Tag Archives: shopping

Jul2

Rebellion Again Mustard Yellow Kimono

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Rebellion Again Mustard Yellow Kimono

Hi! During the pandemic, I really didn’t do too much online clothing shopping. It’s not like Johnny and I were going anywhere and I didn’t want to deal with the hassle of making inevitable in store returns. While I bought a few odds and ends, I found that I played it pretty safe with my purchases so I wouldn’t have to make a separate trip for pieces in the “no” pile.

Given the circumstances, this method worked. However, we all know that the last thing Lil Red likes to do when it comes to fashion is play it safe! That is why my past few shopping outings with myself, my mom, and best gal Danielle were so much fun. It felt amazing to be able to actually try clothing on in store and experiment with shapes and colors that I normally wouldn’t pick for myself.

Thanks to my recent hauls, I would consider my wardrobe perfectly refreshed for summer. The fashion bug continues to bite, though, because all I can think about is how I’m going to style all of these cool new finds. Like this Rebellion Again kimono, for starters:

I found this kimono at TJMaxx when I went with my mom and, originally, didn’t even plan on trying it on because they only had one size – a large. I thought it was going to be way too big but JANE encouraged me to give it a shot anyways and I’m glad she did because it fit just right! I have never owned anything like this breezy little number before and I think it is so unique.

As always, when it comes to anything mustard yellow, I fall in love with it pretty quickly because it is one of my favorite colors to wear other than black. Paired with the cream stitching, this kimono screams summer and I can picture myself throwing it on to go to the pool, work, and just about anywhere! Whether paired with simple shorts and a tank top or over a maxi dress for a boho vibe, I think it will transform any outfit into a statement.

The details and colors of my new Rebellion Again kimono are gorgeous but the best part of it is, easily, the fabric. The mustard yellow part is all mesh and I have never seen anything like that before. I love the contrast between the gauzy material and thick stitching and it is a light as a feather option even on a super hot day. I cannot wait to wear it ASAP!

What are your favorite colors to wear? How do you like to make fashion statements? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul1

Moon & Madison Knit Tank

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Moon & Madison Knit Tank

Hi! Shopping at TJMaxx with my mom this past week has been one of the highlights of my year – and getting married, of course! We had not had a mother/daughter TJs outing since before the pandemic and we picked up right where we left off so long ago. Walking into TJMaxx together felt like finally coming home after a vacation and we each left with an awesome haul of clothes, skin care, and home goods. My mom also found two cute new pairs of sandals which made my inner shoe diva so proud!

We were both able to refresh our summer wardrobes and I think I am well set for the season now. I am so happy with all of my purchases and can’t wait to sport this little Moon & Madison number ASAP:

I recently bought a knit tank at Dry Goods thanks to inspiration from Facebook ads and when I saw my new Moon & Madison top at TJs, I just had to try it on. I loved that it was cropped as my Thread & Supply one is much longer and, most importantly, I loved being able to show support to my friends in the LGBTQ+ community. It also shows support to myself, as well, because I am bisexual!

lifewithlilred is a page that celebrates and embraces all of the wonderful things that make us different and I am a safe person to anyone who may need to talk. My inbox is always open and I am just an email, comment, or Facebook message away. You can find me at: Sarah Mushenheim or email me at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com . I encourage everyone to live their life in color and with a little bit of red too! ❤

Who is your shopping partner in crime? What is something about you that you are proud of? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun29

TJMaxx Home Goods Haul

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TJMaxx Home Goods Haul

Hi! After a long year and change without in store TJMaxx shopping, my mom and I finally had our first outing to TJs last week. It was everything I ever could have imagined AND MORE! While it was great fun to spend my birthday gift cards, it was even better to spend time with my mom browsing the aisles and modeling the clothes we tried on together. We both walked away with lots of goodies that we are so happy with and I have been mentally reliving our shopping trip since we left the store.

Today, we are going to look at a few of the home goods items that I got for mine and Johnny’s apartment. My TJMaxx clothing haul will begin on July first after we discuss my June 2021 Finishes so keep it posted for that! Now, let’s get to it:

Since moving into my apartment over two years ago, I haven’t bought too much in terms of home goods. Between my initial Moving On Up Hauls and all of the things Johnny brought when he moved in, we really didn’t need anything. However, the laundry hamper that I purchased at TJMaxx when I moved was falling apart at the bottom and it definitely needed replacing. I was hoping to find a new one during my outing with my mom and the TJMaxx gods must have felt it! I love the woven wood hamper that I picked out because of how sturdy it is, the fact that it has a lid, and it is way prettier than my old one. 😀

For my kitchen, I picked up a few odds and ends like ice cube trays in an adorable honeycomb pattern, plates, and a few dish towels. Johnny and I have been saying for forever that we need some ice cube trays and the ones I found are ideal because they won’t take up a lot of room in our tiny freezer. The plates were also a must because we are constantly running out of them, which means we are constantly doing dishes! I thought that four plates for eight dollars was a steal, too.

TJMaxx didn’t have a whole lot of choices in terms of dish towels, but the Love Birds ones that I selected (On clearance!) will do just fine. In fact, they are perfect for us as a newly married couple! My mom was even kind enough to get some of the home supplies for us as an extra wedding prezzie. So sweet! ❤

Shopping at TJMaxx with my mom was absolutely amazing and this outing in particular will forever hold a special place in my heart. We picked up at TJs right where we left off so long ago and I am already looking forward to our next shopping trip. ❤

Where is your favorite place to shop? Who do you like to go shopping with? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun28

Red By BKE Date Night Top

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Red By BKE Date Night Top

Hello! During my recent trip to Summit Mall with my friend, Danielle, she suggested shopping at Dry Goods and it was a huge success. Prior to my Altar’d State haul at the end of May, I had not been to the mall in years so I thought it best for Danielle to lead the way. We ended up in one of her favorite stores, Buckle, and I walked away with a gorgeous date night top by Red By BKE. Check it out:

When I first saw this top, I fell in love immediately and I also knew that Johnny would love it too. We both heavily favor the color black in our wardrobes and this little number actually reminded me of my black wedding dress! I had a feeling that my purchase was going to work well for me but I was blown away by how fabulous it was when I tried it on.

I would consider this top to be one of the sexiest that I own and, originally, I had a slight fear that it was going to be too much. However, once I tried it on, I felt completely chic. While the black lace is, indeed, sexy it is counterbalanced with only the lace from the shoulders up being sheer. This left no part of me feeling exposed, which made me feel incredibly comfortable in it.

My new top is form fitting and, as a bustier girl, I tend to shy away from curve hugging clothes. The genius of the design by Red By BKE eased that self consciousness, though! The opaque striping throughout the top makes your eyes dance rather than focus on just one part and it made me feel really confident. I also love that there is striping on the sheer lace placed exactly where your bra straps would be so I can get away with wearing a cleverly disguised black bra.

I am so happy with my buy from Buckle and I feel awesome in it. To me, it is the perfect balance of sex appeal and sophistication and it’s cool to see myself in that light because it is so different from what is in my closet. I can’t wait to wear this for the next date night with my husband!

What makes you feel confident? How would you style this top? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun26

Dry Goods Haul: Thread & Supply Knit Tank Edition

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Dry Goods Haul: Thread & Supply Knit Tank Edition

Hello! When it comes to Facebook ads, all of the ones that show up on my newsfeed are from different clothing websites – some of which I’ve never even heard of. Unfortunately, my awful experience with my wedding heels has completely turned me off from shopping with Facebook ad sites again. That doesn’t mean I can’t look, though, and I always find myself scrolling through the ads anyways for fashion inspo.

One website’s ads (Which I couldn’t tell you the name of now) featured a ton of cute knit tanks and sweater vest style tops. I loved all of them and was so happy to have found a similar knit tank in Dry Goods when I went to Summit Mall. Check it out:

When shopping in Dry Goods, I immediately noticed this tank on an end cap. It was paired over a T-shirt and it was just what I had been wanting so into the try on pile it went. While there were a ton of clothes I liked to try on, I was really hoping that this Thread & Supply tank would work well. I had been picturing something like it in my wardrobe for at least a month now and was insanely relieved when I knew it was a for sure purchase as soon as it was on.

My new top is, of course, totally charming with the multicolored pastel stripes but its versatility it what makes it the most appealing to me. During the summertime, wearing your arms bare is perfectly acceptable. However, it can be used in every season thanks to the possibility of layering. Throwing this over a form fitting sweater and pairing with a mini skirt and knit tights will, without a doubt, be the move in the winter.

After my shopping session in Dry Goods, I walked away with this tank and the Blu Pepper sweater featured yesterday. I also just had to grab one more little treat at the cash wrap:

There was a jar of computer and bumper stickers at the cash register for a dollar and when I saw the “Darlin'” one, I couldn’t say no because it’s my husband’s pet name for me! I stuck it onto my laptop as soon as I got home and it makes me smile every time I see it. 🙂

I am very pleased with all of my purchases from Dry Goods and definitely plan on shopping there in the future for a fall wardrobe refresh!

Have you ever ordered anything off of social media ads before? What was your experience? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun25

Dry Goods Haul: Blu Pepper Sweater Edition

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Dry Goods Haul: Blu Pepper Sweater Edition

Hi! This past weekend, my friend Danielle and I hit up Summit Mall for a little retail therapy. It has felt so good to have actual shopping trips again instead of plopping down in front of my laptop to scroll through endless pages on TJMaxx’s website! Our outing was fabulous and she introduced me to one of her favorite stores, Dry Goods. I had been in this store once several years ago and didn’t care for anything I tried on so I never bothered with it again.

This time around, however, was a great success and I found two new tops there, helping to complete my summer wardrobe refresh. The light sweater we are about to discuss was something I originally picked out for Danielle and it looked so cute on her that I had to try it too! We both fell in love with it and are now twinsies. 😀 Check it out:

I just adore my new Blu Pepper sweater and it is really a perfect all seasons option. It is light enough that you could wear it for an outdoor meal during a chillier summer evening and will layer so well during the colder months. I thought it looked amazing on Danielle and, not to toot my own horn, but it looked awesome on me too. Thanks to the charcoal grey and dusty rose color combo as well as the not too tight or too loose fit, this Blu Pepper number is universally flattering.

While the side button details are cute, the real piece de resistance are the elbow patches! I am a huge sucker for them and like the old school flare that they add to modern clothing. The details, color, and shape all work together incredibly well and I am so happy with my purchase. At first glance, this sweater seemed a bit too Plain Jane for me but I ate my words as soon as it was on and am so excited to be twinsies with one of my favorite gals! ❤

Do you have any clothes that you would consider to be universally flattering? What are your favorite details in clothing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun21

What I’m Looking Forward To This Summer

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What I’m Looking Forward To This Summer

Hello! June has been a GREAT SUCCESS of a month so far due to my recent nuptials, double birthday with my husband, and bestie’s birthday and I have a feeling that this summer is only going to get better. Last summer was a wash for everyone because of the pandemic and now that Johnny and I are fully vaccinated, we plan on making the most of the season. While I can’t wait for weekend trips with Johnny and soaking up the sun for about ten minutes before I start to burn, I am especially looking forward to the following:

Swimming:

Even though I refuse to get my hair wet, that doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy time in the pool! One of my clients has a pool and we try to utilize it at least once a week. The pool in my apartment community is also open for the summer and I’m really excited to go swimming with my niece and sister. I haven’t been able to use the community pool since the summer of 2019 when I moved in as it was closed last summer, which makes me even more eager for a swimming outing ASAP!

Shopping:

As you all know, Lil Red loves to shop and in late May I had my first non grocery related shopping trip since before the pandemic at Summit Mall. I had a huge haul at Altar’d State and American Eagle and the shopping bug has been biting ever since. I am very much looking forward to spending my birthday gift cards at TJMaxx, outings to the mall, and maybe even a day trip to my favorite outdoor mall, Crocker Park.

Shopping has always been very therapeutic to me and even if I walk away with nothing, I still have a blast. There is nothing better to me than spending an afternoon browsing and seeing what’s new in fashion. During the pandemic, I only did online shopping so being able to visit all of my favorite haunts in person this summer will be tons of fun and I definitely feel a mother/daughter trip to TJMaxx in my near future. 😀

Concerts:

My Johnny is a musician and his band, The Outside Voices, hasn’t played since early March of 2020. This is the longest he has gone without playing live music in over a decade and I know he is just dying to perform again. And I am just dying to watch! We are both counting down the days till their first show this summer and are equally excited to see other bands too. In fact, we just went to our first concert together in Marietta this past weekend and had an awesome time seeing our friends in Jake Dunn & The Blackbirds perform. Long live local music!

Happy summer to all!

What are you looking forward to this summer? What is your favorite warm weather activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun19

Give Yourself An Instant Summer Makeover

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Give Yourself An Instant Summer Makeover

After over a year of being cooped up due to the pandemic, it is only understandable to want to put your best self forward now that it is possible to be out and about again. There is no better way to wow those who you haven’t seen in so long with a makeover! The options we’ll discuss will have instant results and you will be sure to stun the next time you step out. Let’s get to it:

Visit The Dentist:

It was so strange to not be able to see what anyone really looked like during the pandemic because of the face masks and it is nice to see people smiling again. Speaking of smiling, how is yours looking? Bi yearly trips to the dentist are a must and a cleaning will make your pearly whites even prettier when you flash a smile. If more extensive work needs done, your dentist could use the high quality appliances from orthodontic laboratory Toronto to completely perfect your smile. Instant makeover? I think yes!

Upgrade Your Wardrobe:

There is no need to buy a brand new wardrobe with the changing of the seasons. Rather, upgrade what you already have by purchasing a few statement and weather appropriate pieces to refresh your wardrobe. It will be such fun to go shopping again and now that fitting rooms are open, don’t be afraid to experiment with things you wouldn’t normally try on. You never know if something works unless you try it and new to you shapes and colors will be an automatic boost to your closet.

Don’t Skimp On Skin Care:

There is something to be said for bright, soft skin so don’t skimp on skin care this summer. You can’t go wrong with a gel moisturizer for lightweight hydration and don’t forget to get one with SPF in it! The same goes for a body lotion with SPF too. We see a lot more of everyone in the summer thanks to shorts and tank tops so no dry patches allowed! Make your complexion the most radiant with a Vitamin C serum and now we’re in business.

Work On You:

People just glow differently when they are happy, don’t they? Spend some time each day with yourself to meditate, journal, do yoga – whatever. As long as you are relaxing and focusing on inner peace your “me time” could be anything. The important thing is that you are working to improve your mind and body so you can smile more often and make your aura even more beautiful.

Give yourself an instant makeover this summer with the tips above and don’t be afraid to shine. We all deserve it after facing so many difficulties this past year!

Jun13

If The Shoe Fits: Show Story Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Show Story Edition

Hello! For the most part, shopping for my wedding dress and accessories was very enjoyable and I am simply thrilled with the end result:

My only complaint? I fell victim to what I felt to be a super scammy website for my heels. This is a Lil Red first because I don’t think I have ever complained during an issue of If The Shoe Fits before!! Lol, take a look at some pics of my heels by Show Story and let’s discuss:

^^^ Can everyone please do me a solid and pretend that they don’t see dirt from my backyard wedding caked on the heel? Haha, I was SO tired when I took these pics and I seriously didn’t even notice it until now… Smh!!!! Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming:

I ordered these heels off of Wildly Untamed Boutique in a wine red originally and, unfortunately, they were way too big. The size I needed in red was, sadly, sold out so I went for a black pair instead and asked the page’s customer service if this could be processed as an exchange, which was fine. However, all was not fine when I was sent a shipping address to China and found out the cost to send it back would be several hundred dollars. It would have costed me more to ship them back than what I even paid for the heels.

Things got even worse when I was told I couldn’t ship them back to a closer location despite them arriving in the mail from a California address. But, the real kicker was that the heels on Wildly Untamed Boutique were one hundred and fifteen dollars and were selling for forty on the brand’s own website. I am, now, basically stuck with a pair of shoes that are entirely too big and there is nothing I can do about it.

Despite all of the major annoyances and disappointments, I do really love these shoes and it is a shame that I am just now saying that close to the end of the post! An edgy black wedding dress and veil can only be paired with the edgiest of heels and I truly feel like I got exactly what I was looking for.

There are so many fun surprises on these Show Story heels like the studs on the toe, side zipper, and skull charm. The best part, of course, is the vertebrae ultra high heel that I think are just the coolest. Not only are my heels the ultimate in goth chic but they were really easy to walk in, even in a slightly damp, grassy backyard. I am a seasoned heel wearer and my feet didn’t even hurt at the end of the night, either, which shocked me!

Although there were ups and downs to this purchase off of Wildly Untamed Boutique, I felt awesome in my Show Story heels and that is all you can ask for on your wedding day!

Where do you find the best unique shoes? Have you ever had a similar online shopping experience to mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Jun4

Wedding Band Reveal

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Wedding Band Reveal

Hi!! When Johnny and I got engaged, I took my carved pearl ring to Jared’s to get resized and they did a fabulous job. I was so impressed by them and I knew that I wanted to go back when it was time to purchase a wedding band. At the end of April, Johnny and I went to Jared’s together and their employees helped create us a ring that was exactly what I wanted at a price point that we were both comfortable with.

After almost an entire month of waiting, I was finally able to pick my wedding band up and it was even better than I could have imagined! Check it out:

When it came to my wedding band, I had two requirements that absolutely needed to be met: Black diamonds and rubies. I also wanted a shape that was unique and would fit well with my engagement ring. After discussing a budget as well as some trial and error, the employees at Jared’s were able to customize a ring that is completely perfect for me. In fact, Johnny and I are so in love with both of our wedding bands that we’re already wearing them lol.

The diamonds in my wedding band along with the gemstones look so beautiful when paired with the pearl of my engagement ring and it fits like a glove. It was important for me to have a band that truly complimented the engagement ring and my favorite part is how the the rubies lined up to be on either side of the pearl skull’s teeth. The shape of the bling is also incredibly unique and I have never seen anything like it before.

My wedding band has been in my possession for the past week or so and I have probably looked at it a million times since picking it up. I knew that I was in good hands with the expert help I received at Jared’s and I will never forget the trip there that I took with Johnny to create a one of a kind band that is one hundred and fifty billion percent us. ❤

What is your favorite type of accessory? What does your wedding band look like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah