Tag Archives: gorgeous

Dec24

New Year, New Look

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New Year, New Look

Hello everyone and happy Thursday! I’ve been itching to do something fun to my hair (no, not dye it!) and I think I found the perfect style to do that with. Take a look:

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^^^ Isn’t that gorgeous?!

The thing about my hair, is that it’s incredibly thick. This is absolute torture for me because I like my hair to be really sleek. My beloved hair stylist, Anna, and I have played around with different methods to get rid of the bulk of my hair during each cut but it always seems to grow back with a vengeance. After taking that situation for what it is, I started playing around with styles that will “remove” the thickness from my hair and give me something really sharp and edgy.

I knew that I absolutely did NOT want to do anything like shaving the sides, so then I decided that cornrows or braids would be a good way to go. To have a somewhat permanent twist on both sides of my head would eliminate the problem of what Anna and I call the “bubble”. The bubble effect happens what my hair starts poofing from the thickness and NOTHING makes it better!

What really drew me to the style that I found, though, was the fauxhawk. I’ve wanted my hair like that for ages but I always thought that it wasn’t long enough. Despite the appearance of a short haired cut, my hair still reaches my collarbones, aside from the back of my hair which is cropped nice and tight. The back of my hair has always been a problem for me, as well, because once it starts growing in, it looks like a straight up mullet – and not in the Uncle Jesse on Full House cute way. This style should help ease that unfortunate issue as well.

Everything about this New Look for the New Year sounds like the answer to my hair related prayers and I’m ready for something fresh and new. I’ve really liked the way that I’ve had my hair, but it’s been basically the same all year and I really want an edgy change. And can you imagine how dope this style will look with my bright red hair? Dayum!

I would never do such a drastic change without the 100% approval and professional opinions of my stylist, so I posted the picture I posted above on her wall on Facebook. Anna was in love right away so the new style is a go! Once everything slows down a little after Christmas, I’ll hit up the salon to get it done. I’d like to have it done before New Years though so I can have my new hair when Kyle takes me on our New Year’s Eve date!

I’m ready to ring in the New Year with a New Look and I’m so excited!! What are your plans for the new year? Who’s going to treat themselves to a new look for 2016? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec19

Treat Yoself! My Grown Up Wishlist From Spring

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Treat Yoself! My Grown Up Wishlist From Spring

Hello everyone and happy weekend! I recently got invited to create my own “Treat Yoself” Grown Up wishlist with the amazing products from Spring, an online boutique for all of your fashion needs! I have to say, if I treated myself to everything that I wanted from their incredible selection of clothing and accessories, I would be in severe debt because it’s basically the entire website, which is: Spring . Click on the link, shop along, and see what Lil Red likes the most as well as what you can send my way for the holiday! 😉 ❤

Silk Gauze Parka by Laveer: Oh. My. Goodness. This jacket is fabulous. I’m a huge jacket girl and this piece really caught my eye. As I scrolled through Spring, I noticed a lot of gorgeous leather jackets as well and perhaps if I wasn’t a strict vegetarian, one of those would be on my list. But this Laveer piece is just to die for. If there’s one thing my readers have learned about me, it’s that when I purchase clothing it must fall under the criteria of: black (usually), edgy, and super chic and this jacket fits that to the T.

laveer

Blazer with Bones Crystals by Libertine: Okay, the thing about this blazer is that if I talk about it for too long I’m going to start to cry because that’s how badly I want it. I LOVE Libertine so when I saw this piece I instantly started to drool…metaphorically speaking. This is hands down my favorite item on the website, and that’s really saying something. It’s perfect. I can’t say more than that.

libertine

Mollie Box Pleat V Neck Flare Dress by Alice + Olivia: Surprise! A non black item! I adore this dress! Some people are shocked that I love dresses but the funny thing about my style is that I love either really edgy or really girly pieces, there’s no in between. What I like the most about this dress is the color because I love wearing burnt orange. Rich fall colors make up quite a bit of my wardrobe so this dress would fit in perfectly. And the fact that it’s Alice + Olivia is a plus – their clothes are darling!

alice

Multi Blue “OH ROY” Pump by Pierre Hardy: Soooo…I really like shoes. I tried to go through all of the various categories on Spring but I got stuck on their selection of heels, boots, and flats. These. Are. FABULOUS!! I love pieces that are so unique and out there that the only question people can ask is “where did you find something like that?” These pumps by Pierre Hardy scream quirky to me, therefore, I’m in love.

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Comet Mid Heel Ankle Boot with Removable Bracelet by Freda Salvador: Yes, these are leather but that’s why they’re part of my wishlist…because I wish they weren’t leather! These are the coolest pair of booties ever! And everyone knows that Lil Red loves her booties. There comes a point in the world of ankle boots when they all start to look the same but these are such a loud and cool statement and I can’t get enough of it. Size 6 1/2 pleather, please.

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Embellished Tiger Sweater by Nicole Miller: The thing is…is that I’m kind of obsessed with this sweater. I scrolled through the entire section of tops on Spring and fell in love with their silly slogan-ed shirts adorned with phrases like “Namastay In Bed” but I couldn’t stop thinking about this piece! It’s so quirky, but it’s still sharp and chic and I can’t pinpoint why but I really like it. I’m not exactly one to walk around with an embellished tiger on my tops but I can definitely picture myself rocking this one!

tigre

I had a complete ball making my Treat Yoself! Grown Up Wishlist From Spring and I encourage all of you to check out their site at: Spring. What is your favorite piece from Spring? What are you going to add to your holiday wishlist from their site? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov25

Woman Crush Wednesday: Christina Aguilera Edition

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Woman Crush Wednesday: Christina Aguilera Edition

Hellooo everyone and welcome to a new issue of Woman Crush Wednesday – Christina Aguilera style! It’s been awhile since we’ve had a #WCW article since I straight up couldn’t think of anymore BUT after a girl power singing session to XTina in the Little Red Love Machine yesterday, I was inspired to give her a shout out! Let’s discuss:

Dear Christina Aguilera,

Oh, Christina you tiny little songstress – I just adore you! I forgot just how much I enjoyed your music until I was singing along to all of your songs in my whip (lolol) yesterday. I didn’t sound half as great as you though, so don’t worry about me stealing the pop star throne anytime soon. ANYWAYS, I had a really difficult time picking out what song I was going to choose to honor you with and in the end I just had to go with “Fighter”. A little known Lil Red Fun Fact is that “Fighter” is on my top ten list of favorite songs on the planet. Nothing makes me feel more empowered, nothing gets me more hyped, and nothing makes me feel better after a struggle than this song. And please, PLEASE don’t even get me started on the music video – it’s such a classic.

I think you are drop dead gorgeous and I can’t get over that big beautiful voice you have in that tiny little body! I felt so sad when you were getting ridiculed for weight gain (yay, pop culture) and thought you handled all of the negativity and backlash with such poise and grace. And believe me, no matter what size you are you look fabulous to me! Your amazing vocal talent is something that I envy so much and I just love everything that you do from your Dirrty XTina past to your days as Miss Diva on The Voice. You are one in a million and I LOVE YOU!!!!

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^^^ Omg. SHE’S SO PRETTY!!!!

So there you have it, this week’s Woman Crush Wednesday: Christina Aguilera Edition! Who is your favorite female pop vocalist? Who is your #WCW this week? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov4

Trades Of Hope

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Trades Of Hope

Hellooo everyone and welcome to a very special article here on lifewithlilred about a wonderful company that one of my good friends works for, Trades Of Hope. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sarah White to discuss her work with the company and some of her favorite accessories that are offered through her Trades Of Hope party to kick start the holiday shopping season. For those of you who don’t know, Trades Of Hope employs women artisans in third world countries so they can earn a fair living wage to help provide for themselves and their families. Take a look at part of our interview conducted by yours truly and then stick around to see some of Sarah’s gorgeous fall favorites:

  • Lil Red: Ever since I’ve known you, you’ve been passionate about volunteering your time for programs that help women world wide. What would you say is the most rewarding part of being involved with Trades Of Hope?
  • Sarah: I’ve always wanted to have a tangible way to help women coming out of poverty but I specifically have a passion for women coming out of trafficking, like many of the Trades Of Hope artisans. I’ve been involved with various programs that help raise money for women, but Trades Of Hope isn’t a charity – these women are hired, paid a fair wage, and are then able to take care of their families in a long term way. Trades Of Hope is an organization that helps women stop their cycle of poverty and betters their lives, I think that’s the best part.
  • LR: If you could say something to the Trades Of Hope artisans, what would it be?
  • S: I think it would just be…Thank you for what you’re doing. Thank you for making these products to support your families. We care about you and we love you…I would keep it pretty simple.
  • LR: You actually introduced Trades Of Hope to me one afternoon over coffee. If someone wanted to get involved with working for the company, what should they do?
  • S: To become a Compassion Entrepreneur, which is what we call ourselves, anyone can reach out to me for additional information! (Sarah’s contact info will be posted below.)
  • LR: Trades Of Hope offers an abundance of beautiful handcrafted accessories through catalog and on their site. It must be hard to pick a favorite!
  • S: It is! Of course I love the Mosaic Clutch and the Mustard Infinity Scarf but out of the jewelry the Julia from Guatemala is one of my favorites. The necklace was made from a young artist aging out of her orphanage and it’s simple but so pretty. If you look closely on the silver pendant the fingerprint of the artist is engraved in it.
  • LR: Are there any items on the site that are considered a fan favorite by the shoppers?
  • S: Definitely. The Eternal Seed necklace is very popular (it’s a Lil Red favorite too) as well as the Haiti Signature Bracelet which is made out of cereal boxes. (The pictures of the accessories mentioned can be seen below, as well as the Kala necklace, which I’m the proud owner of!) Not only does the bracelet help support our artisans but it’s great for the environment as well.

juliahaitieskala

Mosaic Clutch: I got to see this cute clutch in person and it’s even better in real life, if that’s even possible. Sarah is a self proclaimed “bag girl” and the Mosaic Clutch, made by Trades Of Hope artisans in Guatemala is one of her must have staples for fall.

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Mustard Infinity Scarf: This beautiful scarf was made by TOH artisans in Cambodia who have survived acid attacks. Despite such horrific events, the amazing women making these scarves have found joy again in their craft and they truly do it so well. Sarah has also deemed this scarf as one of her must have autumn pieces because of how much she likes the color! My friend has great style and would pair this infinity scarf with a hat of the same color, a sharp dark green jacket, dark wash denim, and a tall pair of boots for a fall OOTD. I’m a fan!

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Sarah will be hosting a party to ring in the holiday shopping season and it promises to be a lot of fun! Anyone who places an order through Sarah’s party has the opportunity to win free or half off items as the “hostess rewards”. The shopping extravaganza will be up and running for at least two weeks, so you’ll have lots of time to make your purchases and maybe get lucky by winning some rewards! Unfortunately, Trades Of Hope only ships in the US, but if you live abroad and are interested in any of the products seen on the site, you can email Sarah who will do the best she can to get you your accessories.

Sarah’s contact info and party links:

I had so much fun chatting about Trades Of Hope with my dear friend and before we parted ways, she gave some terrific ideas on stocking stuffers for the holiday season. Not only does Trades Of Hope offer chic accessories but you can also find items for kids, men, home decor, and beauty. Sarah recommends the soap and chapsticks from the site as a sweet and small gift but she’s partial to the jewelry! “All of the Trades Of Hope jewelry comes in a pretty bag and you can wear it and think of the person who got it for you” she says. I, for one, would love to find the Eternal Seed Necklace under my tree! Sarah can be seen below sporting some Trades Of Hope earrings and a mega watt smile! I see you!!

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Writing about Trades Of Hope was such a blast and I encourage all of you to do some shopping at the links provided above! What is your favorite item on the website? Do you have any questions about the company for Sarah? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct19

Man Crush Monday: Will Arnett Edition

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Man Crush Monday: Will Arnett Edition

Helloooo everyone and welcome to the newest edition of Man Crush Monday – Will Arnett style! I loved Mr. Arnett as Stranz Van Waldenberg in Blades Of Glory and now he bursts my buttons every night as the sleazy but hysterical Gob in Arrested Development. Take a look at my favorite clip from the entire show thus far and then let’s discuss:

Dear Will Arnett,

Oh Will, you big ol’ funny guy, you! My mom and I began watching Arrested Development on our drive to Orlando, Florida this past summer for our vacation and your character, Gob, quickly became one of our favorites. We are just wrapping up season two and the clip that I chose to honor you with literally had my mom and I rolling around on the floor while laughing our heads off. KOKA KOH KOKA KOH!! I would give anything to do the chicken dance with you! You play Gob’s pretentious and ridiculous self to sheer perfection which leaves me wanting to binge watch entire seasons of Arrested Development after every episode. You are a fantastic character actor and you are also quite the looker! Hubba hubba to you! Your unconventional good looks and tall lanky bod revs my engine. Not only are you a handsome son of a gun but you have the personality to match which makes me lust after you even more. I LOVE YOU!!!!!

will3will2

^^^ Swoon. He’s so cute! :*)

So there you have it, this week’s Man Crush Monday: Will Arnett Edition! Who is everyone’s #MCM this week? What is your favorite Gob quote on Arrested Development? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct14

Woman Crush Wednesday: Jennifer Aniston Edition

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Woman Crush Wednesday: Jennifer Aniston Edition

Helloooo everyone and welcome to another edition of Woman Crush Wednesday – Jennifer Aniston style! The newly Mrs. Aniston is an actress who I love and admire very much so check out some funny scenes from one of my favorite movies, Horrible Bosses, and then let’s discuss:

Dear Jennifer Aniston,

So I have to admit, it almost seems not right writing about you for #WCW because I never got too into Friends BUT that doesn’t take away from how much I love your movies! From your darling rom-coms to your iconic role as the sexual dynamo, Julia Harris, in Horrible Bosses – I’m a fan of it all! Not only do I appreciate your acting chops that have been on display for the duration of your lengthy career but I am enamored with your stunning natural beauty. Like seriously, you’re almost fifty years old and you don’t look a day over thirty. Women like you who take pride in their looks without going overboard with hair, makeup, and outlandish clothing sets an amazing example for ladies everywhere. You are the dictionary definition of a cougar and I want nothing more than for you to make me your cub. HUBBA HUBBA. I have enjoyed watching your red carpet and out and about style develop over the years and the pictures that I chose to honor you with feature two of my favorite looks by you. I think you’re an absolutely terrific role model and I LOVE YOU!!!!!

ja2ja5

^^^ Jesus Christ – she’s a masterpiece!!!

So there you have it, this week’s newest issue of Woman Crush Wednesday: Jennifer Aniston Edition! Who is everyone’s #WCW this week? (Seriously who is it because I’m running out of crushes!) What is your favorite movie role played by my woman crush? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct12

Man Crush Monday: Evan Peters Edition

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Man Crush Monday: Evan Peters Edition

Heyyy one and all and welcome to the newest edition of Man Crush Monday – Evan Peters style! Since the buzz on American Horror Story: Hotel is in full swing it only seems appropriate to dedicate a #MCM post to the AHS star that everyone swoons over! Take a listen to Evan Peters croon NIrvana’s “Come As You Are” in Freak Show and then let’s discuss:

Dear Evan Peters,

Oh sweet sweet Evan, you darling boy, you. Saying that I love you is an understatement…because I really freakin love you. Your performances season after season on American Horror Story are beyond impressive. I stand firm in the belief that the show would be nothing without you and Sarah Paulson especially now that Jessica Lange is no longer the AHS queen bee. Every role you’ve played on American Horror Story has been dynamite but I think my forever favorite would have to be Tate Langdon on Murder House. Your debut as the disturbed but charming as hell Tate made me as well as probably every person viewing the show fall head over heels in love with you. Another favorite of mine is when you played Kit Walker in Asylum – hubba hubba!! Unfortunately, I wasn’t too fond of when you played Kyle in Coven because all I wanted to do was hear your sweet voice instead of Frankenstein style grunting every episode. And of course I wouldn’t mind you putting your lobster claws all over me as Jimmy Darling in Freak Show! I’m so excited for your character to be introduced in Hotel so I can stare longingly at the television every time you appear on screen! I LOVE YOU!!!!

evan3evan2

^^^ My dear lord, come to mama. ❤

So there you have it, this week’s Man Crush Monday: Evan Peters Edition! Who is everyone’s #MCM this week? What was your favorite role that my man crush played on American Horror Story? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct7

Woman Crush Wednesday: Jessica Lange Edition

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Woman Crush Wednesday: Jessica Lange Edition

Hey there everyone and sorry for my absence yesterday – it was a busy day! But I’m back and it’s time for another edition of Woman Crush Wednesday – Jessica Lange style! With American Horror Story: Hotel premiering tonight with a new leading lady, Lady Gaga, it only seems right to pay homage to the original AHS queen bee, Jessica Lange. Take a look at a fan favorite video of J-Lange performing as Elsa Mars in AHS: Freak Show and then let’s discuss:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_S4ToLRsws

Dear Jessica Lange:

Oh Jessica, you incredibly amazingly talented woman, you. Your performances on seasons one through four of American Horror Story go unmatched by anyone on the show. Episode after episode you stunned us faithful viewers with singing, tear jerking moments, and a butt load of sassafras to the nth degree. My personal favorite character you played has to be from season one, though. In Murder House you played Constance Langdon, which skyrocketed your AHS career with a bang, winning you Emmy’s and the respect of all of your fans and colleagues. I’ll never forget being blown away by your outright bitchiness that made me love to hate you throughout the season. Although Lady Gaga is taking your place this season on Hotel, there is no replacing you. I, as well as a vast majority of AHS fanatics, so wish that you were returning to take your rightful place as the star of the show. As I said, your talent is unreal, but your beauty is off the charts as well! You have aged with such poise and grace and I would be more than happy to date you because everyone loves a cougar! Hubba hubba! I LOVE YOU and please PLEASE come back to American Horror Story soon!

jl2jl11

^^^ Wtf even? She’s drop dead gorgeous.

So there you have it, this week’s Woman Crush Wednesday: Jessica Lange Edition! Make sure you tune in with lifewithlilred for a synopsis of the premiere episode of American Horror Story: Hotel! Who’s excited for the season premiere? How do you feel about my woman crush not being in Hotel? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct5

Man Crush Monday: Adam Scott Edition

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Man Crush Monday: Adam Scott Edition

Helloooo everyone and welcome to the newest edition of Man Crush Monday – Adam Scott style! Mr. Scott has made me swoon as douchebag brother, Derek, in Step Brothers and sweetheart soulmate to Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation, Ben Wyatt. Take a look at the classic “Sweet Child O’ Mine” scene from Step Brothers and then let’s discuss:

Dear Adam Scott,

Oh Adam, you darling sensitive man, you! I was introduced to your cuteness and Vanilla Ice lip syncing self in Step Brothers and I have been so fond of you ever since. It was such a treat to see you in Hot Tub Time Machine 2, which my boyfriend and I watched recently – we replayed the scene of you majorly tripping so many times! And please, PLEASE don’t even get me started on my deep love for you on Parks & Rec. My mom and I freaking adore your character, Ben Wyatt. His adorable picture perfect relationship with Leslie Knope is the most precious thing on the planet. You play his sweet and incredibly nerdy character so well and you and Amy Poehler were absolute gold together. Not only are you an amazingly talented actor but you’re also amazingly handsome! Hubba hubba, sir. Your staggering good looks are unmatched and I can totally see why Leslie Knope has a strong yearning for your butt on Parks & Rec!! Keep being the funny, charming, gorgeous guy that you are and I think that your Hollywood career will be just fine! I LOVE YOU!!!

adam2adam1

^^^ Oh-em-gee that hair!!!! ❤

So there you have it, this week’s Man Crush Monday: Adam Scott Edition! Who is everyone’s #MCM this week? What is your favorite cute moment between Ben and Leslie on Parks & Rec? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct3

If The Shoe Fits – Michael Kors Edition

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If The Shoe Fits – Michael Kors Edition

Helloooooo everyone and welcome to a new issue of If The Shoe Fits – Michael Kors style! In association with my post yesterday entitled “Fall Shopping Fun” these beautiful Michael Kors booties were also purchased with the intention of adding them to my cold weather wardrobe. Take a better look at my pretty new babies and then let’s discuss:

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Alright, first let me just say that I am far from a label whore when it comes to my clothing. I don’t care for designer anything. I live for a good deal at Target, Kohl’s, or TJMaxx so it’s extremely out of the ordinary for me to own anything from what I consider a “high end” designer. BUT I saw these boots while shopping with my mom at TJ’s and I fell in love. So how did these MK buckle adorned beauties end up coming home with me? I’m so glad you asked!

I LOVE going to TJ’s with my mom. I can remember going shopping there with my grandma when I was really young and ever since I’ve been a die hard Maxxinista. Whenever my mom and I hit up our favorite store, we always always start in the shoe department. The past few times we’ve shopped at TJ’s we’ve been unimpressed with what they had to offer but not this time around! As I ambled through the aisles of boots, heels, and flats my eyes locked on the industrial style booties. I hurried over and plucked them off the shelf and immediately turned them over to inspect the price. When I saw the tag was far out of my normal price range, I realized that they were Michael Kors. “Oh, that explains it”, I thought to myself and put them back with a heavy heart.

Once my mom caught up to me she asked me if I saw anything that I liked and I pointed out the booties that I just recently returned to the shelf. “Well are you gonna try them on?” she asked. “No, they’re too expensive and I know that if I try them on I’m going to like them too much.” My mom didn’t argue with my logic and we continued to peruse the shoe department together. As my partner in crime tried on some cute new booties of her own, all I wanted to do was try on the Michael Kors. I voiced my insatiable desire deep in my loins to her and she urged me to give them a try. Well, she didn’t have to tell me twice. I rushed my sweet ass to the MK’s and snatched them so fast I was worried that I was going to break a nail. I brought them back to the benches to try them on for the moment of truth…

I sat my sweet tookus on the bench and slipped off my knee high tan riding boots all while thinking, “Sarah, you really shouldn’t be doing this”. But it was too late, my shoes were already off and the Michael Kors were sitting there, waiting patiently to join forces with my feet. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes tight, and shoved the right boot on. I zipped up the zipper on the side and told myself that “that wasn’t so bad” and pulled on the left shoe to complete the pair. I hoisted my sweet badonk off of the bench and walked slowly to the mirror. “Damnit,” I thought as I saw my reflection, “I love them”.

As soon as I saw them in all of their rocker chic glory I knew that I couldn’t leave the store without them. They. Were. Perfect. These Michael Kors booties have legitimately everything that I love. They’re black, buckled, zippered, and edgy as hell. As I previously mentioned, I don’t care about labels. In fact, I hate them. BUT for my first and only pair of designer shoes, I think that they hit the nail on the head!

I don’t plan on buying any more “high end” heels or boots to add to my collection because I really do think that they’re unnecessary. However, I deemed my purchase “worth it” because it really is a one time splurge and the only harm in that is to my wallet. Yes, I do have a lot of beautiful clothes, shoes, and accessories but 99% of them were purchased with price in mind. I’m a smart shopper, I always wait for the best deals, and I like to think that I ball on a budget – but I don’t know any girl that’s going to turn down a pair of Michael Kors booties that were literally made for you!

So there you have it, my latest purchase documented in If The Shoe Fits – Michael Kors Edition. With my amazing new booties and fun new shirt that you can see in “Fall Shopping Fun”, I think that I’ll take a break from the mall for a while…But I really do love both of my new editions to my wardrobe! What has been your favorite splurge purchase? What are you most looking forward to wearing this fall? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah