Tag Archives: fashion

Nov10

Faux Fur Fabulous – Replacing The One That Got Away

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Faux Fur Fabulous – Replacing The One That Got Away

Hi everyone and TGIF! If you remember from a post wayyyy at the beginning of September, I revealed my “one that got away” piece of clothing that came in a beautiful black and purple faux fur vest. Many moons ago, when Lil Red had no confidence, I purchased a real stunner of a faux fur vest from TJMaxx. Too nervous at what people might think and feeling like there was no way that I could pull it off, I returned the vest a day later. BIG MISTAKE. Because now, I would do anything to have it back. But, I did come pretty darn close to finding a good replacement. Check it out:

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I got this Romeo & Juliet Couture faux fur vest from TJMaxx for about twenty-four dollars. You can’t tell very well in the picture, but the jet black of the vest is mixed in with an inky midnight blue for a striking, night sky palette. What I loved about my original vest, was that the purple color was deep and blended seamlessly with its black base, and I feel like my newbie captures that perfectly. I love that the blue in this new vest is dark enough that the colors feel cohesive, but bright enough so that when it catches the light you can see the break up in the palette.

My blue ombre vest that was purchased in September is a lot of fun, and I love styling it. However, we all know that Lil Red is an all black everything girl at heart, so this vest was an absolute must. I like that this Romeo & Juliet Couture piece is more sleek than the other one that I have in my closet, because it gives me different styling options. I love my shaggy ombre vest, but I really like how this new one lays nice and close to my body for a slinky ink look against the fall and winter cold.

Now that I have a replacement to my one that got away vest, I feel at peace knowing that Sarah 2.0 finally has the confidence to pull off what the old me couldn’t. Is it exactly the same as old faithful? No. But, it’s close enough and makes a cool and edgy update to what was lost all of those years ago.

So there you have it, this Friday’s post: Faux Fur Fabulous – Replacing The One That Got Away! Do you have a one that got away clothing story? How do you style faux fur vests? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov9

Beautiful Stories, Beautiful Button Down

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Beautiful Stories, Beautiful Button Down

Hey everyone and happy Thursday! One thing that Lil Red loves is all embroidered everything. From fun sew on patches to elaborate floral designs and patterned backs, I’m obsessed with all of it. Embroidery takes a basic piece to an over the top fashion statement. Not only that, but it’s an easily accessible trend, as it is so popular right now, and you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for it. My shopping trip to TJMaxx last weekend allowed me to open my closet (And heart!) to a new button down by Beautiful Stories that I am completely swooning over. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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The first thing that I thought when I saw this twenty buck beauty was that I totally needed it. And second, I thought about how much is reminds me of one of my favorite army green button down tops from Zara with a similar “look at me” motif on the back. This shirt is so magnificent to me and what I love the most about it is that every copy of this shirt that was made is a little bit different due to the embroidery and dyes of the string. This button down is literally one of a kind, and I was sold the moment that I laid eyes on it.

The color palette of this top is so striking. I love that the army green base color has a more grey undertone to it, giving it a unique shade that makes my red hair and pale skin pop. The peach, bronze, white, silver, and yellow hues of the patterns on the back all work so well in a collaborative tapestry that makes for a grand reveal every time it catches someone’s eye. Not only is the back divine, but I loved how they added a little something something to the front of the top on the pockets and the patches in the bottom left corner. Sometimes I find that a beautiful back makes for a boring front, which is so not the case on this button down!

I cannot wait to incorporate this statement piece into my wardrobe year round, but especially now during the fall and winter. Because jackets are now becoming a necessity with the drop in temperature, showcasing this button down once my jacket is removed will feel like a huge unveiling every single time. This Beautiful Stories top has it all, and with such gorgeous detailing, who even needs jewelry while wearing it?!

So there you have it, my brand new Beautiful Stories, Beautiful Button Down! How do you feel about tops and jackets with a heavily detailed back? What is your favorite trend to sport this season? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov8

If The Shoe Fits: Reaction By Kenneth Cole Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Reaction By Kenneth Cole Edition

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! This past weekend I had a lot of fun hanging out with my mom and sister, Kristen. On Saturday night we enjoyed a ladies night out at a Mexican restaurant (Yum!) and on Sunday afternoon we went shopping all together at the “fancier” TJMaxx in Fairlawn, Ohio that my sister works by. Of course, I love my home base TJs that I live closer to, but it’s fun to go to a different one, especially when it has a better collection of more high end designers.

Kristen rarely goes shopping with my mom and I, so it was really exciting when she asked if we would come with her while she did some browsing before work. My sister’s opinion means a lot to me, and it’s always such a high compliment when she likes something that I’m wearing because we have such different tastes in personal style. That’s why when she expressed such a positive opinion of these new twenty-four buck beauties, I couldn’t say no! Take a looksee:

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Although my nickname is Lil Red, I rarely wear any clothing/accessories/shoes that rings true to my namesake. In fact, I don’t own one pair of red shoes (Shocking, I know!), so when I saw these retro inspired brick red Kenneth Cole heels, I had to give them a try. These shoes spoke to me on a spiritual level. The faux suede, the fringe, the buckle, the clothed heel, and the COLOR! And the twenty-four dollar price tag with a “compare at” price of fifty was a price that I was more than comfortable paying.

These shoes looked great with the outfit that I was wearing when I tried them on. I was wearing a pair of tights underneath shorts along with a flannel and a moto jacket on top. Not only were they a hit with my sister, but the two older ladies that were perusing the shoe department were also swooning over them. Everything that I purchase is because I love it but, I have to admit, it is always nice to receive compliments on something as soon as you try it on!

Although these heels made a great addition to a more edgy, street style outfit, I am more looking forward to wearing them for work. I think that the shape and style of my new shoe collection addition is very chic and professional, but the color and the fringe still makes it young and fun for a twenty-something on the go. These will add a sweet pop of color to my work wardrobe and will also be a funky way to complete an OOTD on the weekends. And hey, it only seems right that Lil Red finally has a piece of red anything in her closet!

So there you have it, the newest issue of If The Shoe Fits: Reaction By Kenneth Cole Edition! How would you style these shoes? What is your favorite pop of color to incorporate into your outfits? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov2

Have Some Pictures! AnkhorRed’s First Annual Bloggers Conference Edition

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Have Some Pictures! AnkhorRed’s First Annual Bloggers Conference Edition

Hi everyone and welcome to some photo spam of yours truly compliments of my trip to Manhattan, New York for AnkhorRed’s Bloggers Conference with Kate from Ankhor You. I have to admit, I am usually not one for taking pictures. I was once before, but not so much anymore. We can blame that on my self esteem that seems to dwindle lower every day. BUT ENOUGH ABOUT THAT, because I can finally shower you guys with all of the pics of me and we’ll call it square for the next year or so. Cool? Cool! Take a look:

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^^^ Special thanks to my expert iPhone photographer, Kate, for taking such lovely pictures!!! ❤

Where have you traveled to this year? Which locations are on your travel bucket list? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct29

Scarf Series: Shoot For The Moon Edition

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Scarf Series: Shoot For The Moon Edition

Hello everyone and happy Sunday! I hope that all of you are having a relaxing and restful day to wrap up your week! Today we will be completing the Scarf Series with a gorgeous, black and silver number straight out of one of Stevie Nick’s costume trunks. When I first saw this scarf at TJMaxx, I was totally thinking “Stevie”. And the first words out of my mom’s mouth when she saw it was “It’s just like Stevie Nicks”. So, let’s just say that this scarf is very Stevie inspired. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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This Printed Village scarf features metallic silver moons in various stages of waxing and waning against a deep black midnight sky. I’m not going to lie, I hated my Astronomy class in college, but I freaking LOVE the celestial background of this beauty! The pattern of this scarf is simple, cool, and understated, which is different than what I normally go for. You guys know that I love loud and bold clothing. However, there was something about this scarf that stuck… And yes, it is the fact that my mom and I agreed that it’s very Stevie Nicks. 😉

The best thing about this scarf, though? Other than the shimmering moons and a nod to the White Witch? The styling possibilities – because this scarf is huge. This Printed Village piece is the size of your average picnic blanket, which leaves you with tons of options for how to wear it. The idea that I’ve been toying with lately is wearing it as a sarong style wrap over a pair of black skinnies with a black crop top and my black oversized boyfriend blazer for a sleek All Black Everything OOTD. And, of course, chunky silver and gold jewelry is a must to tie everything together.

The sarong wrap for styling this scarf is an interesting idea that I’m looking forward to sporting. But this scarf is so Stevie that it would be sinful to not style it as such. To emulate the White Witch, I plan on layering my sheer maxi dress (That has a solid black crop style top.) over top of a lace maxi skirt, my new scarf wrapped as a shawl on top, and a Panama hat. My black, thigh high, faux suede boots underneath will complete the look and will be a fun peek-a-boo surprise when I give a signature Stevie twirl!

So there you have it, the last of my Scarf Series: Shoot For The Moon Edition! Which celebrity’s style do you admire? How would you style a Stevie Nicks inspired look? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct28

Scarf Series: London Calling Edition

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Scarf Series: London Calling Edition

Hi everyone and happy weekend! Today we’re going to talk about another scarf from TJMaxx that ignited a newly found passion for such a staple accessory. Because the way I style my outfits is so shoe and jacket oriented, scarves have been a part of my wardrobe that has fallen by the wayside. I have a lovely collection of scarves before these new additions in the Scarf Series, but my newbie purchases have sparked a fire to wear one literally whenever I can now. It’s new, but I’m not mad about it! Take a look at the next scarf segment in this series and let’s discuss:

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If there’s one thing that Lil Red loves, it’s all Europe everything. From a strong desire to travel there to a deep appreciation for the style and culture, this girl is destined to make her way across the pond. Whenever I see a piece of clothing or an accessory that fits my style and has an ode to Europe, whether it be literally in its design or made overseas, I am attracted to it like bees to honey. So, obviously you can see why I loved this scarf at first glance!

I am unsure of the brand of this scarf, as there was no tag. But, I like to make pretend that it came from some darling boutique in London that I could spend a rainy afternoon browsing through. This scarf screams “British Invasion” and I love everything about it. The fun, cartoon like designs, the fact that it’s not an infinity scarf (Hello, Parisian style wearing!), and the muted yet somehow bright colors with an emphasis on black, white, and red makes me go all heart eyes. I honestly can’t even, because this little baby was made for me.

This scarf is cheeky, which is so classic in describing Brit humor, so obviously I’m going to style this accessory with a sense of fun in mind. I’m thinking of throwing this around my neck over top of a mini dress layered with an over sized army green button down on top and a chunky, funky heel on the bottom to bring some London luxe to Akron, Ohio. Cheers!

So there you have it, the latest issue in my Scarf Series: London Calling Edition! Where in Europe would you like to visit? What do you admire most about European style/culture? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct27

Hats Off: Cheetah Girl Edition

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Hats Off: Cheetah Girl Edition

Hi everyone and TGIF! Fall finally appears to be in full swing, as Ohio is definitely enjoying brisk, autumn temperatures after almost the entire month of October treated us to summer like weather. With the drop in temperature comes the incessant need to accessorize with all of the fall cuteness, including scarves, hats, and fingerless gloves. A recent trip to Target brought me a darling new pom pom beanie to add to my collection, just in time for the hit of cold weather. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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I’m normally not a huge cheetah print fan, but there was something about this sassy sweet hat that spoke to me. I loved the cream, black, and gold color palette so much that the animal print pattern was something that I embraced, rather than shied away from. I’m also not one for pom pom hats, but the Pittsburgh Steelers colored puff was way too adorable to say no to!

Yellows and golds are both colors that I really enjoy wearing, especially as a top or an accessory that’s close to my face. The burnt gold of this hat looked so lovely on top of my red hair and it made the yellow in my hazel eyes really pop. I also loved that this hat had a cream base color instead of white, which gave this cute little number a more muted, fall look.

During the fall, I normally opt for my oversized floppy hats and Panamas, but I am so excited to throw this new addition on with my navy peacoat and hit the road. This hat is so sweet to me but the cheeky cheetah print adds just the perfect amount of sass, which made it a perfect add on to the landfill that is the Lil Red fall wardrobe.

So there you have it, the latest issue of Hats Off: Cheetah Girl Edition! What is your favorite fall accessory? What is your favorite animal print? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct24

Scarf Series: Gianluca Lombardo Beauty Edition

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Scarf Series: Gianluca Lombardo Beauty Edition

Hi everyone and happy Tuesday! One accessory that I like a lot but never truly appreciate to its full extent is the scarf. God knows I have a ton of them, but it’s a rarity that I ever wear them. Why? Couldn’t tell ya. But one fateful trip to TJMaxx with my beloved mother changed my opinion on scarves entirely and I’m looking forward to sharing my purchases with you, as well as wearing scarves new and old in the future. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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^^^ I ❤ this scarf! 😉

This made in Italy, Gianluca Lombardo scarf caught my eye the moment that I saw it because of its gorgeous color palette. The burnished gold and rust orange spoke to me on a spiritual level because they are both colors that look fantastic on me, if I do say so myself. Not only that, but I loved the doodled heart pattern oh so much! Hearts on clothing is something that both my mom and I adore, so everything about this scarf was such an obvious “yes”.

The best thing about this scarf, though, is that it isn’t an infinity scarf, which gives me a bunch of different styling opportunities. I prefer to wear my scarves in traditional Parisian style over my head and, although you can sort of do that with infinity scarves, it just isn’t the same. I went ice skating this past weekend and wore this scarf Parisian style to the rink and then hung it around my neck while I was skating and it moved so beautifully and I felt so divine the entire time just from one fifteen dollar accessory. So worth it.

This Gianluca Lombardo beauty makes me feel so utterly chic. In fact, I wore it Parisian style to get lunch with my neighbor and “chic” was the word that she used to describe my look and it was such an amazing compliment. I’ve been told that I’m “stylish”, “fashionable”, and that I have “the best clothes” numerous times, but have never been called “chic”, even though that’s what I always strive for. Although, let’s be real, chic is probably not the first compliment that comes to mind in the way that I dress most of the time since I just like to consider myself “grungy chic” lololol.

I feel like in my skinny jeans, boyfriend blazer, oversized shirt, faux snakeskin booties, and a billowing, wrapped around my head scarf, I finally nailed the perfect Parisian look. Having my feelings of chicness confirmed by my neighbor was a huge fashion victory for me and I wouldn’t have achieved it without giving this scarf a try!

In just throwing this scarf on at TJs, feelings of chicness flooded me and I went into a scarf buying frenzy. This Gianluca Lombardo scarf will always be my A-1 but that doesn’t mean that I don’t simply adore the other two that I purchased, so do stay tuned so we can discuss them further, too!

So there you have it, my Scarf Series: Gianluca Lombardo Edition. What is your favorite compliment to receive about the way that you dress? What is your favorite accessory to wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct11

It’s In The Bag: Cry Sanctuary Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Cry Sanctuary Edition

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! As you all know, I’m a dedicated shopaholic, so it might be strange for you guys to hear that I’m not really a purse kind of girl. Don’t get me wrong, I have a lovely collection of totes and handbags in my collection, but I never actively seek out a new purse when I’m shopping. That’s what my shoe addiction is for!

Yearly, I can confidently say that I buy a maximum of two purses, which might seem staggeringly low for those who read my blog. I much prefer to switch out the bag that I’m using with another loved one in my clothing hoard with the change of the seasons or when I’m feeling frisky. Because I don’t swap out my bag very often, it leaves my purse collection feeling fresh and new and it’s fun to feel like I’m going shopping in my own closet!

Am I the number one fan of the purse? Not by a long shot. But do I know an amazing deal on a gorgeous piece when I see one? Absolutely. Take a look at my new Sanctuary brand bag and let’s discuss:

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  • Original Price: $220
  • TJMaxx Price: $60

What instantly drew me to this beautiful purse was the piercing like gold hoops threaded into the crocheted design. Lil Red is a pierced up, punk rock princess so finding a bag that reflects that was really exciting. The craftsmanship that went into creating this Sanctuary sweetheart is so evident just by taking one glance at it. When this bag babe arrived in the mail, it also took me one glance whence it was outside of the box to decide that I loved it.

This purse was an unintentional buy. Seriously. The only reason I put it in my “shopping cart” online was to get myself to free shipping status. Then, I planned on taking it to the store to return it once it arrived. That plan was an obvious bust. *Eye roll* I should know myself better by now to realize that if an item is in the shopping cart, then there’s a 99.9999999% chance that I’m going to buy it. TBH, saying that this was an unintentional purchase makes me feel a lot better because I didn’t mean to like it as much as I did!!!

Regardless of the intentions of this purchase (Let’s be honest, it was intentional.), this bag is totally and completely perfect. It is edgy and chic with a heaping helping of glam and I am so happy to be able to add it to my purse collection. I suppose that I would buy this Sanctuary beauty again in a heartbeat. 😉

So there you have it, the latest issue of It’s In The Bag: Cry Sanctuary Edition! What is your favorite accessory? Are you a purse or shoes girl? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct9

If The Shoe Fits: Betsey Johnson Mules Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Betsey Johnson Mules Edition

Hi everyone and happy Monday! I hope that all of you had a wonderful and relaxing weekend. So we all have those certain trends that we love to hate/hate to love/yada yada yada. For me, that trend is the mule. Don’t get me wrong, I love the first pair of Matisse mules that I bought and I think that some mules can be totally gorgeous. But, as a heel girl through and through, it’s a rarity that I can put my best feet forward in flats.

Obviously, a heeled mule would be ideal BUT THEY ALL LOOK LIKE CLOGS and I hate those. Lol, it’s not even a mule – it’s a straight up clog. I’ve thought a lot about this style of shoe and realized that what I need is the slipper shape of the top of the mule with a heel tacked onto the back for good measure. Preferably, a heel that’s not made of hard rubber, which makes the shoe look like a pair of clodhoppers if I’ve ever seen them.

I’ve clearly put a lot of energy into imagining the ideal shape for a heeled mule, but have had no luck in finding the pair that was “just right”. So, can you believe my surprise when I found the seemingly perfect pair of Betsey Johnson HEELED MULES while browsing on TJMaxx’s website?! Swoon. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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So, yeah. You can see that these babies above are exactly what I wanted. These shoes are literally a mule with a heel thrown on for funsies. These Betsey beauties are just darling. Mules definitely have the potential to look like shoes for the (very fashionable) elderly, but not these. The black and white striped heel in contrast with the vibrant yellow flowers screams whimsical tea party. These mules are youthful, sassy, and perfect for a twenty-something who considers a night on the town to consist of strutting down the aisles of Target and TJMaxx.

The best part of Betsey Johnson clothing and accessories are the adorable surprises that are in the details. The center of the flowers on my mules are actual metal, beaded, and jeweled brooches – not just some lame-o craft store find tacked smack dab in the middle. All of these hidden delights just show how much joy that Betsey has in creating her brand and why she will always be one of my favorite designers.

These shoes were made for everything from ambling through daily errands to a boozy bar crawl with the girls on a Saturday night. Somehow, Betsey Johnson knew that I was in desperate need of mules just like my new pair, so she snapped her fingers and put these on the market. Love, love, freaking LOVE.

So there you have it, the newest issue of If The Shoe Fits: Betsey Johnson Mules Edition! What is a trend that you love to hate? Do you prefer flats or heels? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah