Tag Archives: mall

May27

Altar’d State Haul

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Altar’d State Haul

Hello everyone!! During my first trip to Summit Mall in a good two years, I had a wildly successful clothing haul at a new to me store called Altar’d State. I am seriously so obsessed with all of my purchases and I have been very eager to show all of you. I am just slightly more eager to wear all of them out and about! In Altar’d State, I tried on clothes that I never pictured myself wearing before. The kerchief top that you are about to see is, perhaps, the farthest stretch from something that I would normally wear and I felt proud of myself for even trying it on. The best part? I fell in love with the top immediately! Check it out:

While browsing in Altar’d State, I noticed a dress in the gingham and floral pattern of my new top and wasn’t crazy about it because it was just too much. I really wasn’t expecting to want to try the kerchief top on when I saw it tucked away on a hanging rack but I thought that it would be nice and cool in the summer and I loved the tie back. I don’t get to show off the tattoos on my back very often and I knew this top would display all of them nicely so I added it to my try on pile.

Originally, I didn’t have high hopes for my new top because I feared that I would be too exposed in it, especially as I have a larger bust. I was truly surprised when I liked it so much but there are so many reasons why this top works so well. Let’s start with the front of the shirt and its fit. The length of the material in the front actually shows no part of your stomach to leave a little something to the imagination! I was worried that the fabric might cling in an unflattering way but it hugged my body without feeling tight and that made me feel really comfortable, even as a bustier gal.

Another fear that I had, despite wanting to display my tattoos on my back, is if the tie back would leave me feeling too bare. However, the ties are long enough that you can make a nice, big bow which covered up the middle of my back almost completely, only leaving the top and bottom of my back exposed. After realizing everything that my kerchief top had working for it, all of my worries dissipated and I knew that it was coming home with me.

Like I said, I was proud of myself for even giving this top a try and the confidence boost that it gave me in the fitting room is how all clothing should make you feel. I loved the way that I looked in my top and it was exciting to have something so different work so perfectly. I couldn’t wait to get home to show it to Johnny and I am itching to wear my purchase during our next date day!

What is a piece of clothing that makes you feel confident? How are you upgrading your summer wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb1

New Moon Who Dis? T-Shirt Dress

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New Moon Who Dis? T-Shirt Dress

Hi! My boyfriend and I were recently at Hot Topic in the mall so he could pick up some new jeans and I ended up with an adorable little number, myself. Was I expecting to find a new T-shirt dress that I am obsessed with for half off? No, absolutely not. Which made this find so much sweeter that it has left me saying “New me, who dis?” to everyone I come in contact with! Lol, check it out:

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Normally, I am not a huge fan of slogan T-shirts but this one was so cute I just couldn’t help myself. I love the funny phrase with all of the phases of the moon, the slouchy oversized fit, and the corset ties at the bottom. After trying it on, I knew that I was going to buy it but when it rang up for twelve dollars I wanted to buy ten more! 😀

I cannot wait for the weather to warm up so I can wear my new dress without tights on underneath because I already have my dream OOTD in mind. I’m thinking this dress, my black thigh high boots, a funky moto jacket, and bold gold jewelry for an All Black Everything ensemble sure to turn heads.

I like how this dress can be styled casually for running errands but I am particularly fond of the urban edge that it invokes with the right accessories. I always have loved the look of a little dress with super tall boots and an oversized tote bag. It creates sexy legs for days, perfect for cat walking to all of your destinations!

How would you style this T-Shirt dress? How do you get “New me, who dis?” level confidence? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan26

Francesca’s Haul

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Francesca’s Haul

Hello, hello! To finish out this little Mall Haul series, we are going to discuss a darling Jun & Ivy skirt and a headband that I got for Valentine’s Day from Francesca’s. On lifewithlilred, V-Day always means a fun photo shoot to show ya’ll how to dress girly sweet while still incorporating your personal style on the holiday of romance. And, since I’m in a relationship, I also needed a little something something to sport on my date night with my boyfriend as well as the photo shoot. Here’s a sneak peek of some of what I’ll be wearing compliments of Francesca’s:

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When it comes to styling for Valentine’s Day, I always try to incorporate a bit of a rocker edge, because I consider that to be my signature style. So, I was definitely happy to have found a cute and cheeky skirt for V-Day without it being in pink! During my trip to the mall, I didn’t want to go for anything too obvious but the lipstick kisses and red hearts against the black background of my Jun & Ivy skirt sold me.

The best part, though? The shape! This skirt is cinched around the waist with elastic, runs tighter down the thigh, and flounces out at the bottom. The effect? An hourglass silhouette which screams sex appeal while still being oh so sweet thanks to the movement at the bottom. When I first saw this skirt on the hanger, I thought it was a true skater skirt, but it is so much more than that. The unique designing takes it over the edge from just being “cute”, which is what I wanted to avoid.

And, of course, you aren’t complete for a V-Day OOTD without some accessories! To me, nothing beats sporting pearls on Valentine’s Day. They are timeless while still being daring because it takes a lot to pull off such classic simplicity. When I saw my pearl adorned headband, I was in love. I knew that it would tie together the vision that I had in my head while styling for my upcoming photo shoot and date night. But, never mind that, because this headband will be a perfect add on accessory to any look!

How will I incorporate these two new pieces into one slamming OOTD? You’ll just have to wait and see!

How do you style an OOTD for a date night out? How do you describe your personal style? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan25

Bath & Body Works Haul

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Bath & Body Works Haul

Hi! When winter rolls around in Ohio, I like to take my clients to the mall to walk some laps. It’s important to continue exercise and self care even in freezing temperatures! While making our rounds when I was with a client, I noticed that Bath & Body Works was having a winter clearance sale and I knew I just had to get my hands on some goodies before everything was picked over. So, later that night, I ventured to the mall to score some super discounted treats. Check it out:

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Okay, let me start off by saying, I know that I purchased A TON of stuff. Sixteen products to be exact. BUT, I paid fifty dollars in total for all of the haul that you see above and you just can’t beat that. I only go grocery shopping once every two to two and a half months and EVERY. TIME. I end up buying body washes and lotion to replenish my dwindling supply. This haul eliminated that for at least a year while giving me scents that I love from a brand that I enjoy.

When I first moved into my apartment, I bought a ton of the foaming hand soap from Bath & Body Works and it is my absolute favorite. They smell amazing and leave my hands feeling clean without being dried out. I was so happy to have purchased some delicious summery scents for half off including my A1 of the Peach Bellini. It is almost as tasty as an actual Margarita… the Margarita Time hand soap be damned!

And, of course, I had to get all things apple for my body wash as it is my go to for shower time or perfume. The Champagne Apple & Honey along with the Winter Candy Apple is a sweet tart treat that will definitely help invigorate me during my morning shower! Is six bottles between the two excessive? Yes. But, hello emergency add on gifts if I ever need. 😀

I am SO pleased with my haul from Bath & Body Works and am already chomping at the bit to finish up the bath and body products I’m using now so I can break out the good stuff. Nothing is better than buying essentials that you actually need and are going to use for a song!

Which store has the best seasonal sales? What is your favorite Bath & Body Works fragrance? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan24

Victoria’s Secret Haul

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Victoria’s Secret Haul

Hello everyone! Shockingly enough, I had a real hankering to go to the mall this past week. I know, I know – I’m amazed that I didn’t end up at TJMaxx myself! However, I needed some very specific things that I knew could only be bought by making the trek to Summit Mall. I was in the mood to hit up Bath & Body Works’ clearance sale, I was hoping to find something to wear for Valentine’s Day, and I definitely needed some new bras and undies!

Every year and a half or so, I’ll have a Victoria’s Secret haul to liven my lingerie up. There is nothing more boring than wearing the same handful of bras or panties throughout the week and it was high time to incorporate some new ones into the cycle. And, considering how cute everything at VS is, this wasn’t hard to do at all. Check it out:

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In my opinion, there is nothing better or more empowering than knowing that you have a sexy little number on underneath your OOTD. Am I thrilled with how expensive Victoria’s Secret is? No. I spent way more money than I care to admit on the pieces above. BUT, my new purchases made me feel so good that it was one hundred and fifty percent worth it.

I love the feeling of true support that you get from a brand new bra. It makes your clothes look better, your figure look slamming, and you are kept locked and loaded all day long. I am obsessed with my mermaid shimmer grey bra and matching panty and I am really looking forward to breaking out the floral embroidered one, as well. The muted colors somehow work perfectly thanks to the peppy pattern and it will be a gorgeous bra to pair with some white or pale pink lace panties.

And, can we please talk about how cute the bow undies are?! Lol, I just couldn’t say no to them! To me, good lingerie is just as much as a staple as a killer pair of heels or a clutch purse. I already feel so much more confident from my purchases and will definitely be considered tided over until my next haul next year!

Where do you shop lingerie at? How do you get the most bang from your buck at Victoria’s Secret? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug17

Accessory Story: Claire’s Haul Edition

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Accessory Story: Claire’s Haul Edition

Helloooo everyone! This past week, I took a client to the mall to do a little shopping and, unfortunately (but not really), I was the one who ended up buying something AS PER USHE. But, I just couldn’t help myself, because I got an amazing deal – six pretty accessories from Claire’s for a whole eighteen dollars thanks to clearance shopping and a buy three get three free deal. I am super happy with my new earrings and headbands and I know that without the promo and marked down prices I would have paid well over fifty bucks for everything I got. So, I guess it isn’t all bad! 😉 Check it out:

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^^^ And, yes, the flower headband DOES light up!!

Buying accessories like earrings and headbands is usually pretty low on my fashion priority list. I have a few of each at home that I wear exclusively and that’s about it. I don’t know if it’s the price of them that bothers me or what, but I’d always rather buy shoes… obviously lol. So, when I found such a good deal for some new treats, I couldn’t pass it up.

I love, love, love my new earrings and am looking forward to wearing all of them, especially the gold circle ones – I think those are so cool! I’ve never owned a pair of feather earrings, either, and the black ones spoke to me, no surprises there. And, the cherries were too cute and the drop ones with the translucent pearls were too classic to not add those to the bag, too.

Although I adore the earrings, I am most excited about my headbands! I haven’t bought new headbands since high school I think, so that was definitely a purchase that had a long time coming! The light denim faux suede with the embroidered flowers is SO pretty and it will be a great way to accessorize a collegiate chic OOTD come fall time.

And, can we PLEASE talk about the light up floral one?! So. CUTE! I had no idea it lit up until the girl who was ringing me up told me and that just made the find even sweeter because it’s basically the coolest thing ever. I have never seen anything like that that I would actually want to wear and I cannot wait to style an OOTD and MOTD around it.

Was this little haul necessary? Not necessarily! But, I got a great deal and found some pretty little things that I wouldn’t have bought otherwise. Plus, there is nothing like refreshing your outfits with some new odds and ends that didn’t break the bank!

Where do you like to accessory shop at? How do you refresh old outfits? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May3

Victoria’s Secret Haul

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Victoria’s Secret Haul

Hi! For someone who loves to shop more than she loves herself most times, it’s crazy that I don’t go lingerie shopping frequently. But, lo and behold, it has been literal years since I bought myself new bras and panties. So, hitting up Victoria’s Secret during my last trip to the mall was an absolute must.

After working in the mall for over four years, I avoid it like the plague. Which probably explains why I am not at Victoria’s Secret as often as I would like. Because of that, I went a little wild and stocked up on some gorgeous bras and undies so that I won’t have to go to my old stomping grounds again for a good long while. Check it out:

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^^^ Soooo pretty!

It’s normally not like me to spend SO. MUCH. MONEY. in just one store but this was a special occasion. Not only was I able to get a reup on my lingerie hoard but I had awesome coupons to help the cause, which made me feel better. I got four free pairs of undies, a bra for thirty-five dollars, and a bra for thirty percent off. PLUS, my purchase on my Angel Card was worth five times the points that day, so I will get a gift card in the mail so that I can buy more stuff! 😀

As per ushe, I stuck to the Dream Angels collection for my bras, which is literally all I will wear forever and ever amen. It gives the perfect pushed up look without being a push up bra, they are supportive, and did you see how pretty they are?! There is absolutely nothing better than wearing a new bra. I forgot how great that sensation is, so I guess I’ll have to start shopping Victoria’s Secret more often!

Where do you shop for lingerie? How do you shop smart at Victoria’s Secret? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May2

Who Wears Short Shorts?

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Who Wears Short Shorts?

Hi! One trend that I could never and will never get into is all high waisted everything. Don’t get me wrong, it looks super cute on some people, but me? Not so much. As a petite girl at 5’1, high waisted clothing makes me look really short and makes my ass look REALLY flat. Which is so not okay because, I hate to brag, but over a decade of figure skating has blessed me with a behind that is definitely above average. In conclusion, high waisted and I just don’t get along.

When this trend became popular five or so years ago, it has become increasingly difficult to find shorts that are a normal rise. It seems like every store that I go to only has high waisted shorts that honestly seem like a yeast infection waiting to happen because they go so far up into the nether regions. No thank you!

Before a recent trip to the mall, it felt like the odds were stacked against me in finding some shorts for summer that are a normal rise. I was kind of nervous, actually, because I haven’t bought shorts in forever so it needed to happen. The first boutique style store I went into was a bust. Literally all they had was high waisted shorts. And, just so no one could say I didn’t try, I even tried a pair on.

Spoiler Alert!

It was exactly what I expected it to be. My ass looked flat as a pancake and my torso and legs looked insanely stumpy. Not a good look. I was about to leave after the disappointing fitting room session in the boutique because I had already made purchases at other stores and figured that I could try again later. But, then, I decided to go to American Eagle Outfitters.

I have always really liked the way that AEO jeans fit me and I thought that they might have more options for shorts with a normal rise. And, my instinct was correct, because I was able to find two cute, normal rise shorts at buy one get one half off! Check it out:

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It was such a relief going into AEO and seeing an entire table of normal rise shorts, which I feel like never happens anymore. I was able to select from a bunch of different styles and colors and, for once, short shopping didn’t suck. These new shorties from American Eagle fit me just right, make me look fine from behind, and I don’t need to worry about having a permanent wedgie from a high rise. Score!

Do you prefer a normal, high, or mid rise when it comes to your clothes? What is a trend that you wish would go away or start up again? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May1

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Little Mermaid Themed Bikini

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Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Little Mermaid Themed Bikini

Helloooo! So I shit you not, the last time I bought a bikini was damn near over six years ago. Crazy, I know. But, I don’t really like swimming because I hate getting my hair wet so it hasn’t been that big of a deal. However, with my apartment complex having a pool and the family going to Hilton Head this summer for vacation, I figured it was time for a new one. Joyyyyyyy because bikini shopping sucks, amiright or amiright?

BUT NOT THIS TIME!

I have had my eye on a bikini from Hot Topic for a few months now and I finally made my way to the mall to try it on over the weekend. And, by god, it worked! I literally tried it on once and I knew that it was a-okay, which NEVER happens. Check out this cuteness:

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When you’re a more busty girl, bikini shopping can be about a bitch. I only feel comfortable in bikinis that have bra like support and this Little Mermaid themed top definitely offered that. It fit shockingly well for a bikini top that wasn’t from Victoria’s Secret, which is where I figured I would end up purchasing one from. So not mad about it, though!

And, can we please talk about how darling the little skirted bottoms are?! I’ve always wanted bikini bottoms like these and they are just so perfect. The bikini set is sexy while still being adorable and with my red hair I feel like a punk rock Ariel ready to hit the pool!

I scored my new suit for just under forty bucks with Hot Topic’s buy one get one for ten dollar deal and I thought that this was a steal. While online bikini shopping at VS, just one bikini separate was at least forty dollars or more. For once, I am so excited about being seen in a bikini and I promise I will take some pics as soon as the pool opens! 😀

What is your favorite piece of clothing to shop for? How about your least favorite? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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Mar30

Moving On Up: Mall Haul Edition

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Moving On Up: Mall Haul Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to the next haul in my Moving On Up series. Shopping for my new apartment has been an absolute blast. So much so that any type of stress that I have been feeling about the move has literally melted away. Talk about retail therapy, amiright?! In this haul, I picked up some random essentials at a few different stores in the mall including Bath & Body Works, Party City, and Spencer’s. Take a look:

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I love, love, love the foaming hand soaps from B&BW and I knew that I wanted to have those in my place for the kitchen and bathroom. I took advantage of the five for twenty-three dollar sale and picked out some real winners. The lemon scent will be perfect for the kitchen, but I am most looking forward to using the Peach Bellini and Blueberry Crumble, which both smell insanely delicious.

I also found the darling “Welcome” sign from Party City, which I am really happy with. I spent ten bucks on it and I feel like I got it for a steal! I love the colors, the flowers, and the cursive print and it will look so charming with the hard wood in my apartment. And, finally, no twenty-something’s pad would be complete without shot glasses from Spencer’s! Peep those Step Brothers ones! 😀 #turndownforwhat

I enjoyed this shopping trip to the mall a lot, because it was fun stuff that I picked out. Shopping for the bigger, more expensive things can be kind of a lot so it was nice to purchase all of the little items that felt like treats and will be well loved at chez moi.

What is the decor like at your home? What is your favorite hand soap scent? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah