Tag Archives: fashion

Accessory Story: Forgotten Ring Edition

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Accessory Story: Forgotten Ring Edition

Hello! I love putting on my engagement ring and wedding band every day because I think that they are the most “me” pieces of jewelry that I own. I didn’t think it was possible to love another piece of bling more so I was blindsided when I found this surprise ring while I was packing for mine and Johnny’s big move:

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I have a pink dish chair that has held all of my bras, sports bras, and swimsuits for as long as I can remember. I also have not moved anything from that chair for as long as I can remember. Lol, Johnny caught onto this too because while I was boxing up everything from the chair, I found a velvet gift bag. At first, it felt empty and I almost threw it out. Then, I reached into the bag and discovered this gorgeous pearl ring with amber jewels!

I literally clutched my pearls when the ring was revealed because it was just so cute. It looks like a gemstone bow and I have never seen anything like it. I was so curious where this ring had came from because it was in the most random location. I couldn’t wait for Johnny to get home to question him about the ring’s origins because I thought that it might have been an engagement ring he picked out before ordering the one that I have.

Once Johnny got home, he told me that he also had no idea where he acquired the ring and then we started playing detective. It didn’t come from me so it would have had to have been from Johnny. We both thought that the gift bag’s gold motif was similar to my ring box and packaging from the Etsy shop we got my engagement ring from. Then, concluded that it must have been an extra gift for purchasing the engagement ring.

I asked Johnny how he could have forgotten this and I guess with the excitement of getting engaged it just slipped his mind! He also expertly hid it in a place where we both never look so I don’t think I would have ever found it unless we were moving. I love this bonus ring so much and I am thrilled that it is finally in its rightful possession – mine! ❤

Have you ever found anything unexpected while moving? Where is the best hiding spot at your place? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Accessory Story: Handmade Necklaces Edition

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Accessory Story: Handmade Necklaces Edition

Hello! A couple of weeks ago, my niece made my mom and dad the cutest necklaces with Blues Clues pendants on them. I’m not going to lie, Johnny and I were pretty jealous that we didn’t get one too. So, the next time we watched her we asked if she could make us some necklaces and she said yes! They are absolutely adorable and my mind is blown by how much necklace making technology has improved for children. Check it out:

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I loved making necklaces when I was little… Until it was time to tie the string together, that is. Without fail, my necklace would end up falling apart and always resulted in frustration. I had to share the necklaces my niece made because 1) How could I not? and 2) The rubbery necklace strand is literally fail proof.

When my niece gifted my parents with their new bling, my dad’s came off and it happened in slow motion when it fell to the floor. I was positive that the beads would be flying off and tears would start to fall. But that wasn’t the case! The end of the necklace strand has two thick posts with one being hollow to attach the sides together. This change in width catches the beads every time for hours of jewelry making fun without the possibility of a masterpiece being ruined.

The amount of options for toys, clothes, TV shows, and everything in between has grown exponentially since I was a kid. These necklace strands are definitely one thing that I wish had been invented in my youth! I can’t wait to rock my new Blues Clues necklace and this improvement to jewelry making will be a fun activity for your little ones come summer break. 🙂

What was your favorite activity as a child? How about your favorite childhood TV show? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Summer In Spring OOTD Bloopers

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Summer In Spring OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Summer In Spring OOTD! Today, we are going to take a look at the “yikes” shots that definitely didn’t make the cut the first time around – and for very good reason! Let’s get started:

That face you make when there’s a river behind you and you chose this as your background:

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My costar and I lol

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That face you make when you finally choose the river as your background

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Check yourself before you wreck yourself

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I have absolutely no idea what’s happening here!!

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Uppsy daisy!

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Heyyyyyyyyy

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She said WHAT?!?!

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Howdy, ya’ll

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All done!

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What can I say, guys? If you’ve got it, flaunt it lol. That about does it for my Summer In Spring OOTD but keep it posted on lifewithlilred for lots more fun and OOTD shoots! ❤

What makes you laugh? Where is your favorite place to take pictures? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Summer In Spring OOTD Bonus Pictures

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Summer In Spring OOTD Bonus Pictures

Hello everyone and welcome to some bonus pictures from my Summer In Spring OOTD featuring myself AND Johnny! 😀 He is so sweet to always be taking pictures of me and sometimes I just have to return the favor by making him take pictures with me lol. I truly have the best blog husband in the world and my OOTDs wouldn’t be possible without him. Thanks for forever indulging me, babe! Now, let’s get to it:

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Of course, I love taking OOTD pictures for the fashion and I very much enjoy being in front of the camera. But, the best part is the time that I get to spend with Johnny who has been my master photographer since we started dating. In fact, when he proposed, he disguised it as him just taking OOTD pictures to surprise me. It was perfect. ❤

lifewithlilred is so special to me and it warms my heart to be able to share it with Johnny. It’s such fun to work together and make my visions happen and I know that no matter how ready he is to be done taking pictures, he will always oblige when I say “just a few more”. What an angel and I am the luckiest gal in the whole world! ❤ ❤ ❤

Does anyone help you with the content on your page? What is your favorite thing to post about? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

PS: Be sure to tune in tomorrow for my April Finishes and then it’s on to some bloopers from my Summer In Spring OOTD!

 

Summer In Spring OOTD

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Summer In Spring OOTD

Hello!! Ohio basically experienced all four seasons this past week but ended on a high note with summer like weather over the weekend. It went from snowing and freezing rain to low eighties and sunny, making for the perfect weather for some OOTD pictures! It felt so good to shed the chilly day layers and step out with Johnny in some shorts and a cute little top! Check it out:

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Who? What? Wear?

  • Tie Back Top: Japna, TJMaxx
  • Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters
  • Shawl: This was my grandma’s ❤
  • Wedges: Charles By Charles David, TJMaxx
  • Blue Snake Cuff: I got this at the zoo lol
  • Pink Snake Cuff: Betsey Johnson, TJMaxx
  • Hair Accessory: Hot Topic
  • Tooth Necklace: This is from Revival, a store no longer open in Akron
  • Parasol: PatCatan’s

For these pictures, Johnny and I headed to the Riverfront in Downtown Cuyahoga Falls. We were most economical because we snapped these shots while we were waiting for our takeout order of Mexican food! I probably only wore this outfit for about an hour in total before we went back home, put on comfy clothes, and watched Lord Of The Rings but it was so worth it!

This past week, my mom gave me the shawl that belonged to my grandma that she found while spring cleaning. I love it so much and knew that I wanted to wear it to take some pictures in, so wear it I did. I already had my Japna top in mind that I had been dying to break out since purchasing this winter and the shawl complimented it wonderfully. The two mixed textures provided lots of visual interest which gave this fairly simple outfit something special.

When it comes to shorts, I only wear those from American Eagle Outfitters. They are the absolute best and I was so excited to wear them for the first time since last summer. There’s something about the first warm weather outfit of the year that hits different, ya know? The AEO shorts are so comfortable and fit well without being suction cupped to your legs and they are ideal for a hot day.

With the base of the outfit sorted out, it was time to accessorize! My Charles By Charles David wedges are a favorite of mine come warm weather. I have pretty much worn them into the ground but I don’t care! These wedges go with everything and I could seriously walk all day in them without breaking my stride. I also like the mule shape which helps keep the line of my legs nice and long.

Since this outfit featured a little top and shorts, I wanted to fill out some of the empty spaces with jewelry. You can’t really tell in these pictures but my top has a muted snakeskin print so I kept with that theme by adding my jeweled snake cuffs. I am obsessed with bracelets like this and the blingy gemstones look gorgeous in sunlight! For another pop of color, I chose my tooth necklace from Revival because its length was just right and hits slightly above where my top starts to dip.

And, of course, I am that girl who is extra enough to carry a parasol with me! Part of it is for the fashion but it is also somewhat of a necessity. Everyone jokes that Johnny and I are vampires and it’s very true in the regards that we both burn horribly in the sun. You can almost always find me come summertime with a floppy hat on or a parasol in hand to provide some much needed extra shade!

I will forever be partial to dressing for the fall than to summer but I am loving this Summer In Spring OOTD. A couple of well placed accessories can go a long way in taking a basic outfit into something worth blogging about!

What is your favorite type of weather? 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

Polka Dots, Please OOTD Bloopers

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Polka Dots, Please OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Polka Dots, Please OOTD shoot! Today, we are going to be looking at the bad, the yikes, and the “what was she thinking?” that definitely didn’t make the cut… Until now, that is! For every good picture I take, there are probably ten preceding it that just make me shake my head lol. Let’s take a peek at some of these not so muches:

Something apparently really took me by surprise!

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Lol, this one is so funny to me! When motion shots just don’t work out!

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For obvious reasons, this one didn’t make the cut.

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Always putting my best face forward, obviously!

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Upsy daisy! The classic dismount shots.

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Give me my phoooooone

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I love me a blooper reel at the end of a movie and sometimes they are the funniest parts! That’s kind of how I feel about my blooper posts. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy showing off a fabulous OOTD and pictures as much as the next person. However, you can’t have the good without a bit of the bad and ugly too lol.

When I first started doing OOTD shoots, I would have never dreamed of posting the “yikes” shots. But, finally, my self confidence is in an excellent place and I realized that I had content amidst the shots that ended up in the “delete” section of my phone. These pictures that automatically got trashed are all an important part of the OOTD process so why not share them? Johnny and I get a huge kick out of these behind the scenes pics and I hope you do too!

That about does it for my Polka Dots, Please OOTD but keep checking in for more fun looks from yours truly. I feel a lot more OOTD posts happening soon!

What makes you laugh? What makes you feel confident? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Polka Dots, Please OOTD Bonus Pictures

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Polka Dots, Please OOTD Bonus Pictures

Hello everyone and welcome to some bonus pictures from my Polka Dots, Please OOTD! As you will see in tomorrow’s post, there are way more bloopers from this shoot than there were winners. The lighting was wonky, Johnny and I were insanely full from Easter dinner, and it was a bit chilly so we were more concerned about just getting things done!

In true Ohio fashion, it’s going from snowing and freezing rain this past week to summer level hot so be on the lookout for more OOTD shoots soon! But now, let’s look at a few extra shots that didn’t quite make the first cut:

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Have you ever had one of those days when you look into a mirror and you look even more fabulous than normal? You then think that it’s the perfect opportunity to take some pictures but can’t take a good one to save your own life? That’s kind of what this shoot was like! Despite a full stomach and cold temps, your girl was feeling herself. Then, I scrolled through the final results and I was just like “oh” lol.

No one ever said a blogger’s job was easy and with each passing shot, my commentary in my head was “blooper, blooper, yikes, DAYUM, blooper, etc”. Haha but I promised bonus shots and bonus shots is what you’re all gonna get! The hardest part of OOTD pictures is not taking the pictures themselves but finding the good in them after it’s all said and done. Kind of like finding the needle in the haystack of one hundred selfies that all look the same!

Were these my favorite pictures of all time? Not in the slightest. But, I didn’t have much to work with from this shoot so what can you do? When my confidence was barely above ground level, I would never post pictures that were nothing short of amazing. I don’t consider these bonus pictures to be my best work but that’s okay!

OOTD pics are not always home runs and, sometimes, you end up with a billion pictures that do nothing for you. That was the case with this shoot and I am posting them anyways. No matter how your pics turn out, I encourage you all to get in front of the camera, try it out, and post away. It will help build your confidence, you’ll have some fun, and see that it is still your best self even if the final result might not reflect it. ❤

How do you build your confidence? What are some of your picture taking pro tips? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Polka Dots, Please OOTD

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Polka Dots, Please OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Today, we’re going to be taking a look at some pics from my look while celebrating Easter with the in laws. And, as always, stay tuned for bonus shots and a plethora of bloopers from the shoot! Johnny and I had a lovely Easter weekend and I hope that all of you did too. 🙂 Now, let’s get to it:

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Who? What? Wear?

Nothing says “celebrate spring” like some polka dots and floral prints! While I would have loved to sport a cute little sundress for Easter, it was frickin freezing and it was gonna be a no from me. Instead, I went with the springiest cold weather option I had, which was my polka dot maxi skirt by Eva Franco. This choice was, obviously, a yes from me!

I remember lusting over my Eva Franco number for months on TJMaxx’s website and snagged it on clearance. It was the steal of a lifetime but I never broke it out as often as I imagined so I’m glad it got its moment in the sun… or lack thereof. This skirt is so festive and fun and the bright dots gave a perfect pop of spring without going the floral route.

As you all know, I am a huge fan of making a skirt and top combo look like a dress. To achieve this and add some extra warmth, I went with my Loft unicorn sweater. This was a Christmas gift from my mom and I love it so much. Also note how the blue stitching matches to the T with the blue polka dots! 😀

Since navy is a neutral and the skirt and sweater paired so well together, this gave me the opportunity to have some fun with the shoes. I will be the first to admit that these Elle pumps are, easily, the least comfortable pair of shoes that I own. I have some crazy pairs in my collection and none of them bother me except for these pumps.

My Elle pumps pinch, they hurt, and are so uncomfortable to walk in but I will do anything in the name of FASHION. In fact, one time I made the grave mistake of wearing these to the mall and I had to stuff them full of loose Taco Bell receipts from my purse to keep the blisters from getting worse. But, that’s neither here nor there and since I literally was just walking into my in law’s home, it was a risk I was willing to take. I think it paid off!

Finally, for accessories, I topped this OOTD off with my absolute favorite necklace – my grandma’s pearls. Although there was a lot happening in my look, it didn’t feel complete until I put my necklace on. Pearls are so elegant and I believe that they are an ideal neutral when it comes to jewelry. They don’t distract from the overall outfit but enhance and I love how they tied this OOTD together.

Other than the wicked uncomfortable heels that I absolutely refuse to get rid of, I felt like Spring Fling Queen in my Polka Dots, Please OOTD! Now, can actual spring weather happen now or…?

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

Expressing Yourself With Your Style

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Expressing Yourself With Your Style

A good marker of identity is in the choices someone makes when deciding what to look like. Of course, image isn’t everything, in fact it’s only a small part of who we are, and in most circumstances, we are given the cards we’re dealt with. Outside of temporarily wearing certain shoes, for instance, it’s hard to change our height. That’s okay, because you’re more than enough without having to change every single part of you.

Furthermore, there’s no “necessity” here. Self expression through various means is totally voluntary, you can be as simple or complex as you like. The trick is to have fun with it, and to decide what your tastes are. It might be that you love both alternative styles and more default apparel choices, both are totally valid, and can showcase different parts of who you are.

If you feel like expressing who you are anew, then, there are many ways you can make those choices. No matter if you’re in your twenties and feel as though you’re starting to know who you are, or if you’re in your forties and feel like enjoying a tattoo for the first time, consider how to achieve this in the best and healthiest manner, below:

Self Care & Health:

Self care and health is important to consider, but many people forget that this is actually a good way to express yourself. Sure, sometimes you may need to visit an emergency dentist for corrective work, but making sure you properly brush/floss your teeth can help you feel comfortable in beaming ear to ear. The same goes for skin care, which can help you positively glow, and organizing a hair care routine that helps you strengthen it, especially when planning to dye it properly. There’s no better way than investing in yourself with a little TLC and expressing yourself thanks to your newfound confidence.

Body Art & Accessories:

Body art such as piercings and tattoos as well as accessories that truly help you reveal yourself as you are can make such a difference when putting together outfits or showcasing your mood on a given day. From the types of necklace you wear to the cool classy hat you’re trying out, switching it up according to your mood helps you explore fashion and what it means to you, as well as allowing you to grow with confidence going forward.

Styles & Outfits:

Finding your “style” can be a good way to broadly categorize what you like to wear, but remember that these are warm guidelines and not specific rules. They can help you put outfits together, no matter if you hope to wear more professional clothing in your new job or if you wish to wear nice summer clothes for your vacation. Consider the event, the appropriateness of the place, what will be comfortable, what colors work for you, and what kind of arrangements can help you thrive. A nice balance of all these can grant you the best outlook.

You should also consider the other elements of an outfit when expressing yourself through your style. The first thing to remember is that your comfort is important. Be mindful of designs and colors when selecting an outfit to express who you are. Perhaps you feel good in clothes of a darker, more subtle color pattern. In that case, you can consider clothes made with this green spinach cheerio fabric. Research shows that wearing clothes you love makes you feel confident and boosts your mood and behavior. Be sure to keep these tips in mind when you are trying to showcase who you are through your sense of fashion.

Let your style reflect your amazing self, personality, and confidence and have some fun! That’s what it’s all about. 🙂

Featured Image By: Pexels

Letting Your Personality Shine With Accessories

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Letting Your Personality Shine With Accessories

When it comes to fashion, the old saying “less is more” definitely does not apply. In fact, when it comes to accessories, the more, the merrier! Accessories can help you show off your personality and style and take a basic outfit over the top. Let’s explore this a little more to make your next OOTD a winner:

Accessories can help you express your personality:

When you see someone wearing a piece of jewelry or an article of clothing that you love, it instantly tells you something about that person’s taste and style. By choosing accessories that reflect your own personal taste, you can easily communicate who you are to the world around you. And there’s nothing wrong with expressing yourself! Fashion is all about self-expression and individuality. So go ahead and rock those statement earrings or that bold necklace – we guarantee they’ll get people talking (in a good way)!

Show Off Your Unique Sense of Style:

Take a look at any celebrity or fashion icon – they all have their own signature style that is reflected in the way they dress and accessorize. And you can do the same! Your clothes and accessories are like a blank canvas, and it’s up to you to fill that canvas with your own personal style. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a look that represents who you are. Trust us, when you find your signature style, people will start to take notice.

If you’re struggling to create a look that feels uniquely you, that’s okay! Finding your signature style takes time, like all good things. But there are so many ways to get inspired. Try on outfits you wouldn’t normally choose at the store, flip through fashion magazines at the library, or browse social media for ideas from your favorite influencers and celebrities. For example, reading a New celebrity eyewear blog could introduce you to stunning sunglasses that frame your face perfectly and elevate your entire look. Sometimes, all it takes is one statement accessory to spark your fashion creativity and help you define your own signature style!

Make a Statement:

Another great reason to let your personality shine through your accessories is that it allows you to make a statement. Whether you’re going for girly, professional, or showing off your edgy side, there’s no better way to do it than with your clothes and accessories. There are many types of accessories that you can use to make a statement, like Prescription Eyeglasses or even a simple T-Shirt. So if you’re looking for a way to get your voice out there, consider using your accessories as a platform. Who knows – you might just start a fashion trend in the process!

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Photo by Atikh Bana on Unsplash

Turn Heads:

Let’s face it, we all love a little attention now and then. And what better way to get it than by wearing something that shows off your unique sense of style? Whether you’re at a party or just walking down the street, if you’re wearing something that turns heads, you’re guaranteed to feel confident and fabulous. So go ahead and experiment with different looks until you find one that makes you feel like a million bucks!

Feel Confident and Fabulous:

We all know that feeling – when you walk out of the house, and you just know you look good. It’s awesome, isn’t it? By playing with your style, you can easily achieve that feeling of confidence and fabulousness. Even on off days, accessories can be most helpful in providing that extra confidence boost. Tired eyes can be masked by a gorgeous pair of sunglasses or headbands for women can tame a bad hair day. The beauty is that no one will be the wiser and you can go about your day feeling your best. When you feel good about the way you look, it shows! Put on those killer heels or that fantastic piece of jewelry – we promise you’ll love the way you feel.

No OOTD is complete without the right accessories so go for the bold and bright to reflect the spring and summer weather and strut your stuff!

Featured Image By: Amos Bar-Zeev on Unsplash