD Bloopers

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No Concert Cutie OOTD Bloopers

Oh hey and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my No Concert Cutie OOTD. After the massive bust of not seeing Billy Idol for a Sunday concert, Johnny and I have definitely learned our lesson: That we can no longer hang and work night concerts are a thousand percent getting bypassed lol. Is this what adulting is? Making smart decisions to be on point for work the next day? If so, then I think Johnny and I are officially all grown up! Although it was very disappointing to not go to the show, it still ended up being a funny story anyways and I don’t think anyone was surprised that we just stayed home! Based on these yikes shots, it was a solid choice:

I consider myself to be very outgoing and Johnny is too. The thing about us, though, is that we are outgoing while still maintaining a strict schedule and Billy Idol simply couldn’t be penciled in! Johnny is, without a doubt, the more spontaneous one because he can make on the fly adjustments. Myself, on the other hand, needs everything set in stone at least two weeks in advance! What can I say, my schedule is god and I refuse to stray from it. I hate surprises and knowing what’s planned ahead eliminates that uncertainty. In hindsight, that’s probably why I always ask Johnny to give me birthday and Christmas presents a month before the actual date!

I can feel my anxiety creeping up simply by writing about schedule changes but there is a method to my madness. I have been self employed for my entire adult life and there is no one but me to make sure that my days always go accordingly to plan. When I first began my work as an Independent Provider, I dived right in and by the time my first year was completed I had seven clients. Meaning I had seven people to divide twice weekly visits with, account for travel time between each location, and keep my days running like a fine tuned machine. It was a lot but very rewarding and instilled the importance of a well maintained schedule. Maybe too much lol! Although my caseload is way lighter now, my diligence remains the same and even if Johnny and I can’t hang like we used to, it’s all good. We’ll just stick to Friday and Saturday concerts from now on!

I am pleased to report that I am right on schedule after writing this post. 😀 Have a fabulous day one and all!!

How do you feel about last minute changes? What makes you anxious? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

No Concert Cutie OOTD

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No Concert Cutie OOTD

Howdy y’all and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! As you saw in a recent post, Johnny and I were *supposed* to see Billy Idol in concert a few Sundays ago and my blogging bestie said it best: We were completely delulu for even buying tickets lol. Johnny and I both get up at three in the morning for work and I have no idea what we were thinking when we assumed we could swing going to a concert on a work night! Prior to the show, we went out to dinner and after we ate we were so full and tired that we just went home SMH! Although we didn’t attend the show, I did put together a snazzy little look that I wanted to share anyways. It’s totally giving Billy Idol concert vibes! Check it out:

Kerchief Top: Japna, TJMaxx

Tennis Skort: Kyodan, TJMaxx

Bat Platforms: Sugar Thrillz, Dolls Kill

Snake Wrap Bracelet: Earthbound

Lace Choker: A Signature Antiques

I have no idea where the cross earrings are from!

An All Black Everything OOTD was a must for a Billy Idol concert and I knew exactly where to begin: With a darling kerchief top by Japna. This little number is so cool and sexy (Just like Billy Idol!) with its muted snakeskin pattern, silky material, and tie back that you can make into a giant bow. I am a huge fan of kerchief style tops and they are so perfect for summer and different. In the summertime, I feel like I am constantly confined to crop tops and tanks and the kerchief top is a welcome reprieve from the norm. These tops can serve sass or sweetness and was definitely giving sass in this OOTD!

Although kerchief tops look adorable with a pair of short shorts, I opted for a skirt because I wanted some movement! I love to dance the night away at concerts and skirts are ideal to swish and shimmy in. I chose one of my go to tennis skorts by Kyodan and adored how it paired with the top. The gauzy pleated mesh over the shorts provided a mix and match of texture with the silk top but it still looked cohesive as I was working with a minimal color palette. I have worn Kyodan skorts to many a concert and they are seriously the best to move and grove in! If only I got to actually bust out my moves at the show *whomp whomp*. -_-

With the base of the outfit settled, it was onto shoes and accessories. To maintain the elder emo aesthetic, I went with a gorgeous pair of platforms by Sugar Thrillz that feature translucent purple bat wings on the straps. How fun are those?! The shiny faux leather also added in a new texture that allowed the eyes to dance across the entire outfit. For accessories I selected a stunning vintage necklace from A Signature Antiques that looks like it came right out of a gothic romance novel. The lace, chains, and statement center stone fell right in place with the neckline of the top and I felt so fierce as soon as it was on! I popped on a pair of dangly black cross earrings as well as a snake wrap bracelet that my sister got me in New Orleans for good measure. With that, I was ready to not see Billy Idol lol!

Even though I didn’t see Billy hot AF Idol IRL, the outfit still slaps. Stay tuned for the Blooper Reel!

Do you go out on work nights? When do you have to be up for work? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Hair, New Me OOTD Bloopers

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New Hair, New Me OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my New Hair, New Me OOTD! I have been having so much fun with my brand new hair and it has been the biggest confidence boost. This new look is giving David Bowie, Joan Jett, and all things retro and cool and my stylist, Anna, created exactly what I was picturing in my head. Not only is Anna a genius but I think she might be a mind reader too because it is a spot on replica! My new do definitely has me feeling my damn self but these yikes shots are so not matching the vibe lol take a look:

It’s hard not to notice the massive crack in the wall in these pics and all I have to say is thank god for clean up on the iPhone! I fix it up for actual OOTD shots and couldn’t care less for the Blooper Reel. It’s not exactly prime real estate but, in my defense, there is literally nowhere else to go in our apartment community. Renovations have been underway for what has felt like forever and it is really killing my OOTD flow. My old spot for pics is a cluttered mess and the worst of all is that all of the greenery surrounding our building has been uprooted. I am not exaggerating when I say that it looks like a wasteland and it is SHAMEFUL.

Although the renovations have proven to be a massive pain in my nads, there has been some good that has come out of them. Primarily in the critter department! Guys, I kid you not that there was like a million raccoons in the walls before whatever entry points were sealed off. That was an exaggeration but there was a lot of raccoon activity and it was so crazy to hear lol. The scratching, chittering, and fighting would go on all hours of the day and it was never not startling. There was one time when I was sitting in my favorite chair and raccoons were going at it in the ceiling directly overhead. I was genuinely terrified that they would fall through and land on my lap! So in conclusion, there is nothing pretty around my apartment anymore but at least we are racoon free lol. -_-

Here’s to my apartment building eventually looking better because I am SO sick of editing out the wall crack!!

What was your first house or apartment like? Have you ever experienced a pest problem? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Halloween Costume Sneak Peek

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Halloween Costume Sneak Peek

Hello! As you all know, spooky season is mine and Johnny’s happy time and we take it very seriously. In fact, we start planning our couples costume for the next year every Halloween! We were pirates last year which was an absolute blast and as we passed out Trick Or Treat candy, I threw my idea into the ring for our 2026 look: Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett! This musical is very near and dear to my heart and I have the fondest memories of constant sing alongs with my sister. We have a simply charming (Horrible lol) rendition of Epiphany that we have been workshopping for years! If I could sing, Mrs. Lovett would be my dream role but I sound like a dying cat so a Halloween costume was the closest I was going to get. 😀

Happily, Johnny agreed to my sales pitch because like a majority of our past costumes, he basically has everything he needs in his wardrobe! Myself, not so much and I began browsing the World Wide Web to make my costume come to life. Courtesy of AMIClubwear, I found this amazing dress for thirty dollars which was a complete steal. Take a look:

^^^ Seriously, how perfect is that for a sexy Mrs. Lovett!!!

At some point last year, I saw a very similar dress to my AMIClubwear purchase on a Unique Vintage ad on Facebook. I clocked it, screenshotted it, and tucked it away for when I would need it again. When I began my costume shopping, Unique Vintage was the first website I checked out and the OG dress I had in mind was nowhere to be found. This was honestly a good thing though because all of their clothes are crazy expensive and I couldn’t justify spending one hundred plus dollars on a costume dress! After that total bust, I just Googled something along the lines of “sexy black and white striped dress” and struck pay dirt. I couldn’t believe my luck when the AMIClubwear option popped up and it was only thirty dollars! There was no question about it, this was my dress.

I ordered the costume immediately and waited on pins and needles for its arrival. After about a week or so it landed on my doorstep and I was more than impressed with my purchase after tearing apart the packaging like a rabid animal. It is fabulous!! For such an inexpensive costume, the quality was excellent and I would easily put it on the level of costumes sold at Spirit Halloween. The small/medium size fit like a glove and all of the details were exactly as pictured on the website. I am in love with the lace, ruffles, bows, and sailor neckline that give me all of the By The Sea vibes. This is truly a Mrs. Lovett costume with a super sexy twist and I cannot wait for it to come together for a slamming COTD (Costume Of The Day!)!

If you were impressed by this dress all I can say is: Wait till you see the shoes. They are magnificent!!

What are you going to be for Halloween this year? What are your favorite spooky season activities? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah