Tag Archives: new clothes

Trail Blazers: Kasper Edition

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Trail Blazers: Kasper Edition

Salutations! We are on blazer two of four thanks to my twenty dollar haul at a North Carolina Goodwill, so let’s get to it! I used to be so weird about thrift shopping in the past because I was a pretty extreme germophobe. And, I’m not going to lie, I still have my quirks but I’ve learned to take a deep breath and dive right in when it comes to secondhand shopping because I’m not going to let my phobia get in the way of a real life treasure hunt! If I let my fears get the best of me, I wouldn’t have ended up with this menswear inspired number seen below:

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I quite like this Kasper blazer! Of course, the shoulder pads, grey scale palette with a hint of red, and the double breasted buttons are all very good. But, what I really like is that I get a very pajama style vibe from it and turning your sleepwear into streetwear is a huge trend right now! My new/old blazer has a more boyfriend fit to it but it still manages to feel constructed, which is a must for me. This is also all the more reason to love a good shoulder pad because it can add a unique structure to even the slouchiest of tops.

Because I am getting such a huge pajama chic vibe from this blazer, I plan on styling it with some comfy cool joggers or a more wide legged trouser for the ultimate stylish take on leisurewear. Keeping it fashion forward is the name of the game, though, which means a sharp stiletto heel is definitely in order as well as all of the bling to keep you looking modelesque as opposed to “I just rolled out of bed”.

How do you style a pajama inspired look? How do you dress for comfort while still looking chic? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Lucky Brand Haul: Corduroy Trucker Jacket Edition

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Lucky Brand Haul: Corduroy Trucker Jacket Edition

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

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

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

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

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

Lucky Brand Haul: Black Skinnies Edition

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Lucky Brand Haul: Black Skinnies Edition

Howdy! One of my main bugaboos are the classic, all American blue jeans. From about fifteen on, I have simply refused to wear them because 1) I feel like they make me look fat and 2) they definitely don’t fit with my all black everything aesthetic. So, needless to say, I own black skinnies for days and always have to restock a pair or two at least once a year as the color fades so easily.

While shopping the Lucky Brand outlet store in Asheville, North Carolina, I was able to score a new pair that fit like a glove for thirty dollars – a mere fraction of the original ninety dollar price tag! Take a look:

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What I love about these jeans other than their inky midnight black hue and the more cloth like material as opposed to denim is their fit. Thanks to over a decade’s worth of figure skating, it’s no secret that Lil Red definitely has some junk in the trunk. My legs are extremely muscular and I have a booty boo that I am quite proud of, thank you very much!

This is why I am so happy that I was able to find a curvy but still skinny fit pair of jeans. As we all know, plain old skinny jeans don’t have much give to them and it’s no fun having to do the pants dance every time you want to pull a pair on. And, I hate having to size up in jeans and clothes in general due to an eating disorder which is now under control. I was elated to be able to try on a pair of skinnies that were true to my actual size and still felt *comfortably* suction cupped to my legs, lol.

Also, can we please take a moment to talk about the cheeky “lucky you” on the inside of the fly?! Haha, so cute! It has been a while since I got a new pair of black skinnies for myself and these were very much needed. I can absolutely picture myself purchasing Lucky Brand jeans again if the price is right. My new pair fit perfectly and are exactly what I wanted – no sacrificing self esteem required!

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

Lucky Brand Haul: Spot On Sweater Edition

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Lucky Brand Haul: Spot On Sweater Edition

Hello hello! Despite saying that I was going to save money while on vacation, the outlet malls in Asheville were calling my name and I ended up with a haul from Lucky that I am very happy with. In fact, I daresay that I got a better deal at the outlet store than I ever would have shopping with TJMaxx – and that’s really saying something because I swear by that store. Because ya’ll have never known Lil Red to pass up on a deal, I ended up with some beautiful new pieces for my fall wardrobe like this darling polka dot sweater:

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Blah, blah, blah mustard yellow.

Blah, blah, blah excellent deal.

Blah, blah, blah perfect fall staple.

Ugh, but seriously – mustard yellow, excellent deal, and PERFECT fall staple! I cannot say enough good things about this sweater. From the gorgeous fallen leaves hue and the charming pattern to the chunky but fitted shape and keyhole cutout on the back, this sweater has got it going on. It has just the right amount of give to keep me comfy cozy during the cooler weather but it is fitted enough that it doesn’t look like I’m drowning in it or am as wide as a house. Spoiler Alert: Both looks are not cute.

Nope, this lovely little sweater is the epitome of slouchy chic and is going to look simply  flawless paired with some faux leather skinnies, thigh high boots, and a great big statement bag to complete the look. Throw on a huge floppy hat and don’t look at me sunnies and you are ready to strut about the pumpkin patch or apple orchard like you own the joint. Hello, stunner!

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

Lucky Brand Haul: Topper Jacket Edition

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Lucky Brand Haul: Topper Jacket Edition

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trail Blazers: Vince Camuto Edition

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Trail Blazers: Vince Camuto Edition

Salutations! If I had to name my favorite piece of clothing, I would probably have to say that I love the outerwear family. From moto jackets and peacoats to blazers and vests, I am a huge fan of all of it. A good jacket can make or break an outfit and can take something from simple to extraordinary by simply slipping it on. This has always been appealing to me and is why I love cold weather clothing so much because I have quite the outerwear collection. And, I got to add to it with this gorgeous new hounds tooth blazer by Vince Camuto. Take a look:

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  • Original Price: $180
  • TJMaxx Price: $50!!!

Although I only have one pair of shoes by Vince Camuto in my arsenal, I have admired his brand and beautiful creations for some time. So, it is always exciting to get something from a designer that you love for a fraction of the cost. And, I have to say, I was absolutely and completely thrilled to get this blazer in the mail. Just seeing it on the TJMaxx website gave me chills and it was one of those pieces that I knew was going to work without even having to try it on. I love when that happens!

Obviously, I was right – the blazer did work or we wouldn’t be here discussing it! But, it didn’t just work, it fucking slayed. Everything about this blazer from the hounds tooth pattern to the huge faux fur cuffs screams posh It Brit style to me and I am so there for it. My new Vinny C number looks fierce buttoned up against the cold but it also looks soft and elegant unbuttoned to display a thin cable knit sweater.

The color palette of the blazer is divine and having it come down into the cuffs in glorious tufts of caramel, black, and cream creates an edgy aesthetic while still looking oh so chic. Whether you pair this Vince Camuto blazer with your favorite sweater dress or knit skirt or just with a basic pair of skinnies, you are going to have a rockin’ OOTD – minimum effort required with maximum style.

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

Fall Haul: Cynthia Rowley Sweater

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Fall Haul: Cynthia Rowley Sweater

Greetings! One of my favorite things about fall clothing is getting to break out knitwear again. From cozy cardigans to slouchy sweaters or a hand-knitted scarf, there is nothing better than being wrapped in something warm against the brisk autumn air. I am a huge lover of knitwear because, despite it being so damn comfortable, it always manages looking chic and appropriate for the season. And, the last thing that Lil Red does is dress for comfort, so being enveloped in something so soft and plush is an added bonus.

During my seasonal shopping haul at TJMaxx, I came across the tennis ball green Cynthia Rowley sweater seen below and thought that it was the ugliest thing that I’ve seen in my life. So, obviously, I had to try it on. And, surprising at it was, I fell in love with it as soon as I popped my head out of the turtleneck. Check it out:

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From the color green that looks like it belongs on the walls of a home back in the 60s to the crisp white squares adorning the sweater, this little number screams mod. Give me a Twiggy vibe and I am all in and this sweater definitely does that for me. What draws me to the clothes and accessories that I purchase is if I’ve never seen anything like it before and that is why I was so attracted to this sweater, even if it did look heinous on the rolling rack.

Before even trying my new Cynthia Rowley sweater on, I had a good feeling about it. Fifty shades of green is very flattering on me and I wasn’t expecting anything different from the chartreuse fabric. And, just one look in the fitting room mirror of the color against my red hair had me sold and infinite visions of styling possibilities washed over me.

I am so looking forward to creating a collegiate cool OOTD to shoot in the campus library of one of the nearby universities in my neck of the woods. School is back in session and I plan on schooling everyone in fall style by pairing this sweater with a smart pair of trousers or an A-line skirt with thick tights and a heeled oxford shoe. Mix in some tweed and a silk scarf around your neck and you’re bound to get an A in OOTD 101!

What is an “ugly” piece of clothing or color that you love? How do you style a back to school look? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Fall Haul: Camo Velvet Heart Top

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Fall Haul: Camo Velvet Heart Top

Hello!! One print that I happen to like a lot but don’t own any of is camouflage. I’ve always loved the idea of finding a great pair of camo skinnies or a jacket but I just have never found the one that works for me. So, when I came across this little button up number by Velvet Heart during my TJMaxx Fall Haul, I had to give it a try. And, despite my mom and sister not loving it, it came home with me and I am very much looking forward to sporting it during the last days of summer and throughout the fall. Check it out:

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To me, the camo print is so edgy despite it being quite utilitarian and I like that because it means I have lots of options when styling it. While the warm weather is still among us, I plan on just wearing this top tucked into jean shorts with my Peter Grimm strapped hat for a safari chic OOTD. But, when the temperatures drop, I can totally layer it over a tight fitting sweater for extra warmth while sacrificing none of the cuteness.

Camo makes a statement, but it doesn’t completely make the outfit. And, nothing will look better with the deep green palette of my new button down then some… you guessed it: CHUNKY GOLD JEWELRY! More specifically, my cheetah embellished gold chain from yesterday’s post. It will fit snugly beneath the collar with the cheetah popping out of the green leaves just like in its natural jungle habitat. Pair it with some chic black ankle boots and skinny jeans and you’re ready for a look that will turn heads despite the camo’s purpose of blending in. Now, that’s an outfit!

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

Pajama Party: Tommy Hilfiger Edition

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Pajama Party: Tommy Hilfiger Edition

Hello, hello darlings! With the turn of every season, I usually do one big TJMaxx haul to add some updates to the clothing appropriate for the change of weather. And, as far as I’m concerned, fall is basically here so a shopping trip was definitely necessary. I never really have anything particular in mind to purchase during my seasonal haul, I just go with whatever suits my fancy. This could be accessories like a new purse or jewelry or maybe some chunky sweaters and skinny jeans.

Regardless, after my haul, I feel like I have everything that I need for the season ahead and am content and excited to revamp old outfits with new pieces. The next few posts on lifewithlilred will feature everything bought during my TJ’s haul and we’re going to start that off with some new Tommy Hilfiger pajamas. Check it out:

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I have a big love for PJs, even though I haven’t bought any in a long while. So, I couldn’t pass this darling Tommy Hilfiger short and sweatshirt set up when I saw it. And, getting it for twenty dollars instead of the original seventy-eight didn’t hurt the cause, either! They just looked SO comfy and I had to wear them the day that they came home with me and they ARE so comfy.

There is nothing quite like snuggling up in a cute pair of PJs during a chilly fall evening and that’s exactly why I got these. Wrapping a fleece blanket around bare legs is the ultimate comfort while popping in a movie and the sweatshirt does the job too in a different way. It’s nice and warm while not feeling too heavy and I went with a bigger size than normal so I could just wrap myself completely in it. It really is the perfect PJ set…

And, oh yeah, did I mention it’s cute? I adore the soft and snugly heather grey and the varsity jacket style lettering gives it the classic All American feel that Tommy Hilfiger is so well known for. Even in the sleep and lounge-wear department, TH delivers and I am just as obsessed with my new set as I am with all of my oldie but goodie Calvin Klein PJs.

Although this purchase isn’t something that I can wear out and about during the day, my nights needed an updated look, too, and my new pajama set is just what the doctor ordered to do that with. ❤

What is your favorite brand for sleep and lounge-wear? How do you get comfy cozy during a chilly night? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Trail Blazers

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Trail Blazers

Hello!! I have been really lucky at the Goodwill lately. Not only have I got a new air hockey table, but I recently bought two gorgeous blazers for a whopping ten dollars total. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my TJMaxx to death BUT ten dollars for two blazers that appear to be brand new is a deal you would never get at one of your favorite discount stores. Especially when one of those blazers is from Express, which usually runs for about one hundred dollars, minimum. Check these out:

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The total cost for both of my new finds would have been on the better half of two hundred dollars and paying ten for them felt like hitting the jackpot. I love the clothing at Express, but would never consider paying for any of it because they are way over my budget. So, getting a sleek blazer that looks barely worn from there was super exciting! And, I have wanted a retro plaid blazer for quite some time now so finding one by Sag Harbor complete with shoulder pads was a major highlight.

I think that blazers are a fantastic piece of clothing and I regret not owning more of them. But, I am happy to start increasing my collection with the ones above. Not only are they the perfect business casual staple but blazers are also an amazing option for fall, creating a cozy, studious chic look.

Of course, I love my more form fitting black blazer from Express and anticipate on wearing it for meetings for work or a night on the town. But, I am particularly looking forward to styling the Sag Harbor one. I plan on doing an OOTD photo shoot tipping my cap to the British punk scene by sporting black leather skinnies, my Union Jack platforms, a hat with a veil created from my tulle purchase, and the plaid blazer over top. I have always been enthralled with the punk fashion scene from across the pond and my Sag Harbor blazer gave me such heavy vibes from that wonderful style and I can’t wait to show all of you. Be on the lookout! 😀

How do you like to style your blazers? Which era of fashion gives you inspiration? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah