Tag Archives: shopping

May27

TJMaxx Skin Care Haul

Posted on May 27, 2024 by lifewithlilred

Hello! This past Tuesday, my mom and I enjoyed a fabulous shopping trip at TJMaxx. TJs is our happy place and, although I like to go by myself, it is SO much better with my mom. These shopping outings have been a tradition since I was little (What can I say, I’ve always loved popping tags lol) and I don’t plan on breaking it ever! My main priority at TJs was restocking my skin care hoard because it was getting quite bare. Nothing pleases me more than a skin care haul because I love testing out new products and I got exactly what I wanted. Check it out:

When I am shopping skin care, I like to get a three month supply for my moisturizer, serum, and eye cream. While that may seem a bit impractical, it is one of my money saving techniques. Trust and believe I could go to TJs monthly to restock my skin care, but I would most definitely end up buying more than that! My requirements for which products I pick are pretty simple, they must be non animal tested and they have to have at least one ingredient that I am partial to like hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, retinol, or collagen. Last time I had a big skin care haul, it was difficult to reach those parameters because the shelves were pretty depleted. This time around, it was smooth sailing and it was awesome!

For my selection, I was able to find some new to me brands like IZMO, AllAboutSkin, Skin Assistant, and Purifect. I am particularly interested in trying the Purifect serum because the packaging is ridiculous and it spoke to me. I already tested out the IZMO lip mask and it is so very nice! I also scored some new to me products from familiar brands like Provence Beauty, Clean Beauty, and Vital Beauty. I guess I am drawn to brands with Beauty in the name lol. In total, this haul costed less than sixty dollars and you just can’t beat that. I don’t even want to know what the grand total would be if I paid full price and, as a full fledged maxxinista, I never have to. 😀

Tune in tomorrow for more skin care as we discuss my May empties and be on the look out for reviews for some of these products coming soon!

What is your favorite skin care brand? Where do you get the best deals on skin care? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May26

New Industry Republic Clothing Sweater Vest

Posted on May 26, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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New Industry Republic Clothing Sweater Vest

Hello!! Who all remembers the store Charlotte Russe? Talk about a throwback, right?! When I was a teenager, that store was my jam and my absolute favorite thing I ever got was a sweater vest. It was tight fitting, cobalt blue, and had black houndstooth print. It was SO cute and nobody could tell me nothin when I had it on. Since then, I have tried on several similar sweater vests (Try saying that five times fast!) and none of them ever did anything for me. There was always just something off about them, whether it be fit, shape, or pattern. Until now, that is! Check out this fab new Industry Republic Clothing sweater vest that I got during my last TJMaxx shopping trip:

I purchased my vest for twenty dollars and it was originally sixty-eight. SCORE!

While perusing the clothing department, I saw a whole lot of nothing lol. This was quite the rarity because I can usually find something that is worth trying on. The racks of clothing were all featuring loud summer prints, awkward fits, and the dreaded tie in the front of shirts that I detest. Then, I locked eyes with my new sweater vest on an end cap and knew I could work with it. Although it didn’t have bold colors or patterns, it was remarkably similar in fit to my old A1 vest from Charlotte Russe and that was good enough for me. After some more shopping, I found the tennis skirt that you saw in yesterday’s post and we were back in business!

This sweater vest is just too cute. I love the creamy color, the flower details, and the soft knit. I was a bit fearful that this vest would be too warm for summertime, but it was actually nice and light. It can also double as a cold weather piece if you wear a tight fitting sweater underneath. When paired with the Kyodan tennis skirt, it was magic and made for such a flirty and fun OOTD. I had been hoping to find a new outfit for the next Misnyland picnic and I got exactly that. I am also so happy to find some new pieces to shake up my summer wardrobe because, as you know, it is my least favorite season to dress for. Maybe these fresh new finds will make me change my mind. 🙂

Although I have never played tennis, I can’t wait to wear my on the court with a fashion twist inspired outfit. Both the skirt and vests were awesome finds!

What was your favorite store to shop at as a teenager? What is your favorite store to shop at now? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May25

New Kyodan Tennis Skirt

Posted on May 25, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Howdy! This past Tuesday, I spent a lovely time during my break with my mom doing what we do best: Shopping! We hit up TJMaxx for anything and everything and it was so much fun. I was on the hunt for new skin care because it was just about time to restock my supplies. I also was hoping to find a new outfit to wear to the next picnic Tim Misny is hosting in June. I am SO bored with everything in my closet and I wanted something new to show out in because it is the first picnic I’ll be working as Tim’s social media manager. As I browsed the clothing department, I was coming up blank. Then, I saw a pretty little skirt on display and knew I could work with it! Check it out:

This skirt only costed seventeen dollars as opposed to the original forty-two. Score!!

I was instantly drawn to this skirt by Kyodan because I love a skater skirt and the pleats and elastic waistband offered a fresh take on a classic. And, of course, you know I love all black everything! This skirt is so flirty, flouncy, and sweet and I couldn’t have found it at a better time. I had added a crocheted sweater vest to my cart (See tomorrow’s post!), but was just going to put it away because I had nothing to pair it with. As always, TJs pulls through in the clutch for me when I need it most. #blessed

In the fitting room, I expected to just slip the skirt on and my mind was blown when I discovered that it had shorts underneath the fabric. I suppose if I looked at the brand of the skirt, which is clearly for athletes, I would have put two and two together but, alas lol. This made the Kyodan skirt even better because I knew that I will be moving around a lot when I wear it at the upcoming picnic. This provides the insurance that no one will see anything unsightly if a breeze picks up or what have you. And, to add to the victory, the skirt looked fabulous with the top I picked out! 😀

I found this skirt right in the nick of time because I was about to have to return to work empty handed. I felt so lucky when I went into the fitting room with only two things and they both worked perfectly. I can’t wait to wear it!

What is your favorite brand for athletic clothes? Do you have any fun events coming up? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May9

Summer Festival OOTD

Posted on May 9, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! A couple of weeks ago, I happily accepted a new job as Tim Misny’s social media manager and it has been freaking awesome. It is such a major accomplishment and I have loved every minute of it. One of my first content creating missions was at the Louie Run this past weekend to kick off the motorcycle season in Ohio. I don’t have too many pictures of my outfit because I was going nonstop all day, but I wanted to share a few shots anyways. I think this look is perfect for a Summer Festival! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Embroidered Top: Love On A Hanger, TJMaxx

Jean Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters

Embroidered Heels: Sbicca, ModCloth

The earrings are Lucky Brand and were a gift from my mom!

In terms of weather, we lucked out the day of the Louie Run. It was supposed to rain throughout the day, but it held off. However, the lack of rain made for a very hot and humid day and I knew I would need to put together a summer look to accommodate. For my outfit, I wanted something cute, cool, and classic. I also wanted to style an OOTD that was fairly simple because I would be interviewing a lot of people and didn’t want to take away from it. This look screams fresh and fun in the sun and it is exactly what I was going for!

To build this outfit, I started with my pretty flower embroidered Love On A Hanger top. I adore the navy pattern against the crisp white base and it reminds me of porcelain dishes. I appreciated the spaghetti straps for the muggy day ahead and I also liked that the sort of V neck wasn’t an extreme plunge. This made it still feel appropriate because I was technically working even though I was having a total blast. 😀

My Love On A Hanger top is ideal for pairing with sweet little jean shorts and I went with one of my go tos from American Eagle. As always, their shorts are the absolute best! I have several pairs of their denim shorts, but I chose an undistressed one for this look. Between the pattern on the top and all of my tattoos out for the world and god to see, there was no need for any extra bells and whistles. These shorts kept me cool and comfortable all day and I couldn’t even imagine the misery that would have happened if I wore jeans lol.

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For shoes, I went with a darling pair of embroidered heels by Sbicca. These were an excellent choice for a few reasons. 1) The heel was thick and supportive for walking around all day. 2) Even though they are a faded denim in color, it still worked because denim is a neutral. Last on the agenda was jewelry and I simply added one of my favorite pairs of turquoise earrings from my mom and called it. As I said, with my tattoos out for the world and god to see, this outfit didn’t need any extra bells and whistles!

This Summer Festival OOTD is one of the more simple ones that I have styled. However, sometimes you need to dress for the occasion and not just what you want to wear. So, simple or not, this outfit was a great success!

Are you attending any festivals this summer? Are you going to a concert any time soon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May6

Spring Picnic OOTD Bloopers

Posted on May 6, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Spring Picnic OOTD! Last Friday, Johnny and I made a trip to Misnyland to hang out with Tim Misny and contest winners for a picnic. We all had an awesome time and it was definitely a straight shot to the nostalgia because a party like the one we attended was how I met Tim in the first place. It was so fun to meet other Misny super fans and I think it’s just the tops to see people so happy thanks to my new boss’ efforts. I’m just hoping they didn’t see these moments when I was taking OOTD shots:

Introducing Tim Misny’s social media manager lol

TFYM when you realize your dress might be a bit too short to pop your foot

I’M SEXY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This bird of paradise is taking off

Who, me? 🙂

Mirror, mirror on the wall – who’s the fairest of them all?

Spoiler Alert: The fairest of them all is Tim!

Post bloopers, I like to talk about a funny occurrence or something random. I guess this story is going to fall under the random category… I don’t know about all of you, but I live for throwback music. The 90s and 2K era for pop, rap, and alternative just can’t be beat and it’s nice to know that my musical taste stunted around 2010 lol. Because I drive a lot for work, I have grown increasingly fond of radio programs. I love playing the trivia games on 107.9 and listening to the Jeremiah Show on 96.5. My favorite thing, though, is Throwback Thursday on 88.1.

88.1 is a super cool station that is run by the students at the University of Akron and is what I listen to the most frequently. Every Thursday, they play throwback hits all day and it makes for the best day ever. The irony is not lost on me that these students were probably not even born when these songs were coming out! But I digress. As the weather has turned lovely in Ohio, it made my last Throwback Thursday even better than usual. With the windows down and music blasting, it almost made me forget that I was on my way to work. But, hey, that early Britney Spears is going to do it for me every time!

I have officially turned into one of those people that has got to listen to their radio programs and I can’t say I’m mad about it. My next goal is to dedicate some time to doing tons of entries to play trivia on 107.9 because I am confident I can win it. So, don’t be surprised if baby girl has a future come up lol!

What is your favorite radio station? What is your favorite era of music? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May2

Spring Picnic OOTD

Posted on May 2, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past Friday, Johnny and I attended a spring picnic hosted by our friend Tim Misny. This was a party for social media contest winners and it was such fun to mingle with so many cool new people at Misnyland. We had beautiful weather for the get together and it was the first day that truly felt like spring in forever. Naturally, I had to show out in a little something something! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Dress: Altar’d State

Cardigan: Candie’s, Kohl’s

Studded Mary Jane Heels: White Mountain, TJMaxx

Normally when I’m preparing an OOTD, I tend to know what I’m going to wear almost immediately. I plan outfits in my head and make adjustments as I’m putting the outfit on. For this particular case, I had an adorable outfit in mind with a bodycon skirt and button down. However, it was just not it once it was on because of the change in my hair color. It has been a while since I had gotten a full on hair makeover and I forgot how the new colors might not compliment every single thing in my wardrobe. At this point, I had to pivot hard.

With what felt like no options and endless options to pick from, I spent a bit of time floundering around my closet and wondering what to do next. With minimal time to get ready and make the hour drive to Misnyland, I decided the best route was the easy one – a dress. Dresses are fantastic because there’s a limit to what you can do with them. It was also the perfect something to throw on for a spring picnic because dresses just scream spring to me!

Once I figured out a solution, it was go time. I browsed the dresses in my closet, but felt bored with what I was seeing. Many of the dresses I own have already been featured on OOTDs before or weren’t appropriate for the weather. Then, I stumbled upon a dress that I had honestly forgotten I had – a pretty little black and white floral number by Altar’d State. This was definitely the one and I loved how it went from form fitting to a flirty flounce on the hemline.

Although I have no problem wearing this dress without anything covering it in the summertime, I needed something for the party. I didn’t want my bra straps showing around a bunch of strangers! The weather didn’t call for a jacket, but I could certainly get away with a light cardigan. I went with an emerald green cardi by Candie’s, which is old as dirt but I still like all the same. The jewel tone against the neutral palette of the dress helped liven things up and the fit was spot on because it ended right when the dress did.

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For shoes, I chose a sweet pair of studded Mary Jane heels. The embellishment added a unique touch and the heels were sturdy, which was essential because we’d be walking on gravel. As a heavily tattooed gal, I tend to shy away from accessories when my ink is out because those are my accessories lol. Anything more just looks like too much so I put on a simple pair of stud earrings and was ready for the party with a few minutes to spare!

My Spring Picnic OOTD was not what I had in mind originally in the slightest. However, it worked beautifully for the occasion and I felt like the Spring Fling Queen in my look!

What colors look the best with your hair color? What would you wear to a spring picnic? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr26

Living For Lilac OOTD Bloopers

Posted on April 26, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Living For Lilac OOTD! During a very easy work week last week, I enjoyed getting new tattoos and my hair done. I felt so spoiled and pampered and have been simply obsessed with the results. It has been a long while since I did a total hair transformation or gotten a tap out session and my only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner! I was feeling my damn self while taking OOTD shots over the weekend and a few of the pics were my favorite in recent history. The ones we are about to take a look at? Eh, not so much! Lol, check it out:

Party people put your hands up

Hey…. Do you have a cigarette?

Solid foot pop, yikes face lol

Using all of my willpower and inner strength to not fall over

Getting blown away by the wind helllllllllp

Don’t mind me wiping my runny nose SMFH

I LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I like to think of myself as seasoned in the art of getting tattoos. I got my first one the day I turned eighteen and have been tattooed more times than I can count in the past twelve years. In fact, a recent post featured my golden rules for a long tattoo session. I follow these standards religiously and they have never failed me – even during the longest almost ten hour appointments. So, tell me why I decided to just forget one of these rules the day of my last tap out?!

Before my appointment, I had a good breakfast and snacked on the way to the tattoo shop and as I waited to get started. Once my artist began working on the first piece, it was go time and I let my mind go to my happy place. In between singing along to the bumping music at the shop and chatting with the artists, I was on my phone or in my own little world. Before I knew it, we were already on the last piece of the day. It was then that I realized it had been a fat minute since I had eaten and it caught up to me quickly.

This was the first time I had EVER gotten the shakes when being tattooed and I was so thankful that I stocked up on snacks at the gas station beforehand. After housing almost an entire bag of honey roasted peanuts, I was good as new. Like it had never even happened and the rest of the appointment went without a hitch. Don’t pull a me and be sure to EAT if you are getting tattooed – no matter how distracted or not hungry you are feeling. The shakes was the literal worst!

Although I failed to follow one of my tried and true tattoo rules, everything was a-okay and I was happy to have been able to complete the session. I have never tapped out yet! I can’t wait to get the last few odds and ends added soon! 😀

Are you treating yourself to a makeover? What are your plans for it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr25

Living For Lilac OOTD

Posted on April 25, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! After getting my hair and tattoos done, I was feeling like a whole new woman and couldn’t wait to show it off. And, what better way to do that than with some OOTD pics?! With pink lemonade hair, I wanted to invoke all of the warm, spring vibes and sported an adorable matching skirt and top set. This look was pure fun to wear and with matching sets being so incredibly popular, it is very easy to replicate. Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Crop Top: Altar’d State

Bodycon Skirt: Altar’d State

Jean Jacket: Ci Sono, TJMaxx

Speech Bubble Heels: LFL, TJMaxx

I have no idea where the daisy earrings are from!

When I began styling this outfit, I had skirts on the mind because I wanted my tattoos to be visible. I browsed the several bodycon skirts in my collection and was coming up blank. Honestly, what you see above is a last resort because I wasn’t sure it was still going to fit. I purchased the matching crop top and skirt set three years ago from Altar’d State! Despite having a few butterflies in my basket about trying it on, I gave it a go anyways and it fit like a glove. Not overly tight, but not loose either which is exactly what you want for a matching set.

The beauty of a matching set is that your whole outfit is basically styled with minimal think work. This made for a very easy outfit building session for your girl! Before I moved onto shoes and accessories, I wanted to add one more piece to the outfit for variety and in case it was chilly out. I went with a patchwork jean jacket by Ci Sono, which fit the girly sweet vibe of the outfit perfectly. The lighter wash also complimented the soft lilac of the matching set. A good jean jacket is a spring staple and it’s also a neutral so you can wear it with almost anything and get away with it!

With the base of the outfit settled, it was time to wrap things up with shoes and accessories. For shoes, I chose a pair of speech bubble heels by LFL in cobalt blue. These added a punchy pop of color, length, and also didn’t break up my leg line too extremely with the low ankle strap. Since a ton of my tattoos were showing and that serves as an accessory in itself, I kept jewelry minimal and put on the cutest pair of daisy earrings as a nod to the beautiful blooms of spring. With that, I was ready to show off my brand new look!

I absolutely love my Living For Lilac OOTD and can’t think of a better look to introduce Lil Red 2.0 with. Stay tuned for the blooper reel coming soon!

Are you a fan of matching sets? What is one of your spring wardrobe staples? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr21

70s Spring OOTD Bloopers

Posted on April 21, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my 70s Spring OOTD! Spring has finally showed up in good ol’ Akron, Ohio and I loved the look I created to welcome it with open arms. I have been ready for warmer days and a good thunderstorm or two, which we have had in spades this past week. Thankfully, it seems like spring has decided to stick around despite the fact that it could have turned back running after seeing these yikes shots. I, for one, am feeling #blessed lol! Check it out:

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Lil Red

Johnny forever cracking me up!

Looking like a noodle with this pose lol

Discovering how buttons work

TFYM when you’re about to say “and you know what else” in an argument

NAILED IT!

As per ushe when taking my pictures, Johnny is always saying something to make me laugh or my blooper shots are making him laugh. In this shoot’s case, my main squeeze very much enjoyed the struggle of the foot pop. He then proceeded to ask me a question that made me laugh even harder: “Do you keep all of the bad shots in a scrapbook or something?” LOL, I can’t with him because he knows darn well they go up on lifewithlilred. However, in a sense… Yes, I guess my page is like a scrapbook of sorts!

After Johnny’s first question, he asked me if I would make him a scrapbook of my blooper shots. I knew there was a reason I was posting these in the first place! This sounds like a hilarious project and I am game to make it happen. While I delete the bloopers from my phone to maximize space storage, they live eternally on lifewithlilred. This gives me bloopers on bloopers at my disposal and I think that I might just have to make a tangible scrapbook a reality for our birthaversary. I think he’ll love it. ❤

As you all know, I am a huge fan of the blooper reel and it warms my heart to know that Johnny is too. Lol, I can’t wait to scroll through bloopers past and select the worst of the worst for the scrapbook!

How do you save mementos? Do you like scrapbooking? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr18

70s Spring OOTD

Posted on April 18, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! We are finally starting to experience springlike weather in good ol’ Akron, Ohio and I have been SO ready for it. In fact, it has warmed up so significantly that Johnny and I currently have our air conditioning running. Hey, I’ll take it! Although I have enjoyed giving a final hurrah to beloved winter clothes, I have been looking forward to styling spring looks. When I think of spring OOTDs, I think of crisp, fresh pieces that can go from strolling through quaint downtown Cuyahoga Falls to drinks on the patio. The look you are about to see was inspired by spring staples with a 70s spin. Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Aviator Pattern Button Down: Karl Lagerfeld, TJMaxx

Straight Leg Slacks: Sincerely Jules, TJMaxx

Platform Heels: Bamboo/Cape Robbin, TJMaxx

Flower Earrings: Bella Jack, TJMaxx

Bracelets: Two were gifts and one is by AllSaints

To style this OOTD, I built from the bottom up because I knew I wanted to rock my Sincerely Jules slacks. These straight leg pants are so retro and cool and they just felt perfect for spring. The neutral shade is also enticing because they can be paired with anything but still offer maximum chicness. Because these slacks are oh so seventies inspired, the outfit was incredibly easy to style as I only had so many pieces that would achieve my vision. Like the Karl Lagerfeld button down…

I love me a good button down, but the aviator adorned one I chose had everything I needed. The pattern, of course, was a major selling point. However, this button down was mainly selected for its fit and color. I absolutely loved the stark white of the top against the soft oat hue of the pants. It really popped and brought that crispness that I was looking for. The fit was also very flattering. It’s not baggy, but definitely not tight and it allowed me to loosely tuck it in for that effortlessly breezy effect that is so popular in seventies style.

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. You’re not going to not sport a fab pair of platforms for a seventies inspo look and I went with a pair by Bamboo and Cape Robbin. The denim added an extra something something while still adhering to the neutral palette and the floral embroidery on the heel was a fun surprise! For earrings, I went with one of my favorite pairs featuring transparent bluebell flowers for some additional movement. Then, I stacked on a few simple mini cuff bracelets and was ready for my closeup!

I love how my 70s Spring OOTD turned out and Johnny did too! As soon as he saw me when he returned home, he immediately let me know and noted the seventies nod. My husband, the fashionista! ❤

What is your favorite era of style? 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

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