Tag Archives: shopping

Jul24

Weekend Fun

Posted on July 24, 2024 by lifewithlilred

Hello!!! While I absolutely love a lazy weekend, I like a jam packed one even more and this past one definitely fell under that category. As you saw from yesterday’s post, the Asian Lantern Festival which we attended on Friday was spectacular. It was the perfect evening of family fun with my parents, siblings, and nieces and nephew and I am already dreaming about going back. The good times kept rolling into Saturday because Johnny and I had a lovely little date day too! Check it out:

We started Saturday out by going to lunch with our downstairs neighbor, Tony. He is simply the best and I view him as my pseudo-grandpa. Johnny, Tony, and myself have an outing at least once or twice a month and it is something we always look forward to. For our lunch date, we went to Pub Bricco which is right down the road from our apartments. It is a charming bar with tasty drink specialties and my all time favorite appetizer – spicy goat cheese marinara with warm pita bread. It is to die for and I have to get it every single time! We were at Bricco for at least two hours sipping on cocktails, chatting it up, and sharing pictures and stories from the past events we spent time at. Tony had a Fourth of July getaway with friends and we couldn’t wait to tell him all about the Asian Lantern Festival. It was a joy. ❤

After lunch, Johnny and I hightailed it out of there to hit up the Jenks Building in Cuyahoga Falls. The Jenks is this amazing staple in downtown CFalls that features handmade goods from local artists, a music venue, bar, and the recently added record room. Johnny went there last weekend on his own and was itching to go back to buy more vinyls for our newly built shelves. We had a blast browsing around and picking out a stack of records that we got for a song. They were only a buck a pop! As we were leaving The Jenks, one of the local photographers with a nearby studio felt inspired enough by us to want to take our pictures (Last two images above). It was so flattering and I felt like a star by my main squeeze in my Date Day best!

To wrap up a wonderful day, I spent four hours gabbing on FaceTime with my blogging bestie. Then, Johnny and I listened to some of our brand new to us records. I got to spend time with some of my favorite people in just one day and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Who is your favorite local artist? What is your favorite restaurant 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

Jul21

Born To Ball OOTD Bloopers

Posted on July 21, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hellooo everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from my Born To Ball OOTD! I took a brief hiatus from OOTD posts for a bit due to the craziness that is my life and it feels great to finally be back at it. I love to style outfits for any and all occasions – even when I put a look together just to put my pajamas back on afterwards. Fashion has always been a huge passion of mine, mainly because it is just pure fun. I have a blast every time I go shopping in my closet and seeing what I can dream up next! Of course, even if the outfit is straight fire, there will forever be pictures that are so not lol. Let’s take a look at some of these shots that definitely didn’t make the first cut:

Wishing you all a friendly howdy do!

When you text someone in the same room and are waiting for them to read it

Preparing for blast off!

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

Subtly flashing the beaver teeth lol

Who, me?

As an adult, it can be really hard to do anything more than adulting. Go to work, make money to pay bills, return home exhausted, and then rinse and repeat until the weekend. Then, it feels impossible to live it up on the weekend when all you want to do is relax. I have fallen into this vicious cycle more often than I care to admit and have been trying my best to not let it happen again. Everyone needs fun in their lives and sometimes you just need to muster up the strength and go even if you aren’t entirely feeling it. Getting back into weekly OOTDs were my way of dipping my toes back in the water, so to speak, and it really has helped. It makes making plans and sticking to them way easier when you are already looking fresh to death!

Since mine and Johnny’s Fourth of July staycation, I have realized the merits of outings, home projects, and hobbies and I feel like the pep in my step is back. I have a lot of stress in my life and adding one more thing to my schedule used to stress me out doubly, even if it was something fun. Once I got out of my own head about it, making plans turned into a welcome relief and distraction instead of a chore. If you find yourself caught in a similar situation, I encourage you to dip your toes in the water too. Start small with something simple that brings you pleasure and keep building up from it. You will thank yourself when your life starts to feel more well rounded than just going through the motions. I sure did. 🙂

Doing OOTDs and it feels so good! Keep checking back in for all of the fashion, musings, and more from your favorite Lil Red blogger on the daily and let’s continue to beat the blahs together!

What is your favorite hobby? How do you pencil fun into your schedule? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul19

(Lil) Red Hearts OOTD

Posted on July 19, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Today we’re going to take a look at a fun little fit that I put together this past weekend when we had some company over. It features a darling button down that I got for Valentine’s Day this past year, which might seem like an odd choice for summer. However, this top was so easy, breezy that it kept me cool and comfortable all day. Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Heart Embroidered Button Down: Jane + Delancey, TJMaxx

Jean Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters

Platform Sandals: Free People, TJMaxx

Lego Stud Earrings: AbbieDabbles

As I mentioned, I got the Jane + Delancey button down for a Valentine’s Day OOTD. Despite the fact that I bought it in the middle of winter, I thought that it would look so adorable for summertime wear. The stark white with the bright red hearts paired with little denim shorts seemed like a winning combination. Whenever I buy clothes, I gravitate towards pieces that can be worn for multiple different seasons so that I can appreciate them year round. I wanted to put the outfit that I planned in the fitting room all of those months back to the test and I am glad I did. I loved this look!

The jean shorts from American Eagle Outfitters were, of course, a given. I went with a non distressed pair since the pattern on the button down was so bold. The top is also just sweet as can be which would have clashed against edgy cuts and slashes on the shorts. As the button down had a slightly oversized fit, I tucked it in to give myself some shape and to prevent the issue of people thinking “does she have shorts on underneath that top?” Lol, the potential was definitely there without the tuck in. 😀

For shoes, I selected a pretty pair of platform sandals with stud embellishment by Free People. These are such a perfect summer shoe and the shiny cherry red straps gave another eye catching pop of color to the minimal palette established. Between the red on the shoes and button down, the look was tied together from head to toe. Finally, for earrings I chose the cutest pair of studs made by Lego leaves and ladybugs. I got it at a nearby Brick Convention last year and they were just right for this OOTD to let the open real estate on my neck do the talking. My three neck tattoos and chin tattoo are like necklaces in themselves so why add more?

Nothing pleases me more than what an outfit I have in my head goes accordingly to plan. My (Lil) Red Hearts OOTD was months in the making and it couldn’t have turned out better!

What is something in your closet that you can wear for multiple seasons? What is your favorite pattern? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul18

Accessory Story: Vintage Gloves Edition

Posted on July 18, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! Johnny and I had a lovely Date Day during our Fourth of July staycation that included some vintage and antique shopping. I was enamored with one of the shops we visited and couldn’t stop thinking about all of the wonderful (and wildly expensive) treasures. Then, a few days later I forgot all about it because Johnny brought me home the most amazing surprise. He was helping his mom go through boxes and trunks of storage and I was presented with vintage treasures of my very own – five pairs of gloves and two clutch purses that belonged to Johnny’s grandma. Both himself and my mother-in-law thought I should have them and I was so incredibly touched. These beautiful accessories date back to the 1940s! Check it out:

When I opened the box containing my “new” accessories, I was literally stunned. I am very rarely speechless and this was one of those situations that didn’t require words. All I could think was that the vintage shops we visited could eat their hearts out because in my hands was something so special that they are invaluable. While Johnny’s grandma had a fondness for gloves, my mom’s mom was all about hats. I have at least fifteen of her vintage hats and they are some of my most prized possessions. I now have something from Johnny’s grandma that I can add to that category AND wear with some of my grandma’s hats to complete the look. ❤

…. Of course, if the gloves fit that is!

Lol, after getting over my initial shock, the next thought I had was “Wouldn’t it suck if none of them fit?”. I have very small hands but these gloves looked tiny. I kid you not that I had more butterflies in my stomach than when I go swimsuit shopping and I really hate that. However, you can always get a bigger size of a bathing suit in the store. Definitely not the case with gloves that are over eighty years old! Thankfully, the fashion gods blessed me. Despite some slight difficulties, I was able to wear each pair quite comfortably. YAY! My favorite accessories from the bunch are easily the gloves and purse from the second photo. The pinwheel style rouching on the cuffs are *chef’s kiss* and can we talk about that sequined bag? Perfect for keeping your phone, credit card, and keys in during a night out!

I am so completely over the moon over these accessories and I cannot wait to incorporate them into fall and winter OOTDs. Vintage chic styles here I come!

Do you have any relics from your grandparents? How do you add vintage vibes to your outfits? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul16

Born To Ball OOTD

Posted on July 16, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Today, we’ll be taking a look at a little number that I wore for a lunch date with a few friends this past weekend. It might not look like a classic summer fit with jeans and an All Black Everything aesthetic to which I reply: 1) It’s always cold AF in the Mexican restaurant we went to. And 2) Does an elder emo really let something like summer stand in the way of wearing black? The answer is a resounding NO! Lol, check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Ballin Crop Top: Reason, PacSun

Skinny Jeans: 1822 Denim, TJMaxx

Platform Heels: These were purchased from ModCloth

Leopard Necklace: Natasha, TJMaxx

Stud Earrings: American Eagle Outfitters

My first job was working retail at PacSun. I started working there at sixteen and stopped in my early twenties when I went to college. Prior to working at Pac, I already had a deep love for fashion and being surrounded by clothes every day helped foster this passion even more. I still have several relics from my time there that I don’t think I could ever part with. As you can see, one of them is my “Ballin” crop top by Reason. I remember when this crop arrived in shipment, thinking that I had to have it, and bought it immediately after my shift. It is so sassy, fun and still looks great for being over a decade old if I do say so myself! I wanted to keep my lunch outing look casual while, as always, still being cute so I began styling my OOTD around it.

Normally, I prefer to wear my crop top with shorts but I didn’t want to freeze my nads off at the restaurant so jeans it was. This crop hits right below the natural waist so I went with my pair of skinnies by 1822 Denim. These were a recent purchase from TJMaxx and are my new go tos – peep that adorable distressing at the ankle! Even if these jeans weren’t my favorite, I would have worn them anyways because of the fit. These skinnies have a very slight high waist which worked perfectly with the top. It still showed some skin but no more than what I was comfortable with and it gave a peek a boo pop to the tattoos on my sides and back.

Next, it was onto shoes and accessories. Because of the minimal color palette, I wanted to add something bold for jewelry. I chose a chunky and blinged out necklace by Natasha featuring a leopard head nestled between the gold chain. I don’t think it gets bolder than that so I put on a small pair of gold dangly studs to let the statement necklace do all of the talking. For shoes, I selected one of my favorite pairs of platforms from ModCloth. They are so ideal for summertime and the pattern and necklace gave some visual interest from top to bottom to keep the eyes dancing. With that, I was ready to get my Margarita on!

So there you have it! My Born To Ball OOTD. Stay tuned for lots more fashion and fun on lifewithlilred!

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

Jul14

New Rachel Zoe Handkerchief Top

Posted on July 14, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! I had a lovely outing with myself during my break on Tuesday doing some shopping at TJMaxx with a birthday gift card. It was definitely hard going back to work after some time off so it was the perfect little treat! During this shopping trip, I lucked out with two new clearance finds that I am loving. You saw the fabulous sweater dress yesterday and, today, we are going to be looking at an adorable little number by Rachel Zoe. It features all of my favorite things – A chartreuse color, fun bling, and a handkerchief cut which is one of my go tos. This top was thirteen dollars and is a small price to pay for a top that truly screams summer in all of its citrusy glory. Check it out:

Unless I am shopping for something very specific, I let the garments do the talking at TJMaxx. When I am browsing, I am looking simply for what catches my eye. It could be a quirky pattern or color or an interesting cut or material, my only requirement is that it makes me do a double take. As I perused the clearance racks, I noticed something sparkly and realized that the bright orange and yellow gemstones were the “sleeves” to a top. I was instantly intrigued and was even more so when I saw what the bling was holding up – a little chartreuse masterpiece. AND the only one in store, thank you very much. 😀

Literally just looking at this top made me happy because it is the answer to the question “what if sunshine was a shirt?” It is bright, poppy, and as if lemon lime soda became a handkerchief top. I have quite a few different options of this style in my wardrobe, but none quite like this. And, yes, it is all because of the gem spaghetti straps! It adds such a playful touch to a more revealing top and, in my opinion, makes it sweet rather than too sexy. The sheen of the fabric against the bling bling is a dazzling display and I feel SO lucky to have found it. I cannot wait to wear it ASAP with jean shorts or a sassy black and white bodycon skirt (Chunky platforms are a given!)!

Although I am by no means a fan of summer, this new top might help the cause a bit. I don’t think anyone, myself included, could wear it and not want to have some fun in the sun!

What catches your eye when you’re shopping? What is your favorite color to wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul13

New Heartloom Sweater Dress

Posted on July 13, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! For my thirtieth birthday, my parents gave me the most perfect prezzie – a TJMaxx gift card! It has been burning a hole in my pocket since and I finally got the chance to spend it during a low key afternoon this past week. While I love to shop at TJs at the turn of each season, I also love to shop during the in between too. Who am I kidding? I love to shop there all of the time! But, during this interim period of “still summer but not quite back to school” is when they bring out the more unique pieces that might not have sold well before. You can really find some clearance treasures during these non-peak shopping times and I definitely did! I am obsessed with this new sweater dress by Heartloom that I got marked down for twenty dollars. I can’t wait to wear it to the next Misnyland picnic I’ll be working! Check it out:

During mine and Johnny’s Fourth of July staycation, we had a Date Day and went vintage shopping and antiquing. I walked away with some fabulous new accessories, but no clothes. However, the clothes we saw deeply inspired me and I still find myself thinking about some of the amazing pieces a week later! As I browsed the “anything goes” clearance section, I literally clutched my pearls when I stumbled upon this sweater dress by Heartloom. It was the only one in store, happened to be in my size, and looked like it was straight out of a 1970s fashion magazine. I was totally and completely sold and I hadn’t even tried it on yet.

I simply adore this dress because it is just so different and retro. It turned a classic sweater dress on its head with the short sleeves, huge buttons, and funky raised pattern. And can we please talk about how the color palette looks like every kitchen appliance from the 70s?! SO fun. As soon as this dress was on, it was a certified winner and I was delighted to find something new to wear to the upcoming picnic event. I plan on sporting this dress with a gorgeous pair of pebble grey knee high boots and some statement earrings for a modern take on vintage staples. Crossing an OOTD off my to do list: Check. 😀

A TJMaxx gift card is the way to my heart and all I have to say is – thanks for the new dress mom and dad! You’re the best! ❤

When is your favorite time of the year to shop? What era of fashion inspires you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul10

Date Day OOTD

Posted on July 10, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Today, we are going to take a look at what I wore for a Date Day with Johnny during our Fourth of July staycation. It really was a fantastic week of time off for Johnny and partial time off for me. We definitely struggled going back to work when it was all said and done, but that’s a small price to pay for all of the memories we made and fun we had. Every day was something new during our staycation and one of my favorite parts was date day, for sure. I love getting dolled up and stepping out with my main squeeze and this was my look for strolling around an outdoor shopping area:

Who? What? Wear?

Flower Embroidered Top: Love On A Hanger, TJMaxx

Jean Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters

Embroidered Platforms: Sbicca, ModCloth

Forest Green Floppy Hat: Gypsy Warrior, PacSun

I have no clue where the daisy earrings came from lol

My main issue with dressing for the summertime is because summer fashion bores me! I live for styling layered looks during the cold weather and my wardrobe is very tailored to the fall and winter. What I do love about summer weather is that I can show off my tattoos because they spend a majority of the year covered up. Every time summer rolls around I find myself amazed by all of the ink that I genuinely forgot I had. Out of sight, out of mind right?! I consider my tattoos to be accessories and with so many on my person, I always find it’s best to keep my summer outfits simple. Anything more is honestly visually overwhelming!

With simplicity in mind, I went for one of my favorite warm weather tops by Love On A Hanger. It screams classic summer vibes and there are just so many fun things about it. The cut, the embroidery, and the peplum all work together so well and it is one of my go to tops. To keep with the classic aesthetic, I paired it with some cute denim shorts from American Eagle Outfitters. With this top, there is truly not a better way to go and makes for a look that could be recreated so easily from your own wardrobe. Adorable and attainable. 😀

For shoes, I went with a pair of denim embroidered platforms and that helped create cohesiveness from top to bottom. I also adore the stud detailing on them! Because this OOTD flowed beautifully thanks to the established palette, I knew I could add in some extra touches and get away with it. As a pop of color and bonus protection from the sunshine, I put on a forest green floppy hat by Gypsy Warrior. I love a floppy hat so very much and this one helped elevate the look into something more special. As a final surprise, I popped on a darling pair of huge daisy stud earrings and I was ready for my date!

This Date Day OOTD kept me comfortable in the heat while still making me feel my best. Amazing moments deserve amazing outfits!

What is your perfect date day? How do you stay cool in the summertime? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul9

A Signature Antiques Accessories

Posted on July 9, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! Johnny and I enjoyed some amazing time off for the Fourth of July week. It was much needed and we were able to jam pack our schedule full of outings and pencil in some time to relax too. One of my favorite things we did during our staycation was a Date Day this past Tuesday. We went shopping in Downtown Cuyahoga Falls AKA the Riverfront and then had drinks and a snack at the Cashmere Cricket. It is our favorite bar because it’s awesome lol and it’s where we had our first date! It was a perfect day and I loved being able to check out all of the fantastic vintage and antique shops along the Riverfront. The best one was, hands down, A Signature Antiques. If I had all of the money in the world, I would have bought everything! Alas, I don’t but I couldn’t leave without the following:

The first thing that really caught my eye in A Signature was the stunning black choker necklace with chains and dangling jewels. It was displayed on a mannequin head and I literally clutched my pearls when I saw it. I love choker necklaces but I have never found one that I fell in love with. There was a point a few years ago when they were a HUGE trend. However (And I hate to say this!), I always thought the simple style chokers looked a bit basic. I definitely needed to find one with extravagance and my “new” vintage choker checks all the boxes. It is my favorite color, has so much drama, and makes a stunning addition to my jewelry collection. I cannot wait to plan an OOTD with it as the focal point. 😀

My next purchase was a pair of adorable, blinged out butterfly sunglasses. They remind me SO much of the 90s (Aging myself here!) and the online fashion dolls that you could customize outfits for. I think these sunglasses are just the tops. The shape and decorative crystals are so bold but there is something about them that feels classic and chic. They literally make me feel like a 90s/early 2K pop star and it truly doesn’t get any better than that! I am also really looking forward to styling an OOTD with these stunner shades. I’m thinking baggy jeans and a tiny little crop top for sure!!

These new accessories totally fall under the “treat yourself” category and they are lovely staycation souvenirs from the best date day! ❤

What is your favorite era of fashion? How about 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

Jul8

Bath & Body Works Wallflower Haul

Posted on July 8, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hi!! I had a fantastic haul from Bath & Body Works compliments of their Semi Annual Sale. For forty dollars, I got twenty products and it just doesn’t get better than that. Especially when you consider that the price of one full size product tends to be between fourteen and sixteen dollars. Score! The last of the haul we will discuss today is my new selection of Wallflowers. I have a love/hate relationship with them. I love how they look and the idea of them. However, I don’t think they work the best but I am too deep into the game to stop buying them lol. Let’s take a look and see what these scents are all about:

Would I Use Again?

Sheer Peach: YES

Country Apple: YES

Aloha Kiwi Passionfruit: MAYBE

Fiji White Sands: YES

Gingham Unstoppable: YES

Spring Clothesline: NO

Why/Why Not?

Peach/Apple: Two of my most beloved scents are peach and apple. I am a fruity fragrance kind of gal and there is a ninety-nine percent chance that I will like anything with these two fruits in the name. If you love really pure fruit fragrances, the Sheer Peach and Country Apple are great ways to go. They are straight up, no chaser peach and apple with nothing else added in. These wallflowers are bright and refreshing and I would happily buy each again.

Aloha Kiwi Passionfruit: I have used this scent of wallflower a few times because my Johnny loves a tropical fragrance. It has notes of “Tropical passionfruit, radiant kiwi, and juicy pineapple”. The pineapple was what I could pick up on the most and although it’s nice, it is a bit too subtle for my liking. I’m glad that I got another wallflower of this fragrance on the cheap, but I don’t think I would get it again immediately for the sake of trying something new next time.

Fiji White Sands: Now, this scent is one I liked a lot! Fiji White Sands is crisp, clean, and smells like a day at the beach. The fragrance notes feature “Fresh cut sugarcane, white nectarine, and sandalwood”. I could smell the nectarine perfectly and loved that it added some fruitiness to such a fresh fragrance. I took a roll of the dice when I added this wallflower to my shopping cart because it’s something I wouldn’t normally go for. The risk paid off because this is actually my favorite one from the wallflower haul!

Gingham Unstoppable: A resounding YES for Gingham Unstoppable and you can read my review here. 🙂

Spring Clothesline: There was bound to be a dud or two in this haul and that just so happened to be Spring Clothesline. I assumed I was going to get a scent like freshly laundered clothes. What I got was really pungent and I felt like I was huffing laundry detergent when I did the smell test lol. The notes of Spring Clothesline offers “Lemon water, sun dried blossoms, and golden amber”. I can’t speak for any of that because I couldn’t smell any of it lol. All I got was a nose full of Tide!

I am really happy with my Wallflower Haul and am actually impressed with the success rate of it. You just never know what you’re going to get when you shop fragrances online!

Do you use any type of scent plugin at chez vous? What is your favorite one? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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