Tag Archives: pretty

Aug29

What DO I Wear?!?! The Fall Transition

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What DO I Wear?!?! The Fall Transition

Hello everyone and welcome to the first post for my Falling For Fall guest bloggers series compliments of one of my blogging BFFs, Kate, from Ankhor You. Kate is one of my literal favorite people on the planet and I love when I can have her on my page with one of her amazing fashion segments. Please take some time to check out her blog and click that follow button! You won’t regret it!

What DO I Wear?!?! The Fall Transition

“Fashion is ultimately a form of self-expression. That’s why I love trying out new things.” ~ Ashley Madekwe

All the Feels of Fall

I am so honored to once again have been asked to collaborate on the Falling For Fall series by Sarah. I always have so much fun coming up with outfits and working with this beauty. She is so incredibly talented not to mention insanely witty! (THANKS!!!!! -Sarah)

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Fall has always been the season that gives me all of the feels and lets me dig deep into my inner nostalgia. I grew up in the White Mountains where the foliage resembles something out of a Monet painting, and apple and pumpkin spice creations rival Trader Joe’s selection.

It is the one time where going home is always imperative because as Dorothy says “There is NO place like home” and that is exceptionally true in the Fall.

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Alas, Mother Nature doesn’t always agree. The leafs might have turned vibrant shades, but the temps can still be a boiling seventy or eighty degrees.

Come September, I am ready for the basic girl wardrobe: Sweaters, leggings, and boots. Yet with Mother Nature having a Hot Flash, it makes it a bit difficult to don the Fall Wardrobe that makes Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice lovers rejoice everywhere. Which is why I have have to get artistically and fashionably creative.

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Army Green

Truth time: This might be the real reason Sarah and I are friends, let’s be honest. We both adore this color. There is something about this darker, yet slightly muted color that screams fall. Although people tend to shy away from this color, labeling it too grungy or military-esque, it literally looks good on everyone, from blondes to brunettes and our very own lifewithlilred redheads. (That’s me!!)

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The neutral color makes it easy to style with almost anything. Black, brown, I have even worn it with blue before and, of course, there is my favorite combination of Army Green with blush.

Yes peeps, army meets ballet in the most fantastic color scheme! Badass Boneheads rejoice! (AYYY!)

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Crop Tops

It might come as a surprise, but the belly baring trend of the summer has transitioned its peek-a-boo self right on into fall.

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// Hat & Skirt: Anthropologie // Brami: Free People // Jacket: J-Crew // Necklace: SeaMilliganDesigns // 

With layering as the key essential ingredient – mixed with a little Pumpkin Spice, of course, crop tops actually make perfect sense.

They are the new camisole, and companies like Free People are even calling them bramis, which sounds like an act by Houdini, but who am I to argue with the word when they are a staple in my wardrobe!

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The Outfit

It would be a dream (seriously Twilight zone stuff) if I could have a new wardrobe. Yet, I can’t deny part of the fun of being a fashionista is recycling pieces of clothing from season to season and not just re-imagining new looks, but using them in a way that makes them fresh and trendy.

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Back in June, I had gotten this black maxi skirt from Anthropologie that was part of a set. Transitioning it into fall, I paired it with my army green brami to add a pop of color, and channel those cooler days.

As much as I love leather – and nothing screams fall more than leather – it can be hot! So sometimes, you have to go with an oldie but goodie. In this case, it’s the denim jacket. This jacket is distressed, giving it an edgy flare. It is the perfect layering piece over the brami (I just really like that word!) and for those cool autumn nights.

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Accessories

Nothing completes a look better than the right accessories. Not only that, but they help transition an outfit from season to season. Hats always make me think of fall, and my felt ranchers hat from Anthropologie seemed like the obvious choice to go with. With a subtle yet glitzy jeweled band, this wide brim adds the prefect pizazz for any fall day. Pair it with a scarf for chillier nights and you have a fashionable yet transitional look.

Lastly, for this shoot I decided to channel my inner Ferngully, letting my bare feet dance amongst the leaves and moss. Ferngully moment aside, pairing black or nude booties with this skirt completes the boho Autumnal vibes, because you can’t go barefoot everywhere!

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Thank you so much again to Kate of Ankhor You for kickstarting my series with some OOTD perfection! I LOVE YOU. What is your favorite color to wear during the fall? What is your go to accessory to sport during the cooler weather? 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

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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:

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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

Aug12

The Body Shop Bronze Bliss Eyeshadow Swatches

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The Body Shop Bronze Bliss Eyeshadow Swatches

Hi everyone and happy weekend! Today we’re going to discuss my all time favorite eyeshadow shade compliments of The Body Shop, Bronze Bliss. More often than not, although I am trying to step up my makeup game, you will see me sporting this color. Seriously, scroll through my pictures on Facebook for like ten seconds and you’ll see what I mean!

Bronze is such a magical color because it looks good on everyone. From the palest porcelain to the deepest ebony, bronze is a shade that can be pulled off on makeup and clothing with ease. I guess that’s why I’m so drawn to it. I could be wearing any outfit of any color and I know that this eyeshadow will look fantastic with it. That’s kind of why I never bothered with anything else, even though I’m having fun trying out new makeup shades now! Take a looksee at some swatches and let’s discuss:

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^^^ Pretty!

As per ushe, the first heart seen above is Bronze Bliss dry and the second heart is when it’s wet, which is how I prefer wearing it. Normally, I’ll wet my brush and just paint my entire lid with this shadow for a striking metallic hue against my hazel eyes. I love when I wear this eyeshadow because it turns my hazel peepers into an insanely reminiscent of Edward Cullen a la Twilight golden shade. This sounds like a cocky thing to say about oneself BUT I’ve been told this multiple times so I guess it must be true!

The best part about this particular color, though? Oh, that I got it for a whole five dollars when The Body Shop that I live by had their going out of business sale. You definitely can’t beat that! 😀

So there you have it, my Bronze Bliss Eyeshadow Swatches from The Body Shop! What other colors look universally good on the people of Earth? What is your go to color of eyeshadow to wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug6

Elf Palette Faves #3

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Elf Palette Faves #3

Hellooo everyone and happy Sunday!! Welcome to my final post of my top three favorite colors from my Elf Nude Rose Gold Palette! I could have gone with the bronze color today, but everyone already knows that that’s one of my favorite eye makeup colors. Instead, I went with this lovely, chocolatey mauve shade, which can be seen below. We’ll call it…Chocolatey Mauve. Take a look:

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Chocolatey Mauve is the third shade from the right and can be seen dry on the first heart and wet on the second. I like this shade because it’s such a fresh alternative to plain old brown eyeshadow. The combination of milk chocolate and a dusky purple makes for a color that is perfect for an alternative to the classic black and grey smokey eye. Pair a Chocolatey Mauve lid with a light pink or taupe-y brown in the corner and you’re in business!

So there you have it, the last of my Elf Palette Faves! What colors do you like to use to create a smokey eye? What is your favorite color of eye makeup to wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug5

Elf Palette Faves #2

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Elf Palette Faves #2

Hi everyone and happy weekend! The next color that we’re going to talk about in my top three faves from my Elf Nude Rose Gold Palette is a pretty shell pink that’s perfect for using on the corner of your lids for bright, sparkling eyes. Unfortunately, the names of these colors in my palette are not listed so we’ll just go with the generic Pretty In Pink for this color, lol, check it out:

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Pretty In Pink is the shade in the middle of the palette and can be seen dry in the first heart and wet in the second. As you can see, there’s not that big of a difference, but I prefer to wear it dry. I’m all about wetting my brush when I’m using eyeshadow as a liner but for the colors on my lids, not so much. This color is great because it goes with virtually anything and is a flattering shade for all skin types. As I mentioned earlier, it looks great in the corners or slightly underneath the eyes. But, for a fresh princess glow, a generous sweep on the lids is all you need for a delicate and feminine look.

I like Pretty In Pink a lot for its versatility and, of course, the sparkles in it don’t hurt, either! I think all of the colors in my Elf palette are really nice, but be sure to tune in tomorrow to catch my third and final Palette Fave! What shade in the Nude Rose Gold Palette is your favorite? What kind of makeup look would you create with this product? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug4

Elf Palette Faves #1

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Elf Palette Faves #1

Hiiii everyone and TGIF! Okay, so this Wednesday I introduced you guys to my New(ish) Elf Nude Rose Gold Palette and I wanted to share a few of my fan favorites with all of you. Unfortunately, I don’t know the names of any of these colors SO I’LL MAKE THEM UP MYSELF. Ayyy! Let me introduce you all to SPARKLING EGGPLANT lololol:

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Sparkling Eggplant is the last color on the right in my palette. This is my favorite color out of the ten. I love the purple-y, mauve color and the fact that this shade has some glitter thrown in for good measure makes me like it even more. I prefer to wear Sparkling Eggplant (It never gets old!) as an eyeliner and I wet my brush to give it the appearance of the second heart seen above.

My eyes are hazel and frequently change colors from brown to green or gold depending on the lighting and what makeup I’m using. The purple hue of this eyeshadow brings about green eyes, which I love. To complete this look, I like to use one of the shell pink colors in the corner of my eyes with one of the browns or mauves in the palette across the lid. I then blend these together for a purple haze, smokey look – which sounds a lot better than my makeup skills allot for!

So there you have it, the first of my Elf Palette Faves! How do you use makeup to play up your eye color? How would you name this color from my palette? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug2

New(ish) Elf Nude Rose Gold Palette

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New(ish) Elf Nude Rose Gold Palette

Hellooo everyone and happy Hump Day! As all of you know, I’m trying to get (slightly) more adventurous with my makeup choices. I don’t want anything crazy, and even if I did, I don’t have anywhere near the makeup talent required to do it. But, that doesn’t mean that I can’t branch out and try some new eye makeup colors!

As opposed to buying a bunch of different eyeshadow shades, I was hoping to use a more economic approach and find a palette that would work for me. I wanted to find a palette with colors that I was comfortable with using, as well as with a price tag that I was comfortable with, too. In June, I found that with this here Elf Nude Rose Gold Palette. I know, I know it’s taken me a minute (obviously) to write about it, but here it is:

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With ten eyeshadow colors perfect for mixing and matching and a ten dollar cost, I think that this palette is perfect. It offers colors that I use already, like the bronzes and pinks. But it also gives me some darker shades that I’m excited to try for a more sultry, smokey look. Wa wa woo we wa!

I won’t bore you with swatches of all of the colors, but I thought that I would post some individual pictures of my favorite shades throughout this week. So, after a call to action announcement tomorrow, do make sure to check out some dry and wet swatches from my New(ish) Elf Nude Rose Gold Palette!

What is your favorite eyeshadow palette? What are your favorite drug store makeup brands? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug1

NYX Fireball Eyeshadow Swatches

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NYX Fireball Eyeshadow Swatches

Hello everyone and happy first day of August! So as you guys know, I’m not the biggest makeup girl in the world. I am the most undaring, untalented makeup applier that there is – and the thing is, is that I don’t really care. Makeup is and always has been my older sister’s territory. She’s absolutely phenomenal at all manners of makeup application and has been since we were teenagers.

Kristen loves to shop at Sephora and lives for her monthly Ipsy subscription. Meanwhile, I live for her semi annual makeup clean throughs so I can get the odds and ends that she doesn’t want. Kristen’s makeup clear outs can rid products that she might have doubles of, doesn’t care for, or is simply bored with. This is how I acquired an NYX eyeshadow that she got from her Ipsy subscription that I’m looking forward to trying. Take a look at Fireball:

^^^ Lol AYYY. And as always I have no rights to this song or video!

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^^^ The first heart is the eyeshadow dry and the second one is when it’s wet, which is how I prefer wearing my shadows.

I was a bit worried when this NYX eyeshadow came into my possession, because with a name like Fireball, you’d expect for the color to be fairly red. And the color does look it in its container. But, upon applying it to the back of my hand, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the color was a far cry from the Fireball red that I was expecting. Rather, it looked more like a rusty bronze – which I LOVE.

Fifty shades of bronze/gold is my preferred eye makeup color. I love how it looks with my skin, eyes, and hair and I feel like it’s a shade that looks good on everyone. When this NYX shade is dry, it has more of that orange-y bronze look to it. But while wet, it gives a gorgeous, metallic, rose gold aura and I live for it. It takes me a minute to warm up to trying a new shade of makeup – at twenty-three, I’m just now growing comfortable with experimenting more while painting my face. But, when the time is right, I’m totally hyped for this NYX eyeshadow to make its debut!

So there you have it, my NYX Fireball Eyeshadow Swatches! What is your preferred makeup brand? What is your favorite color of eyeshadow to wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul26

Bath Bomb Blitz: Intergalactic Planetary Edition

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Bath Bomb Blitz: Intergalactic Planetary Edition

Helloooo everyone and happy Hump Day! Last night, I treated myself to using the other bath bomb that I got during my Lush shopping trip a few weekends ago. Other than the “DAD” one that I purchased (lolol), I also went with the galaxy bath bomb. I’ve seen many a post about this little wonder product so I just had to give it a go to see if it looks as cool in real life as it does on my laptop screen. SPOILER ALERT: It did! Take a look:

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To me, the Lush bath bombs don’t smell a lot like anything – but that’s okay! These products are still a lot of fun. As soon as I dropped the galaxy bomb in the water, it changed almost instantly. The deep indigo, pink, green, and white began swirling about my tub so quickly and didn’t fizz out for at least fifteen minutes. As much as I loved my DAD bomb for humor’s sake, this one definitely took the cake!

Another pretty surprise was the glitter, that you can kind of see above in the second to last photo. The bright white glitter scattered throughout the water looked like little mini spiral galaxies in a dark night sky and it was so cool to see. As soon as the water was ready, I turned off the main lights in my bathroom, eased myself into the tub, and spent my evening floating around in outer space.

Like my DAD bath bomb, this galaxy one left my skin feeling so supple and hydrated. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that the dark blue water didn’t stain my tub, which was definitely a nice bonus! I’m a bit sad that I have no more bath bombs from Lush to play with, so I guess that’s what my Christmas wish list is for! Hey, it’s only five or so months away, right?! 😉

So there you have it, the newest issue of Bath Bomb Blitz: Intergalactic Planetary Edition! What is your favorite bath and body care product? How do you like to pamper yourself? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul24

It’s In The Bag: Dream Control Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Dream Control Edition

Hi everyone and happy Monday! I hope that all of you had a wonderful weekend and are filled with endless energy to tackle your day. My brother and his wife are celebrating their second marriage anniversary shortly, so my mom and I hit up TJMaxx to see if we could find a nice present for them. We didn’t. But, naturally, I did find something! Take a look at this new backpack beauty and let’s discuss:

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^^^ Pretty! ❤

Although I share a deep love for all things fashion, I can’t say that I’m a very big purse girl. Don’t get me wrong, I have purses for days, darling, but I normally don’t go actively out of my way to acquire new ones on a regular basis. That’s what my love for shoes is for! ANYWHO, I’m very particular when it comes to my purses because it is absolutely crucial that my bags are unique but neutral enough to work well with my quirky, mix and match wardrobe. And that’s where this vegan leather, thirty dolla holla Dream Control book bag comes into play…

I LOVE IT SO MUCH OMGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!! ❤

Everything about this bag is just perfect to me. The slate grey color, the ethical material, the daring, envelope style shape. And, of course, the meager price tag didn’t hurt, either! Backpack style bags are so cool to me. They’re such a solid, unexpected staple piece that can be used in so many different cases. Whether you’re running around town, packing an overnight bag, or jamming it full of paper work from the nine to five, the backpack has got you covered.

I can’t say that I’m a trend follower, but when it comes to book bags, I willingly break my own rule! I have one other backpack that was also from TJMaxx and it’s one of my favorites. I freaking LURVE that thing, but it was lonely without a backpack buddy to hang out with on my purse display in my room, so obviously my Dream Control find was a must buy! #backpackBFFs

The slate grey color will make this bag easy to incorporate with all of my outfits, and I can just feel the compliments rolling in thanks to its unique shape. (I’ve literally never seen anything like it before!) Was it a necessary purchase? Uhhh…not necessarily. But a fun purchase, none of the less! It’s in the bag, darling. 😉

So there you have it, the latest issue of It’s In The Bag: Dream Control Edition! What is your favorite shape for purses? Who else loves sporting the backpack trend? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah