Tag Archives: shopping

Jul18

Zara Haul: Moto Madness Edition

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Zara Haul: Moto Madness Edition

Yeah, I know what you guys are thinking after reading the title. “Sarah, you have like three moto jackets already. Do you really need more?” THE ANSWER IS YES, YES I DO!!! Zara motorcycle jackets make me feel some type of way in the best way ever. I would never, ever buy one of them for full price because they range from about one hundred and fifty dollars plus. But forty dollars for my new jacket? I can swing that. Take a look:

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I am a punk rocker at heart. I love the music, the scene, and especially the style. Badass clothing speaks to me on a spiritual level so you can see why this jacket was a must buy for me. The last marked down price on this moto baby before forty dollars was one hundred and thirty. Knowing what an amazing deal it was and how much I loved this jacket after trying it on helped me justify the buy. I am a total jacket junkie and not adding this piece of pure badassery to my collection would have truly broken my heart. And we can’t have that!

The studs? The sleek black? The removable hood? The Zippers? The pockets? The weighted yet fitted shape? Hello! This jacket is perfect. The moto jackets that I have before adding this one to my hoard are moto in shape but more fashion in style. This Zara piece, to me, is a “true” motorcycle jacket and I couldn’t be more obsessed with it if I tried.

I’ve mentioned before that I prefer shopping in store at Zara rather than online and the sizing in this jacket is a prime example of why. I am 90% of the time an extra small in Zara’s tops, blouses, and dresses and the remaining 10% of the time, a small. However, I purchased this jacket in a medium. The small fit, but layering with it would have been impossible so medium was the way to go for when fall and winter hit. But, had I followed my normal clothing size shopping online at Zara, the exchanging and reordering of this jacket would have been a big fat pain in the booty-boo.

Saying that I’m so excited to incorporate this jacket into my outfits is the understatement of the century because I have a feeling that I’m going to be wearing it constantly. Over dresses? Check. Maxi skirts? Sure. Moto jacket/short shorts combo that I’ve grown increasingly fond of? You know it. Skinny jeans and ankle booties? Obvs. Hello, new statement jacket. I love you.

So there you have it, the next part in my Zara Haul series: Moto Madness Edition! Who else is a jacket junkie? What is your favorite piece of cold weather clothing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul17

Monday Update: Zara Haul Edition

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Monday Update: Zara Haul Edition

Guys. I did something bad……

I spent way too much money at Zara yesterday. But before you all sharpen the pitchforks and yell at me for giving in to my shopping addiction – LET ME EXPLAIN!!! My mom, sister, and I had a GAO (Girls’ Afternoon Out) and ventured out to Beachwood Mall, which is about a thirty-five minute trek for us. This mall is freaking amazing. It’s home to Zara, Lush, a HUGE Forever 21, H&M, Saks, Nordstrom, and the list goes on. So, not only were we in exotic new territory that we never get to go to, BUT Zara was having an incredible sale. You can’t not stock up at your favorite store when you don’t get to go very often, right? RIGHT?!

And stock up, I did. This week will be dedicated to my gorgeous new wardrobe additions compliments of my all on sale Zara Haul. We’ll start with the newest update to my business casual attire with this darling little number seen below:

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Zara button downs give me life and, coincidentally, quirky button downs make up a majority of my business cashe collection. So, obviously, I HAD TO BUY IT!! I snagged this lady bug beauty for twenty bucks. I’m not sure of the original price on this shirt, but the last button down I purchased from Zara was fifty smackers, so I consider this a steal!

This oversized button down is wonderful because it’s versatile. It’s long enough to be worn as a dress with a thick pair of tights underneath and a belted middle or over top of super skinny jeans tucked or untucked for a whimsical work look. I love wearing my other Zara button down as a dress, especially in this summer heat. However, both of these tops look totally darling tucked into pants or a skirt, as well.

Accessories are key when it comes to styling a business casual ensemble, so opt for a chunky necklace, a statement ring or two, and some killer heels to make you queen of the office!

This week on lifewithlilred will be an ode to all things Zara, starting with my Monday Update: Zara Haul Edition! Tune in tomorrow to see another one of my on sale snags. What is your favorite store to shop at? Who else goes a bit credit card happy when their favorite store is far away? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

P.S.: I bought some goodies at Lush for the first time so be on the lookout for some Bath Bomb Blitz posts in the future! 😀

Jul17

3 Gift Ideas For That Sort Of Friend

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3 Gift Ideas For That Sort Of Friend

We’ve all been there. A friend-of-a-friend/kinda sorta friend has a get together and we’ve been invited. This might be a birthday party or something more intrinsically important, like acting as your friend’s plus one during their wedding proceedings.

This can leave you truly stuck with ideas for what to gift for them. How do you provide a gift that isn’t so generic that they feel like you’ve put no thought into it, but also a gift that doesn’t come across as too forward or could be taken the wrong way?

It’s likely that you’re overthinking this if you’re stuck. because most people aren’t of the opinion that they’ll read too much into what your gifts mean – they’re just happy to receive them in the first place. In order to find the perfect gift, consider trying out these following suggestions and reflecting on if they’ll fit well with the personality or event that you’re gifting them for. Take a look:

Alcohol:

Alcohol is one of the safest ways to provide a classy, thoughtful gift for someone without coming across as too forward or impersonal. Finding a convenient online liquor store for substantially good products and bringing them to the party won’t only seem thoughtful, but it could actually serve to the benefit of the party you’re attending by supplying the host with something to drink during it.

Make sure that you best appropriate the style of alcohol you’d think the guest would like. For example, wine or champagne might be received more fondly for a middle aged housewife rather than a full bottle of vodka, but this can be tailored depending on what you know about the individual. (And let’s be real, sometimes a full bottle of vodka might be just what someone needs!) With Christmas right around the corner, forget trudging out into the winter snow for your booze related gifts. Opt to Buy Liquor Online instead for hassle free shopping.

Gift Baskets:

Gift baskets are beautiful works of presentation and can stock a range of amazing products that are sure to go down well with whomever you purchase them for. Whether you’re looking for a food themed one containing charcuterie meats and cheeses or a basket filled with beauty and skincare products, this is a great way to fulfill a range of gifting items for the giftee.

A plethora of goodies in a beautiful container looks thoughtful and well-presented. This is my favorite method of gifting. What’s more, you can tailor and design the contents and presentation of your basket with the correct online service, so be sure to find one that delivers to your area and get creating!

Gift baskets are always excellent, of course, but can certainly be hard to fill if you are shopping for someone you don’t know well. Fear not! There are amazing tools like GiftFinderAI that can help tailor presents to the T for your giftee. With simple prompts, you will get ideas for gifts and baskets that will make it seem like you’ve known the recipient for years.

Gift Cards:

Gift cards are rather impersonal but will allow you to provide funds for a store that you think the intended recipient would like based on their personality. It also gives the giftee the opportunity to choose what products they’d like to prioritize for themselves. For example, if you’re celebrating a baby shower, a gift card for a parental supplies store can help you seem considerate of the recipient’s situation, while not offering yet another set of onesies!

These tips are sure to impress and cover a nice range of items while keeping the balance of lack of intimacy/intent for growth of intimacy. Try them for yourself, and see how well they work!

Featured Image By: Flickr

Jul5

New Earrings Surprise

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New Earrings Surprise

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! I hope that all of you are having a fabulous week so far. So this past weekend my mom surprised me and my sister with new matching earrings and they are SO pretty. She got my new little beauties from Target and I was pleasantly surprised because they are pretty hit or miss with their jewelry selection, in my most humble opinion. My mom hit the nail on the head with these dangling darlings so take a look and let’s discuss:

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^^^ Love.

It’s nice to know that my mom didn’t break the bank with these eight buck beauties for me and my sister. But, it’s even nicer to know that she saw these and thought of us enough to actually buy them. Little gifts and surprises like my new earrings make me so happy because everyone likes to be thought of every once in a while. To come home to my mom saying that she bought something special just for me automatically gave me the warm fuzzies. And I’m even warmer AND fuzzier considering that I’m beyond obsessed with my terrestrial themed earrings! :*)

I LOVE YOU, MOM!!!!!!!! ❤

So there you have it, my New Earrings Surprise compliments of my darling mama! What is your favorite gift that someone has given you? How do you like to surprise your loved ones? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun30

If The Shoe Fits: Lust For Life Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Lust For Life Edition

Hellooo everyone and welcome to the rest of my TJMaxx shoe haul in this edition of If The She Fits! And also, TGIF! You guys already know about my undying love for TJ’s so take a look at these two new beauties by Lust For Life and let’s discuss:

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I have been looking for heels with writing on them for what feels like a lifetime. The lettered shoes of my dreams always seem to be in flat or sandal form and we all know that Lil Red does not do flat feet. So when I saw both of these pretty *heeled* babies online, only getting one of them just wasn’t an option.

These ad-lib chunky heels give me life. Cher from Clueless is my spirit animal so when I saw the black pair with her signature phrase on them, they were as good as mine. And the royal blue “Blah Blah Blahs” are a fun change up from my normal all black everything preference. Frankly, if there were more different colors available, I probably would have bought those, too. Color me freaking obsessed.

The fact that my shoes can literally do the talking now is something that I am so in love with. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for shirts with weird or funny slogans on them so having some sass on my shoes is a godsend. A godsend, I tell ya! These heels were a bit more expensive than what I usually pay at twenty-nine dollars a pop, but with the abundance of love that I felt for them, they were well worth the price. They both look and feel well made and their structure is sturdy, so I know that I will have them for a long time! (And, let’s be real, I’d have them for a long time anyways because I’m a total clothing hoarder! #smh)

My new Lust For Life heels are literally everything that I wanted from a worded shoe and I couldn’t be happier. Although they costed a little more than I would have liked, TJMaxx pulled through once again for their most dedicated shopper. ❤

So there you have it, the last of my TJMaxx shoe haul in this issue of If The Shoe Fits: Lust For Life Edition! Who else is rocking the worded shoe trend this summer? Where do you find the best shoes at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun29

If The Shoe Fits: Made Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Made Edition

Hellooo everyone and welcome to a new edition of If The Shoe Fits! As you guys know, I have a bit of a TJMaxx shopping addiction. I’m not ashamed of it, but actually rather proud. It feels SO good having a wardrobe full of beautiful clothes, shoes, and accessories that I didn’t pay full price for. I love the look of shock that I get when I’m wearing a TJ’s piece and people ask me where I got it from. I am a Maxxinista through and through and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

Now, back in the day, TJ’s didn’t have an online website. But, times have changed, and now they offer the full shopping experience from the comfort of your home. I may or may not have had a three pair shoe haul thanks to their amazing selection, But, like I said, I’m not ashamed. In fact, I DID have a three pair shoe haul and it was GLORIOUS. Check out these rad new shoes by Made brand that I got for twenty bucks:

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For the most part when it comes to my wardrobe, I prefer an all black everything approach. So, obviously these babies were no exception. I LOVE these shoes. And, better yet, I LOVE the price. Seriously, how can you say no to them when they’re only twenty dollars?!

I think that these heels are badass. The Velcro straps bring a really cool and unexpected twist, while the zigzag black and yellow offers a pop of visual interest to the shoe. These bad boys are so comfortable and the Velcro makes putting them on such a breeze! It brought me back to the Velcro shoes of my youth, but way more fashionable, of course! 😉

I cannot wait to wear these shoes with literally all of the things and they are sure to add an edgy touch to all of my outfits. This shoe haul would not have been possible without one of my darling blogging babes, Kate, from Ankhor You. I freaking love that girl and even though we’re states away from each other, we turned online shopping into a group activity. Thanks to communicating in three different mediums of Facebook messenger, text, and phone calls, Kate verified my choices as fabulous and gave me all of the motivation to hit that “order” button and throw caution to the wind! In conclusion, GO READ HER BLOG! ❤

So there you have it, the newest issue of If The Shoe Fits: Made Edition! Be sure to tune in tomorrow to check out the rest of my TJMaxx shoe haul! Where do you score the best shoes? Who else is a fellow Maxxinista? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun26

Monday Update: TJMaxx Haul Edition

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Monday Update: TJMaxx Haul Edition

Hi everyone and happy Monday!! I hope that everyone had a super fun and fabulous weekend! So these past few days, I was a little naughty and went way too hard at TJMaxx. As you guys know, that store is my number one fave. It seems like I never fail to find something that I love there. Whether it be new shoes, beauty products, clothes, or purses, TJ’s always treats me just right! This week, we’ll take an in depth look at my haul (Because, believe me, there’s a lot!) starting with this sassy little skirt that I got for a whole EIGHT DOLLARS. Check it out:

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This fun jean skirt is Buffalo by David Bitton brand and the original price tag had it marked at seventy dollars. And once again, I GOT IT FOR EIGHT! I’ve been on the hunt for a cute jean dress or skirt for a while now but have never found anything that spoke to me on a spiritual level. This skirt is flattering, flirty, and totally fabulous and my only regret is that I didn’t find it sooner.

I love that this dark denim skirt features a zipper down the front instead of the normal buttons that have been littering the stores lately. The fit and flare shape is just right in providing a curve hugging silhouette while still offering a light touch of girly sweetness from the flared bottom. The golden stitching throughout the skirt also adds some extra pizzazz, which makes this little number feel fresh out of the 70’s. Freaking obsessed.

There is nothing better than purchasing a darling new piece to add to your wardrobe for under ten dollars. And knowing that I saved sixty-two smackers on this skirt makes the find even sweeter. I can’t wait to pair this high waisted number with crop tops, tucked in button downs, and a jean jacket for a sassy update on the Denim Tuxedo. And, of course, platform heels with this retro baby is a must!

So there you have it, this week’s Monday Update: TJMaxx Haul Edition! Spend your week here at lifewithlilred while I talk beauty and fashion compliments of my favorite store! Who else is totally TJ’s obsessed? What is your favorite store to shop at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun25

New Tarte Lip Paint

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New Tarte Lip Paint

Hiii everyone and happy Sunday! For my birthday, I got a free Tarte blush and mini lip paint from Sephora for my birthday and I am obsessed. Both shades are simply gorgeous and I love using each of them. But that lip paint? It is something else, I tell ya! That stuff doesn’t budge. It is seriously the best food proof, kiss proof, fool proof lip product that I have ever used. Don’t get me wrong, the blushy nude shade that I got for my birthday is to die for but getting it in red was a necessity at this point.

Despite not being the biggest makeup girl in the world, I went to Sephora yesterday and was so happy to get the last tube available in the Tarte lip paint that I wanted. Although I hate the name of the color, “Bae”, it really is pretty. Take a look and see for yourself:

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❤ ❤ ❤

What I love about this shade, is that it is a pure red. With my skin tone, hair, and personal style, the true reds are the only shades that I feel “work” for me. Reds with orange-y tones look clown-like on me and the deeper, more ox-blood reds look super goth girl on me. Neither of which are the look that I’m going for! No, I just want a simple and elegant red lip.

I have many beautiful variations of a true red lippie in plenty of reputable brands – NYX, Loreal, and Urban Decay. So, obviously, this latest purchase wasn’t something that I truly needed. But, my god, I really wanted it. To have a lipstick that you literally don’t have to worry about reapplying is a godsend for any lippie lover. Having just that little taste of what could be with my birthday freebie gave me an insatiable craving for more and I am insanely happy with my purchase.

I went out to lunch with my sister and her boyfriend while wearing my birthday shade and after finishing a big meal, my sister asked me if I reapplied my lippie. Nope, it just literally didn’t move the entire time I was stuffing my face. That’s how you know you have an effective lipstick, darling!

So there you have it, my New Tarte Lip Paint! What is your favorite makeup brand to shop at Sephora? Who else is obsessed with Tarte? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun11

Lauren Conrad Ballin On A Budget Buy

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Lauren Conrad Ballin On A Budget Buy

Helloooo everyone and happy Sunday! Okay, so yesterday I got the prettiest shirt in the history of ever and the best part (other than it being gorgeous) is that I got it for: FIVE DOLLA HOLLA. My mom and I went to Kohl’s last night to get our shop on because we had coupons for days and wanted to make good use of them. It was difficult to tear myself away from binging on Orange Is The New Black, but this shirt was well worth it. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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If there’s one thing that Lil Red loves, it’s romantic, dreamy clothing. Which is kind of ironic considering that black is my favorite color and I prefer to dress in punk/grunge fashion. But, alas, the heart wants what it wants. Lol, seriously though, I love the contrast that flowy, girly style clothes has with my punk rock princess appearance thanks to my piercings, tattoos, and bright hair. It’s not often that I find a beautiful dreamer piece of clothing that I totally swoon over, but it’s pretty magical when I do!

This Lauren Conrad top combined all things fairy princess into one cohesive look. The creamy color, gauzy material, draped sleeves, flowy shape, and embroidery in one magnificent top is something straight out of the fairy tales and I am obsessed. My mom and I joked that this pretty little number looks like the modern day Puffy Shirt a la Seinfeld and I actually think this makes me love it more considering that’s my favorite show.

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^^^ Me.

Describing this shirt is weird because it’s one of those pieces that actually makes me feel pretty. Don’t get me wrong, lol I always think I look fabulous in the edgy, confident, badass way but I don’t have a lot of clothes that make me feel boho princess worthy. And the fact that I scored this wonder top for a whole five dollars? GET OUT!

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^^^ Elaine is my spirit animal. ❤

I can’t wait to wear this LC number throughout the summer with black short shorts and a peekaboo black lacy bra underneath to add that necessary touch of badassery to the look. A killer pair of platforms or wedges are also a must to toughen up the ensemble and make it feel a bit more Sarah. And as it gets colder? Swap the shorties for skinnies and you’re off!

So there you have it, my Lauren Conrad Ballin On A Budget Buy! How would you describe your personal style? How do you score the best deals while out shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May26

Warby Parker – ROCI N’ Roll

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Warby Parker – ROCI N’ Roll

Hi everyone and TGIF! I hope all of you are having a fabulous day so far! So, if there’s one thing that Lil Red loves, its sunglasses. From my beloved and battered frames from when I worked at PacSun almost three years ago (yikes!) to my Chanel pair randomly given to me by my nail tech, I truly treasure my sunnies. I probably have over twenty pairs of shades for any given occasion and, yes, I’m totally aware that that’s a little excessive!

But, guys, hear me out: sunglasses are seriously the best accessory on the planet. Not only do they shield sensitive eyes (like mine!) from the harsh sun, but they instantly transform an outfit. Whether you’re covering your face with oversized frames because you decided not to wear makeup or you want something bright and fun to wear while lounging by the pool – there’s a pair of sunglasses for you. From “don’t look at me” diva shades to a pair of crisp aviators or even a cat eye if you’re feeling saucy, there is a sunnie style for you to fit your mood (or moods!) that day.

And guess what? Cute, chic, throw your face back at the sun you emblazoned goddess sunglasses can all be found if you shop with Warby Parker. Warby Parker, the little brand that could, developed from the brain blast of college students who were sick and tired of paying a pretty penny to replace their glasses and sunnies every time they got lost. Hey, I feel it – you know that your girl is constantly ballin on a budget!

Anyways, fast forward to present day, about seven years after the brand first launched and you will find that Warby Parker is up to a world of good. Did you know that one billion people worldwide lack access to prescription glasses? That’s why with every pair of Warby Parker frames sold, a pair goes out to someone in need, thanks to collaborations with non-profits like VisionSpring.

Oh. And did I mention that another part of Warby Parker’s world of good comes with the fact that their glasses and sunnies are seriously cute? Yeah. Let’s get to that. Warby Parker has just launched their summer collection and I am in love. We’re talking 1960’s mod inspired shapes with a bright but slightly sun faded color palette to give you dusky hues in an array of gorgeous shades. Hello, fun in the sun.

Along with Warby Parker’s summer collection comes a fabulous collaboration with artist, Robert Rauschenberg. A legendary artist, in his own right, Robert Rauschenberg is known for his creative spirit and a life dedicated to activism. He truly is the perfect person to pair up with Warby Parker for a limited edition collaboration. Drawing colors found in one of four paintings from Rauschenberg’s ROCI (Rauschenberg Overseas Culture Interchange) project, the “there for a short time only” frame is available in four different colors. And the name of this stunning brand new collaboration, you might ask? ROCI, obvs! Take a look:

With stained sea glass hues sweetly contrasting from the frames to the sides, it’s no wonder why the ROCI collection is a major hit! The muted yet vivid tones of these frames will pop beautifully against a summer tan as you strut your stuff on the boardwalk or beach. Or, if you’re sporting the pasty pale look, like me, all summer, you can wear your new ROCIs while jamming in your car to AFI as you’re on your way to a sold out show at your favorite venue. House Of Blues, anyone? That’s how I ROCI N’ Roll.

It’s a no brainer to see why I simply adore the new ROCI collab with Warby Parker and Robert Rauschenberg. Art truly has met fashion with this limited edition collection, which is nothing short of inspiring. So, now, let me inspire you with some of my favorite frames from the Warby Parker summer collection so that you can start day dreaming about your next summer fun adventure:

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Seen From Top To Bottom:

  • Laurel in Espresso Tortoise
  • Clementine in Espresso Tortoise
  • Nancy in Coral

When I shop sunnies, I normally always opt for a darker colored frame. With bright red hair and red lips, a colorful pair of sunglasses can be, well – a bit much. That is why I am totally in love with the Espresso Tortoise hue seen above, particularly in the Clementine frame. Black, browns, and tortoise shades make up a majority of my sunnies collection and the Clementine frame just speaks to me as something that I love enough to want to wear on my face!

So, if I love dark colors on my sunglasses so much, why would I choose the Coral colored Nancy frames? Well surprise, surprise I actually really like that shade! Once long ago I had the most gorgeous circle shaped pair of sunnies from Aerie in almost the exact Coral color as the Nancy frames. I wore those sunglasses everywhere and I loved how chic and elegant they made me look. After years of wear and tear, my beloved shades finally fell apart and I miss them every day. The Nancy sunglasses from Warby Parker’s summer collection would be the perfect replacement for my fallen friend. Revel in this, because this is the only time I’ll admit to liking a color other than black!!

Are you drooling yet? I think it’s high time that you head over to Warby Parker’s website to start some shopping of your own! What is your favorite frame from their summer collection? How many sunglasses do you own? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah