Tag Archives: mules

Mar24

Floral Flounce OOTD

Posted on March 24, 2025 by lifewithlilred

Howdy everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! I had a surprise day off on Monday and I fancied shooting some content with my tripod. I had every intention of going outside to take some OOTD shots, then I stepped foot outside and it was cold AF. Lol, so I went to the limited “blank” spaces in my apartment and in the words of Tim Gunn a la Project Runway – I made it work! Check out this super cute look that is so perfect for spring:

Who? What? Wear?

Bubble Sleeve Top: True Destiny, TJMaxx

Bubble Skirt: A New Day, Target

Heeled Mules: Betsey Johnson, TJMaxx

Lego Stud Earrings: AbbieDabbles

I have been enamored with the bubble skirt that I purchased from Target for Valentine’s Day as soon as I laid eyes on it in the store. A bubble skirt is something that I have wanted for forever and it has exceeded all of my expectations. It is just so fun, flouncy, and transforms any look with such a unique shape and lots of movement. I love that this is a piece that can be worn year round and I have every intention of doing so – starting with this look. My Floral Flounce OOTD is one that I styled in my head and I am pleased to report that it turned out exactly how I wanted it to. GREAT SUCCESS!

As the bubble skirt was a shoe-in for this fit, the question was simply what to pair it with. I had just the top in mind – a darling little bubble sleeve number by True Destiny. This top is an instant showstopper. From the vivid floral pattern to the fitted torso that explodes into huge bubble sleeves, there is no doubt about it being a statement piece. Regardless of the pretty pattern popping against the black skirt, I was more interested in the True Destiny top for the fit. As a rule of thumb for myself, I don’t like pairing two like items together – IE: Two bubble fit pieces. However, the fitted torso gave an excellent buffer between the bubble skirt and sleeves and prevented a giant marshmallow effect. 😀

Next, it was onto shoes and accessories. To keep with a nice and lean leg line, I opted for a quirky pair of mules by Betsey Johnson. These mules are jam packed with sweet surprises like the flower brooches and striped heels. As the black skirt was a buffer between the bold top, it was no harm no foul to incorporate additional patterns on the heels. Between all of different dynamic aspects of this look, jewelry wasn’t necessary in the slightest. I popped on a pair of stud earrings made from Lego bricks and was ready to take pictures in my kitchen lol.

This Floral Flounce OOTD is FUN from top to bottom and I am in love with everything about it. I can’t wait to wear it out!

Have you updated your wardrobe for spring? What are some of your own fashion rules? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug9

So 70s OOTD

Posted on August 9, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello darlings and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! After falling off of the OOTD wagon for a bit, I am back in full swing. Johnny and I have had lots of plans for the past several weekends and because he is the best blog husband, he is always willing to take my pictures as we go about the day. This past Saturday, we hit up the Jenks Building so we could shop for new to us records. Then, we visited Johnny’s parents and aunt for his dad’s birthday. A lovely outfit was needed for such a lovely day and I rocked the following:

Who? What? Wear?

Sweater Dress: Heartloom, TJMaxx

Wedge Heel Mules: B.A.I.T., ModCloth

Butterfly Sunglasses: A Signature Antiques

The giraffe cuff is from Target and I’m pretty sure the daisy earrings are from Claire’s?

In July I went on a shopping trip to TJMaxx to spend birthday gift cards that were burning a hole in my pocket. The change of seasons is my favorite time to go to TJ’s because it’s when they bring out all of the… more unique clothing that didn’t sell. By a stroke of good fortune, I ended up with two pieces that were the only ones available in the store. A gorgeous chartreuse top and the sweet as can be sweater dress in this OOTD. My original plan was to save the dress for the next Misnyland Picnic I will be working in September. Obviously, I couldn’t wait because 1) I love it lol and 2) It was partially for practicality’s sake because picnic days are always insanely busy.

This Heartloom sweater dress is straight out of the 70s and oh so much fun. In fact, Johnny told me several times throughout the day that it was like something The Supremes would wear! The colors, pattern, and adorable big buttons work together to make a throwback piece that is truly special. I have never seen anything like it in stores before and I highly doubt I will any time soon. I felt like an absolute star in it and although not a lot of think work went into styling this OOTD, I still had a blast doing so.

Since all I had to do was slip on a dress, it was time for shoes and accessories. For shoes, I went with a fabulous little pair of wedge heel mules by B.A.I.T.. The marigold yellow worked perfectly with the colors in the dress and can we talk about that daisy print?! Yes, it kind of looks like an egg but I’m still going with daisies lol. Accessories were next and I kept with the yellow motif with a giraffe cuff bracelet that I got forever ago from Target. Then, I tied the look together from head to toe with a pair of stud daisy earrings and was ready for my close up!

I am so happy that I broke out my So 70s OOTD in advance and it turned out exactly how I pictured it in my head. I can’t wait to wear it again!

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

Jul26

On The Loose In Chartreuse OOTD

Posted on July 26, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! I had the most wonderful time at the Asian Lantern Festival at the Cleveland Zoo this past weekend. It was simply enchanting from start to finish and it was a blast to explore the completely transformed zoo with my entire family. The festival was a celebration and I wanted to wear something bright and fun to match the vibes. I had just the outfit in mind to accommodate and I am loving how this look turned out! Let’s get to it:

Who? What? Wear?

Handkerchief Top: Rachel Zoe, TJMaxx

Skort: Almost Famous, TJMaxx

Heeled Mules: Betsey Johnson, TJMaxx

The turquoise earrings were a gift from my mom!

I recently purchased my chartreuse handkerchief top by Rachel Zoe during a TJMaxx shopping trip to spend a birthday gift card. I have been so eager to wear it and thought it would be perfect for the Asian Lantern Festival – if this top isn’t bright and fun, then I truly don’t know what is. The color is divine and I am living for those orange and yellow gemstone straps. What an adorable and unique touch! Speaking of the color, Johnny told me how happy he was that I was wearing such a stand out shade while we were on our way home. Every time I wandered off to snap pics, he was able to find me immediately. 🙂

With the top already pre-selected, the rest of this OOTD essentially styled itself. I have been so bored with wearing plain old shorts so I paired the handkerchief top with a skort by Almost Famous, instead. This skort is old AF but it continues to serve me well every time I wear it. They are insanely soft and comfortable and gives that extra dose of visual interest that a pair of jean shorts can’t do. It was also a fantastic pairing with my little chartreuse number because the skort hit on my waist right where the top ended. This gave a sweet midriff peek-a-boo without feeling too exposed and still being appropriate for an outing with my whole family.

Next, it was onto shoes and accessories. Since this OOTD was colorblocked, I could introduce a pattern with the shoes. I went with a darling pair of heeled mules by Betsey Johnson. These are one of my favorite pairs and I adore the black and white striped heels. The embroidered flowers were an almost spot on match to my top and they also have jeweled brooches on them for a bonus pop of bling. For jewelry, I kept things simple with a delicate pair of dangly turquoise teardrops and I was ready to hit the festival!

I have been dying to wear my new handkerchief top and my On The Loose In Chartreuse OOTD did not disappoint. I was getting compliments left and right and felt like a total star! 😀

How do you incorporate quirky colors into your outfits? 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

Jul4

Summer Stripes OOTD

Posted on July 4, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! As you might know, I am not fond of summertime at all. I can’t stand hot weather, I don’t like dressing for hot weather, and being an adult means no summer vacations lol. I am truly a spring and fall kind of gal in terms of style and my preferred climate so when I am styling looks for summer, my primary concern is comfort. And, of course, I want the OOTD to be cute too! The fit we are about to take a look at was something I put together for when a few friends came by this past Saturday. Surprisingly, it was a rather breezy day and that was much more like it! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Striped Top: Modern Works, TJMaxx

Jean Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters

Heeled Mules: Dolce Vita, TJMaxx

I think the earrings are from Target!

One of my favorite recent purchases from TJMaxx is definitely my adorable striped top by Modern Works. Despite its long sleeves, the material is nice and cool and can be worn during all seasons if the weather suits. The weather on Saturday was still warm but it was windy so I knew I could get away with it and went for it. I love how classic this top is and it could certainly be worn for work or play. I bought this top during the wintertime and always thought that it would be great for a summertime fit so I was excited to break it out. I often find that simple is best when it comes to summer outfits and this top was exactly what I needed.

As I styled a summer outfit in my head during a winter TJMaxx trip, I imagined the Modern Works top being tucked into black shorts so that was next on my agenda. As per ushe, the shorts from American Eagle Outfitters can’t be beat. They are so comfy, fit like a glove, and I have yet to find a brand that is comparable. It is always fun for me to finally get to wear outfits that have been planned for a while and have them turn out how I want. I was right on track for that and all that was left were shoes and accessories.

For shoes, I slipped on a pair of snakeskin heeled mules by Dolce Vita. I absolutely love these little babies. Snakeskin is my absolute favorite animal print and I can’t get enough of that sassy pointed toe! These heels added length and a fun pop against a low key OOTD. As no open real estate was available for a necklace or bracelets, I turned to earrings instead. I chose a lovely pair of dangly black gemstones that gave some movement and a touch of bling. With that, I was ready to rock and roll in my way preplanned OOTD!

My Summer Stripes OOTD checked all of the boxes for my summertime wear requirements: Cute, comfy, cool. Maybe dressing for summer isn’t always all bad!

What is your favorite season to dress for? What is summer weather like in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar26

So Bright I Need Shades OOTD

Posted on March 26, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hi!! I am having such fun with my Reimagine Your Wardrobe series and am so thankful to my fiance, Johnny, for taking pictures of my OOTDs during my weekly shopping trips in my closet. It is so easy to wear the same, most loved items again and again and I, for one, am definitely guilty of it. This fashion series has challenged me to think outside of the box and try new things and in this outfit’s case that meant wearing a pair of high waisted jeans and not pairing it with a shirt to cover the waistline up. For those of you who don’t know – I am not a fan of high waisted anything so this was a big step for me! Take a look:

Who? What? Wear?

Aviator Patterned Button Down: Karl Lagerfeld, TJMaxx
Coated Snakeskin Patterned High Waisted Jeans: Seven, TJMaxx
Snakeskin Patterned Stiletto Heeled Mules: Dolce Vita, TJMaxx
Bejeweled Cheetah Necklace: Natasha, TJMaxx

When I get asked about my issue with high rise, I always reply that I just don’t think it looks good on me. I am barely over 5’1 and have a larger bust so high waisted pants make for a less than flattering silhouette on my body type. I feel like they make me look wide and even shorter than I already am. So why did I buy a pair of high waisted pants? Well, I really like snakeskin patterned anything and coated jeans are my favorite. Despite the high rise of my Seven jeans, they still fit well so when I wear them I just put on a longer top.

Like I said, it was a big step for me to wear these jeans with a tucked in top and while this OOTD is fairly simple, I felt like I was taking a huge risk! I absolutely adore button down shirts and have wanted to shoot an outfit featuring one for a while. Despite the days being much clearer in Ohio, it is still a bit chilly and my look was perfectly appropriate for the weather and I would definitely wear it again.

I have quite a collection of button downs with a few select ones that get worn a lot more than others. Which is exactly why I wanted to wear my Karl Lagerfeld top because it doesn’t get as much love. After shooting these pictures, however, I have no idea why I don’t sport this shirt all of the time! My most educated guess is that the button down is quite long so it doesn’t tuck in nicely to shorts and I usually don’t wear them tucked in with jeans.

I tried my aviator adorned top with a few different bottoms until I officially settled on my high waisted Sevens but I still wasn’t particularly sold on it. I knew that the button down had to be tucked in if I wanted to wear it, which meant that I needed to be careful about which shoes I selected.

Because my jeans were high rise, I had to find a pair of shoes that would really elongate the look which is why I went with my stiletto heeled mules. The high heel added length while the shape and pattern meshed beautifully with the jeans, making my legs look way longer than they actually are. Finally, I was completely sold on the look and couldn’t help but thinking “so that’s how you style high rise pants” lol.

Once the base of my outfit was complete, it was time to accessorize. I didn’t want to overwhelm my OOTD with lots of jewelry because its silhouette was so sleek. Too many accessories would break up the long lines that I spent so long trying to achieve but I knew I needed something to pop against the neutral color palette.

I stuck with my tried and true method of accessorizing a button down which is placing a necklace shorter in length with a bold pendant smack dab in the middle underneath the collar. Not seeing the necklace’s chain kept with the straight line silhouette that I was going for and the statement pendant almost looks like it could be built into the shirt. And, of course, no outfit is complete without my engagement ring now!

It’s one thing to try out a color or pattern that you don’t often wear but an entirely different shape of clothing is a whole different ball game. I completely stepped out of my comfort zone with this outfit and this is the first time I have ever worn a pair of high waisted pants while actually showing that they are high rise! I feel proud of myself for trying something new and I don’t think I will be shying away from high rise anymore because I felt awesome in this look. 🙂

What is your preferred rise for jeans? How do you take fashion risks? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May31

If The Shoe Fits: Charles By Charles David Edition

Posted on May 31, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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If The Shoe Fits: Charles By Charles David Edition

Helloooo! A style of shoe that became very popular within the past two years or so as well as very well loved by me is the mule. From totally flat to a tiny or stiletto heel, there is a style of mule for everyone. Cute, practical, comfy, and I am always trying to add new ones to my shoe collection. During a recent TJMaxx haul, I chose a pair of wedge mules from the Charles collection by Charles David and I am in love. Take a look and let’s discuss:

I like these mules a lot because they are unexpected. The combination of the woven and cork wedge with the edgy pleather makes for a style that I have never seen before and I really like that. And, of course, these wedges are oh so comfortable and I can definitely see myself slipping these on constantly during the summer for visits to the zoo or farmers market.

My new mules are totally unique but they are also completely neutral so I could wear them with anything and get away with it. But, I am most looking forward to pairing these with a cute pair of denim short shorts and a crop top and calling it a day for a laid back look on a hot day. Throw on a floppy hat and huge shades and you have a perfect summer OOTD!

What is your favorite style of shoe? Do you prefer flats or heels? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb10

If The Shoe Fits: B.A.I.T. Edition

Posted on February 10, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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Hiii everyone and welcome to another issue of If The Shoe Fits! It’s been a while since I’ve had a good shoe haul, there’s no denying that. It’s also true that I really don’t need any more shoes, there’s no denying that. But, ModCloth’s warehouse sale was too good to pass up, and I walked away with three pairs of shoes for just under one hundred dollars. If I bought them all at their original price, it would have been an over three hundred dollar purchase! Like I said, it was a sale that was way too good to pass up. Take a look at these fun mules by B.A.I.T. and let’s discuss:

Sweet daisies, mustard yellow, and a heeled mule make these new shoes the epitome of 1970’s feel good vibes. So retro and too cute for words, I just couldn’t say no to them. ModCloth has always been a haven for vintage and retro inspired duds and I think that these B.A.I.T. mules perfectly embody the style story that they are going for. I feel like I could see these shoes on the racks of a vintage store, but I love that I got them brand spanking new!

I can picture wearing these B.A.I.T. beauties with my dark wash denim A-line skirt that zips up the front and a black cropped sweater with a rainbow on it from Forever 21 for a sassy look that’s straight out of the 1970’s. So fun!

^^^ Love!! Can’t wait for the weather to get warm to bust this OOTD out.

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

Oct9

If The Shoe Fits: Betsey Johnson Mules Edition

Posted on October 9, 2017 by lifewithlilred

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If The Shoe Fits: Betsey Johnson Mules Edition

Hi everyone and happy Monday! I hope that all of you had a wonderful and relaxing weekend. So we all have those certain trends that we love to hate/hate to love/yada yada yada. For me, that trend is the mule. Don’t get me wrong, I love the first pair of Matisse mules that I bought and I think that some mules can be totally gorgeous. But, as a heel girl through and through, it’s a rarity that I can put my best feet forward in flats.

Obviously, a heeled mule would be ideal BUT THEY ALL LOOK LIKE CLOGS and I hate those. Lol, it’s not even a mule – it’s a straight up clog. I’ve thought a lot about this style of shoe and realized that what I need is the slipper shape of the top of the mule with a heel tacked onto the back for good measure. Preferably, a heel that’s not made of hard rubber, which makes the shoe look like a pair of clodhoppers if I’ve ever seen them.

I’ve clearly put a lot of energy into imagining the ideal shape for a heeled mule, but have had no luck in finding the pair that was “just right”. So, can you believe my surprise when I found the seemingly perfect pair of Betsey Johnson HEELED MULES while browsing on TJMaxx’s website?! Swoon. Take a look and let’s discuss:

So, yeah. You can see that these babies above are exactly what I wanted. These shoes are literally a mule with a heel thrown on for funsies. These Betsey beauties are just darling. Mules definitely have the potential to look like shoes for the (very fashionable) elderly, but not these. The black and white striped heel in contrast with the vibrant yellow flowers screams whimsical tea party. These mules are youthful, sassy, and perfect for a twenty-something who considers a night on the town to consist of strutting down the aisles of Target and TJMaxx.

The best part of Betsey Johnson clothing and accessories are the adorable surprises that are in the details. The center of the flowers on my mules are actual metal, beaded, and jeweled brooches – not just some lame-o craft store find tacked smack dab in the middle. All of these hidden delights just show how much joy that Betsey has in creating her brand and why she will always be one of my favorite designers.

These shoes were made for everything from ambling through daily errands to a boozy bar crawl with the girls on a Saturday night. Somehow, Betsey Johnson knew that I was in desperate need of mules just like my new pair, so she snapped her fingers and put these on the market. Love, love, freaking LOVE.

So there you have it, the newest issue of If The Shoe Fits: Betsey Johnson Mules Edition! What is a trend that you love to hate? Do you prefer flats or heels? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug18

If The Shoe Fits: Coconuts By Matisse Edition

Posted on August 18, 2017 by lifewithlilred

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If The Shoe Fits: Coconuts By Matisse Edition

Hi everyone and TGIF! Okay, you guys all know how much Lil Red loves shoes – specifically heels. But two of my latest footwear purchases from TJMaxx sport barely there lifts, which I’m shockingly okay with. The mule shoe is the it thing right now, and I have been on the prowl for the perfect pair since they made their debut late in the spring.

The mule hunt has proven to be extremely difficult. I don’t want them completely flat like a slipper but I also don’t want a huge, chunky heel like a clog. I thought that all hope was lost until a TJs trip last weekend, which resulted in these Coconuts By Matisse baroque beauties:

Having size six feet truly is a blessing, because the pair seen above was the only one in the entire shoe department and it felt like they were sitting there just waiting for me. My new Matisse mules were stationed on the bottom shelf, tucked into the corner of the size six section looking forlornly for a new owner. Thank god I came along to help out with that!

These beautiful slip ons were the first thing that caught my eye upon entering TJ’s shoe section and as soon as I saw them, I knew that they were “the one”. The stunning pattern? The tiny heel? The pure craftsmanship of the embroidery? The twenty-five dollar price tag? As if my leg didn’t need twisted to buy them before!

The small lift of these mules was the selling point for me when it came down to it. Frankly, if my new babies were totally flat, then I don’t think that they would have been coming home with me. I don’t like flats. I really just despise how they look on me and this mini kitten heel made me feel excited to not be wearing four plus inches high shoes. That’s not just saying something, that’s screaming something.

My Coconuts By Matisse mules are going to be so extraordinarily perfect for fall. The rich jewel tones will add spice to the black skinnies that make up my cold weather wardrobe and will look simply stunning among the fallen leaves on the ground. I’m looking forward to wrapping up the summer by wearing these with shorts during errand days, but will be transitioning them into the autumn season with A-line skirts and sun dresses with thick tights underneath.

There’s no doubt that my marvelous mules will be making a huge statement in my autumn wardrobe and I can’t wait to kick up my mini heels for some fall fun! And for more heelless hootenanny, be sure to tune in for the next edition of If The Shoe Fits where I discuss an edgy new pair of combat boots perfect for a punk night out at the Marilyn Manson concert that I so desperately want to attend!

So there you have it, the latest issue of If The Shoe Fits: Coconuts By Matisse Edition! How do you rock the mule trend? What is your favorite brand of shoes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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