Tag Archives: maxxinista

Jun3

Pantspalooza: Premise Pt. 2 Edition

Posted on June 3, 2022 by lifewithlilred

Hello everyone and welcome to the last purchase from my TJMaxx Haul! During this shopping trip, I got two new tops and bottoms for my summer wardrobe. And, thanks to my upcoming birthday, I can’t wait to go back because I already have some gift cards burning a hole in my pocket! Today, we are going to wrap things up by talking about another pair of pantaloons by Premise. Yes, they’re also kind of old lady. And, yes, it is in the best way ever like the other pair! Check it out:

When shopping at TJMaxx, my mom and I usually make two rounds throughout the store before we check out. This gives us the opportunity to try things on, narrow down our options, and go back in for more lol. My paint splatter pants by Premise were tried on during our second go in the fitting room because the other pair I knew that I was buying worked so well:

As you all know, I really am not one for patterned pants but these ones just hit different. The fit of them is, truly, perfect for my body type and when that is the case with a piece of clothing, it never hurts to buy it in multiple patterns! I am so glad that I did because I definitely plan on wearing these all summer long. I also love the fact that I can because, despite their length, these pants are nice and cool. Also, white clothing is ideal for beating the heat with!

Although both of these Premise pants are the exact same in terms of its structure, the patterns are so different that I didn’t feel bad about it. I like them equally but the paint splatter one speaks to my personal style a bit more. In the summer, all I’ll need is a black tank or crop top and I am good to go. But, come fall, I can’t wait to punk them out with a moto jacket and combat boots. The material is also thick enough that I can wear a pair of tights underneath them and it won’t show through if the weather is chilly.

For mine and Johnny’s housewarming/birthaversary party, I wore the white and blue pair of Premise pants and they were a huge hit. I can’t wait to break out the paint splatter pair next! 😀

Do you own anything in multiple colors or patterns? What kind of fit for clothing compliments your body best? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun2

Pantspalooza: Premise Edition

Posted on June 2, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! My mom and I had an excellent shopping trip together at the new TJMaxx in our area and it was so much fun. It had been a while since our last TJs excursion and I am already ready to go back with her! While I didn’t walk away with as many tops as I would have liked, which was my main goal, I did find some really cool pants by Premise. Check it out:

^^^ Originally $68 and I got it for $17 – you can’t beat that. 😀

I will be the first to admit that these pants are kind of old ladyish but in the Best. Way. Ever. and I am obsessed. I am in love with the fine China/old school cookware pattern, the slimming shape, and how freaking comfy they are. These pants are incredibly lightweight, making them an ideal option for summer. The material is also thick enough that darker colored panties won’t show through, which is another huge win because that’s basically all I own.

When my new pantaloons caught my eye, it was love at first sight but I honestly didn’t think they would end up working. I like the idea of patterned pants but I don’t like them on me, which is why I opt for my black skinnies nine times out of ten. However, I just couldn’t say no to them – especially when paired with my new Love On A Hanger top:

Had the Premise pants not fit so well, they would have been a definite no go because if you’re going for a pattern that bold, then the fit better be on point. And, it was. These pants hit perfectly at my ankle, hugged my curves without being tight, and was high waisted without hitting my boobs lol. In other words, they were just right and the pattern was enhanced rather than distracting.

These are a far cry from anything that I would normally wear and it feels good to take what I would consider a fashion risk. If you are shopping in store and see something that you like but don’t think it would work for you: TRY IT ON. That’s what the fitting rooms are there for and who knows? You might walk away with your new favorite purchase!

What is your favorite pattern to wear? How would you style these pants? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May30

New Gaze Mesh Crop Top

Posted on May 30, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hey! During my shopping at the new TJMaxx in the area, I made a purchase that I actually didn’t intend on making at all. However, the more that I had the top on in the fitting room, the more I wanted it and it ended up coming home with me. Mainly because it gave me ultimate Jules vibes from Euphoria! Check out my new mesh crop top by Gaze:

While my mom and I were making our second round throughout the store, I grabbed this top to try on with a pair of white bottoms. It is a far cry from something that I would normally wear but I just needed something to go with the pants! I really liked the pattern and the material but I was worried that the mesh would be super see through and I’m just not comfortable with that. It is also a much shorter crop than what I prefer, making it an instant no go in my head.

When I was in the fitting room, I was surprised that you could barely see my bra even with the mesh thanks to the background being black and only the pattern being white. It also fit just right with the high waisted pants I had on, making it much less revealing than what I had originally envisioned. And, oh yeah, it was SO comfy that I genuinely felt disappointed when I had to take it off and put my hoodie back on.

Prior to this shopping trip, I had recently finished binging Euphoria and it reminded me so much of the fashion in the show. I can’t wait to pair it with my favorite black pair of shorts from American Eagle or with my sweet skort by Almost Famous to give a dress like illusion. Pair with some killer platforms, rinse, repeat for a perfectly summer look that will help keep me perfectly cool even in all black. My emo kid dream come true! ❤

While I love a good online shopping sesh, there is nothing like some in store shopping to play around with different styles. This top by Gaze would have been an automatic no had I seen it online but trying it on in person was a totally different story. I can’t wait to incorporate it into my summer wardrobe… with maybe a few more tops for good measure!

What is something that you purchased that you originally thought you wouldn’t like? Do you prefer in store or online shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May29

New Love On A Hanger Top

Posted on May 29, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! My happy place, AKA the TJMaxx in Cuyahoga Falls, closed down to make room for a new TJs in Stow. Of course, this was very sad for me because I have so many fond memories of shopping at the old one with my grandma, mom, sister, and niece. However, I’d be a liar if I said that I wasn’t eager to check the new one out. A few weeks ago, my mom and I finally went shopping there together and we both had a nice little haul! Let’s get started with this adorable new top by Love On A Hanger:

PS: If the brand name sounds familiar to you – it should! I featured a gorgeous skirt by LOAH in a recent OOTD.

Despite a closet full of beautiful clothes, I always feel like I never have enough tops. My wardrobe definitely leans more towards cold weather clothing and while I have sweaters and flannels for days, my summer selection is severely lacking. I was hoping to remedy this at the new TJs and did pretty good – two tops and two bottoms, which is better than nothing!

My new Love On A Hanger top was one of the first things to catch my eye and I just knew that it would work simply by looking at it. I loved the navy embroidery against the white background and it reminded me of fine China dishes. We also all know that I am a sucker for anything and everything embroidered.

I was so pleased with this purchase and wish that I could find more tops like it in different colors. This top will be darling with a pair of blue jean shorts, summer wedges, and a big sunhat. Not to mention that it is the perfect style and material to beat the heat with. I think wearing this for mine and Johnny’s housewarming party will be the move! 😀

Keep it posted for more from my haul at the new TJMaxx, my May finishes, and a grand tour of the apartment because it’s almost ready for its closeup!

What is your favorite season to shop for? What do you need more of in your wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May24

Double Dose Of OOTDs

Posted on May 24, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! The last time that mine and Johnny’s darling friend, Shannon, came to visit, he took some amazing JCPenney style portraits of us. Johnny and I love them so much and can’t wait to get them printed and framed! Shannon also took some gorgeous glamour shots of yours truly that I am very excited to share with all of you:

Who? What? Wear?

Little Black Dress: Victoria Beckham collection for Target
Skull Sweater: 360 Cashmere, TJMaxx
Distressed Skinny Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters
Loafers: Chase + Chloe, Forever 21

Shannon is one of our dearest friends and is so talented at his craft. He has taken pictures at so many shows that Johnny has played and he always makes time to take some shots of me too! Shannon, unfortunately, lives in Marietta and that is just not close enough for mine and Johnny’s liking so it is always a treat when he comes to stay with us. And, when he did, he essentially brought an entire photo studio in a duffel bag.

Shannon had a plethora of different backgrounds, equipment, and ingenious hacks for us to play with. For example, the foil like back drop that he shot my pictures with is just a table cloth that he got from The Dollar Store! Like I said, ingenious and they are, easily, some of my favorite pictures of me.

For that ultra glam background, we wanted a more mod style look and I thought that my Victoria Beckham dress was the perfect solution. It is so classic and it wouldn’t be competing with the shining lights back drop, which was ideal. I got this dress SO long ago and have only worn it a handful of times and I have no idea why it isn’t in my regular outfit rotation. I love the Alice In Wonderland inspo with the White Rabbit on the collar and it adds such a sweet quirky touch to a basic Little Black Dress.

The next background we tried was a sheath of red suede and we decided to go for a more laid back look to compliment it. For that outfit, I wanted to invoke the vibes that I’d like to look like when I’m blogging away. Although, in all reality, I am definitely always just writing in my pajamas but that’s neither here nor there lol.

Like my Victoria Beckham dress, I wanted to go with a classic outfit along with some cozy touches because these pictures were taken way back in January. I went with my skull sweater by 360 Cashmere that I adore paired with my favorite distressed pair of skinnies. The sweater is oversized and baggy, so it needed the form fitting jeans on bottom to balance things out. Then, I chose my Chase + Chloe loafers, which I thought looked charming against the deep red back drop. Also, peep the hardware on those babies!

These pictures boast two very different looks and I am absolutely loving them. Many thanks again to Shannon for always making me look good and for being the best friend that Johnny and I could have! We love you! ❤

How would you describe your personal style? What is your favorite classic piece of clothing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr28

Summer In Spring OOTD

Posted on April 28, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! Ohio basically experienced all four seasons this past week but ended on a high note with summer like weather over the weekend. It went from snowing and freezing rain to low eighties and sunny, making for the perfect weather for some OOTD pictures! It felt so good to shed the chilly day layers and step out with Johnny in some shorts and a cute little top! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Tie Back Top: Japna, TJMaxx
Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters
Shawl: This was my grandma’s ❤
Wedges: Charles By Charles David, TJMaxx
Blue Snake Cuff: I got this at the zoo lol
Pink Snake Cuff: Betsey Johnson, TJMaxx
Hair Accessory: Hot Topic
Tooth Necklace: This is from Revival, a store no longer open in Akron
Parasol: PatCatan’s

For these pictures, Johnny and I headed to the Riverfront in Downtown Cuyahoga Falls. We were most economical because we snapped these shots while we were waiting for our takeout order of Mexican food! I probably only wore this outfit for about an hour in total before we went back home, put on comfy clothes, and watched Lord Of The Rings but it was so worth it!

This past week, my mom gave me the shawl that belonged to my grandma that she found while spring cleaning. I love it so much and knew that I wanted to wear it to take some pictures in, so wear it I did. I already had my Japna top in mind that I had been dying to break out since purchasing this winter and the shawl complimented it wonderfully. The two mixed textures provided lots of visual interest which gave this fairly simple outfit something special.

When it comes to shorts, I only wear those from American Eagle Outfitters. They are the absolute best and I was so excited to wear them for the first time since last summer. There’s something about the first warm weather outfit of the year that hits different, ya know? The AEO shorts are so comfortable and fit well without being suction cupped to your legs and they are ideal for a hot day.

With the base of the outfit sorted out, it was time to accessorize! My Charles By Charles David wedges are a favorite of mine come warm weather. I have pretty much worn them into the ground but I don’t care! These wedges go with everything and I could seriously walk all day in them without breaking my stride. I also like the mule shape which helps keep the line of my legs nice and long.

Since this outfit featured a little top and shorts, I wanted to fill out some of the empty spaces with jewelry. You can’t really tell in these pictures but my top has a muted snakeskin print so I kept with that theme by adding my jeweled snake cuffs. I am obsessed with bracelets like this and the blingy gemstones look gorgeous in sunlight! For another pop of color, I chose my tooth necklace from Revival because its length was just right and hits slightly above where my top starts to dip.

And, of course, I am that girl who is extra enough to carry a parasol with me! Part of it is for the fashion but it is also somewhat of a necessity. Everyone jokes that Johnny and I are vampires and it’s very true in the regards that we both burn horribly in the sun. You can almost always find me come summertime with a floppy hat on or a parasol in hand to provide some much needed extra shade!

I will forever be partial to dressing for the fall than to summer but I am loving this Summer In Spring OOTD. A couple of well placed accessories can go a long way in taking a basic outfit into something worth blogging about!

What is your favorite type of weather? 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

Apr23

Polka Dots, Please OOTD

Posted on April 23, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Today, we’re going to be taking a look at some pics from my look while celebrating Easter with the in laws. And, as always, stay tuned for bonus shots and a plethora of bloopers from the shoot! Johnny and I had a lovely Easter weekend and I hope that all of you did too. 🙂 Now, let’s get to it:

Who? What? Wear?

Unicorn Sweater: Loft
Polka Dot Skirt: Eva Franco, TJMaxx
Floral Pumps: Elle, Kohl’s
The pearl necklace was my grandma’s

Nothing says “celebrate spring” like some polka dots and floral prints! While I would have loved to sport a cute little sundress for Easter, it was frickin freezing and it was gonna be a no from me. Instead, I went with the springiest cold weather option I had, which was my polka dot maxi skirt by Eva Franco. This choice was, obviously, a yes from me!

I remember lusting over my Eva Franco number for months on TJMaxx’s website and snagged it on clearance. It was the steal of a lifetime but I never broke it out as often as I imagined so I’m glad it got its moment in the sun… or lack thereof. This skirt is so festive and fun and the bright dots gave a perfect pop of spring without going the floral route.

As you all know, I am a huge fan of making a skirt and top combo look like a dress. To achieve this and add some extra warmth, I went with my Loft unicorn sweater. This was a Christmas gift from my mom and I love it so much. Also note how the blue stitching matches to the T with the blue polka dots! 😀

Since navy is a neutral and the skirt and sweater paired so well together, this gave me the opportunity to have some fun with the shoes. I will be the first to admit that these Elle pumps are, easily, the least comfortable pair of shoes that I own. I have some crazy pairs in my collection and none of them bother me except for these pumps.

My Elle pumps pinch, they hurt, and are so uncomfortable to walk in but I will do anything in the name of FASHION. In fact, one time I made the grave mistake of wearing these to the mall and I had to stuff them full of loose Taco Bell receipts from my purse to keep the blisters from getting worse. But, that’s neither here nor there and since I literally was just walking into my in law’s home, it was a risk I was willing to take. I think it paid off!

Finally, for accessories, I topped this OOTD off with my absolute favorite necklace – my grandma’s pearls. Although there was a lot happening in my look, it didn’t feel complete until I put my necklace on. Pearls are so elegant and I believe that they are an ideal neutral when it comes to jewelry. They don’t distract from the overall outfit but enhance and I love how they tied this OOTD together.

Other than the wicked uncomfortable heels that I absolutely refuse to get rid of, I felt like Spring Fling Queen in my Polka Dots, Please OOTD! Now, can actual spring weather happen now or…?

How did you celebrate Easter? What is your favorite gemstone? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr17

Spring Skirt Savvy OOTD

Posted on April 17, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past week, I had an interview for a new job coaching position and had to take advantage of the fact that I was wearing makeup by making Johnny take some pictures… Even if it was just in our apartment’s parking lot lol. Hey, you work with what you’ve got. These pictures combine three of my favorite things: My new hair, my car, and spring skirts! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

White Blouse: H&M
Floral Skirt: Love On A Hanger, TJMaxx
Heels: ModCloth
Turquoise Necklace: My brother got me this necklace in New Mexico 🙂
Gold Cuff: Aerie
Little Red Love Machine: Mazda 2 Hatchback Sport ❤

I have been hinting at a new OOTD for a while and, believe you me, I have wanted to take pictures SO. Bad. However, the weather has been crap for the past couple of weeks here. It has been frigid cold and rainy so not only did I have to take advantage of my painted face during this shoot but the nice weather too! It was bright and sunny, making for the perfect climate for OOTD pictures.

This outfit is a fairly simple one but I think that it is so fabulous to finally welcome the spring weather with. I have been itching to wear my new Love On A Hanger skirt from TJMaxx since I bought it a few weeks ago and was very happy to finally break it out… Even if it was just for twenty minutes worth of picture taking. 😀

My original thought was to pair this skirt with my favorite white Rachel Zoe tank top because that is what I was wearing the day I tried it on in the fitting room. Although it looked cute, it didn’t pack enough punch so I returned to my closet for something different. I decided to go with a white blouse from H&M, instead. It is old as the dickens but it worked just right when tucked into the skirt.

As you all know, I am very fond of this particular style of skirt. The high waist, short length, and tight fit is so flattering. And, the beauty of these skirts is that if you tuck a shirt into it, it gives the illusion of wearing a dress. The breezy fabric of my H&M blouse offered some movement even while tucked in, which I liked because the canvas like material of the skirt definitely doesn’t provide that!

When it comes to wearing these skirts, constructing the basis of the outfit isn’t as important as the shoes that you choose. Typically, a bold pattern speaks for itself and you don’t have to do much to make it work. However, it’s crucial to pair skirts like this with a shoe that doesn’t have any straps. The high waist mini skirt gives your body such a nice, leggy silhouette and strappy shoes will ruin the length that you created.

The heels that I went with are an Old Faithful from ModCloth. I’m actually pretty sure they are one of my first purchases from that site! The cornflower blue flowers in the heels matched perfectly with those in my skirt, which made both of the patterns work together. Remember, when mixing and matching patterns that you need a like color in both pieces for a cohesive look!

I didn’t want to go overboard with my accessories because I loved how my tattoos looked against a somewhat muted palette. I went with one of my favorite gold cuffs and for a pop of color, I added my turquoise necklace from my brother. This necklace was the ideal length and hit right where my blouse opens up at the collar for a sweet peek a boo of blue.

I cannot wait to wear my Spring Skirt Savvy OOTD for more than twenty minutes and it is a look that you will be seeing more of. Tune in tomorrow to peep my new nails, then it will be on to bonus pictures and bloopers. See you then!

What is your favorite thing about springtime? What is your favorite style of skirt? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr1

Olay Double Action Day Cream & Primer Review

Posted on April 1, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Olay Double Action Day Cream & Primer Review

Hello everyone! Today, we are going to be reviewing the Olay Double Action Day Cream & Primer that I got during one of my winter TJMaxx Hauls. After close to two years of using the Garnier SkinActive gel moisturizer, I was ready for something new and purchased the Olay moisturizer, instead. I have a very normal skin type so I don’t need anything too fancy when it comes to moisturizers and this one really did the trick:

I had been planning on reviewing this moisturizer as soon as I started using it but other posts got in the way. And, that’s a good thing because I was hooked after trying it out just a few times! My first impression when starting this moisturizer was its lovely pale pink color and how rich and creamy it smelled. It has a baby powdery aroma but it’s not overpowering in the slightest, which is great because that scent is normally not my cup of tea.

After my first use of the Olay moisturizer, I quickly learned that a little bit of it goes a long way. The amount pictured on my hand fully covers my face and neck and even though I have been using it morning and night for a month, I still have half a jar left. It takes a hair more effort to get this moisturizer fully absorbed and it leaves my skin feeling oh so soft afterwards.

The Double Action of the Olay moisturizer means that it is a primer too and I never really realized that primers were a good thing to use until using this moisturizer. I wait for a half hour or so to apply my makeup after my skin care routine and my makeup sits so well on top of it. The makeup that I use looks bolder and brighter and every time I have painted my face, I have been getting compliments. It also helps prevent smudging and you can’t beat that!

^^^ My makeup had been on all day in that picture and it still looked fire. 😀

I am so pleased with the Olay Double Action Day Cream & Primer and would happily use it again, so good thing I have another jar handy!

What is your favorite moisturizer? What is your skin type like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar30

Accessory Story: Cynthia Rowley Earrings Edition

Posted on March 30, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Accessory Story: Cynthia Rowley Earrings Edition

Howdy! The last thing I purchased during my final hurrah before my favorite TJMaxx closes was a really cool pair of earrings by Cynthia Rowley. I had actually seen them before at TJs and liked them a lot but didn’t buy them so I figured it was now or never when I saw them again! Check it out:

When it comes to my jewelry, simple will simply not do and I love accessorizing with quirky pieces. These earrings definitely fall under that category! I love the design of my new Cynthia Rowley earrings and, of course, the bold red lip in the shape of a heart speaks to me. I have a skirt in a pattern that is almost identical and now I have the earrings to match. 😀

I cannot wait to break out my new earrings and the skirt you saw yesterday from my mini haul at TJs and I am so happy with my purchases… Just not the circumstance! Since my youth, the TJMaxx that is closing has provided me with many fond memories and lots of fabulous finds. Parting is, truly, such sweet sorrow and, although I am excited for the opening of a new TJMaxx, nothing will ever beat Old Faithful. ❤

Do you have a favorite store that closed? What is your favorite jewelry to accessorize with? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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