Tag Archives: fashion

Sep1

Autumn Layers Wish List

Posted on September 1, 2017 by lifewithlilred

Hello everyone and welcome to a post in my Falling For Fall series compliments of Sycamore from SavageStyle. When the seasons change, it is so smart to create a wish list of the things that you need (and want!) to accommodate the weather in your area. Wish lists can stop you from the over spending that comes with buying clothes and accessories that you may not necessarily need, so that you can have some extra cash to splurge for the items that you’re lusting over, instead. Today, we’re going to look at Sycamore’s wish list for her fall wardrobe:

Autumn Layers Wish List

Vogue’s September issue just landed in my mailbox, and the stores (both brick-and-mortar and online) are full of velvet, wool, and leather boot lusciousness; it’s evident that Autumn is drawing near.

This season always stirs up excited nostalgia for me. I guess it probably stems from a mix of going back to school – and the new wardrobe that came with it – seeing all of the new Fall collections, and DEFINITELY my memories of layering up and stalking coffee shops on the high streets of London to caffeinate & steal a cigarette with my classmates before Art History class.

It’s the season that makes me wistful for stashing an umbrella in my purse, riding the tube to the Eastside and back, getting forever lost in the streets, and relinquishing my sorrows in a new pair of kid leather gloves from Selfridges. Not to mention that lovely contrast of sipping a hot coffee while walking through crisp evening air and the crunching leaves beneath my boots.

While I will always have a place in my heart for bohemian florals and that “easy breezy” vibe (I am a sun sign, after all), the current over-saturation of that look has got me yearning for something edgy, new, and layered.

I saw Atomic Blonde recently, and it sparked my first craving for colder weather. Charlize Theron wore so many great looks in that film, but I think the one that takes the cake is this look from the kitchen fight scene:

You go, girl!

Knee-high boots and mini skirts are one of my favorite cold weather combinations. It’s all the sexier when you add garter socks, a giant sweater, coat, and gloves on top. This is how you do fall/winter French girl sexy – you only have a few inches of skin showing but that goes a long way!

Some of the new pieces on my wish list this season are:

Prada fur-trimmed wool-blend coat (mytheresa.com)

Isabel Marant Heina printed mini skirt (M’oda ‘Operandi)

Zara sweater with contrasting cuffs

Stuart Weitzman Alljill over the knee boot (Nordstrom)

MONSE shearling bomber with belts (M’oda ‘Operandi)

Zara short sleeve sweater

Courrèges wool multi-color mini skirt (M’oda ‘Operandi)

Tibi Alexis boot (M’oda ‘Operandi)

This whole look from Zara

It’s still pretty hot here in LA, so I don’t think that I’ll be layering up for another month or two, but at least that means I have ample time to plan. I hope I’ve inspired you during the colder weather to create some layered looks of your own!

Xx~ Sycamore

Thank you so much again to Sycamore of SavageStyle for sharing her Autumn Layers Wish List with us! What is on your cold weather wish list? What store supplies most of your fall wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image From: Atomic Blonde with Charlize Theron

Aug30

A Tale Of Two Scarves

Posted on August 30, 2017 by lifewithlilred

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Hi everyone and welcome to an ode to one of the it staples in every girl’s fall wardrobe – scarves! This piece is written by my friend, Embery, over at Cozy And Sage and I just know that all of you are going to love it. Please be sure to check out Embery’s blog for more if you enjoyed her post for my Falling For Fall series! Take a look:

A Tale Of Two Scarves

Scarves have always reminded me of fall. The cool crispness of the air and the snuggly warmth of a well-worn stole under my chin as I sip a warm caffeinated beverage and watch the autumn breeze play with the falling leaves is my ultimate pastime. Scarves work just as well for me in the office as they do out on the town. I always feel like I (hopefully) look not only a bit more sophisticated, but perhaps also a bit more prepared for the day enveloped in a proper scarf.

Every scarf that I own seems to have some sort of narrative attached to it, a little snippet of my life that is evoked every time I pull it from my closet. These are two of them:

The Paris Scarf

My scarf obsession was born on an overseas trip to Paris almost a decade ago now. This burgundy and green darling emerged from the hustle and bustle of the shopping scene along the Seine as my very first scarf purchase. Desperately attempting to fit into Parisienne life, I purchased several stoles while I was there and wore them with gusto about the city during that September. In many ways, my very intentional nod to French fashion paid off, and I was often accepted as a local, initially. Of course, my obvious accent and my clearly American quirks gave me away almost immediately after I opened my mouth, but I found the people there to be quite forgiving. At least I felt more French draped in my new acquisition.

This “Paris” scarf, as my husband and I now refer to it, has accompanied me to many days at work, as well as countless trips to local coffee houses in pursuit of something (or anything) containing pumpkin and nutmeg. Whenever I wear it, I am reminded of those chilly fall days in Paris, seeking out coffee and Cȏtes du Rhȏne. This particular scarf is a polyester blend, I believe (although it did not come with a tag) and wears lightly, yet quite warmly, perfect for the cooler months. I generally wear it looped around my neck twice, sometimes twisted just a little, and then add a simple knot.

The Professional Look

My next scarf investment came years later from Macy’s at a time when I had finished school and was just becoming comfortable in my career. After years of studying and working in the trenches as an intern, I was finally beginning to grasp what being a professional meant. Rather than toiling away, working based off of other’s scientific decisions, I was at last making my own. After surviving the gauntlet of my internship, I was consequently being seen as an expert in my own right, rather than a lackey. To this day, I feel more scholarly and a little more erudite (optimistically, I realize) when I adorn myself with this piece.

Although the color is not particularly fall-ish, this scarf wears much too warmly for spring and is definitely a cold weather staple for me, as most of my wardrobe gravitates towards blues, browns, and black. This is an infinity style-scarf from Calvin Klein and is 100% acrylic. This one layers beautifully over light sweaters as well as long sleeve t-shirts. At times, this scarf can feel a bit bulky and occasionally I will use a pin or broach to keep it closer to the body and prevent it from interfering with my favorite fall beverage. I like to wear this one a bit twisted, as well, as it tends to keep the look slightly crisper and cleaner.

These scarves are still in my rotation, and every autumn when I pull them from their summer sleeping area, I am reminded vividly of these times in my life. Every scarf of mine bears a story, and these have been two of them. I hope you have enjoyed my post and thanks so much to Sarah for the opportunity to share it here! (You’re welcome! -Sarah)

Stay cozy! 🙂

Many thanks to Embery of Cozy And Sage for sharing her Tale Of Two Scarves with us! How do you style scarves into your outfit? What color is your favorite scarf? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug29

What DO I Wear?!?! The Fall Transition

Posted on August 29, 2017 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to the first post for my Falling For Fall guest bloggers series compliments of one of my blogging BFFs, Kate, from Ankhor You. Kate is one of my literal favorite people on the planet and I love when I can have her on my page with one of her amazing fashion segments. Please take some time to check out her blog and click that follow button! You won’t regret it!

What DO I Wear?!?! The Fall Transition

“Fashion is ultimately a form of self-expression. That’s why I love trying out new things.” ~ Ashley Madekwe

All the Feels of Fall

I am so honored to once again have been asked to collaborate on the Falling For Fall series by Sarah. I always have so much fun coming up with outfits and working with this beauty. She is so incredibly talented not to mention insanely witty! (THANKS!!!!! -Sarah)

Fall has always been the season that gives me all of the feels and lets me dig deep into my inner nostalgia. I grew up in the White Mountains where the foliage resembles something out of a Monet painting, and apple and pumpkin spice creations rival Trader Joe’s selection.

It is the one time where going home is always imperative because as Dorothy says “There is NO place like home” and that is exceptionally true in the Fall.

Alas, Mother Nature doesn’t always agree. The leafs might have turned vibrant shades, but the temps can still be a boiling seventy or eighty degrees.

Come September, I am ready for the basic girl wardrobe: Sweaters, leggings, and boots. Yet with Mother Nature having a Hot Flash, it makes it a bit difficult to don the Fall Wardrobe that makes Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice lovers rejoice everywhere. Which is why I have have to get artistically and fashionably creative.

Army Green

Truth time: This might be the real reason Sarah and I are friends, let’s be honest. We both adore this color. There is something about this darker, yet slightly muted color that screams fall. Although people tend to shy away from this color, labeling it too grungy or military-esque, it literally looks good on everyone, from blondes to brunettes and our very own lifewithlilred redheads. (That’s me!!)

The neutral color makes it easy to style with almost anything. Black, brown, I have even worn it with blue before and, of course, there is my favorite combination of Army Green with blush.

Yes peeps, army meets ballet in the most fantastic color scheme! Badass Boneheads rejoice! (AYYY!)

Crop Tops

It might come as a surprise, but the belly baring trend of the summer has transitioned its peek-a-boo self right on into fall.

// Hat & Skirt: Anthropologie // Brami: Free People // Jacket: J-Crew // Necklace: SeaMilliganDesigns //

With layering as the key essential ingredient – mixed with a little Pumpkin Spice, of course, crop tops actually make perfect sense.

They are the new camisole, and companies like Free People are even calling them bramis, which sounds like an act by Houdini, but who am I to argue with the word when they are a staple in my wardrobe!

The Outfit

It would be a dream (seriously Twilight zone stuff) if I could have a new wardrobe. Yet, I can’t deny part of the fun of being a fashionista is recycling pieces of clothing from season to season and not just re-imagining new looks, but using them in a way that makes them fresh and trendy.

Back in June, I had gotten this black maxi skirt from Anthropologie that was part of a set. Transitioning it into fall, I paired it with my army green brami to add a pop of color, and channel those cooler days.

As much as I love leather – and nothing screams fall more than leather – it can be hot! So sometimes, you have to go with an oldie but goodie. In this case, it’s the denim jacket. This jacket is distressed, giving it an edgy flare. It is the perfect layering piece over the brami (I just really like that word!) and for those cool autumn nights.

Accessories

Nothing completes a look better than the right accessories. Not only that, but they help transition an outfit from season to season. Hats always make me think of fall, and my felt ranchers hat from Anthropologie seemed like the obvious choice to go with. With a subtle yet glitzy jeweled band, this wide brim adds the prefect pizazz for any fall day. Pair it with a scarf for chillier nights and you have a fashionable yet transitional look.

Lastly, for this shoot I decided to channel my inner Ferngully, letting my bare feet dance amongst the leaves and moss. Ferngully moment aside, pairing black or nude booties with this skirt completes the boho Autumnal vibes, because you can’t go barefoot everywhere!

Thank you so much again to Kate of Ankhor You for kickstarting my series with some OOTD perfection! I LOVE YOU. What is your favorite color to wear during the fall? What is your go to accessory to sport during the cooler weather? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug22

Lil Red’s Dream Dressing Room

Posted on August 22, 2017 by lifewithlilred

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Hi everyone and happy Monday!! Any fashionista can agree that having a huge walk in closet would be the dream. What would yours include? A wall dedicated to your shoe collection? Display cases full of accessories? A tech system that matches your outfits for you a la Cher in Clueless? An in home Dressing Room where you could escape and be surrounded by pretty things sounds like just what the doctor ordered to me! And since we’re on the subject, mine would look something like this:

Lil Red’s Dream Dressing Room

The Color Palette:

My dressing room would be my goth queen lair so the obvious color choices for my room would be black, red, and white. I’m thinking deep, midnight black walls, one oxblood accent wall, and bright, white display features to pop against such a dark palette.

You get the idea!

The Fixtures:

As I said before, crisp white shelving is a must in my walk in closet and each wall would have its own purpose:

Wall 1) I would want an entire wall of cubby holes dedicated to my shoe collection (I have over fifty pairs!), along with a gorgeous white wooden ladder on wheels to reach those high up pumps!

Wall 2) The second wall would house shelving for pieces of clothing that need to be folded on one side and accessories on the other like hats and purses.

Wall 3) Wall number three would feature two sturdy white iron bars for clothes that need hanging like jackets, dresses, skirts, and my black skinny jean collection. The sliding ladder from my shoe wall would also come in handy here, since your girl is only 5’1!

Accent Wall 4) Finally, on my oxblood accent wall, I would want a huge and very well lit full length mirror so that I could evaluate my outfit choices and give it the yay or nay. On both sides of the mirror, I would have glass display cases of jewelry so that I could easily add or take away accessories depending on what the outfit needs.

** And, of course, organization on my walls is extremely important. For shoes, I would display them according to their style and my clothes would be organized by season and color.

The Lighting:

Having excellent lighting in my dressing room is crucial, since the color palette on the walls is so dark. Although I do love the smaller pendant lights from Arhaus, my goth lair calls for a gigantic chandelier! I would want three chandeliers hanging from the ceiling at varying lengths with each individual one being black, white, or red. You can shop Arhaus’s lighting page for your own illuminating inspiration and then check out mine, which looks like this:

Miscellaneous Additions:

If I had my Dream Dressing Room, my friends and I would be spending a lot of time in there, so additional extras are very important. My room would definitely need:

A mini fridge stocked with wine and Diet Coke at all times.
An excellent sound system.
A TV to watch rom-coms with the girls.
A gorgeous vanity stocked with makeup and hair styling supplies.

Can you say dream hang out, or?!

Obviously, my walk in closet would have to be huge and my budget would have to be even bigger – but it isn’t called Lil Red’s Dream Dressing Room for nothing! What would be in your dream closet? Am I missing anything in mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Giphy

Aug21

Say Yes To The Guest (Appropriate Wedding Attire)

Posted on August 21, 2017 by lifewithlilred

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Hello hello everyone and happy Monday! With summer drawing to a close, the familiar crisp rush of autumn air comes swooping in with one thing for certain in store: Fall weddings. The autumn season is such a gorgeous time to host a marriage ceremony that can range from whimsical fall fun to a more dark, romantic approach in the style of your big day. Of course, the wedding is all about the bride and the groom but that doesn’t mean that you should be slacking in the style department as a guest.

Being invited to a wedding is and should be held as an esteemed honor. The new couple likes you enough to want you there on their special day – this is a big deal and should be respected as such. This means that a dowdy dress or suit simply won’t do. Let’s take a look at The Black Tux’s wedding guest style guide and then stick around to chat with Lil Red for some more pro tips:

^^^ Who knew that there were so many different styles of wedding attire?!

The first thing that we’re going to talk about when it comes to dressing as a wedding guest ties into the guide seen above. It is so SO important as a guest to respect the vibe of the wedding. It shouldn’t have to be said, but it is such an obvious DO to accommodate to the dress code if it’s listed.

If there is no dress code on the invitation, then it is in good taste to dress appropriately for the type of wedding that you are attending. Is it an early afternoon church ceremony? A knee length dress for the ladies and a semi-formal suit for the gents will do. Or are we attending a rustic style wedding with outdoor vows? Remember, it’s autumn and there might be a chill in the air. A smart suit set for the ladies with trousers or a skirt with thick tights underneath is a chic take on outdoor wedding style. For the guys, you can get away with a more casual look, as well, with a nice pair of slacks and a suit jacket or blazer on top.

It is always worth mentioning, again, that the weather is subject to change during fall weddings. Be prepared. Being stuck with the sniffles all day because you failed to bring a cardi or a blazer for over your dress is nobody’s fault but your own, because I’m literally warning you right here. Despite this warning, I just know that it will not be heeded by everyone, which gives the rest of us a chance to score some brownie points. Guys, wear a cardigan under your jacket in case you see a damsel in distress with the shivers. Ladies, if you’re wearing a thicker dress or suit set, offer your extra blazer to a gal in need. You’ll be a wedding hero, trust me.

And, finally, if you’re in doubt about what to wear, just ask! It is so much better to shoot a quick text to the bride or groom and get their opinion instead of showing up to the wedding looking like a straight up goon. That suit or dress that you’ve been feeling wishy washy about wearing might work, after all. But, if that isn’t the case, then do be sure to check out The Black Tux’s suit and tuxedo rentals page for all of your gentlemen attire needs. And, as for us girls, I think that we can swing some wedding guest dress shopping with a trip to the mall or an online shopping sesh – Hello, Modcloth!

With The Black Tux’s style guide and Lil Red’s pro tips, you should have no problem Saying Yes To The Guest (Appropriate Wedding Attire)! What is your favorite part about attending a wedding? How do you style a wedding guest appropriate look for fall? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Giphy

Aug19

If The Shoe Fits: Guess Edition

Posted on August 19, 2017 by lifewithlilred

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Hi everyone and happy weekend! So in Lil Red’s world, summer time is all about the heels. Platforms, wedges, pumps, heeled sneakers and sandals, the works. But when it comes to fall, I say bring on the boots! Thigh high, knee high, ankle booties, riding boots, combat boots, ALL BOOTS EVERYTHING. With fall fast approaching, a recent trip to TJMaxx helped me kick start my excitement for my favorite season with these gorgeous Guess combat boots. Take a look:

Literally as soon as I saw these boots, I knew that they were coming home with me. When it comes to my boots, especially combat ones, the more punk rock the better. These forty dollar glorious Guess boots have everything that I love in footwear: The color black, badass buckles, and stud detailing. The more that I stared longingly at my boots, the more I fell in deep, passionate love with them. They are perfect.

Besides for being obsessed with everything about my new darlings, I definitely was loving the price, too. To get a pair of really nice combat boots from such a reputable brand like Guess for forty dollars was such a steal, to me. Honestly, a higher price would have made me stop and really think about purchasing them, so the forty dollar price point was perfect for me. Anything higher would have more than likely been a no go but I still felt like I was getting an amazing deal for them. There was no original price tag on my boots but the TJs “Compare at” price was sixty-four dollars, which I have a hard time believing because they look way more expensive than that, in my humble opinion!

But the best part about these shoes is all of the styling possibilities that come with it. I plan on taking my boots to a whole new level of Anarchy Cool with one of my favorite shirts from Zara, seen here, the blackest, skinniest jeans that I can find, a deep red lip, tousled hair, and chunky chain jewelry for a look fresh out of England’s old school punk scene. I CAN’T WAIT.

Like I said, fall is all about the boots, and I can’t wait to ring in the season with my newest pair in this issue of If The Shoe Fits: Guess Edition! What is your favorite style of boots? How do you style combat boots into your fall wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug18

If The Shoe Fits: Coconuts By Matisse Edition

Posted on August 18, 2017 by lifewithlilred

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If The Shoe Fits: Coconuts By Matisse Edition

Hi everyone and TGIF! Okay, you guys all know how much Lil Red loves shoes – specifically heels. But two of my latest footwear purchases from TJMaxx sport barely there lifts, which I’m shockingly okay with. The mule shoe is the it thing right now, and I have been on the prowl for the perfect pair since they made their debut late in the spring.

The mule hunt has proven to be extremely difficult. I don’t want them completely flat like a slipper but I also don’t want a huge, chunky heel like a clog. I thought that all hope was lost until a TJs trip last weekend, which resulted in these Coconuts By Matisse baroque beauties:

Having size six feet truly is a blessing, because the pair seen above was the only one in the entire shoe department and it felt like they were sitting there just waiting for me. My new Matisse mules were stationed on the bottom shelf, tucked into the corner of the size six section looking forlornly for a new owner. Thank god I came along to help out with that!

These beautiful slip ons were the first thing that caught my eye upon entering TJ’s shoe section and as soon as I saw them, I knew that they were “the one”. The stunning pattern? The tiny heel? The pure craftsmanship of the embroidery? The twenty-five dollar price tag? As if my leg didn’t need twisted to buy them before!

The small lift of these mules was the selling point for me when it came down to it. Frankly, if my new babies were totally flat, then I don’t think that they would have been coming home with me. I don’t like flats. I really just despise how they look on me and this mini kitten heel made me feel excited to not be wearing four plus inches high shoes. That’s not just saying something, that’s screaming something.

My Coconuts By Matisse mules are going to be so extraordinarily perfect for fall. The rich jewel tones will add spice to the black skinnies that make up my cold weather wardrobe and will look simply stunning among the fallen leaves on the ground. I’m looking forward to wrapping up the summer by wearing these with shorts during errand days, but will be transitioning them into the autumn season with A-line skirts and sun dresses with thick tights underneath.

There’s no doubt that my marvelous mules will be making a huge statement in my autumn wardrobe and I can’t wait to kick up my mini heels for some fall fun! And for more heelless hootenanny, be sure to tune in for the next edition of If The Shoe Fits where I discuss an edgy new pair of combat boots perfect for a punk night out at the Marilyn Manson concert that I so desperately want to attend!

So there you have it, the latest issue of If The Shoe Fits: Coconuts By Matisse Edition! How do you rock the mule trend? What is your favorite brand of shoes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug16

Pajama Party: My Calvins Pt. 2 Edition

Posted on August 16, 2017 by lifewithlilred

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Hi everyone and happy Hump Day!! I would by no means say that I care deeply about designer clothing and accessories. A majority of my shopping is done at Target, TJMaxx, and Forever 21 and I’m extremely okay with that. However, we all have our favorite high end designers that we love to ogle over. Myself, for example? I love Michael Kors shoes. I adore Kate Spade and Betsey Johnson accessories. And, I also can’t get enough of Calvin Klein everything!

I would never ever pay full price for any of the designer goods that I listed above, but I definitely am inclined to make a purchase if I see any of their duds at TJMaxx. I’ve gotten gorgeous Michael Kors booties, darling Betsey Johnson jewelry, and sweet Kate Spade accessories for a fraction of their original price tag. However, my past two times at TJs has resulted in Calvin Klein sleepwear that I’m simply obsessed with, including these new pajama pants that I purchased this weekend:

Original Price: $42
TJMaxx Price: $15

I genuinely love pajamas and I’ve accumulated a collection this year that I am very happy with. To me, there is nothing better than slipping into a sweet nightie or a cozy flannel top and pants set and crawling into bed. It’s such a simple pleasure but, to me, it feels luxurious and I am all about a ballin on a budget life of luxury. And to think that up until now I was literally just sleeping in unwanted, god knows how old t-shirts!

I was so excited about these pajama pants because I had recently purchased the matching pair of boxers, which I love! They also had a nightie in this pattern that I shied away from because I didn’t much care for the shape. These pajama bottoms look cool and comfortable and I can’t wait to wear them during a chilly fall night while tucked under a million blankets.

What I love the most about these sleep pants is the feeling of “treating myself” that I got when I made the purchase. You would be a fool to spend over forty bucks on a pair of pajama bottoms. But fifteen? I can swing that! I get to hit the hay in one of my favorite designer’s sleepwear and it feels kind of naughty and absurd. But the fact that I got it for an amazing price makes the feeling of almost foolishness that comes with the territory of sleeping in designer duds totally guilt free and a whole lot of fun.

So there you have it, Lil Red’s Pajama Party: My Calvins Pt. 2 Edition! How do you treat yourself? Who is your favorite high end designer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug14

Monday Update: Sweet Surprises Edition

Posted on August 14, 2017 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and happy Monday! I hope that all of you had a fabulous weekend and are beginning your week feeling refreshed and ready to go. So, as most of you have gathered by now, I am far from a religious person. This is ironic, considering I spent my years up until high school attending school and church in a Roman Catholic setting. But from as young as five years old, I knew that religion just wasn’t something that I was interested in.

Despite these feelings (which is not what this post is about), I do have a deep appreciation of the beauty of churches as well as religious imagery. Specifically, rosaries. I can remember being really young and loving to wear rosaries and to this day have a special drawing towards them. This has led me to beginning my collection of rosary style jewelry, a la Bono, my U2 front man celebrity crush.

In my collection, I actually have a beautiful black rosary that was blessed by Pope Francis, which was gifted to me by my brother. But the other two in my arsenal are from my beloved mama, who knows my style all too well thanks to hundreds of shopping trips throughout the ages.

My mom knows exactly how to make someone feel special. Whether it be through her kind words, lending an ear to listen to your problems, or picking out a treat just for you when she’s out shopping – my mom does it all. I can’t tell you the amount of times that she’s come home from trips to Target or the grocery store with a box of hair dye for me or a new shade of nail polish for my sister and, of course, a new makeup or polish shade to treat herself with, too.

Ever since I was little, I can remember mom coming home with her shopping to tell me or one of my siblings that she has a “surprise” in the bag for one of us. As a child, I lived for that. And as a twenty-three year old adult, I still do. Knowing that someone picked something out special for you is a delight that I treasure so deeply. Finding out that someone saw a piece of jewelry or a color that reminded them of you so much as to purchase it for them is a marvel that never gets old to me. Kindness is something that I value beyond all other qualities and, to me, this exudes such divine kindness and generosity.

This past weekend was really rough for yours truly. My mom knew this and saved an afternoon of us running errands last Sunday to tell me that she has a “surprise” for me, which she had been carrying around in her purse. She waited until we were done with our shopping and in the car to leave for home to gift me with the most gorgeous necklace that I’ve ever seen:

I literally gasped out loud when I opened the small black box that my mom presented me with and saw this amazing rosary necklace sitting inside of it. This Louisa L brand necklace was made in Italy and on the back of the charm with the Blessed Mother features the Italian “Ruega Por Nosotros” or “Pray for us”.

My new rosary necklace has everything that I love – the color, the style, and the thought behind it, which made this the most wonderful gift to receive. My mom had gotten this present days before my unfortunate weekend, but waited until a “rainy day” to give it to me. I am so happy that she did, because it left me feeling infinitely better and so loved. Thank you, mom!! I LOVE YOU! ❤

So there you have it, this week’s Monday Update: Sweet Surprises Edition! What is something that makes you feel better when you’re feeling down? What is the best “just because” present that you have ever received? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug10

Sarah Selfies

Posted on August 10, 2017 by lifewithlilred

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Hi everyone and happy Thursday! Since the last selfies that were seen on my blog featured yours truly with a blue face mask on and a fresh face, I thought I would post some pics that I’m a little more confident with to make up for it. Take a looksee and have a fabulous day! Much love. -Sarah

^^^ #bluesteel

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