Tag Archives: style

TJMaxx Winter Haul: Marled Reunited Clothing Cardigan

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TJMaxx Winter Haul: Marled Reunited Clothing Cardigan

Hello everyone and welcome to the last piece of clothing from my TJMaxx Winter Haul! Today, we will be discussing a darling heart adorned cardigan by Marled Reunited Clothing – so perfect for Valentine’s Day. Then, we will dive into some brand new editions of If The Shoe Fits so keep it posted here on lifewithlilred! Now, let’s get to it:

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My mom loves anything and everything with hearts on it, which makes me especially partial to the same sentiments too. When I saw this cardigan in store when I was making my online returns, I knew that it was going to be coming home with me just in time for Valentine’s Day. I didn’t really plan on making any clothing purchases and was trying to limit my shopping to skin care and birthday prezzies. Well, that’s not entirely true – you know your girl always kind of plans on that and it was just this one cardigan, I swear!

This Marled Reunited Clothing cardi was just too cute to pass up. The oatmeal base paired with the bright pops of red hearts is oh so sweet and is certainly not limited to being only worn on V-Day. My new cardi is nice and soft but it isn’t super warm which opens it up to being a four seasons piece. It will be great for a brisk spring day or a chilly summer night having drinks on the patio of mine and Johnny’s favorite bar.

My cardi will, of course, be so charming paired with a skater skirt and tights but is also ideal for throwing on with my go to black skinny jeans with front pockets. I have already done this several times already and it really helped to spruce up a basic work outfit. Pair with some adorable red booties and everyone will feel love in the air!

What is your favorite pattern? How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

TJMaxx Winter Haul: Japna Tie Back Top

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TJMaxx Winter Haul: Japna Tie Back Top

Hello everyone and welcome back to my TJMaxx Winter Haul! Today, we are going to be discussing a top by Japna that is, admittedly, not appropriate for winter at all but I can’t wait to rock it come warm weather. This new top is identical in shape to one of my favorite purchases from Altar’d State so I knew that it would be a winner when I saw it. And, if it wasn’t, it would have been no harm no foul because it was only seven bucks on clearance! Check it out:

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When first trying on a top like my new Japna one during my Altar’d State haul, I wasn’t so sure about it:

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My main fear about this kerchief style top was that it would be too much skin, too much bra strap, and that it wouldn’t be flattering in the slightest. So, imagine my surprise when I was in the Altar’d State fitting room and it worked perfectly. The tie back covered up the back of my bra completely, it wasn’t too revealing in the midriff, and best of all – it showcased all of the tattoos on my back that never get seen.

This top was one of my absolute faves to wear last summer and I have been on the hunt for more like it ever since. I never had any luck finding a similar top until my past TJMaxx haul and I was So. Freaking. Excited. about it. Not only was it the same shape but it was black and snakeskin patterned which made it EVEN BETTER! 😀

As you all know, I love snakeskin anything and everything so I felt like I won the lottery when I found this little Japna number for under ten bucks. As soon as warm weather hits, it is so on and I might just alternate between it and my Altar’d State top all summer long. Not really, but I am pretty stoked about it lol.

Pairing my Japna top with my black shorts from American Eagle Outfitters and my new Barbie pink platforms (Which you will see soon!) will definitely be the move. To accessorize, multiple bracelets, huge sunglasses, and a big tote bag are a must. Can it be summer now or?

What is your favorite animal print? What is your ideal summertime outfit? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

TJMaxx Winter Haul: Fringe Shawl By Laundry

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TJMaxx Winter Haul: Fringe Shawl By Laundry

Hello! I had a wonderful winter haul from TJMaxx and I am so excited to begin incorporating all of my new goodies into my wardrobe. One item that I am particularly thrilled about is a shawl by Laundry By Shelli Segal. This little number was originally forty-eight dollars and I got it for seven bucks on clearance! I have never seen anything like it before and have a feeling that I will be wearing it all of the time to spice up my OOTDs. Check it out:

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When it comes to accessorizing my looks, I am always on the prowl for unique pieces to take things to the next level. I love bold, chunky jewelry, platform boots, scarves, and anything faux fur. I’m not sure what to call my new Laundry shawl because it isn’t, really. But, whatever it is, I’m obsessed and know that it will make amazing appearances in my OOTDs.

If this shawl were just the lace part, I probably would have passed on it. However, the fringe and hanging tassels take this piece over the top into something cool and edgy rather than, dare I say it, a bit old lady. The details on my new shawl are divine and it doesn’t feel flimsy in the slightest, which is something that I was worried about.

I cannot wait to wear this over top of my silk camis and other sleeveless tops and dresses come warm weather. It will also be a clever way to conceal visible bra straps because wearing one is a necessity for me. I am envisioning pairing my new wrap with short shorts, a cami top, gold jewelry, and some funky wedges for a summer date day with my husband!

What is your favorite accessory? 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

TJMaxx Winter Haul: Talia Benson Dress

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TJMaxx Winter Haul: Talia Benson Dress

Hello everyone and welcome to the fashion part of my TJMaxx winter haul! Today, we are going to be discussing a gorgeous dress by Talia Benson that is delightfully reminiscent of my wedding dress. The best part? I don’t have to get married to wear it! I cannot wait to wear this dress literally all of the time and it is one of my favorite TJs purchases ever. Check it out:

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I don’t know about you guys, but any articles of clothing with an attached slip or cami drive me nuts. I kid you not, it took me a solid five minutes to figure out the best way to get this dress on properly and I almost just said “forget it” to save me the frustration. However, once it was on and I showed Johnny he told me how much he liked it and that “beauty is pain”. It was just the pep talk I needed because, damnit, I liked it a lot too!

Now that I know how to get this dress on in the easiest way possible, I can’t believe my weakness almost made me return it. It is beautiful!! The polka dot mesh overlay on top of the slip is stunning and I love the tiered bottom, tied back, and ribbons on the sleeves. It is the perfect amount of extra and I am looking forward to wearing it on a date with Johnny when we step out in our goth best. And, yes, I absolutely plan on carrying my black lace parasol with it.

I have no idea what the original price was for this Talia Benson number but I know that it had to be way more expensive than the forty dollars I paid for it. My new dress is of such high quality. The slip is thick so it doesn’t have the sheerness that sometimes comes with that territory and the mesh overlay is delicate without feeling like it’s going to rip every five seconds.

I plan on wearing my new dress with my red Bamboo platforms, bold gold jewelry, and my parasol for the ultimate Princess Of Darkness OOTD. Be sure to keep it posted for pics because that it going to be my outfit when Johnny and I go see Jesus Christ Superstar later this month! 😀

How would you style this dress? Have you ever returned something because it was too difficult to put on? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Snowy Saturday OOTD Bloopers

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Snowy Saturday OOTD Bloopers

Hello! I am never too proud to post OOTD photo shoot bloopers as an exclusive look to mine and Johnny’s photography process. Despite my Snowy Saturday OOTD being a very speedy shoot, there was still plenty of blooper shots to be had during Johnny’s rapid camera fire session. When scrolling through the pics post shoot, there is always a healthy collection of great shots, average shots, and So. Many. Shots. of me talking to Johnny or coming towards him to check on the progress. Like the following:

Johnny encouraging a “strong man” shot:

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Adjusting sunglasses, which took a shockingly long time and then ended up in the pocket of Johnny’s cheetah print bathrobe:

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Talking to a neighbor…

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Getting my phone back:

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IT’S SO COLD!!!:

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Three cheers for Step Brothers:

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Lol, photo content is a blogger’s bread and butter and, in my case, this includes the good and the “wtf” too. I promise all of you that every single blogger or influencer has a huge cache of photos after just one shoot. Ninety percent of them are multiple shots of the Same. Exact. Picture – which we are all guilty off but we’re looking for the diamond in the rough! The other ten percent are a mixture of adjusting, lol moments, and “I didn’t know you were still shooting”. 😀

There are an endless supply of blooper shots during my photo shoots with Johnny because he always makes me laugh or tells me to do something silly! He really is the best husband/blog husband ever, though, and is game whenever I need an OOTD series taken. His work seen above obviously speaks for itself! ❤

What does your camera roll look like after you do a photo shoot? What is your signature pose? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Snowy Saturday OOTD Bonus Pictures

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Snowy Saturday OOTD Bonus Pictures

Hello everyone and welcome to some bonus pics from my Snowy Saturday OOTD! This was probably my speediest photo shoot to date because it was freaking freezing outside! It also took my hands several minutes to thaw out afterwards from throwing snowballs… Anything in the name of fashion lol.

My Johnny was such a trooper to snap these pics and, needless to say, the rest of the day was spent hibernating after just five minutes in the cold. I think this is enough winter for me! Check out these extra shots and you might want to sip some hot chocolate while doing so to keep warm:

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As I’ve mentioned before, the past several winters in Ohio have been insanely mild and, although we all knew a massive snow storm was coming, it still took everyone by surprise. In fact, Johnny and I can’t even remember the last time it snowed like this because in one night, Akron was covered in sixteen inches of snow. The winter wonderland is visually beautiful but I am so ready for spring!

While winter has never really bothered me before, that did a complete one eighty with the pandemic. Since Johnny and I have been laying low for the entirety of COVID-19, our activities are severely stunted once the cold weather hits. No hanging out in the fresh air means that most of our days are spent with our programs, board games, video games, and record player. It’s not the most awful thing ever but I have been craving an outdoor date day in the worst way.

Not many outings means no dressing up, either, which is something that I miss desperately. So, when I do brave the outdoors, I have to put my best OOTDs forward. Naturally, my coffee date with a girlfriend fell on the coldest morning ever but fashion called and I just had to pick up the phone! I love the outfit that I came up with but am hoping that the next time I bust it out, it’s at least ten degrees warmer!

What has your winter been like? How do you spend snowy days? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Snowy Saturday OOTD

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Snowy Saturday OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past Saturday, I got all dolled up for a coffee date with one of my best girlfriends, Danielle. Upon returning home, my darling husband braved the bitter cold to snap some pics of yours truly. Best blog husband EVER! While Johnny was sporting his cheetah print robe and his moto jacket for a speedy photo shoot, I was wearing this:

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Who? What? Wear?

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^^^ Lol

After a massive snow storm last week, it finally felt like winter in good ol’ Akron, Ohio. While I can’t stand the snow, I have to admit that I am just a little bit happy that I finally get to break out all of my warm jackets that have been sitting sentinel in my closet! Morning coffee with my fellow fashionista, Danielle, meant that I just had to show out in my cold weather best and I love what I came up with.

Prior to my coffee date, I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to wear as I had been dying to break out my new Wit & Wisdom snakeskin print jeans. The easy route would have been to wear black on top to match with the patterned jeans but where is the fun in that?! For much needed warmth and texture, I went with my teddy bear soft faux fur jacket by Sanctuary, which complimented the touches of taupe on the jeans. This jacket was a sweet surprise from my mom and I seriously could not stop touching it because it is So. Freaking. Soft!

With the base of my outfit taken care of, it was time to accessorize because the neutral palette of my OOTD needed some brightening up. To rectify this, I chose my silk BCBG scarf in a darling Popsicle print. With temperatures in the teens, the cold treat pattern is pretty ironic but it was just what this outfit needed to add more visual interest. And, of course, my all time favorite fingerless gloves by Steve Madden gave a fun pop of color.

Shockingly, the shoes were what I struggled with when it came to this Snowy Saturday OOTD, which is something that I never thought that I would say! Boots were out of the question because it would break up the sleek lines that I was working with. I knew I needed heels, but which ones? Most of my heeled booties have a pattern, which would also be a no go with the patterned jeans.

After scouring my shoe collection, I found the winner with my heeled booties from Target that costed me a whole ten dollars. It was the perfect choice as it provided some extra length and looked just right with the rest of my look. They might not have been the best to trudge through the snow with but I will do anything in the name of fashion!

Once my photo shoot with Johnny was done, we had a long laugh about my Step Brothers T-shirt underneath such a chic coat. This Snowy Saturday OOTD would not be complete without a little dose of Dale and Brennan! 😀

What is your favorite season to dress for? Do you have a favorite silly T-shirt? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Seventies Chic OOTD Bonus Pictures

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Seventies Chic OOTD Bonus Pictures

Hi everyone and welcome to some bonus pictures from my Seventies Chic OOTD! These pictures were taken at our lodge at Oglebay where my family enjoyed a holiday weekend together. It was the best! In just one short day and a half, we did so many activities around the property and it was absolute Christmas magic – even if it was a few weeks late! Check out some more OOTD pics and let’s discuss:

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For holiday fun, Oglebay is definitely the place to be. The property boasts six miles of holiday light displays to drive through, a laser light show, zoo, and an outdoor light show set to a remixed tune of Christmas music and Led Zeppelin. Not to mention the abundance of deer wandering around that are so friendly that you can feed them out of the palm of your hand. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for pics of that because it was incredible!

From opening presents and experiencing the spectacular light displays, it was a weekend that I will never forget. In fact, my family is already in talks of doing it again next year. My favorite part of our little getaway had to be the outdoor light show that had a rocking soundtrack. The snow was falling and Johnny and I even had an impromptu snowball fight. It might have resulted in me accidentally hitting him in the face when I was aiming for his arm but he walked it off like a champ… Whoops. 🙂

Every Christmas spent with my family is an amazing time but our Oglebay adventure holds a very special place in my heart. Barely two days didn’t feel long enough and I already can’t wait for next Christmas! ❤

How did you celebrate the holidays this year? What are some of your favorite holiday memories? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Seventies Chic OOTD

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Seventies Chic OOTD

Hello! This past weekend, my entire family took a trip to Wheeling, West Virginia to have Christmas part two at Oglebay. As a gift, my oldest brother and his family rented a lodge for us to stay at and we had the best time. We all arrived mid afternoon last Friday and before the festivities began, Johnny and I were able to snap some quick OOTD pics. It was seriously the fastest shoot ever because with two toddlers staying with us, anarchy soon happened! Lol, check it out:

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Who? What? Wear?

I have been absolutely dying to break out my new super seventies inspired dress by MaxSport LA and I thought that the holiday weekend was the perfect time to wear it – despite the bitter cold! This dress was a steal for ten dollars rather than the original tag price of two hundred and forty and that made the purchase even sweeter… The fact that it is one of my favorite new pieces is the cherry on top.

For this Seventies Chic look, I wanted to invoke the era with some flower power and fun. The knee high floral boots by B.A.I.T. were an obvious choice to go with and the orange flowers matched the orange dots on the dress flawlessly. This made the two very different patterns work, especially since the brown base of the boots acted as a neutral color.

To add some warmth and seventies flare, I added my topper jacket by Lucky Brand. The velvety soft material provided texture to the OOTD and it was another nice retro touch. It is also one of my favorite pieces in my entire wardrobe! As I mentioned before, it was really cold and snowy and my look was still looking a little bare. To rectify this, I topped things off with my smiley face scarf by Nardi & Tagliaferri for some Peace, Love, and Happiness.

Was I done yet? Of course not! Because of the somewhat lower cut of my dress, a necklace was in order and I knew just what I wanted to complete the look – my favorite necklace that belonged to my grandma. I have always loved this necklace and it is so special to wear it. The emerald green and floral painting on the tooth shaped centerpiece added a perfect pop of color and it made my outfit feel runway ready.

While driving to our lodge, I was trying to scope out some nice places for pictures and was coming up short. Thankfully, the problem was solved as soon as we walked into our home for the weekend because it felt like stepping into a time machine. The wood paneling, seventies lounge furniture, and warm lighting provided the ultimate backdrop to shoot this retro look in. This setting definitely did my OOTD justice!

I love fashion because it allows you to be anything you want. Some days I’m punk, other days I feel fashionista, and this past weekend I was Seventies Chic. Keep it posted for bonus pics from this look tomorrow!

How would you describe your personal style? What is your favorite era of fashion? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Best Husband Ever!

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Best Husband Ever!

Hi! It wouldn’t be an OOTD shoot for me and Johnny without me insisting that I take some pictures of him as well as a few (or a lot) of selfies with me. As always, Johnny is a great sport despite forever making silly faces when we take pictures together! He is truly the best husband/blog husband ever and I am so thankful to him for everything he does for the old ball and chain (AKA me lol).

Here are some of my favorite shots of him during my Houndstooth, Honey shoot:

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From our date days to video game nights or just sitting around watching our programs, any time spent with Johnny is the best. And, it has been that way since our first date. I love getting dressed up with him to go out and about and am always impressed with his own panache for fashion. Whether we’re running errands or spending time with our families, we both consider it an occasion worth getting dolled up for and I freaking love it.

I am so excited to see what 2022 has in store for us and even if it sucks just as much as last year, at least we are together for it! We can’t wait to celebrate our first year of being married and three years of being together as well as planning weekend trips for a change of scenery. In fact, we have a little trip coming up soon so keep it posted to read all about it and, of course, see some OOTD pics!

How would you describe your personal style? What is something that you admire about your partner or best friend? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah