Tag Archives: maxxinista

Oct3

Fall Flowers OOTD

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Fall Flowers OOTD

Howdy y’all and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! These past few weeks have been simply exhausting as I have been trying to work ALL the hours before my vacation to Italy. By the time the weekend rolls around, I can barely move lol. In fact, we had tickets to see Billy Idol a few weekends ago and we didn’t even bother going smh. The OOTD you are about to see is truly a case of “all dressed up with nowhere to go” because as soon as pictures were taken, I went straight back into my pajamas! Comfort is, indeed, king! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Blazer: Scotch & Soda, TJMaxx

Cami Top: mittoshop, French Rooster

Bedazzled Jeans: Banjara, TJMaxx

Heeled Combat Boots: BCBG, TJMaxx

Hoop Earrings: Argentino Vivo, TJMaxx

When I think of fall clothing, floral patterns do not come to mind. However, my Scotch & Soda pajama style blazer makes me think otherwise and I started building my outfit from there! What does come to mind when I think of fall clothing is burnt and jewel toned hues and this blazer definitely checks the burnt box as a gorgeous burnt orange is the primary flower color. I absolutely love this blazer and one of my biggest regrets is not purchasing the matching pants that came with it for a fashion forward take on pajamas! All I can do is work with what I’ve got and not think *too* much of what I don’t have lol. With the main focal point selected for my OOTD, the rest of the look built itself from there.

I paired my Scotch & Soda blazer with a pretty oyster shell hued cami top by mittoshop. I just adore that delicate color paired with the sexy lace and it makes for a top that can either be sweet as can be or ultra sassy. This was the perfect option to wear under the blazer and it blended well with the cream flowers scattered throughout the pattern. In the pants department, I kept with the slouchy vibes of the blazer by wearing a cool pair of bedazzled boyfriend jeans by Banjara. Try saying that five times fast! Pajama pants, they are not, but the gems added a fun pop of bling and the distressed rips provided some much needed edge to the girly pieces on top. With that, it was onto shoes and accessories.

I went with my pair of army green heeled combat boots by BCBG for shoes because, let’s be real, you can never go wrong with army green for a fall OOTD! I also definitely needed the extra height because the boyfriend jeans are a bit long on me. Although green wasn’t featured in the blazer, that was okay because they were far enough apart in the outfit that it didn’t matter. Besides, I had a trick to tie the look together from head to toe: A beautiful pair of emerald green hoop earrings by Argentino Vivo! I am an avid fan of his jewelry and these earrings were just what I needed to complete this fit. With that, I was ready to snap some pics and change back into real pajamas!

Keep it posted for the Blooper Reel from this look as well as a sneak peek of my Italy OOTDs. You already know I have grand plans!!

Have you updated your wardrobe for fall? What is your favorite fall color? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep30

ValJean Labs Morning Glow Facial Oil Review

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ValJean Labs Morning Glow Facial Oil Review

Howdy! I am a huge fan of ValJean Labs products and they have become a staple in my beauty routine. I am always on the lookout for more of their goodies when I am at TJMaxx and found a new to me serum by my go to brand… Or so I thought lol. It turns out that I didn’t purchase a ValJean Labs serum at all but a facial oil and that came as quite the surprise when I tried it for the first time. I absolutely detest the sensation and texture of facial oils so I felt like a major dunce when I realized what it actually was. Word to the wise: Always read the label! Despite my facial oil qualms, I refused to waste it and decided that it couldn’t hurt to put it on at night so I don’t have to be awake to feel it on. And you know what? It didn’t hurt at all and helped a lot! Let’s discuss:

This facial oil has a muted earthy scent that is very pleasant upon application during my nighttime beauty routine. I use it along with my normal moisturizer and eye cream and then hit the hay so as not to feel the greasiness that I despise. Whenever I use a product for the first time, I never expect immediate results. Rather, a gradual change. That was so not the case when I woke up the morning after my trial run! I looked in the mirror and it seriously looked like I slept for ten hours. My skin was glowing to the point of being dewy and that was such a drastic change to the dullness that I usually wake up to. It literally made me do a double take!

I have always shied away from facial oils and I now realize that I have done myself a disservice by not applying them to my pre-bed routine. Maybe it’s just the one I’m using from my favorite skin care brand but I have been using it nightly for two weeks and have noticed such positive results. The radiance it provides is, of course, a blessing but I have also noticed one more amazing difference: My under eye bags have been nonexistent. It has been years since I have woken up without a purplish tinge in the under eye region and it enhances the well rested vibes even further. Especially because I often feel anything but!

If you are on the market for a new facial oil then I truly can’t recommend the Morning Glow by ValJean Labs enough. It has turned the biggest anti facial oil gal into a number one fan and I will gladly use it again if I can find it!

What is a texture that you hate? What is your favorite facial oil? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep28

September 2026 Finishes

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September 2026 Finishes

Hello! September is drawing to a close and all I have to say is: Bring on October! Of course, I am eager for Halloween but I am also going to Italy and holy WOW am I excited. I didn’t think it was possible for my favorite time of the year to get any better but here we are and my mind is officially blown. Haunted houses, spooky decor, sexy costumes, and a whole lot of pasta are in my future and I am chomping at the bit to get the party started! I still have a couple of weeks to go but, until then, let’s say arrivederci to these beauty finishes. They were all winners in this batch and I would highly recommend them all. Check it out:

Would I Use Again?

ValJean Labs Deep Cleansing Foaming Cleanser: YES

Precision Beauty Pore Perfect Serum: YES

Vital Beauty Cooling Eye Gel: YES

Goodness Every Morning Moisturizer: YES!!!!!!!!!!!

Why/Why Not?

ValJean Labs Cleanser: I loves me a ValJean Labs product and have been using the Deep Cleansing Foaming Cleanser every day for the past four months. This cleanser was especially nice during the stifling months of summer when my apartment turns into my own personal sauna. It is nonstop sweating and every morning this cleanser would take away the grime and leave my skin feeling so fresh and clean. Despite the constant sweat, my skin has looked radiant this summer thanks to my ValJean Labs cleanser with no random pimples and minimal blackheads. I was very impressed! As an extra bonus, this cleanser also comes with a scrub brush to really target problem areas and it was fun to use as I completed my cleansing routine. I would definitely buy this again if I saw it at TJMaxx!

Precision Beauty Serum: I am very partial to the Precision Beauty serums and, surprisingly, had not tried their Pore Perfect one until now. I suppose it’s better late than never because I really enjoyed it! The Pore Perfect serum was thicker in texture but absorbed quickly and sat perfectly under makeup. While some serums leave a shiny finish, the Pore Perfect was matte and I really appreciated that. I so did not need any additional shine as I sweat my way through summer. It took me one month of twice daily use to finish this bottle and will, without a doubt, be added to my skin care arsenal if I find it again.

Goodness Moisturizer: Oh my goodness did I freaking LOVE this moisturizer! The Every Morning Moisturizer was the first product I have used by the Goodness brand and I am so on board. In fact, I am currently using their eye cream and another jar of this moisturizer and hold them in the highest regards. The Every Morning Moisturizer was super long lasting and took one and a half months of twice daily use to finish the jar. This is a moisturizer with no bells and whistles and does exactly what it is meant to: Hydrate the skin. With every use, my skin was soft as can be and looked so bright and supple. The texture of this moisturizer was also incredibly light which was a blessing in the heat. I can’t wait to use more of their products because each one I have tried has been a winner!

This was a very successful month for finishes, indeed, and I think I might have found my new favorite skin care brand. Give me ALL the Goodness!

Which products did you use up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep26

No Concert Cutie OOTD

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No Concert Cutie OOTD

Howdy y’all and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! As you saw in a recent post, Johnny and I were *supposed* to see Billy Idol in concert a few Sundays ago and my blogging bestie said it best: We were completely delulu for even buying tickets lol. Johnny and I both get up at three in the morning for work and I have no idea what we were thinking when we assumed we could swing going to a concert on a work night! Prior to the show, we went out to dinner and after we ate we were so full and tired that we just went home SMH! Although we didn’t attend the show, I did put together a snazzy little look that I wanted to share anyways. It’s totally giving Billy Idol concert vibes! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Kerchief Top: Japna, TJMaxx

Tennis Skort: Kyodan, TJMaxx

Bat Platforms: Sugar Thrillz, Dolls Kill

Snake Wrap Bracelet: Earthbound

Lace Choker: A Signature Antiques

I have no idea where the cross earrings are from!

An All Black Everything OOTD was a must for a Billy Idol concert and I knew exactly where to begin: With a darling kerchief top by Japna. This little number is so cool and sexy (Just like Billy Idol!) with its muted snakeskin pattern, silky material, and tie back that you can make into a giant bow. I am a huge fan of kerchief style tops and they are so perfect for summer and different. In the summertime, I feel like I am constantly confined to crop tops and tanks and the kerchief top is a welcome reprieve from the norm. These tops can serve sass or sweetness and was definitely giving sass in this OOTD!

Although kerchief tops look adorable with a pair of short shorts, I opted for a skirt because I wanted some movement! I love to dance the night away at concerts and skirts are ideal to swish and shimmy in. I chose one of my go to tennis skorts by Kyodan and adored how it paired with the top. The gauzy pleated mesh over the shorts provided a mix and match of texture with the silk top but it still looked cohesive as I was working with a minimal color palette. I have worn Kyodan skorts to many a concert and they are seriously the best to move and grove in! If only I got to actually bust out my moves at the show *whomp whomp*. -_-

With the base of the outfit settled, it was onto shoes and accessories. To maintain the elder emo aesthetic, I went with a gorgeous pair of platforms by Sugar Thrillz that feature translucent purple bat wings on the straps. How fun are those?! The shiny faux leather also added in a new texture that allowed the eyes to dance across the entire outfit. For accessories I selected a stunning vintage necklace from A Signature Antiques that looks like it came right out of a gothic romance novel. The lace, chains, and statement center stone fell right in place with the neckline of the top and I felt so fierce as soon as it was on! I popped on a pair of dangly black cross earrings as well as a snake wrap bracelet that my sister got me in New Orleans for good measure. With that, I was ready to not see Billy Idol lol!

Even though I didn’t see Billy hot AF Idol IRL, the outfit still slaps. Stay tuned for the Blooper Reel!

Do you go out on work nights? When do you have to be up for work? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep21

New Hair, New Me OOTD

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New Hair, New Me OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! The look you are about to see was from after I got my hair refreshed for fall and upon my return home there are two things that occur that are as certain as the sun rising in the east. 1) Johnny will, without fail, say “Who are you and what have you done to my wife?” (So Middle Class Fancy!) and 2) We take OOTD pics, of course! I have to get shots of my hair as soon as it is done because I am never able to recreate how my hair stylist, Anna, styles it. Who can relate?! As always, Anna created hair magic and I am never going to be over how this particular look turned out. Let’s go:

Who? What? Wear?

Tank Top: Rachel Zoe, TJMaxx

Bodycon Skirt: Altar’d State

Lace Up Wedges: Juicy Couture, Kohl’s

Lightening Bolt Earrings: EmLeigh & Mama B’s

As I made my way home from the Shear Shop, I was styling an outfit in my head and decided that I wanted a minimal color palette to let my hair do all of the talking. It is giving so much David Bowie that it would transform basic staples into something special. When I got home, I made a beeline to my skirts because I had just the one in mind: A super cute bodycon number from Altar’d State. Although that store has too much Jesus for my liking, I do love this skirt and the bold floral pattern. It fits like a glove and has so much personality!

Originally, I envisioned wearing the Altar’d State skirt with a black snakeskin patterned kerchief top. Sometimes, however, my visions don’t come to fruition. When I tried the top on with the skirt it was just too much. The patterns and fabric clashed and it looked chaotic instead of cool. So, I changed direction and went for a simple black tank by Rachel Zoe instead. That was much more like it! Having the plain tank on top allowed my hair to take center stage and provided the cohesion that my first choice was desperately lacking.

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. To maintain my minimal palette, I opted for a charming pair of lace up wedge heels by Juicy Couture. These shoes are old as dirt and slightly falling apart but I refuse to part with them lol. They’re just adorable and the perfect mix of sweet and sassy! Very much like the bodycon skirt. In the accessories department I went for a pair of huge, glittery pink lightening bolt stud earrings as a nod to David Bowie. With that, I was ready to sing the Magic Dance from Labyrinth and create some content!

Stick around for the Blooper Reel from this OOTD as well as the look that I didn’t wear to the Billy Idol concert because we didn’t go lol. Once again, SMH!

Who is your celebrity style icon? What is your favorite era of David Bowie? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep13

Almost Autumn OOTD

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Almost Autumn OOTD

Hi! Mother Nature has been playing sick and twisted games in the good ol’ A-K-ROWDY and has been flip flopping on a dime between pleasant cool temps and hot AF. This has been majorly killing my vibe because in my head fall starts when September hits lol. I just want a nice, crisp day damnit! Dressing for this weird limbo season has fluctuated from fall fits and booty shorts and there is literally no in between. On the bright side, I did get to bust out this Almost Autumn OOTD on a breezy day which sent my soul soaring. Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Button Down Top: Truth By Republic, TJMaxx

Bodycon Skirt: Originality, Dry Goods

Wedge Heels: BCBG, TJMaxx

Lock Necklace: Michael Kors, TJMaxx

The brooch style earrings were purchased forever ago from PacSun!

I recently purchased the army green Truth By Republic button down at TJMaxx and was so eager to wear it as soon as the weather allowed. I have the same top in navy and it is one of my favorites! The Truth By Republic tops fit me like a glove and I love being able to wear pieces that are more form fitting without the sensation of being too tight. They are the perfect little somethings to pair with a smart pair of jeans or sweet skirt and option B was what I went for. With the top pre-selected, this outfit really did build itself!

In the skirt department, I chose a darling bodycon by Originality that just screams fall! The pattern reminds me of retro wallpaper and the burnt orange that is primarily featured is my most beloved hue of autumn. The skirt and top were truly a match made in fall color heaven and I was able to pull from the small amount of sage green in the skirt to form cohesion with the button down. I wore the top tucked in to form a pseudo dress for a result that was both chic and sassy. I always like to show a little leg! 😀

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. I kept with the green theme for my heels and went for a cool pair of cutout wedges by BCBG. Like the skirt and the top, the green wasn’t a perfect match but it was close enough and the combo definitely makes the eyes dance between all of the different shades! For accessories I opted for a pretty pair of brooch style studs because I loved the neckline the top created and didn’t want to deter from it. Rather, I enhanced it by adding on a gorgeous Michael Kors necklace in blingy gold. With that, I was ready to enjoy a little taste of fall weather!

I can’t wait to style ALL of the fall OOTDs and share them with you. Stick around for so much more seasonal fashion fun! ❤

Have you updated your wardrobe for fall? What is your perfect fall temperature (Mine is fifty-five degrees!)? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep10

Groban Gal OOTD

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Groban Gal OOTD

Hello hello and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Today we’re going to take a look at the lil fit I wore to see Josh Groban for his Stage, Screen, And Symphony tour at Blossom Music Center. This concert was truly one for the memory books as we got upgraded from standing on the lawn to being four rows away from the front of the stage! Blessings and riches eternal for the Blossom employees who literally made our lives and turned us into Josh Groban super fans. Johnny and I are so proud to call ourselves Groban Gals now after being transformed by his incredible voice! We already talked about the show in the linked previous post so let’s get into the fashion:

Who? What? Wear?

Crochet Top: Bozzolo, TJMaxx

Trapeze Pants: Patrons Of Peace, TJMaxx

You can’t really see the shoes but I wore a funky pair of platforms from ModCloth.

The earrings are Lucky Brand and the necklace was purchased close to two decades ago at a vendor sale!

When it comes to dressing for a show at Blossom, the name of the game is always cute and comfortable. There is a lot of walking involved to get from parking to the venue and if you have lawn tickets you are standing all night. That has never stopped your girl from wearing heels, though! The weather was absolutely perfect the night of the show with temps in the low seventies and a pleasant breeze so itty bitty short shorts were not required. For that reason, I started styling this look in the middle with a gorgeous pair of trapeze pants by Patrons Of Peace. The pattern screams tropical paradise, the wide legs are so retro and cool, and I just love swishing with every step!

Next up was a top to go with it and I selected a darling little crochet crop by Bozzolo. This is one of my go to tops in the summer because it goes with everything, is insanely comfy, and keeps me cool. The buttons down the front are too sweet and the peek a boo pop of bra serves some sass. Although this piece is a neutral and fairly basic, it was just right with the loud trapeze pants to form a cohesive look instead of confusing.

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. I opted for one of my favorite pairs of platforms from ModCloth for the occasion and they were definitely needed. The pants are so long! Even though you can’t see them, they feature a 70s style pattern in burnt orange and navy which worked really well with the deeper shades of the pants. In the accessories department I chose a pretty pair of three tiered turquoise earrings by Lucky Brand which were a gift from my mom. I also added a beautiful feathered handmade necklace for good measure as I had some open real estate on my chest. With that, I was ready to start swooning over Josh Groban’s crooning!! 😀

Stay tuned for the Blooper Reel from this look coming soon and another concert review will be on the horizon. I can’t wait to see Billy Idol next!

Did you go to any concerts this summer? Who did you see? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep5

New Truth By Republic Top

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New Truth By Republic Top

Hi! As you saw from yesterday’s post, I recently did a bit of pre-Italy vacation shopping at TJMaxx and scored big with a stunning matching set by Avec Les Filles. I also walked away with one other goodie that delighted me – a new Truth By Republic long sleeved top! If that brand sounds familiar to you from being on my page, there is a reason: This is the second Truth By Republic top that I purchased at TJs because I am obsessed with the one I got last year! Their long sleeved tops are seriously something special and both my old and new Truth numbers are going to be perfect for mixing and matching this fall. Take a look at the latest addition:

^^^ What a steal!!!!!

My new army green Truth By Republic top was hanging right in the front of the women’s department and I knew what it was immediately. Lol, what can I say I absolutely love my navy and denim top in the same style! Although it’s hard to tell from the pictures, these tops feature a stiff, starched collar and cuffs which make a terrific contrast to the soft Henley material. However, it was easy to make this difference out under TJMaxx’s fluorescent lights and it shined to me like a beacon. I wish I could have this top in every color and it went straight into my cart!

Normally I am not one to go gaga over basic staples but what really sells me on these shirts is the fit. I like my clothes to be form fitting but never too tight and that is the Truth By Republic tops to the T. They hug my curves without squeezing and I never feel like I am going to bust out of them as I am a bustier gal! It’s so comforting to wear them because I know that, without a doubt, no wardrobe malfunctions are going to happen. The quality of these shirts is also so apparent despite its simplicity and even when worn in the most basic outfits, it looks like a fashion staple over something that was just thrown on.

The color of this top screams fall and can easily be paired with all of the wonderful hues that come with the season. While it will allow jewel tones to pop, it can also add something fresh to classic fall neutrals like chocolate brown, taupe, and camel. In fact, I wore it in the fitting room with the matching set you saw yesterday and it was dynamite! My new Truth By Republic top can be dressed up, down, or any which way and that will be so beneficial to my “packing in sets” approach for Italy. I’m thrilled to be able to add another one of my go tos to my wardrobe!

There is nothing basic about this basic staple! Highly recommend giving this brand a go if you find it at TJMaxx!

Do you buy multiple colors of clothing you like? What is your favorite color for fall? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep4

Avec Les Filles Matching Set

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Avec Les Filles Matching Set

Hi!! I will be going to Italy soon and, of course, it is very important for me to serve in the fashion department during my travels. When in Rome, am I right?! During my past shopping trips to TJMaxx, their clothing options were severely lacking as they transitioned from summer to fall. Last week, however, was a totally different story and I walked away with a handful of pieces that will be perfect to mix and match throughout the trip. This approach is definitely beneficial since I can pack less clothes in my bag to leave more room for clothes to bring home lol! Take a look at this gorgeous matching set by Avec Les Filles and let’s discuss:

As I made my rounds throughout the racks of clothing, my eyes immediately locked on the vest portion of this set displayed on an end cap. Clothes that are like nothing I have seen before are so intriguing to me and this little number fell under that category. I love the pseudo crocodile material, the industrial hardware on the pockets, and that surprise pop of houndstooth print on the back! It went into my cart in an instant and I continued my browsing to happily find the compliment to the vest – a bodycon skirt. With that, I booked it to the fitting room because I could not wait to try it on!!

While I made my way to the fitting room, I knew that this set was either going to be really good or really bad. I fell head over heels at first sight, sure, but that doesn’t always translate especially when the items are not my typical style. I am writing about it, though, so you already know it was really good! This Avec Les Filles matching set is everything. It is so chic and fashion forward while still providing the pop of edge I love through the hardware and fake crocodile skin. The rich chocolate brown is also always going to be on trend for fall and will pair beautifully with jewel toned autumn hues.

It’s a no brainer that I plan on wearing this set in its entirety but there is so much more to be done by breaking the pieces up. The skirt, a lacey cami, and a shawl or large fashion scarf? Boom – that’s a dinner ready OOTD! The vest with a thin long sleeved shirt and a cool pair of slacks? Boom – now you have an outfit to go sightseeing in! This is exactly the shake up to my Italy wardrobe that I wanted and needed and I know it’s going to make packing and outfit planning so much easier. 😀

Lil Red goes Italy soon and I am so excited to share my fashion and all of the fun with you. Stay tuned!

Have you updated your wardrobe for fall yet? What is your favorite season to dress for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug27

Pajama Party OOTD

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Pajama Party OOTD

Hello! It has been SO much fun seeing Halloween goodies in store and I say the earlier the better. In fact, it should be all year round! Halloween is, indeed, my favorite time to shop for home decor and scary cute clothes and 5 Below is one of my go to spots. There is nothing better than scoring little treats on the cheap! I am an avid fan of 5 Below’s pajamas and I couldn’t say no to two adorable sets during my first spooky shopping spree. They are the comfiest, softest PJs to snuggle up in and I have a feeling I’ll be living in them this fall. Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Pajama Sets: 5 Below

Candy Corn Plushie: TJMaxx

The Gengar plushie was a surprise from Johnny! ❤

I never used to buy pajamas because I always prefer to spend my money on clothes and shoes lol. However, 5 Below offers sets for under fifteen dollars and that is a deal that I would be hard pressed to find even at TJMaxx. I have purchased several pairs of pajamas from 5 Below and have quite the collection now. But, in my defense, I had a lot of time to make up for because my pajamas used to just consist of a few sad pairs of sweatpants and random T-shirts! While all of the PJs at 5B are uber cute, I think these Halloween themed ones take the cake!

Seriously, how darling are those little costumed bears doing their spooky best? And those teeny tiny ghosts?! Forget about it! Both of these pairs were hanging up at the front of 5B and I clocked them as soon as I walked in. They immediately went into my cart because I just knew they were going to sell out quickly. I was so right! The following week after buying them I ended up back at 5 Below with a client and there were no more sets of these pajamas in sight. I got them at the perfect time and feel like such a lucky duck. I can’t wait to curl up and watch scary movies and Supernatural in them all October long. 🙂

My plushies were my plus one to my pajama party and made for excellent company. Stay tuned for the Blooper Reel and stay comfy cozy!

What do you like to wear to bed? Is your wardrobe lacking any specific type of clothing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah