Tag Archives: jacket

Oct17

Must Have Fall Wardrobe Staples

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Must Have Fall Wardrobe Staples

For many, myself included, fall is the most beloved season of all. The weather, holidays, activities, and changing leaves make for a beautiful and fun time of the year. And, oh yeah, the fashion isn’t bad either! Fall fashion is a blast and provides an opportunity for a killer OOTD every time you walk out the door. Layering pieces and cold weather accessories are all must haves in a solid fall wardrobe arsenal. Here are a few that will keep you OOTD ready all season long:

Statement Jacket:

When it comes to fall clothing, priority number one should be a fantastic statement jacket. A good coat or jacket can turn the most basic outfit into something blog worthy by simply slipping it on. There is a coat for every style and occasion and it is one of my favorite pieces to indulge in when shopping. Feeling edgy? Try a moto jacket! Classically cute? A topper jacket or trench coat is your new best friend. Comfy cozy? A soft cardigan jacket will be perfect for wrapping yourself in.

For layering purposes, remember to follow this golden rule: You never want to layer two bulky or tight articles of clothing on top of each other. If you have a looser fitting coat, a thick sweater underneath is fine. On the other hand, a tight fitting moto jacket should be paired with a thinner top or sweater underneath to keep the proportions of the outfit in check.

Boots, Baby:

Put your summer sandals and wedges away because boot season is in full swing! Like a good jacket, a bold pair of shoes can instantly transform an outfit. Look for heeled boots to wear during an outing and some cool combat boots to sport during a fall hike. To add some extra visual interest, you can try patterns like snakeskin, cheetah print, or floral. Hardware embellished boots with chains or studs are also sure to be a hit!

Cold Weather Accessories:

There are three must have cold weather accessories to not only keep you nice and warm but oh so fashionable: Scarves, hats, and gloves. These pieces will help tie your fall OOTDs together and are a great way to spice up your wardrobe without breaking the bank. When it comes to these accessories, the possibilities are endless! Do you want mittens or fingerless gloves? An infinity scarf or a pashmina? How about a floppy or cloche hat? Regardless of what you choose, you will be toasty and always ready for a photo op.

Cardigans/Sweaters:

For maximum comfort, warmth, and style, a gorgeous cardigan or sweater is the way to go! You can keep things simple with a plain one in fall hues like burnt orange, mustard yellow, and forest green. Or you can take things to the next level with patterns like polka dots, Halloween themes, or thick stripes. For many a fall OOTD, comfy cozy is the name of the game. Snap a pic in your fall sweater or cardi with a Pumpkin Spice Latte in hand and you just broke Instagram!

It doesn’t take much to revamp your fall wardrobe – just a few of the pieces above will suffice. Now, go werk those fall fits and hit the apple orchard!

What is your favorite piece of fall clothing? How do you upgrade your wardrobe as the seasons change? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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Sep24

Clothing Staples For Your Wardrobe

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Clothing Staples For Your Wardrobe

Creating the perfect wardrobe for you is something that takes time. Unless you’re a celebrity, literally no one is buying an entire closet full of clothes in one shopping trip! Today, we are going to explore three different components of day to day life and the clothing you need to make it work:

Work:

Clothing that is appropriate for work is completely dependent on where you work, of course!

  • If you work at an animal shelter, clothing that moves well and is comfortable is the way to go like stretch jeans, leggings, and light long sleeved tops.
  • If you work at a restaurant or a grocery store and are in and out of the freezer constantly, a cozy cardigan should help the cause just fine. (And, if your freezer system at work is on the fritz, consider walk-in fridge repair for businesses to assist!)
  • In an office setting, you might want to opt for smart, professional clothing like blazers, slacks, blouses, or pencil skirts. Don’t forget a sharp pair of oxfords or kitten heels to complete the look!

Think about where you work and plan accordingly. Is the temperature comfortable or can it get a little warm or chilly? What are your coworkers wearing? Is there a dress code? This will all help you make the right decision on work appropriate attire.

Play:

You might not have much of a choice in what you can wear for work but play attire is a totally different story! Clothing for running errands, hanging out with friends, or a date should be all about what makes you feel confident. These are going to be key pieces in your play wardrobe’s arsenal:

  • A great pair of jeans is a definite must. A great pair of jeans with big pockets is even better! Skinny, boot cut, flare, or high waisted – a pair of jeans can be dressed up or down for whatever the occasion. Knowing your measurements can be a huge help when it comes to shopping for bottoms and can save you many a back and forth trip from the fitting rooms.
  • Statement jackets can turn an ordinary outfit into something special. Moto jackets with patches are always fun and edgy while a classic trench coat is a timeless piece. From sophisticated in a peacoat or sassy in a faux fur number, throwing on a jacket is an ideal option when you don’t feel like styling a look!
  • No matter if your style is simple or total fashionista, everyone should have at least one bold “look at me” top in their wardrobe. This is the perfect opportunity to play with patterns, bright colors, and unique shapes. If you are uncomfortable with something so loud on top, a patterned skirt is a great way to dip your toes in the water.

Leisure:

We can be so focused on work or play clothing that we tend to forget about pieces that are made purely for comfort. I am definitely guilty of this and my life changed for the better when I allowed myself to purchase pajamas and sweatpants! 😀

  • Leggings and sweats are the best for lounging at home, working out, or even going out and about in a sporty chic look. Leggings will also come in handy when it’s cold because they can easily be worn under your jeans. If you like to work out outside, be sure to invest in some hi vis jackets for your safety.
  • Wrapping yourself up in a snuggly, chunky cardigan is so comforting on a brisk day or when you’re curled up on the couch. Accessorize with a cup of tea to complete the look!
  • Cute pajama sets feel so luxurious, especially if it is something that you normally wouldn’t buy. Treat yourself to some new PJs and a matching robe and hit the hay like royalty.

Complete every aspect of your day in style with the tips above!

Dec16

Thrifting With Zip

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Thrifting With Zip

Howdy! As you all know, I have grown very fond of secondhand shopping this past year and am all about the Goodwill. This love for thrifting developed while shopping for my apartment and now I cannot resist the urge to check out the local thrifts to see what treasures I can find.

So, when another beautiful blogger, pen named Zip, contacted me about her amazing thrift store finds, I couldn’t say no to featuring them on my page. Let’s take a look and, as always, if you’re interested in guest posting on lifewithlilred, shoot me an email at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com!

Thrifting With Zip

1.) Snake Skin Short Jacket: The thing I love most about this jacket would be the snakelike design and the dark edgy look it gives off. I would probably pair this with a simple all black casual look with some high fall boots.
*Lil Red approves and recommends sporting a deep red or purple lipstick for the ultimate vampy cool look!
2.) Black & White Marble Blazer: Hence the name I picked out on this fashion find, lol. It was eye-catching the moment I saw it, and the best part is that I got this gem for free from a local thrift shop. I guess it’s true when they say that the best finds in life are free! Anyways, I really love this blazer and the old-school 90’s vibe it gives me. Plus, its a diverse fashion piece which I can wear in many ways. And, did I mention it has pockets?!
3.) Multicolor Sweater Dress: This was probably my favorite thrift find this year! The colors really make your eyes pop and it’s such a bold statement. It’s also reversible, so I can wear it both sides, which is pretty cool. Personally, I LOVE the colored side and the “look at me” vibes it gives off. I would wear this dress with some bad-ass, suede thigh high boots.

About The Author: I am Oprah “Zip” Bradford, but I’m known to most by my pen name Zip. I am just a normal ole gal from the small town of Covington, Louisiana. I am the author of ten books, a full time blogger, the creator of the empowerment platforms OprahZipBradford.com, The Come-Up, and the upcoming book “The Single Woman’s Plug”. I also created the hashtag #ZipPost on Facebook which spreads my empowerment messages around the world.

Contact Zip At:

Thanks again to Zip for guest posting on lifewithlilred! What is your favorite secondhand store? What is your favorite treasure you’ve found thrifting? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct7

Trail Blazers: Criscione Edition

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Trail Blazers: Criscione Edition

Greetings! While vacationing in North Carolina, the home that we were staying in had a Goodwill right down the street. So, of course my mom and I had to stop in! We love us some discount shopping and I have had great success at the Goodwill this past year when it comes to clothing and making apartment purchases. In fact, two of my favorite blazers that I got recently are from there!

At the Goodwill in North Carolina, I ended up with FOUR blazers for a grand total of twenty bucks. You really can’t beat that. Did I need them? No. Did I like all of them? Yes! Especially this one by Criscione. Check it out:

blazerblazer4blazer1blazer2blazer5

^^^ Peep those shoulder pads, baby!

I absofreakinglutely LOVE this blazer. It is pure and utter glam rock to the highest degree and I couldn’t be happier with this Goodwill find. From the rhinestones sparkling against the pitch black fabric to the larger than life shoulder pads, this blazer is everything and then some. I can’t get enough of the bejeweled buttons and I adore its length that hits right at my mid thigh for a more tuxedo jacket type feel. You truly can’t find clothing like this anymore and I feel like I hit the jackpot when I stumbled upon this pretty little thang.

The beauty of this blazer is not just in its bedazzled flashiness but in the infinite styling possibilities that it offers. I, for one, am looking forward to pairing it with faux leather skinnies and my Union Jack platforms. But, I also love the idea of wearing it over a dress and knitted tights come cold weather for a look to slay all family get togethers. I’m clutching my pearls just thinking about it!

What has been your best thrift store find? What are your tips for shopping secondhand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct6

Lucky Brand Haul: Corduroy Trucker Jacket Edition

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Lucky Brand Haul: Corduroy Trucker Jacket Edition

Hi! To conclude my Lucky Brand Haul from the outlets in Asheville, North Carolina, we are going to discuss my new corduroy trucker jacket. I have always loved the idea of corduroy but, sadly, have never found anything in that material that I considered worth buying. That is, until my pretty rust hued baby came along. Perfect for fall and a great layering piece, this jacket will be everything come the chillier weather! Take a look:

cord2cord3cord

I was very excited to have found this style of jacket at Lucky, because I had recently ordered a snakeskin patterned trucker jacket from TJMaxx and it did nothing for me. It was just too big and boxy and even my favorite animal print couldn’t save it. Despite having a more boyfriend style fit, my new jacket still has a lovely little shape to it without just draping over me. This is great, because grossly oversized on a petite frame does nothing for my body type!

And, of course, give me anything in a rusty tan or orange hue and I am all in. One of my favorite colors to wear other than black, this shade does all of the right things for me. It makes my red hair pop, my pale skin look even more porcelain, and my hazel eyes sparkle. It is also beautifully reminiscent of the leaves changing color and will be one of my fall staples, for sure.

As I mentioned above, this jacket is an awesome layering piece because of its slightly oversized fit. This means that you can wear a more chunky sweater or turtleneck underneath and still get away with it without looking like a little marshmallow! And, because it’s a more lightweight jacket, you won’t be burning up with your heavier sweater on beneath it. Talk about a win/win. 😀

How do you rock corduroy? What is your favorite style of jacket? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct3

Lucky Brand Haul: Topper Jacket Edition

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Lucky Brand Haul: Topper Jacket Edition

Hellooo everyone! While vacationing in Asheville, North Carolina, I planned on saving money during the week. However, a trip to the outlet malls utterly destroyed that and I ended up going way too hard at the Lucky Brand discount shop. In my defense, though, I scored some excellent deals and I finally got to actually shop in their store as opposed to waiting for TJMaxx to have some Lucky goodies available to purchase.

If I do have a Lucky Brand near me in Ohio, it is definitely not an outlet location so I wanted to take full advantage of the experience. And, even when TJs does have Lucky items, it is usually just sunnies and jewelry – which are nice. But, it’s not a full blown clothing item, which I so lust after.

During my Lucky haul, I was able to curb the desire for some actual Lucky’s clothing and ended up with four items for about one hundred and forty bucks, which I considered a steal, because the original price on most of the items was one hundred! I also had a twenty-five dollar off coupon and received fifteen percent off when getting approved for their credit card, which dwindled the total down fifty-five dollars. So, no one can say I didn’t shop smart. Or stylish, for that matter, because check this beauty out:

luck1luck2luck3

There is no denying that Lil Red loves a good jacket. I am absolutely addicted to them and, as soon as I saw this gorgeous, wheat colored topper jacket I knew that I needed it. It is honest to god as comfortable as slipping on a bathrobe but the sleek shape, cool color, and fleecey fabric keeps it looking nice and chic. As a shorter girl, I strive to create the illusion of length in all of my OOTDs and the straight lines in this coat make this possible. And, thanks to the slinky fabric, it still feels like it fits like a glove so it doesn’t overpower my petite frame.

The golden wheat color is just phenomenal and I love the way it looks when the light hits it because the poly/cotton blend fabric provides a dazzling sheen. Although this is a fairly simple piece, it makes a bold statement. This, in turn, makes styling it a breeze. All one need do is throw on a killer pair of trousers, your favorite turtle neck, a heeled ankle bootie, and a necklace to hit at the V-neck and you are all set!

Are there any stores that you love but are not close to you? How do you shop smart at outlet malls? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov12

Poshmark Review

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Poshmark Review

Hiii everyone! If you guys remember from a post a few days ago, Lil Red tried Poshmark for the first time to get a moto jacket by Kensie. The jacket arrived a few days ago, one day after it shipped because, coincidentally, the woman who I bought it from and I live about twenty-five minutes away from each other! Let me give you a reminder of what this Kensie number looks like if you don’t remember and let’s discuss:

kensiekensie1kensie2

Overall, I’m really happy with this purchase and I love my new/used jacket. BUT, my major complaint is that it smelled so smokey and I could smell it as soon as I took it out of the packaging. Now, I get why this would be hypocritical of me to say since I smoke. However, if you’re sending out any type of product to someone, I think that it’s important for it to be in the best condition possible and that includes the smell.

Despite that little hiccup, I would definitely use Poshmark again, I just don’t think that I would buy from the seller that I purchased from. This is all hunky dory with me, though, because, at the end of the day, I got the jacket that I was so desperately seeking out. The price was also fair enough although, since the odor was an issue, I wish that I got it for a little cheaper. But, alas, beggars can’t be choosers!

Poshmark seller rating for @sundaygirlpicks:

6

What has your experience with shopping or selling on Poshmark been like? What else do you do to make some money off of used clothes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep18

The Five Hottest Trends To Wear This Winter

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The Five Hottest Trends To Wear This Winter

Does your winter wardrobe need some sprucing up? If so, here are five bold ideas to inject some fun and vivacity into your outfits this upcoming season:

Animal print:

It’s definitely a daring thing to try if you’re new to it, but animal print is all the rage this winter. Head to any high street store and you’ll see it adorning everything from coats to trousers – and when paired with the right colors and cuts, it works strikingly well, making for a particularly vibrant outfit in the dreary winter months.

Try a leopard print coat or some snakeskin trousers for an impactful look which will giving you warmth this winter. Pair the designs with simple colors and garments in order to create an outfit with an animalistic statement piece to create a pop of flavor without looking costumey.

cheetah

^^^ Too cute!

Two coats instead of one:

Why settle for one coat when you can have two? To some, this might sound like a crazy trend – but with layers coming to the forefront of fashion this season, you’ll be seeing many people layering a big, thick coat on top of a lighter one. It adds a unique flair to an outfit that also doubles up as extra warmth.

Seen on the runways this year, this trend is now translating to high street fashion – expect to see layers everywhere in the biggest shops. Opt for a thin, light coat underneath a bigger, bolder overcoat for a winter staple with a warm twist.

All brown everything:

Gone are the typical blacks and greys so often seen in winter fashion. Instead, the 70s are calling with browns adorning many of the shops this season. It’s been an underrated color in clothing for many years, and it’s finally taking the spotlight once again – it’s a neutral color that provides a bit more pizazz than the monochrome alternatives.

Brown coats are a common choice this season, but why not go for something a bit different? Boots, trousers, and accessories are a great way to introduce a new color into your winter wardrobe.

brr3.jpeg

^^^ A camel scarf is a great place to start!

80s influences:

Expect to see strong eighties influences in winter fashion this year. It’s being embraced with partywear in particular, with foils and bodycon dresses making waves in stores. Understated is out – instead, making a bold impact is to be expected at parties and celebrations over the festive period.

Partying like it’s 1989 will be the norm this winter, with mini dresses, sequins, silk, and velvet being brought out front and center. Don’t be modest with your outfit for any big occasion – making a bold, eighties-esque statement is recommended.

Plaid, please:

It has never truly gone away, but plaid is coming back as a popular design choice for clothing this winter. Putting a quirky spin on traditional winter garments, expect to see it on trousers, jumpers, coats, and accessories. If you’re looking for something more left-field, pair some plaid slacks with sneakers for a smart casual look that is sure to impress.

poncho

^^^ How Lil Red does plaid this winter!

These hot trends will keep you nice and warm during the chilly winter months ahead – no space heater required!

Aug27

Cooling Down

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Cooling Down

Heyyy! With August coming to an end, the weather in good ol’ Northeast Ohio is finally cooling down. So much so, that I got to break out one of my faux leather jackets and be able to wear it comfortably. Needless to say, I was really FEELING MYSELF and taking selfies was a must. And, obviously sharing them with all of you is a must too! Take a look:

cool1coolcool2

Once cardigan and light jacket weather ensues, I instantly feel happy. Fall weather is my favorite type of weather and I love dressing for it. I can style a mean autumn outfit, and walking around during the day knowing that I look my best is a surefire way to keep my confidence high no matter what I have in store. I can tell in the pictures above that I was feeling great, and I’m looking forward to more fall days to keep that streak going!

What is your favorite season to dress for? What is an outfit that makes you feel confident? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug6

New Kasper Topper Coat

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New Kasper Topper Coat

Hi everyone and welcome to another wonderful week here on lifewithlilred! I’ve been bad…real bad…Because I ended up ordering more stuff on TJMaxx! But, in my defense, I want to finish all of my fall clothing shopping before I move into my apartment so SUE ME FOR IT. My purchases included two drop dead gorgeous BCBG dresses, which you will see tomorrow and Wednesday, and this lovely topper coat by Kasper seen below. Let’s discuss:

kasperkasper1kasper2kasper4

  • Suggested Price: $149
  • TJMaxx Price: $40
  • Total Savings: $109

My favorite pieces of clothing are definitely coats and jackets. I love how something that you literally just throw on can transform an outfit in its entirety. From moto jackets and peacoats to blazers and trenches, they each hold a special place in my heart. But, I’ve never owned a topper coat until now. Do I know exactly what it is? NO. Do I love it, anyways? HELL YES!

This little number by Kasper is going to look so freaking posh come fall and winter and I cannot wait to wear it for the first time once the weather cools down. I love the black scales peaking out from underneath the white netting, its length, and the elbow length sleeves. And then pairing it with black, thigh high boots and a large statement bag with your OOTD? Forget about it.

From the work Christmas party to throwing this topper on and running your errands, my new Kasper coat will serve its purpose well once the temps get chilly. Can fall get here now, or?

How would you style this topper? Better yet, what the hell is a topper?! I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah