Tag Archives: fashion

Pro Tips For A Spring Wardrobe Revamp

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Pro Tips For A Spring Wardrobe Revamp

Hello! I consider myself a seasonal shopper and enjoy upgrading my wardrobe with a few new pieces as the seasons change. Unfortunately, I wasn’t really able to show off my fall and winter TJMaxx haul in public because pandemic. However, with spring just around the corner and the promise of socially distanced outdoor hang outs, now is the time to give your wardrobe a boost so you can step out for the first time in ages in style. Consider the following tips as you revamp your wardrobe for spring:

Do Some Pre-Shopping:

Prior to browsing online, I always like to go through my closet and see what I already have before I add onto it. You can only have so many floral dresses and light jackets so evaluating what you have beforehand will allow you to purchase pieces that will stand out more in your wardrobe. I also do a lot of window shopping online before I commit to anything to get a feel of what trends and colors are going to be hot for the season. Mid February is a great time to do some pre-shopping, especially since full spring collections typically don’t drop until the end of the month or early March.

Set A Budget:

Once I have a good idea of what I will need from pre-shopping in my closet, I like to make a list of pieces that I would like as well as set a budget that I am comfortable with. Setting a budget is a wise thing to do before seasonal shopping because you don’t need a whole new wardrobe. Rather, just a few new pieces to freshen things up. You can leave a little wiggle room for a find that you simply can’t live without just don’t blow your entire budget on one extravagant purchase!

Keep Statement Accessories In Mind:

Spring is one of the best seasons to accessorize for and you can completely transform a look with one statement accessory. Accessory shopping tends to be cheaper than purchasing brand new clothes and if you like what you already have in your closet, then it is a great way to go for a wardrobe revamp. Think bold necklaces, patterned tights, floppy hats, floral fashion scarves, and pastel hued purses. Don’t forget a soft shawl or cardigan to layer with for chillier days.

Come Up With A Color Palette:

Warmer weather encourages a brighter color palette and while pre-shopping in your closet, it is also important to consider what colors your wardrobe is lacking. I, for example, prefer clothing in a darker color – so much so that I never really realized how much fun it is to experiment with clothing in pink, white, yellow, and green. Incorporating shades that you have never worn before or shy away from will quickly revamp your wardrobe so come up with your own spring palette and give it a try. The worst that can happen is you not liking it!

Updating your wardrobe never has to break your bank – especially if you follow the tips above. Set your budget, snag some statement pieces and, like the beautiful flowers of spring, your wardrobe will blossom too!

Which colors are in your spring palette? What is your favorite season to shop for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Spice Up Your Look With These Fashion Tips

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Spice Up Your Look With These Fashion Tips

When you pick your outfit in the morning – you get a chance to think, for just one moment, what you would like to say to the world. First impressions are everything, right? Well, the first thing we see is the clothes on each other’s backs. If fashion is a language, then it speaks to each and every one of us individually. Trends come in and out of the limelight, but the potential for great style (to use, reuse, and repurpose trends) exists in everyone. There are many styles and fashion choices out there and each style is valid.

If you want to wear a T-shirt and ripped jeans every day, then that’s your style! If you like to wear dresses and skirts with a flowy blouse, go for it! Regardless of who makes your clothes or where they came from, you can take any outfit from lukewarm to sizzling with these easy fashion tips:

Color:

There’s a sensual pull to the darker side like blacks, grays, or browns but nothing beats a gorgeous pop of color to pull the eye here and there! Consider the season: pretty pastels in the spring, bright, vivid colors in the summer sunshine, the warm and down-to-earth tones of autumn, and the cool, frosty colors of winter.

Depending on the season, you can really make a splash with the color palette of your wardrobe. Nothing says fashion quite like an understanding of how your wardrobe fluctuates with the season, shorts and billowing tops in the summer, boots and scarves under the falling leaves in autumn.

When you’re piecing together your outfit for the day, think of the components of your closet that can really set off an outfit. A warm lattice scarf can take an outfit from blah to Pinterest worthy in a second. If you don’t trust your eye, Pinterest and fashion magazines are a great place to glean inspiration for your future outfits. Don’t focus on the models – only on the clothes that draw your eye!

Layers:

When it comes to layering, you need to keep color, texture, proportion, and style in mind. Maybe you are a Chummy Tees T-shirt and jeans type of person, and the only time you’ve layered anything is deciding which jacket to throw on over your casual outfit. This is a great place to start!

A comfy flannel thrown over a simple outfit or tied around the waist suddenly makes you look like a trend-setter. Layering in fashion is an art form, and you want to keep the outfit balanced. If you layer too much, with too many contrasting pieces, then your outfit is sure to look busier than Times Square at rush hour. Try to have fun with the different styles in your closet.

It’s important to also determine your color palette before you begin. Black and white, gold and burgundy, or camel and blue are great palettes to begin with. It entirely depends on the look you want to achieve – comfy chic, edgy glam, Audrey Hepburn, or bohemian are some styles to consider when glancing through your wardrobe.

Once you have your colors, determine your textures. Maybe you want to accentuate that silk scarf you bought or the knit gloves jammed in the back of your drawer. These textures combined with a simply layered outfit and a little forethought are sure to catch the attention of just about anyone.

Match your accessories:

Who doesn’t love a color coordinated outfit? Accessories are everything when it comes to style. If you can pair an outfit with some matching sunglasses, an exquisite bracelet, a skinny belt, or a one-of-a-kind Etsy accessory – do it. This will make your outfit stand out, even if it’s just a small trip to the store.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re also living in a day and age of face mask fashion! You can’t go wrong with a little bit of glam or an accessory made from recycled materials (if you’re a green fashion-forward individual). The possibilities are endless when it comes to all of the accessories at your disposal!

Fun socks:

Have you ever been delighted to see a pair of funky and fun socks poking out from your friend or colleagues’ shoes? A pair of cute, checkered socks or maybe some dancing penguins is enough to brighten your day!

A pair of fun socks is a quirky way to make an outfit stand out in the crowd, especially if your pants are tailored just enough to show a balanced amount of fabric. It’s your choice to show off exactly what you want; a tuck, fold, or stretch can go a long way with something as simple as socks.

Statement pieces:

You might have some outrageous pieces of clothes floating around your closet that have made you wonder if you’ll ever take it off the hanger. Perhaps you’ve wondered if you’re bold enough to pull off this particular piece of clothing or you’ve been waiting for the right time to bust it out. If you have found yourself in this predicament, you have found yourself a statement piece!

A statement piece could be anything from a glamorous faux fur coat to a pair of red cowboy boots and they are important pieces to have in your closet. Your statement pieces might take up some room on your clothes rack, but they can be the perfect way to elevate an outfit. A funky sweater or a unique patterned jacket can add personality and flare to your look. A statement piece is your way to be playful, tastefully bold, or sexy. The choice is yours!

Wear what makes you comfortable, happy. and confident, and don’t let anyone tell you anything differently. Your fashion belongs to you alone. ❤

Featured Image By: Pexels

Holiday Haul: Gift To Myself Edition

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Holiday Haul: Gift To Myself Edition

Hello! It would not be the holiday season without purchasing a little post Christmas prezzie for myself so, armed with gift cards to TJMaxx so generously gifted to me, I began to online shop. Well… I actually wouldn’t call this “shopping” because, for once, I knew exactly what I wanted when I went on TJ’s website instead of searching for what I didn’t know I needed.

I have had my eye on a beautiful skull adorned cashmere sweater by 360 Cashmere for the past several months now but it was too expensive for me to justify buying it. Then, as a Christmas miracle, it got marked down and I said “I think I can swing that”! My new sweater is totally me and I am so happy with my purchase. Merry late Christmas to myself! Check it out:

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The first time I saw this sweater all of those months ago, I fell in love. I absolutely adore skull prints on clothing, which just goes to show that some people never outgrow their emo phase lol. I have also never owned anything cashmere before and the mere idea of wearing it felt luxurious. I was so eager to finally try this sweater on and I felt just as posh and cozy as I imagined – if not MORE!

My skull sweater is as soft as puppy fur and it doesn’t feel too hot, either, which is something that I was worried about. The oversized shape also allows the fabric to breathe for maximum comfort. Despite loving the style of slouchy sweaters, I actually can’t say that I own one and not for lack of trying. I have never found one that was just right until now, I suppose. 🙂

From the charcoal grey palette to a V neck line that isn’t plunging and my favorite pattern, this sweater checks all of my boxes. I can’t wait to wear it with jet black super skinny jeans and tall boots but I can also picture myself pairing it with a long skirt, similar to my OOTD this past Christmas. Now, if only things were safe so I could break this bad boy out for a game night with Johnny and our friends.

My holiday haul ended with a special gift from me to me and I know that I will get great use of it. I’m also proud of myself for waiting for my sweater to get marked down because it showed self restraint that I didn’t know I was capable of, haha!

Did you treat yourself to anything this past holiday season? What is your favorite gift that you received in your holiday haul? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

If The Slipper Fits: Minnetonka Edition

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If The Slipper Fits: Minnetonka Edition

Hello! My adorable mom was a sneaky Santa, as she presented me with a “decoy” (As she called it) shoe box this Christmas before gifting me with the L’Artiste sandals that I had been drooling over. What was in my decoy box, you might ask? An oh so comfy pair of moccasin style slippers by Minnetonka! I’m not going to lie, I was a bit disappointed when I opened my slippers and they weren’t the sandals. But, after testing them out once I got home, I have practically lived in them and I can’t help but smile at my mom’s little prank every time I put them on. Lol, check it out:

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When I was a teenager, I got a pair of Minnetonka moccasins that I still own to this day. I can’t seem to throw them out, even though they are riddled with holes now because I would wear them literally all the time. But, with these new slippers, I definitely might be more inclined to pitch my waterlogged old faithfuls since I now have an upgrade. Despite them being house shoes, they still have a thick rubber sole so I know I can have them on when walking to take the trash out or going to the gas station drive thru.

I was a bit worried that the faux fur lining in the moccasins might be too warm for me but they are just right – especially in my cold apartment! I love my slippers because I have never owned a pair in my life and they are something that I wouldn’t have bought for myself. My mom is basically the cutest person ever and I just adore the fact that she knew exactly what my reaction would be when I opened my Minnetonkas but gifted them to me anyways because she also knew that I was going to warm up to them immediately. The Sneaky Santa award most definitely goes to her! ❤

Have you ever received a decoy gift? What was the decoy prezzie covering up? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

If The Shoe Fits: L’Artiste Sandals Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: L’Artiste Sandals Edition

Howdy!! My parents, AKA Santa, were so generous this Christmas and treated me to a gorgeous pair of mini wedged sandals by L’Artiste that I have been drooling over ever since I saw them on ModCloth. It was the last present that I opened and they clearly were saving one of the best for last! Check out these pretty new babies and let’s discuss:

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Now, the heels on these sandals are, admittedly, pretty low for Lil Red but I am more than willing to sacrifice a few inches of height for them. I mean, just look at the patterns, colors, and details! As soon as I saw my new sandals on ModCloth, I was blown away by how beautiful they are. I love the contrast between the jet black base, the stark white stitches, and the shocking oil pastel style colors on the floral patterns. The chunky buckle adds a touch of edge and I feel like I would be the belle of the farmer’s market in them!

I am so looking forward to sporting my sandals come late spring and summer because they are going to be absolutely charming with sun dresses and shorts. And, even though I could walk for forever in twenty inch heels, the smaller wedge will be a nice break while browsing outdoor shopping centers. Can all of the winter snow melt now, or? 🙂

My parents know how much I love my shoe collection and I am so happy to add these beauties to it. I felt so spoiled this Christmas and am so thankful for all of the wonderful gifts I received. I am also extremely thankful that Santa knows that I’m a size six! ❤

How would you style these sandals? Do you have a collection of anything? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Holiday Haul: Lillianne Robe Edition

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Holiday Haul: Lillianne Robe Edition

Hellooo everyone and happy 2021! Santa was very good to Lil Red this year and one of my favorite gifts that I received is easily a vampire fang adorned robe by Lillianne from my mom and dad. I have never owned a robe before and as soon as I saw the little number seen below on ModCloth, I had to have it. I’m also not going to lie… I am very jealous of how comfy Johnny always looks lounging in his cheetah print robe! Lol, take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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Now that I think of it, it is kind of crazy that I have never owned a robe considering I have at least one of everything else in the fashion department! I guess I was just waiting for the right one to come along and my Lillianne robe spoke to me. If you are a Lil Red super fan, you will notice that the pattern on this robe is almost identical to one of my tattoos on my shoulder and I was so tickled when that was the first thing that Johnny said about it. 🙂

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^^^ Don’t mind the face mask, you can just see my tattoo really well in this pic!

I have basically lived in this robe since Christmas day and my only regret is that I can’t wear it all the time because it is SO. Damn. Comfy. The fabric is nice and soft and it provides an extra layer of warmth without feeling too hot. I love the soft blush color paired with the punchy red and black and the embroidered “Bite me” on the back makes it the perfect robe for me. Not to mention it has really deep pockets to either warm my hands with or put a bunch of snacks in. 😀

My parents knocked it out of the park with this gift and if you see me roaming around Akron, Ohio in my new robe, then just know that I succumbed to the comfort and to mind your business lol!

What is your favorite gift that you received this holiday season? How did you celebrate the holidays? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Star Bright Holiday OOTD

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Star Bright Holiday OOTD

Hi!! Despite my namesake, Lil Red has never been one for wearing red (Or green!) on Christmas day. It has been months since I got myself all dressed up because COVID and I wanted to show out when we safely celebrated the holidays at chez parents. So, I put together my own unique holiday look and, I’m not going to lie, your girl was feeling her damn self. So much so that I just had to have my mom snap a few (Or fifty) pics so I could share my OOTD with all of you. Check it out:

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Who? What? Wear?

First things first, please ignore my roots in these pictures! Lol, I can’t get my hair done until January 22nd and it is driving me CRAZY! Second things second, I absolutely love my holiday OOTD. I felt completely posh and there is something to be said for outfits that you feel beautiful in without showing a lot of skin. This is also an outfit that I can picture myself wearing again – not just on a holiday.

My Chaser sweater with the gold embroidered stars added a festive touch without going overboard and the creamy coloring is oh so lux. Paired with a pleated skirt with lots of movement and the unique pattern of silhouetted faces added the quirkiness while my snakeskin platforms gave a healthy dose of glam. And who says black and brown don’t go together?! I have heard time and time again that you should never pair a black bottom with brown shoes but when has Lil Red ever followed the rules of fashion? I thought it looked great!

Not only did I get to break out some new clothes but I also wanted to wear all of the accessories that I have treated myself to. I am in love with the earrings that Johnny got me for Christmas and I can’t get enough of my Allsaints cuff. My niece was enamored by my glittering heart Meredith Leigh necklace and it was special to me too because Johnny had to help me take it on and off because the clasp does not work well with my talons and it was a really sweet moment. ❤

I received compliments all day from my family about my outfit and it made me feel awesome. Like I said, it’s been a while since I “threw some paint on the old barn” and I was bursting with self confidence and holiday spirit, lol. Christmas with my family was the absolute best and I can’t wait to rock another killer OOTD next year!

How do you dress up for the holidays? What is a fashion rule that you love to break? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Accessory Story: Allsaints Bracelet Edition

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Accessory Story: Allsaints Bracelet Edition

Hi!! There is nothing that Lil Red loves more than a treat from me to me and, with the stress of the pandemic, I like to treat myself to a new little something once a month or so. I had a few odds and ends that I needed to order from TJMaxx and to get myself past the free shipping threshold, I ordered a very cute and unique bracelet by Allsaints. It took a while for my order to ship but it was well worth the wait because I am in love! Check it out:

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^^^ Peep that original seventy-eight dollar price tag! I got this bracelet for twenty-five. Score!!

When I first saw this burnished gold bracelet, it literally made me clutch my pearls. From the mini cuff fit to the super punk rock nail and chain detailing, I just thought this bracelet was amazing. I love classic pieces with an extra bit of edge to them and my new Allsaints cuff is a perfect example of that. It also came with a really nice matte black pouch to house the bracelet in but I don’t think I’ll be using it very often because I plan on wearing it all the time!

Nothing makes me happier than new accessories or clothing from an expensive brand for a reasonable price, which is why I love shopping with TJMaxx so much. When I saw the original price tag for my bracelet, you could have knocked me over with a feather – which made this purchase even more exciting! My first order of business will definitely be breaking out this bracelet on Christmas day. I can’t wait! 🙂

How do you like to treat yourself? What is your favorite brand or store to shop with? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Accessory Story: Meredith Leigh Necklace Edition

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Accessory Story: Meredith Leigh Necklace Edition

Hello! I don’t know about all of you, but COVID-19 has put me in the most “treat yoself” mood possible. Johnny and I literally never go out, we rarely order take out and have saved so much money that when I feel the urge to online shop I always can find a way to justify it.

Despite treating myself to all of the pretty new things like shoes and clothes, at the end of the day, it’s not like anyone is going to see me in them until a semblance of our social lives comes back. So, I decided I wanted to have something lovely and delicate to wear just for me. Especially since my normal fashionista OOTDs has slowly turned into leggings and a hoodie lol.

I thought that this Meredith Leigh necklace would be perfect to have on at work. Similar to the thrill some might find in wearing sexy lingerie and just knowing it’s on, I love having this simple but stunning piece of jewelry around my neck. Check it out:

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As soon as I saw this necklace while browsing on TJMaxx’s website, it instantly reminded me of my mom who loves hearts. The delicate gold chain with a small opal heart is a far cry from the normal chunky jewelry that I gravitate towards but it was exactly what I wanted.

The eighteen inch chain allows the heart to fall right between my collarbones and it looks so flattering in the blank space between the tattoos on my chest seen below:

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Of course, I can’t wait to show off my Meredith Leigh necklace when I have an actual reason to get dressed up. But, for now, having it under a hoodie or sweater to shield me from the Ohio cold is just right for me. It is a reminder of how things can still be beautiful despite all of the unideal situations we are currently faced with. Seeing the sparkling heart makes me smile and knowing it’s there and feeling it on my skin is a small comfort throughout such difficult times.

Do you have something pretty that is just for you? How has your style changed since COVID? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

If The Shoe Fits: Nine West Kitten Heels Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Nine West Kitten Heels Edition

Howdy and welcome to another new edition of If The Shoe Fits! Today, we are going to be talking about the most darling pair of kitten heels by Nine West. I have had my eye on these adorable mini pumps for at least a year on TJMaxx’s online store. However, every time I want to order them they never have my size. After what seemed like an eternity of sold out size sixes, I finally snagged a pair and I couldn’t be happier so take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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As you all know, I live for a chunky platform or wedge heel. I actually don’t care for stilettos on me so a kitten heel is the closest I will get to it! I think kitten heels are the perfect combination of sweet and sassy and these Nine Wests are a total testament to that. The sleek jet black adds the oomph while the rhinestone wrap around the ankle adds that little bit of sugar. Is that sweet and sassy or what?

I feel like these kitten heels would look amazing on anyone and they also come in a charming shade of blush pink. Easy to dress up or down, the mini pumps would look stunning with a shimmering New Year’s Eve party dress. They would also be just as flattering with a pair of skinny jeans and a sharp blazer for an evening drink with the girls… Post-COVID, of course.

I am ecstatic to finally add my Nine Wests into my always growing shoe collection because I have waited so long to order them! And, I actually only own one other pair of kitten heels so now my lonely solo pair has a companion. For forty dollars, these babies are a steal and I wouldn’t wait too long if you want to grab a pair for yourself!

What is your favorite shape for a heel? How do you take a look from day to night? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah