Tag Archives: fashion

It’s In The Bag: Glorious Gudetama Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Glorious Gudetama Edition

Hello everyone and happy Thursday! So all over the blogosphere I’ve seen posts about this month’s Ipsy bag featuring a special little egg named Gudetama. Long story short, I’m obsessed. I’m not that big of a makeup girl so I’m not subscribed to Ipsy, but lucky for me, my older sister is! As soon as I saw the picture of the bag for the month, I made it clear to Kristen that I desperately wanted it. She wasn’t particularly blown away by the design (lol), so she happily passed it on to me! YES! Take a look:

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Everything about this pouch speaks to me on a spiritual level. The out there design, the “meh” zipper, the colors, Gudetama’s cute little fanny! It’s just perfect. Lol, I am so excited to transplant all of my little odds and ends from purse to pouch. Chapsticks that I never use, lighters, hand sanitizers, the whole nine yards. Who better to be the guardian of all of my random baubles than the laziest egg in the whole world?! I LOVE YOU, GUDETAMA! ❤

And a very special thank you to my beloved sister, Kristen, for parting with this sweet angel. :*) ❤

So there you have it, the newest issue of It’s In The Bag (Or, rather, It’s In The Pouch!): Glorious Gudetama Edition! Who of my readers are Ipsy subscribers? How did you feel about this month’s bag? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Deviant Art

Pajama Party: My Calvins Edition

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Pajama Party: My Calvins Edition

Hiii everyone and happy Tuesday! A brand that I admire from afar but would never purchase for myself is Calvin Klein. The chic, all American designs, the crisp and put together approach to their styling – I just love it. Unfortunately, my ballin on a budget lifestyle doesn’t allow for such designer spending – but that doesn’t mean that I can’t snag some darling CK sleep shorties at TJMaxx for a fraction of the cost! Take a look and let’s discuss:

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The original price tag on the above short set was SEVENTY-TWO DOLLARS and I snagged them both for a phat twenty bucks! I absolutely love, love, love sleepwear. Nighties, pajama sets, sleep T’s, and shorts – I’m a huge fan. These Calvin Klein boxer style shorties are completely perfect for beating the summer heat with a huge T-shirt while lounging around before bed.

I’ve had my new shorties for a whole two days and am already so obsessed that I had to check the TJs website to see if they have them in any other colors. These sleep shorts are SO comfortable, breathable, and totally freaking adorable! And it does feel nice wearing Calvin Klein anything, even if it is just to bed! You can’t beat paying twenty dollars for a short set that costed over seventy smackers, that’s for sure. Another added bonus, is constantly thinking about Kate McKinnon’s glorious mock Calvin Klein ad on Saturday Night Live as Justin Bieber. #DYING

(And as always, I have no rights to this video!)

I might not be able to sport Calvin Klein on the daily, but at least I can break out my branded shorties every Pajama Party chance I get! How do you rock designer brands on a budget? What are some high end designers that you lust after? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

It’s In The Bag: Dream Control Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Dream Control Edition

Hi everyone and happy Monday! I hope that all of you had a wonderful weekend and are filled with endless energy to tackle your day. My brother and his wife are celebrating their second marriage anniversary shortly, so my mom and I hit up TJMaxx to see if we could find a nice present for them. We didn’t. But, naturally, I did find something! Take a look at this new backpack beauty and let’s discuss:

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^^^ Pretty! ❤

Although I share a deep love for all things fashion, I can’t say that I’m a very big purse girl. Don’t get me wrong, I have purses for days, darling, but I normally don’t go actively out of my way to acquire new ones on a regular basis. That’s what my love for shoes is for! ANYWHO, I’m very particular when it comes to my purses because it is absolutely crucial that my bags are unique but neutral enough to work well with my quirky, mix and match wardrobe. And that’s where this vegan leather, thirty dolla holla Dream Control book bag comes into play…

I LOVE IT SO MUCH OMGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!! ❤

Everything about this bag is just perfect to me. The slate grey color, the ethical material, the daring, envelope style shape. And, of course, the meager price tag didn’t hurt, either! Backpack style bags are so cool to me. They’re such a solid, unexpected staple piece that can be used in so many different cases. Whether you’re running around town, packing an overnight bag, or jamming it full of paper work from the nine to five, the backpack has got you covered.

I can’t say that I’m a trend follower, but when it comes to book bags, I willingly break my own rule! I have one other backpack that was also from TJMaxx and it’s one of my favorites. I freaking LURVE that thing, but it was lonely without a backpack buddy to hang out with on my purse display in my room, so obviously my Dream Control find was a must buy! #backpackBFFs

The slate grey color will make this bag easy to incorporate with all of my outfits, and I can just feel the compliments rolling in thanks to its unique shape. (I’ve literally never seen anything like it before!) Was it a necessary purchase? Uhhh…not necessarily. But a fun purchase, none of the less! It’s in the bag, darling. 😉

So there you have it, the latest issue of It’s In The Bag: Dream Control Edition! What is your favorite shape for purses? Who else loves sporting the backpack trend? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Zara Haul: Black & White, Alright Edition

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Zara Haul: Black & White, Alright Edition

Hi everyone and welcome to the conclusion to my Zara Haul series featuring a twenty dollar button down dress with to die for details! I’m unsure of the original price for my dress because there was no tag on the item but I’m assuming that it’s starting price was around seventy or so dollars, because that’s the Zara way. The button down dress is an item that I took for granted until I realized that I flipping love them, so now I have to make up for lost time and BUY ALL THE BUTTON DOWNS! Take a look at this new beauty and let’s discuss:

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White is a color that I don’t wear very frequently, just because I find it very anxiety provoking. Hello, future coffee stains. But, I always do enjoy a crisp, white piece of clothing when the perfect one comes a knockin. I simply love this dress, so having to be extra careful with eating, makeup, etc. while wearing it is totally worth it. The sleek fabric, kimono-esque style, blossoming pattern, and daring details all make this dress worthy of being in my expansive wardrobe.

The button down dress is a classic piece of clothing. It’s something that looks good on every body type and can really be worn for any occasion depending on how you style it. The button down dress offers timeless beauty to all who wear it and I am ashamed that it has taken me so long to appreciate that. The few button down dresses that I own are some of my favorites, so it’s definitely nice to be able to find one that I think is so well suited to me to add to the collection.

From the lace up detailing on the side to the barbell shaped cuff links on the sleeves, this dress is full of surprises. Probably the biggest surprise being that white actually looks good on me! As a very pale gal, white is something that I tend to unconsciously shy away from because of the fear that it will wash me out (And also stains, lol.), but it’s actually quite the contrary. By some divine miracle, the color white manages to enhance and exaggerate my skin and hair color even more, creating a stunning effect – especially while wearing red lipstick!

Of course, I’m looking forward to wearing this as an actual dress but I’m more excited to pair this with some black super skinny jeans and a nice pair of stilettos for an edgy, office chic look. Throw a blazer or a moto jacket over top of it and you’re all set with a look that can be easily suitable for day or night!

So there you have it, the conclusion to my Zara Haul: Black & White, Alright Edition! What was your favorite item from my haul? Who else is getting some serious summer shopping in? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Zara Haul: Anarchy In The UK Edition

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Zara Haul: Anarchy In The UK Edition

Helloooo one and all and welcome to some more Zara goodness compliments of going way too hard at the mall last weekend! I have two more fabulous pieces of clothing to share with you guys today and tomorrow to conclude my series of buying literally all of the things. We explored my love of army green yesterday and now we’re going to revisit that same love in this here shirt dress a la GI Jane. Take a look:

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I’m sure that after seeing the back of this badass button down, the title for this post makes a bit more sense!

One thing that I really am a fan of when it comes to clothing is random images and ironic/edgy/silly slogans. Obviously, this wayyy oversized shirt dress sports a pretty edgy nod to all things anarchy cool and I am nothing short of obsessed. The old school London punk scene gives me life, and I can so picture this shirt being worn by a filthy, pierced up, punked out boy or girl. Paying tribute to a music and lifestyle scene that speaks to me through my appearance and clothing is something that I never pass up the opportunity on, so clearly, this button down was a must buy.

The length of this trench coat/shirt/dress is what sold me on this purchase, asides from the color and the rule breaker adorned back. I love, love, love long pieces of clothing so the fact that this piece goes down to my mid-calves was a definite game changer. People typically think that us short girls (I’m 5’1) can’t wear long/oversized items but that’s not true. You just have to know how to style them and give yourself length in other ways. Which brings me to the next segment on how to wear this bad boy, because the options really are limitless:

  • Over a pair of shorts and a crop top or bralette with a pair of combat boots or oxfords
  • As an actual dress with a huge belted middle and chunky heels
  • Over skin tight leather jeans/leggings
  • As an overcoat on top of a frilly frock

And bear in mind that accessories are key:

  • Oversized gold jewelry
  • A fistful of rings (preferably ones that you wear on two fingers to give the illusion of fashionable brass knuckles)
  • Frilly socks sticking out of your oxfords/heels/combat boots
  • Black nails
  • Gigantic hobo bag
  • A bold attitude

Best believe that I’ll be having a blast incorporating this new statement piece into my outfits! 😀

So there you have it, the next wardrobe addition of my Zara Haul: Anarchy In The UK Edition! What do your clothes say about you? How would you style this top? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

P.S.: The last mark down price visible on the tag before my purchase price of forty dollars was seventy dollars. I am not sure of the original price.

Zara Haul: Shake Your Pom Poms Edition

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Zara Haul: Shake Your Pom Poms Edition

Hello everyone and happy Hump Day! Welcome to the halfway mark of the week and to another wardrobe addition from my recent Zara Haul! If there’s one color that Lil Red loves (other than black), it’s green. Army green, emerald green, lime green, forest green – I’m a fan of all of it. Thanks to my pasty pale skin and bright red hair, the color green seems to exaggerate those features in the best way possible. Thanks to Zara’s amazing sale and a ton of army green a go go options to pick from, I ended up with two oversized GI Jane button downs, starting with this one:

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I’m going to be honest with you guys: I hate the pom pom trend. Abso-freaking-lutely hate it. There’s something about such an obvious crafting supplies item on clothes that just doesn’t do it for me. However, this shirt is a totally different story. In case you all haven’t noticed by now, I love obnoxious, statement pieces. To me, nothing screams that more than a huge, baroque pattern on the back of a shirt that’s adorned with beaded rosettes. Lol, hello bold, look at me button down!

I like how unexpected that these pom pom growths on the back of this shirt are. Haha, like why? Frankly, this top is an awful idea in the best way possible and I love everything about it. The shape of the shirt, the way that all of the colors on the back look with my skin and hair, all of the styling possibilities that come with it. I dunno, I just like it.

I’m really looking forward to incorporating this piece into my fall wardrobe because I feel like it’s such a crisp, autumn day button down. Pairing this over a maxi skirt or dress on the warmer fall days before the weather takes a cold turn sounds like just what the doctor ordered. And I so can’t wait to get all matchy matchy and wear this shirt with my army green platforms compliments of ModCloth for a cadet cool look.

So there you have it, another nail in the coffin from my Zara Haul! My Pom Poms have indeed been shook with this shirt (lol), but make sure you tune in tomorrow to see my next army green a go go top in my Anarchy In The UK Edition. What is your favorite color to wear? How do you incorporate craft store cool into your looks? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

P.S.: The most recent mark down price on this shirt was seventy dollars and I got it for thirty. I don’t know how much my button down was originally before it got marked down, though.

Zara Haul: Moto Madness Edition

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Zara Haul: Moto Madness Edition

Yeah, I know what you guys are thinking after reading the title. “Sarah, you have like three moto jackets already. Do you really need more?” THE ANSWER IS YES, YES I DO!!! Zara motorcycle jackets make me feel some type of way in the best way ever. I would never, ever buy one of them for full price because they range from about one hundred and fifty dollars plus. But forty dollars for my new jacket? I can swing that. Take a look:

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I am a punk rocker at heart. I love the music, the scene, and especially the style. Badass clothing speaks to me on a spiritual level so you can see why this jacket was a must buy for me. The last marked down price on this moto baby before forty dollars was one hundred and thirty. Knowing what an amazing deal it was and how much I loved this jacket after trying it on helped me justify the buy. I am a total jacket junkie and not adding this piece of pure badassery to my collection would have truly broken my heart. And we can’t have that!

The studs? The sleek black? The removable hood? The Zippers? The pockets? The weighted yet fitted shape? Hello! This jacket is perfect. The moto jackets that I have before adding this one to my hoard are moto in shape but more fashion in style. This Zara piece, to me, is a “true” motorcycle jacket and I couldn’t be more obsessed with it if I tried.

I’ve mentioned before that I prefer shopping in store at Zara rather than online and the sizing in this jacket is a prime example of why. I am 90% of the time an extra small in Zara’s tops, blouses, and dresses and the remaining 10% of the time, a small. However, I purchased this jacket in a medium. The small fit, but layering with it would have been impossible so medium was the way to go for when fall and winter hit. But, had I followed my normal clothing size shopping online at Zara, the exchanging and reordering of this jacket would have been a big fat pain in the booty-boo.

Saying that I’m so excited to incorporate this jacket into my outfits is the understatement of the century because I have a feeling that I’m going to be wearing it constantly. Over dresses? Check. Maxi skirts? Sure. Moto jacket/short shorts combo that I’ve grown increasingly fond of? You know it. Skinny jeans and ankle booties? Obvs. Hello, new statement jacket. I love you.

So there you have it, the next part in my Zara Haul series: Moto Madness Edition! Who else is a jacket junkie? What is your favorite piece of cold weather clothing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Monday Update: Zara Haul Edition

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Monday Update: Zara Haul Edition

Guys. I did something bad……

I spent way too much money at Zara yesterday. But before you all sharpen the pitchforks and yell at me for giving in to my shopping addiction – LET ME EXPLAIN!!! My mom, sister, and I had a GAO (Girls’ Afternoon Out) and ventured out to Beachwood Mall, which is about a thirty-five minute trek for us. This mall is freaking amazing. It’s home to Zara, Lush, a HUGE Forever 21, H&M, Saks, Nordstrom, and the list goes on. So, not only were we in exotic new territory that we never get to go to, BUT Zara was having an incredible sale. You can’t not stock up at your favorite store when you don’t get to go very often, right? RIGHT?!

And stock up, I did. This week will be dedicated to my gorgeous new wardrobe additions compliments of my all on sale Zara Haul. We’ll start with the newest update to my business casual attire with this darling little number seen below:

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Zara button downs give me life and, coincidentally, quirky button downs make up a majority of my business cashe collection. So, obviously, I HAD TO BUY IT!! I snagged this lady bug beauty for twenty bucks. I’m not sure of the original price on this shirt, but the last button down I purchased from Zara was fifty smackers, so I consider this a steal!

This oversized button down is wonderful because it’s versatile. It’s long enough to be worn as a dress with a thick pair of tights underneath and a belted middle or over top of super skinny jeans tucked or untucked for a whimsical work look. I love wearing my other Zara button down as a dress, especially in this summer heat. However, both of these tops look totally darling tucked into pants or a skirt, as well.

Accessories are key when it comes to styling a business casual ensemble, so opt for a chunky necklace, a statement ring or two, and some killer heels to make you queen of the office!

This week on lifewithlilred will be an ode to all things Zara, starting with my Monday Update: Zara Haul Edition! Tune in tomorrow to see another one of my on sale snags. What is your favorite store to shop at? Who else goes a bit credit card happy when their favorite store is far away? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

P.S.: I bought some goodies at Lush for the first time so be on the lookout for some Bath Bomb Blitz posts in the future! 😀

Selfie Secrets

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Selfie Secrets
Hi everyone and TGIF! The day that selfies became a thing was the day that the internet changed forever. I bet you any money that you can’t scroll down the newsfeed of any of your preferred social media mediums without seeing at least one selfie in the process. And taking selfies? It’s a process. The selfie: AKA taking twenty minimum one hundred max pictures that, for all intensive purposes, look exactly the same yet so SO remarkably different.
Everyone has had those days when they’re really feeling themselves (ayyy!) but can’t take a good selfie to save their lives (booo!). It’s cruel and unusual and I’m just not going to stand for it. That’s why I’ve come up with a list of pro tips to keep your selfie game on point. No more bad selfie days for all!

Selfie Secrets

1) Find The Light: Okay, yeah I know I sound like Tyra Banks circa ANTM cycles 1-1 million but it’s so true. Half of the selfie struggle is finding good lighting and using it appropriately. That’s why I prefer to take a majority of my selfies outside or in a room where a lot of sunlight filters in.
So you’ve found the light – but are you really finding it? Lol, that sounds like some fake psychology mumbo jumbo but it’s a legitimate question. Finding the light isn’t just about taking a picture in good lighting. It’s more about angling your face so that the sunlight is smacking you right on your cheeks. While you’re having a selfie photo shoot, move your face in small motions until the lighting is just right (And I promise that you will know when that is.), and snap away you selfie queen.
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2) Chin Up: I can guarantee that a majority of the selfies that people take are deleted due to the illusion of a double chin. No one likes double chins. Okay, some people probably do. But, for the most part, a double chin is a major selfie faux pas. A killer selfie is all about the long, pretty neck, which can be easily achieved if you tilt your chin slightly upwards when you’re taking pictures. It’s going to feel unnatural, but your double chin days will be a thing of the past when you’re showing off your swan neck. Now, remember, chin up, shoulders back, and WERK. 
3) Smize: Okay, yeah I know I sound like Tyra Banks circa ANTM cycles 1-1 million but it’s so true. Dead eyes are a selfie no no. So, I want you to do an exercise with me. Go to the mirror and take a good hard look at yourself. Now, think about something happy and slightly sexy for that perfect “I have a secret” look in your eyes. A day in bed with Johnny Depp, perhaps? Hello! You should notice a visible difference in your face thanks to the newly found alertness and mischievous twinkle in your eyes. Thank you, Johnny Depp day dream!
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4) Quirky Cool: All selfies look the same. No matter who you are, from a super model to your average blogger (like me). It’s literally a picture of the camera on the flipped mode taking a shot of your mug. Cool. Now it’s up to you to make your pic unique so you don’t look like everyone else. When selfies first made their internet debut, a normal picture was just fine. But, now, standard selfies just don’t cut it anymore and absolutely nothing is worse than snapping a selfie only to have it be lost in the void of social media because it didn’t stand out.

Nowadays, selfies are more about fashion, quirk, and unlikely scenarios. Throw on a sassy Panama hat, tilt your sunglasses down your nose, and work like your life depends on it. And, bear in mind, that cool backgrounds are a must. What makes a background cool, you might ask? It literally could be anything – you just have to sell it. Take a selfie in front of a garbage can, label it with #ME, and watch the likes pour in. Be silly, be serious, be anything that you want, but for the love of all that is holy – be DIFFERENT.

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^^^ Being on top of the world is a pretty sweet background!

5) Give Me Face: Every selfie star has those little quirks that they do when they’re taking pics. Whether it be laughing out loud or giving duck face for days, find what expression works for your face and own it. I, personally, love an angular look. When I snap pictures I bite down on my jaw to give a more defined line. I also slightly suck in my cheeks to give the illusion of cheek bones to cut glass – but shh don’t tell! It’s a selfie secret! 😉
If you’re not keen on edgy cool but love a boho glow, inhale when the camera snaps for a “you just caught me picking flowers from the forbidden garden” face. Sounds silly? It is. But once you find that little quirk that works for you, your selfie game is about to change infinitely. Now, give me face, mother!
With these pro tips compliments of Lil Red, your next selfies are going to be so Instagram worthy that you’re not even going to be able to handle it. Just imagine what your followers are going to think! I taught you how to give face, but now, let Aura Frames teach you some tech savvy ways to up your selfie game even more in this infographic. Snap some gorgeous pics and snag yourself one of Aura Frame’s Digital Picture Frames for the perfect gift for your SO/parent/sister/friend or anyone else that likes looking at you!

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What are your tips and tricks for taking the perfect selfie? What is your preferred form of social media? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bonus Tip: Always, ALWAYS include dogs in your selfies if you can!! My featured image photo can attest to that! 😉 ❤

Battle Of The Sexes: How Men And Women Get Ready

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Battle Of The Sexes: How Men And Women Get Ready

You’re going out. Maybe it’s date night, or perhaps an evening out with friends to celebrate a special occasion. Both you and your boyfriend have agreed what time you need to leave; you have to be out of the door by 8 PM/8:15 at the very, very latest.

So the clock starts ticking. *Que Jeopardy theme*

vss.pngClocks can’t rush perfection. 😉

6 PM; You: “I guess I better start thinking of what I’m going to wear…”

You head to your closet and start inspecting literally everything that you own. Of course, none of it is acceptable; a closet full of gorgeous clothing but nothing that you’re enthused about wearing. You try on a few outfits, but none of them seem to be the right look for the night.

6 PM; Boyfriend: “Oh that’s right, we’re going out.”

And then promptly forgets about it, continuing on with the task he was doing beforehand. SMH.

6:30 PM; You: “What are you wearing?”

Having finally decided on your own outfit, you decide it’s probably a decent idea to make sure your boyfriend isn’t going to clash. You track him down and ask what he’s wearing.

6:30 PM; BF: “I haven’t really thought about it, to be honest.” (Typical.)

He doesn’t panic, though. It’s pretty simple for men; pants and some kind of shirt will suffice for the vast majority of occasions. He’s sure something is clean. He looks puzzled when you mention the idea of color clashing (What does that even mean?!).

6:45 PM; You: “Getting my groom on.” AYYY

You head to the bathroom to begin the process of getting ready. It’s actually one that you quite like, so you’re happy to spend some time going through the familiar motions of preparing yourself for the world.

You shower. You moisturize. You brush leave-in conditioner through your hair. You wrap your hair in a towel (which you boyfriend proclaims to be “witchcraft, when it’s really just strategically placed tucks and folds). You’re ready for phase two.

7 PM; BF: “Oh, I guess I should shower, as well, shouldn’t I?”

Reminded only by the fact that you’ve showered, he hops into the bathroom himself and does his routine. It’s a bit shorter than yours; shower, shave, a little bit of manscaping, aftershave, and then he’s good to go. He heads to get dressed.

7 PM -7.30; You: “Primer, foundation, concealer, eyeshadow…”

You know the motions of getting ready by now and the routine is smooth and simple. It takes a while – don’t worry, even women with the steadiest of hands aren’t able to apply eyeliner flawlessly on the first attempt – but you know that you’ve got time. With your makeup done, all you need to do is put your pre-chosen outfit on and do your hair. Job done. Well, nearly.

7:30 PM; BF: “I really did think I had something clean…”

After a panicked look through his entire wardrobe, he finally alights on an outfit that looks presentable. He’s ready.

7:45 PM; You: “Are you sure this looks okay?”

Still preening in the mirror, you’ve suddenly taken wildly against the outfit that you selected less than two hours prior. (It happens to the best of us.)

7:50 PM; BF: “Yes it’s fine. You look fine. Great. Can we go?”

8 PM; Both Of You: Finally ready, you head out of the door for your night out. You might have taken different routes to get to this point, but you got there in the end and that’s all that matters!

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Looking good feeling great.

Everyone has a different getting ready routine and as long as you get from Point A to Point B on time, you can’t really complain about your SO’s totally annoying pre date night process! 😉