Hello! After what felt like going forever without shopping, I finally caved and treated myself to some goodies online from Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters. There is nothing like packages arriving at my front door to help perk myself up and I now think I can hold off until the fateful day when I feel safe to shop at TJMaxx. Maybe.
So, while I mull over that decision, check out these new white heeled combat boots from Forever 21:
If there’s one thing Lil Red loves, it’s a good combat boot. I have flat combat boots and heeled ones and ninety-nine percent of them are… Yep, you guessed it: All black everything. So, as you can imagine, it made it impossible to say no to a new crisp white pair to add some variety to my combat boot collection.
I love the fresh take on the grunge style that these shoes give me with the unique color palette but they are still such a classic shape and I think they are really cool. Of course, crunching through the snow in these bad boys next winter will be a treat. But, can we please talk about how cute these will be paired with short shorts and cute tights or socks come summer? Living for it!
I paid around thirty dollars for these new boots and I considered it a steal, especially because I’m sure I would pay around the same amount at TJs. Now, if only I could break free from my comfy cozy quarantine wardrobe long enough to actually wear them!
What is your favorite style of shoes? How do you give a nod to grunge style? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
We all want the best for our homes. We carry a lot of work out on them and focus a lot on interior design. But flooring tends to be an aspect of our properties that we neglect a little. Many of us take it for granted and completely forget that we can easily change it. Different types of flooring suit different people and different rooms. To help you get started on your flooring journey, we recommend visiting a showroom of a Flooring store in San Diego, CA or your local area. Here are a few of the most common and popular types of flooring out there to ask about:
Wooden Flooring:
Wooden flooring is a hugely popular choice. It looks great. It’s easy to clean. It lasts pretty well. Some people will like this flooring throughout their entire house. Others will only want it in some rooms, where the colder and harder aspects of it are fine. When looking at real wood flooring, Solid wood flooring has relatively minimal work carried out on it. Hardwood flooring is generally a layer of hardwood placed on top of high-quality plywood. Solid wood flooring, on the other hand, is literally slats of complete wood. Hardwood tends to be much cheaper and gives the same appearance. However, if you’re focused on authenticity, solid wood could be the way to go.
With something like wooden flooring, it is possible to go the DIY route for the installation. However, we would recommend using professional services for this so the end result is perfect. To find an expert near you, simply enter a search for “flooring chicago” or your local area to minimize the risk of errors that could compromise the longevity of your flooring.
Epoxy Flooring:
You might not have heard of Epoxy flooring before, but it’s extremely popular. Generally speaking, Epoxy flooring is designed for outdoor use or industrial use. But nowadays, many people are starting to incorporate it into their homes. It’s made of polymers and has a plastic-like feel and appearance. The main perk of this flooring? It’s heavy duty and will take some serious wear and tear, meaning you won’t find yourself having to replace it for years. But people generally have questions. Does it look good? Is Epoxy Flooring Slippery When Wet? Is it right for my home? Now, the first and last questions are largely subjective. Have a look at some images and you’ll be able to determine whether it has the right aesthetic for your home. In terms of slipperiness, most Epoxy floors tend to be slip resistant. Just make sure to clean up spills on it as you would any other floor. Of course, like all types of flooring, it will still require maintenance despite being more durable. This type of flooring can especially benefit from polishing and sanding so it is wise to get quotes from different experts in this field before committing to the renovation. To begin this process, simply enter a search for “Epoxy Resin Floor Holland Park” (or your local area) to read testimonials and see projects previously completed by each company.
Carpets:
Those looking for comfort while they’re home tend to go for carpet. This is common in lounges and bedrooms, where people seek soft and warm environments. There are many types of carpet out there, so you may need to do a bit of research and request some test samples to determine exactly what you’d like. Long pile tends to be softer but harbors more dirt. Short, looped pile is good for high traffic areas, but won’t be as soft for other rooms. Make sure to shop around and eventually you’ll find the perfect carpet to suit your needs and preferences.
These are just three types of flooring. There are a number of alternatives on the market that you might like to look into. But hopefully, the insight into those listed above may have helped you settle on what best suits you and your home!
Hello! During my recent little treat yoself online shopping session, I got some super fun accessories from Urban Outfitters. All of my purchases didn’t ship together, though, and I ended up getting the last of it a few days ago. There is nothing like a bit of online shopping to perk you up and the gift just keeps on giving once it shows up on your door!
The tights you’re about to see from UO may be a small new addition to my accessories collection but they are cuter than I could have ever imagined. So, yes, good things definitely come in small packages! Check it out:
Yes, these most certainly are colorful rhinestoned fishnets and I am completely obsessed! A while back ago, I saw an advertisement for similar tights on Facebook and I remember thinking how cute they were but I didn’t order them. So, when these little beauties showed up during my Urban Outfitters spree, I just had to buy a pair… And a back up one in case the first pair snags. 😉
These tights are absolutely perfect for layering under short shorts and will add an amazing touch of fun to the most simple outfits. And, with bedazzled fishnets you definitely don’t have to go all out. Pair under shorts, throw on a graphic tee and combat boots and hit up your favorite stomping grounds with your friends when it’s safe to do so. These tights will be sure to make a statement during your first outing in a month of Sundays!
What is your favorite funky accessory? Do you have any crazy tights? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hello! We all know that Lil Red loves to shop and this stay at home order has really put a cramp on my style. Lol, especially because the TJMaxx website isn’t shipping any orders out, either! But, that’s okay, and eventually I’ll make my way back to all of my favorite stomping grounds when it’s safe to do so.
In the meantime, though, I definitely needed a treat. So, I turned to the wonderful world of online shopping and made a few purchases from Urban Outfitters and Forever 21. Nothing major, just something to put a smile on my face. How can this darling, delicate jewelry not?! Check it out:
Despite having a deep fondness for online shopping, I rarely branch out from my favorite sites and don’t end up on Urban or F21 very often. But, I figured that going with safe bets like jewelry and shoes couldn’t hurt and it sure paid off. I absolutely love my gold lock bracelet, which I plan on wearing as an anklet, and it matches my beloved Michael Kors lock necklace perfectly. And, can we please talk about those adorable safety pin earrings? Maybe these will inspire me to finally get some additional ear piercings!
Nothing perks me up more than a little fashion treat and, with all of the stress of the current times, I needed it. It felt so nice to take an evening browsing through different stores on my laptop with a glass of wine. But, it felt even better when all of my goodies showed up at the door! Stay tuned for more this week. 🙂
How have you been treating yourself during the coronavirus panic? What is your favorite pick me up purchase? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
If you’re an avid fashionista, you’ll know the conundrum of balancing style and practicality all too well. Should you wear a midi dress or baby blue jeans with pockets? Looking good is often achieved by making practical sacrifices. The home is in the same boat. A cool, sleek, black leather corner sofa isn’t very comfortable in the summer or winter. It’s either too hot and sticky or cold and rigid. That leaves it impractical for half the year. ‘Just cover it with a throw’ you might say. Well, that would defeat the purpose of the leather sofa, which is to be seen. It’s a style statement and it would stop being so if you ‘modified’ it. So, the question that begs for a clear answer is, can style ever be practical in the home?
Display versus the dresser:
One of the greatest traditional and modern style statements for any home is the display cabinet. It’s used to display photographs, your expensive china, artistic crystal fruit bowls, trophies of sporting achievement and academic awards. The display cabinet is housed in fine glass doors, so the light in the room entering inside is not impeded in any way. As you can imagine, you’re not going to be placing your everyday household items in such a decor piece. This renders it, practically useless. However, there is a similar alternative; the dresser cabinet.
The dresser cabinet is not like the dresser in your bedroom. It’s not built to just waist-height, indeed it is a large wooden and glass cabinet. The dresser cabinet is used to store your dinner plates, spoons, knives and forks. However, it can also be used to store books, acting as a mini-library. If you get a three-column cabinet, it will be far more dexterous to your needs. Store your tea set, with tray, kettle and cups in the same port. Small plants or flowers may also be placed on the shelves. Fitting a wine rack in the lower levels would be a superb vintage stylistic choice. Of course, you can opt for shopping in a store for new cabinetry, but you could really take your decor up a notch with a custom built piece. Companies like Eleven Oaks can provide you with gorgeous cabinets tailor made to fit your space and style.
Classic Americana:
Some say that America doesn’t really have its own decor style. They’re wrong because the classic America or ‘colonial’ style, is very much still alive. The Patriot window style from Advanced Window Products is a clear example of how chic and debonair window frames can be. It’s a slider style that fits into a strong large square frame. The sliding window adds a double depth layer so you have privacy but practical means of opening the window.
They’re also more energy-efficient as windows are within a thicker frame which does a better job at trapping heat. These types of windows are largely bought in bulk because you need the exterior windows to all match. They have a replacement payment, no payment, and no interest scheme for 24 months and $1,200 off the whole cost if you’re buying 10 or more. The vinyl windows they fit last up to 40 years, so it’s really a long-term investment that should be given serious thought.
Not-so-humble shoe rack:
Do you open your pantry door to fetch your shoes? Some people are of the opinion that hiding your shoes away is polite to guests and that a home that has an open-air for shoes is less hygienic. Both of these views are true but in the end, when deciding on a style, they are subjective. It’s not practical to hide your shoes away because whenever you’re in a rush, you will find your shoes buried under other shoes, coats, and god knows what else. Explore the different possibilities of stylish shoe racks. This humble piece of furniture can be given a truly contemporary feel, and you’ll want to display your shoes more than ever. A pyramid show rack would go well in a geometric art-deco home. A closet shoe rack would be brilliant for a more modern home with sleek lines and smart storage spaces.
Light your mood:
Mood lighting has suddenly jumped in the number of searches made in Google. Purple and pink are often touted as relaxing shades that any home would do well to have. However, you need a table lamp which can be changed to whatever kind of color you want. That’s where something like the Teckin LED table really makes a subtle yet awesome impact. With just a touch of your finger, it can light to the color you want, stopping on the shade you want during its rainbow display.
Use the tips above to add a touch of practical style to your place!
Hello! During my family vacation to North Carolina this past summer, I noticed a boutique offering “fairy hair” AKA hair tinsel. I was so charmed by the adorable name and the variety of colors of the tinsel that I just had to get some put in. I was absolutely obsessed and they added such a sweet, girly touch of fun to my locks.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and eventually the strands fell out. I simply refused to live without them, however, and ordered a hair tinsel kit off of Amazon identical to the one that the boutique in North Carolina had. I knew my hair stylist could do the fairy hair that I so desperately craved and she worked her magic the last time I got my hair cut.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and eventually the strands fell out. SO I GOT MORE PUT BACK IN LAST WEEK! Check it out:
As per ushe, my stylist, Anna, knocked it out of the park. In fact, this time it is even better because she worked on her tinsel knotting technique and I have only had two fatalities thus far. Anna expertly layered the different hues of tinsel that showed up the best in my choppy new do and within a half hour or so my fairy hair was complete.
I was so happy with how my hair bling turned out and the compliments literally don’t stop, which is a major ego booster! I remember when fairy hair was a thing several years ago and I loved it then and I am still just as in love now. My next goal, you may ask? Bringing back hair feathers! Hopefully there will be a kit for that on Amazon… 😀
How do you like to spice up your hair style? Do you plan on getting your hair cut for the warm weather? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Indoor-outdoor spaces have become much more popular in recent years. Homeowners have stopped seeing their interiors and exteriors as separate realms and now want to meld them together in a way that creates a sense of harmony.
Achieving this, however, is a little more complicated than you might think. It’s not just a matter of getting some sliding doors and removing the ledge (although that helps). You also have to consider a host of additional factors, many of which aren’t immediately apparent.
So what are the tricks for successfully linking your indoor and outdoor spaces in a way that makes sense? Read on to find out!
Keep The Same Flooring Inside And Out:
If you look at photographs of the homes that most successfully link their indoor and outdoor spaces, you immediately notice something – the flooring is the same. Choosing to use the same floors inside and out creates a sense of continuity that you don’t get if you have different options inside and outside the house. Ideally, you want the wall separating the two spaces to feel more like an optional screen than a barrier.
Add A Canopy:
When people think of outdoor spaces, they don’t necessarily mean areas where they go to expose themselves to wind and rain. Most of the time, they want somewhere that they can enjoy the outdoors but without any of the downsides.
Here is where a patio cover company can help. You can get a roof that keeps the sun and rain off of your head but, at the same time, allows you to feel more like a part of your outdoor space. After all, there’s no point letting your garden go to waste.
Get Rid Of The Wall:
Walls are barriers that separate your indoor and outdoor spaces irrevocably. When there’s a load of masonry in the way, no amount of matching flooring or canopies will bridge the gulf. Fortunately, while getting rid of the wall might sound like an extreme measure, it is actually quite achievable with modern approaches available today.
A lot of homeowners opt for bi-folding doors. These are doors that have several hinges and fold up against themselves as they fold away. When completely drawn, there is an ample space which connects the interior to the exterior, making the transition more seamless.
Of course, custom bi-folding doors connected to a steel surround are expensive, so you could choose French doors too. This latter style, installed with the help of a company specializing in Aluminium Door Installations, offers you an option that is more energy efficient but doesn’t sacrifice the style that you want to achieve.The trick here, though, is to raise your patio so that it is the same height as your interior floor AND get rid of any lip or threshold at the bottom of the door. When everything is the same height, it makes more visual sense and helps to bring the interior and exterior of your home together.
When it comes to indoor-outdoor spaces, you want to banish the idea that they are separate right from the design phase. Creating a complex that spans both the interior and exterior of your home creates a mindset that allows you to generate greater integration automatically. When you use this method, the outcome is far more harmonious. Like in this Pixabay picture:
Creating a cohesive transition from your indoor to outdoor space has never been easier with the tips above!
Hi! It is no secret that I love hair accessories. From cute clips and scrunchies to barrettes and headbands, there is nothing better to add a healthy dose of adorable to your OOTDs. I, personally, am at a crossroads with my hair as I am torn between growing it out or just chopping it off, yet again. So, while I make this decision, I have been addicted to buying hair accessories to keep me in love with my hair even though I am not thrilled with it.
While shopping a sale at a Hot Topic near me that is closing, I couldn’t say no to some darling Disney inspired hair bling to spice up my do. And, hopefully, they will keep me feeling confident until I can *finally* make it to the hair salon on Friday. Check it out:
I have loved the idea of hair chopsticks for forever but never saw any in a store until my shopping trip over the weekend. There is something so elegant but insanely trendy about hair sticks and, although I’ll be sporting bedazzled feathers, my mind always goes to a boss babe in the office throwing her hair into a bun and sticking pencils into it. Too. Cute. I have been wearing my hair up more often now that it’s getting longer and I can definitely see myself popping these babies in next time I’m too lazy to do my hair… Which is often. -___-
I have ALSO always loved the idea of hair cuffs like the Maleficent inspired raven one seen above. Once upon a time, I used to have two cuffs in blue and brown with a lovely, earthy pattern on them. Of course, I have no idea where they are now but, I have been on the hunt for something similar since delving into the hair accessory worm hole. I am so obsessed with the one I found because it is the edgy update that I’ve been waiting for since the cuffs I had in grade school. And, what’s wrong with wanting to channel your inner Angelina Jolie as Maleficent? Case in point.
The amethyst hair fork was kind of an impulse purchase. I can honestly say that I have no clue how to style my hair with it but the directions say to tuck a ponytail into it or something and that could be cute?! I’m sure I’ll figure it out but, if not, that’s what YouTube tutorials are for, amiright? 😀
There is nothing like some fun new hair accessories to shake the countdown to your hair cut blues and I think these pretty goodies from Hot Topic definitely did the trick!
Where do you like to shop for hair accessories? Does anyone know how to use a hair fork?! I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Howdy! My last item from my haul at EmLeigh’s and Mama B’s during my Valentine’s Day weekend in Marietta is a fairly simple black top by Lisa & Lucy. Now, normally, simple isn’t really my thing. I love pieces that pop and make an immediate statement and my new top does do that but in a more elegant, high fashion way, which is what sold me. Take a look and let’s discuss:
I’m not really sure what word to use to describe this top other than a top but it definitely fits like a more structured poncho. Underneath the sleek black line of velvet down the middle is a zipper that allows you to wear it as an actual top or you could wear it open with a cute crop or long sleeved sweater on underneath.
I love the severity of this Lisa & Lucy number because I can totally imagine it on the headmistress of a posh school but I can also see it being worn on the runway. While trying my new top on in the store, I wore it open with a silky cami on underneath. Although I thought this piece looked stunning zipped up, I liked how you could see my figure with it unzipped because the thicker material somewhat camouflages that.
I am a huge fan of layering pieces that you can throw on to immediately spice up an outfit and that’s why my new top came home with me. This Lisa & Lucy pseudo poncho takes a basic skinny jeans and T-shirt OOTD and turns it into a look you could sport for evening drinks with your friends. It also adds an air of high fashion when paired over a dress or skirt, which I am really looking forward to rocking!
How would you style this shirt? How would you describe your personal style? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hi! A very cool part of shopping at EmLeigh’s and Mama B’s in Marietta, Ohio was that it also had a few racks of consignment clothing along with their selection of brand new items. It was in the consignment rack that my eyes locked on a stunning denim blue and cream colored poncho by Umgee USA. Normally, something like that wouldn’t be my immediate choice to try on, but I was so enamored by the macrame style detailing that I just had to give it a shot. And, I’m glad I did because it obviously ended up coming home with me! Check it out:
Everything about my new poncho is so unique and that’s why I am itching to wear it once the spring weather hits. From the paisley pattern and fringe at the bottom to the macrame detailing on the collar and sleeves, this poncho screams all things 1970s. And, as an avid fan of That 70’s Show and all of the amazing fashion in it, I was beyond excited to welcome it into my wardrobe.
I cannot wait to pair this poncho with sweet denim shorts as soon as the warm weather strikes. I also think that it would look absolutely charming with an A-line mini skirt and some platform heels. No matter how I style my Umgee USA poncho, I know that it will make a statement… A bold statement that only costed me FIVE BUCKS! You just can’t beat that!
Do you have a favorite consignment shop in your area? Which decade of fashion most inspires you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
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