Tag Archives: shopping

Aug13

Sephora Haul

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Sephora Haul

Hey everyone and welcome to a new week here on lifewithlilred! My most recent online shopping stint with Sephora has been nothing short of wonderful and I can’t wait to share all of my new goodies with you. From awesome products to amazing customer service, this haul had it all. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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^^^ Peep that gorgeous Better Than Sex glitter packaging for Too Faced’s 20th birthday!

The Haul:

  • Too Faced Better Than Birthday Sex mascara
  • Too Faced Melted Matte lip paint in Queen B (Free!)
  • Sephora Play! box in Survival Of The Chillest
  • Givenchy Le Rouge Liquide sample (Free!)
  • Belif Hydrating Eye Bomb sample (Free!)

And, before we talk more about my haul, I have to commend Sephora’s customer service. Two of the samples that I ordered were out of stock and was replaced with the Belif eye cream sample. I called the customer service number, because I was unaware of that, and I got to talk to someone immediately. Yasmine solved my problem quickly by offering to add TWO HUNDRED Beauty Insider points to my account. It was such a generous solution to a little issue and I am so thankful for that. Thanks again, Yasmine!

And, finally, the haul. I am so pleased with everything that I received in my latest order. I LOVE the packing on Too Faced’s Better Than Birthday Sex mascara. Nothing screams ultimate girly girl like some baby pink and glitter! So cute! And, it was so nice to receive a free lip paint for purchasing something that I needed to buy, anyways. It made me feel like I got a lot of bang for my buck and I really like that since the BTS mascara is the most expensive thing in my makeup arsenal.

We will be discussing my Play! box tomorrow, but just know that I am freaking obsessed and already want another one! I am also very pleased with the Belif eye cream sample that I got. It has about three uses in one little packet and it felt so nice on the delicate skin around my eyes. I might just have to give it a try if the price is right once I finish my Nutriganics eye cream from The Body Shop.

And, can we please talk about the Givenchy lippie samples?! It came with an application wand and three single use colors. How nice is that?! I’ll be sure to do some swatches of each color, as well as the Too Faced lip paint and the lippie that came in my Play! box, so keep it posted!

I consider this haul to be money well spent. I got a lot of good stuff for about sixty dollars as well as free shipping on my order. I’m looking forward to online shopping with Sephora again once I need a reup on my products and it will be so fun to share them with all of you! 🙂

Which store offers the best freebies and rewards? Have you ever had a really successful customer service experience? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug9

Sephora Shopping Steals

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Sephora Shopping Steals

Hi everyone! I regret saying this, because the last thing I need is another store to obsess over – BUT, I am definitely doing that over Sephora! Seriously, their online deals are FABULOUS. I recently got an email saying that if you spend over twenty-five dollars on Too Faced products, then you could get a free mini lip paint with your purchase. I needed to reup on my Better Than Sex mascara, anyways, so I figured that I might as well get it online.

After spending just five minutes on their website, I decided that I will be doing all of my shopping online from now on. You get three free samples with your order, free shipping if you spend over fifty dollars, and there is almost always a promotion to get a freebie gift with your purchase if you spend over twenty-five dollars. Shopping in store is fun, but you get nowhere near that value when you are in person. And, why not get free stuff if you have the option to?

I’m lucky, because I haven’t fallen too deeply into my Sephora shopping to be spending a small fortune on beauty products. Normally, I just get my sister’s prezzies from there for gift giving occasions and stock up on my BTS mascara. But, that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t get maximum savings when I do so. If I ever feel the urge to explore makeup more closely, I will definitely shop in store and then make the purchase online.

I ordered a Sephora Play bag to get myself over the fifty dollar free shipping mark, so maybe the day will come sooner than later where I feel like experimenting with more of the products at Sephora. And, if that ever happens, it’s nice to know that I will be getting a lot of bang for my buck by shopping with Sephora online!

Which stores offers the best freebies or rewards programs? What are some of your savings tips for when you shop Sephora? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug8

Dress Obsessed: BCBG Pt. 2 Edition

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Dress Obsessed: BCBG Pt. 2 Edition

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! Welcome to the second part of Dress Obsessed with another lovely number by BCBG. This piece is quite a bit different in color palette than the one from yesterday, but the shape and style remain really similar. In true Sarah fashion, since I liked the overall look of the dress, I had to get it in multiple colors! Take a look and let’s discuss:

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(TJMaxx Price: $40)

What I love about this dress is the incorporation of the color white, because I’ve really been trying to work that color into my wardrobe. There is something so pleasing to me about a crisp, white piece of clothing and, I hate to brag, but it looks great on me, to boot! The white turtleneck looks so sweet underneath the pebble grey jumper and is a stark contrast to my dress from yesterday, although the shape is still the same.

I love how cozy this dress feels, because the turtleneck is nice and thin, but the grey portion is made from a more sweater-like material. This will be perfect with a thick pair of tights and a scarf around the neck to accessorize during a warmer fall day. My new BCBG dress reminds me of an old school cheerleading uniform and I really freaking dig it. The more forgiving material adds some flounce to it, which will be perfect for an on the go day of work or play.

How would you style this dress? How would you style a perfect fall outfit? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug7

Dress Obsessed: BCBG Edition

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Dress Obsessed: BCBG Edition

Hellooo everyone and a happy Tuesday to all of you! I would never call myself a “label whore” by any means. I’m happy as a clam in any brand, as long as the price is right and it looks cute. But, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t more high end brands that I admire from afar. One of them being, BCBG. What I love the most about that brand is that they do sexy clothing in a way that’s still really tasteful and chic. The silhouettes in BCBG’s clothing are always form fitting but it’s done in the way that it should be: it shows your body’s shape without the garment clinging to you for dear life!

I was lucky enough to snag two BCBG dresses from TJMaxx for forty dollars apiece, which is still cheaper than the original price of eighty-eight dollars per dress. Take a look at the little number we’ll be discussing today and swing by tomorrow to look at my other new favorite dress:

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Before we even talk about how gorgeous this dress is, I really need to commend BCBG’s sizing. It can definitely be intimidating when you order things online, because you always have to factor in the “what if it doesn’t fit” element. That’s why, I’m pleased to say that this dress fit me like a glove.

I looked up BCBG’s sizing chart before ordering and went with a size small, which is for sizes four to six. I am a true blue size four and that really is what I got with my new purchase. It fit me beautifully without being overly tight or clingy. It showed my shape without showing it in its entirety through a modest knee length and long sleeves. Like I said earlier, it’s sexy done right.

Now, we can talk about the simply charming nod to 70’s flower power in the long sleeves and the netted black carving a gorgeous shape throughout the fabric. From the color combinations and pattern to the varying degrees of texture, this dress is interesting to look at both on and off the hanger! I feel like I’ve never seen anything that looks like it before, and I’ll definitely be scouring the TJ’s website monthly for more BCBG gems like the dresses from today and tomorrow’s post.

My new BCBG dress really doesn’t need accessorizing, because it’s a fairly busy piece. But, I do plan on pairing it with my pearls and wooden Steve Madden heels for a sexy but still sweet OOTD.

What are some brand names that you admire from afar? How would you style this dress? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug6

New Kasper Topper Coat

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New Kasper Topper Coat

Hi everyone and welcome to another wonderful week here on lifewithlilred! I’ve been bad…real bad…Because I ended up ordering more stuff on TJMaxx! But, in my defense, I want to finish all of my fall clothing shopping before I move into my apartment so SUE ME FOR IT. My purchases included two drop dead gorgeous BCBG dresses, which you will see tomorrow and Wednesday, and this lovely topper coat by Kasper seen below. Let’s discuss:

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  • Suggested Price: $149
  • TJMaxx Price: $40
  • Total Savings: $109

My favorite pieces of clothing are definitely coats and jackets. I love how something that you literally just throw on can transform an outfit in its entirety. From moto jackets and peacoats to blazers and trenches, they each hold a special place in my heart. But, I’ve never owned a topper coat until now. Do I know exactly what it is? NO. Do I love it, anyways? HELL YES!

This little number by Kasper is going to look so freaking posh come fall and winter and I cannot wait to wear it for the first time once the weather cools down. I love the black scales peaking out from underneath the white netting, its length, and the elbow length sleeves. And then pairing it with black, thigh high boots and a large statement bag with your OOTD? Forget about it.

From the work Christmas party to throwing this topper on and running your errands, my new Kasper coat will serve its purpose well once the temps get chilly. Can fall get here now, or?

How would you style this topper? Better yet, what the hell is a topper?! I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul30

If The Shoe Fits: Free People Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Free People Edition

Hellooo everyone and welcome to another wonderful week here on lifewithlilred! Today, we are going to discuss a new pair of kicks from a brand that I have admired from afar for many a year now – that being: Free People. Oh, Free People. So boho. So chic. So fun. SO. FREAKING. EXPENSIVE!!!! Trust and believe that if I didn’t get these shoes at TJMaxx, then buying them would be completely out of the question. Honestly, the TJ’s price was steep for me. BUT, these cute boots were too fabulous to pass up on and I can’t have a guilty conscience weighing me down. Check it out:

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Aside from being a total label whore about finally owning something by Free People, there is a lot that I love about these wedges. And, by a lot, I mean: EVERYTHING. The off white color, the chunky, platform-esque heel, the sparkly pale pink laces. Ugh, they’re perfect.<3

These Free People bootie boots are like a high fashion version of Timberland’s, which is a lot better than it sounds, I promise! Because, seriously, the styling potential for these knows no bounds and, if done properly, they can be an all four seasons pair of shoes. I love the idea of stomping around in the leaves with these bad boys during the fall, but I can totally picture myself avoiding puddles in them during a rainy spring day. And, the neutral off white allows you to rock them with anything and everything while still looking fashion forward. Sweet!

Do I plan on purchasing Free People clothing and shoes from TJMaxx constantly? No, definitely not. But, am I happy to have gotten my new boots to upgrade my fall footwear? Definitely! 😀

What is a brand that you admire from afar? How would you style these boots? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul29

More New Clothes!

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More New Clothes!

Howdy! Right about now marks the time when I love to shop, because fall clothes are beginning to be introduced in stores. And, as we all know, fall is Lil Red’s season. The clothes, the weather, the activities, the clothes – I love it all! But, most importantly, I love the clothes! Fall fashion is the jam. From cozy sweaters and cute boots to layering all the things, my fashion sense truly shines in autumn.

To help kick start my fall wardrobe, some online shopping at TJMaxx was a must, and I was able to welcome these pretty little numbers home. Check it out:

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  • Faux Leather Skirt by BB Dakota: $20
  • Rust Colored Sweater by Lush: $10

The midi skirt is an article of clothing that I have admired from afar for a long time. Because of my 5’1 stature, most midi skirts end up looking maxi on me, until this BB Dakota one came along. I. Love. It. So. Much. It fits at my natural waist instead of on my hips, so the extra length doesn’t go down my legs but, rather, up my torso to make for a real midi skirt instead of a maxi. And the faux leather floral material? Forget about it.

This skirt is going to look amazing with a pair of heeled booties, a tucked in black sweater, and a denim jacket over the top if it’s a bit chilly out. I am so excited to finally be able to style my first midi skirt and am looking forward to hopefully finding more midis that I can actually wear as a midi in the future!

And, we can’t forget about the ten dolla holla sweater by Lush! This top is so totally comfy and the colors are so totally perfect for fall AND for me. Rust orange is one of my favorite colors to wear, because it’s deep enough that it doesn’t clash against my bright red hair. Instead, it plays up with my pasty pale skin tone and creates a really nice look overall.

You really can’t beat a brand new sweater for ten dollars and I am psyched to wear it already. This is a perfect lazy fall day top, because all you need do is pair it with a good pair of skinnies and boots and go. Love it!

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

Jul28

New Nine West Cape Blazer

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New Nine West Cape Blazer

Hello everyone and a very happy weekend to all of you! I don’t know about you but, when I get the idea of something that I want in my head, it literally takes until I get that thing for the thought to dissipate. This rings true constantly for clothing, because I want the piece that I buy to be just right. Take the cape blazer, for example. I’ve wanted one for close to two years, and I finally found the one, because every cape that I encountered leading up to the Nine West number seen below just wasn’t up to snuff. Check it out:

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Ugh, ain’t she a beaut?! Nine West is a brand that I really, really love. But, god knows that their normal prices cost a pretty penny, so I don’t indulge unless it’s at TJMaxx or a thrift store. My new cape was forty dollars, which is ONE HUNDO cheaper than its original price. You literally can’t beat that!

I love everything about this cape. The polka dot lining, the shape, how it falls perfectly away from my hips, the styling potential. WOOF. It really is perfect and I can’t wait to wear it constantly. From a more formal take on business casual for work to exploring my favorite outdoor mall, Crocker Park, during a blustery fall day, this Nine West piece will be the jam.

Every cape blazer that I’ve tried on has paled in comparison to my latest find and, even though it was a long time coming, it was so worth the wait. The cape is such a unique piece of clothing and when you find just the right one for just the right price, it would be a shame to not get it!

Who else is a fan of the cape? How would you style this piece? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul14

Accessory Story: Argento Vivo Hoop Earrings Edition

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Accessory Story: Argento Vivo Hoop Earrings Edition

Hey! Once upon a time about four months ago, I became OBSESSED with trying to find the perfect pair of hoop earrings. But, I had very specific guidelines, and that made every single pair that I encountered an utter disappointment. First, it was a must that the hoops were gold. And second, they had to be obnoxiously big. And by that, I mean that anything of relatively normal size just wouldn’t do.

I had no idea that my guidelines would make it so damn difficult to find a pair of hoops for myself, and for four months, my search was fruitless. And then, one fateful day last week, my mom and I were feeling saucy and ventured to a different TJMaxx, and my luck finally turned around. Check these babies out:

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It was literally love at first sight when I first laid eyes upon these gorgeous Argento Vivo Hoop Earrings. I knew that they were the ones immediately and all I needed was to hold them up to my face to confirm what was glaringly obvious. These hoops met every single one of my requirements and then some, because of their extra thickness, which makes for a totally unique pair. I’ve never seen hoop earrings like these before, and I would have never forgiven myself if I didn’t snag them, even if they were twenty dollars! #treatyoself

My new Argento Vivo hoops look amazing against my red hair and their shape creates an interesting contrast with my more angular hair cut. I love the movement that comes with them and I adore pairing them with long chains in my double piercings and having them intertwine throughout the day. Nothing screams sassy like a bold pair of hoops and I am so happy to have finally found a pair that made my four month hunt worth it. #blessed

Has there ever been a fashion item that you were obsessed with getting? What is your favorite style of earrings? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul10

Tiny TJMaxx Haul

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Tiny TJMaxx Haul

Hello everyone! Thanks to a generous birthday gift card from my big bro, I was able to ball out at TJMaxx this past week. After my first shopping trip, I had about ten dollars left on my card and it was burning a hole in my pocket, so of course I had to go back! For eight cents over the ten bucks that I was working with, I was able to get the last of the beauty supplies that I need to last me for a good long while. Check it out:

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As you guys know by now, I am an avid lover of all charcoal everything when it comes to my skin care routine. Destiny Boutique has the literal best charcoal products that I’ve ever used, so it was an absolute must to grab another one of their face bars, especially because I just finished up the one that I was using. And, did I mention that it takes me SIX MONTHS to finish one of their beauty bars?! For five dollars per bar, the cost per use is less than one penny and you definitely can’t beat that! 😀

I also treated myself to a new body scrub by Kind Natured. Using an exfoliator is a necessity for me when I am shaving, and since I finished up my Strawberry scrub from The Body Shop, it was high time for me to grab another. My new Kind Natured scrub smells freaking amazing – like oats and honey, which is one of my favorite bath and body and skin care scents. I did want to get another scrub from The Body Shop because they’re my favorite, but it will be nice to try something new and maybe it will become a favorite of mine, too.

What is one of the longest lasting products that you use? Who else is a lover of charcoal products? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah