Tag Archives: style

Jan11

New Ralph Lauren Polka Dot Button Down

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New Ralph Lauren Polka Dot Button Down

Howdy! As I get older, I become less worried about buying trendy clothing as opposed to classic pieces that I will have for forever. While shopping, I look for quality as well as timeless shapes with a little bit of that Lil Rid pizazz to keep it interesting. I am a huge fan of button down tops for that reason, because you can dress them up or down, they fit well, and you can always find them in a fun pattern. Like this Ralph Lauren button down, for example:

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I absolutely love this top for a few reasons. The navy blue base with the bright green polka dots definitely makes a statement. And, the fit of it is form fitting without being too tight as to leave spaces in between the buttons. This is definitely a problem for me as a more busty girl and it’s hard to find a button down that I can buy in my actual size as opposed to one larger, making it loose and less flattering. I felt good and downright sexy in my button down because I didn’t have to worry about button bulges or it being too tight over my breasts.

I also am excited about all of the styling possibilities that come with this shirt. Obviously, it is super appropriate for business casual work meetings. But, the real fun will come in styling this top for play. I can see myself wearing this little RL number tucked into shorts during the summer time along with a fun pair of espadrilles and a floppy hat for an OOTD perfect for hitting the outdoor farmers markets with. Don’t forget the big sunglasses!

How do you dress a button down up or down? What are some timeless pieces that you have in your closet? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan10

New Chelsea & Theodore Skirt

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New Chelsea & Theodore Skirt

Howdy! Want to know my favorite thing about going shopping around this time of the year? Besides going shopping, of course! It would have to be because the store is bringing out all of the clothing that didn’t sell throughout the year to make room for the new product that will be coming in hot for spring. Maybe the sizes were too big or too small or maybe they were just really ugly! Either way, it brings out all kinds of unique pieces like the fabulous snakeskin patterned skirt seen below:

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I absolutely LOVE a good snakeskin pattern and I literally gasped when I saw this little Chelsea & Theodore number on the rack at TJMaxx. The harsh black mixed with pale grey and taupe? And those darling buttons going down the middle?! Ugh, forget about it! I knew that I would be purchasing this skirt as soon as I laid eyes on it and I only needed to have it on for about fifteen seconds in the fitting room to confirm it.

This skirt gives off such country western vibes, which will make it a really cool piece to modernize. On New Year’s Eve, I wore my new skirt with knee high boots, a tan topper jacket, and a faux fur collar and felt like the belle of the ball. The compliments were pouring in and I was just feeling my goddamn self. The old school saloon aura of the skirt mixed with the classic jacket and edged up with the faux fur and heeled boots made the OOTD a knockout and is a perfect example of giving a modern flare to vintage appearing clothing.

I am looking forward to creating more fabulous OOTDs with my Chelsea & Theodore skirt. But, I am the most excited for pairing it with a fitted black blazer, a white t-shirt, Mary Jane’s, and a cool backpack for the ultimate Elaine vibes a la Seinfeld. GET OUT!

Is there a TV or movie character whose style you admire? How do you rock an animal print? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan9

New Caution To The Wind Top

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New Caution To The Wind Top

Howdy! During my TJMaxx gift card shopping extravaganza, I ended up with two new tops, a skirt, and a necklace on top of a buttload of skin care. The little peplum number that you are about to see below by Caution To The Wind is one that I normally wouldn’t try on. However, there was just something I liked about it enough to take with me into the fitting room and I’m glad I did! Check it out:

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Usually, I avoid peplum tops like the plague because they make my boobs look huge from the tiny waist line. I also steer clear of a plunging neckline because someone could drown in that cleavage! But, I liked the forest green and cream color combination in this top so much that I figured it couldn’t hurt to try.

The day I went to TJMaxx, I had actually just gone skating so I had my sports bra on, which is what I tried this shirt with. It looked SO freaking cute and sporty with the heather grey bra peeking out and it made my body look slamming. For a ten dollar price tag, I couldn’t say no to purchasing the top as a nice little change up to always wearing hoodies at the skating rink. One might even say that I threw caution to the wind! Ba dum chhhhhh.

Would I buy or try a top like this one again? Mmmm… No, probably not. The only reason it really worked is because of the sports bra plastering my boobs down. Am I excited to wear it skating? Definitely, because the top is adorable and it will be great for just lounging around the house in. The moral of the story? It doesn’t hurt to try something new!

What fit of clothing is the most flattering for you? How about a fit that you try to avoid? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec29

If The Shoe Fits: Sassy Skeleton Platforms Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Sassy Skeleton Platforms Edition

Hello hello everyone and welcome to the last issue of If The Shoe Fits from my Dolls Kill Black Friday haul. It was so much fun browsing through their selection, picking out the ideal pairs for Lil Red, and eagerly awaiting their arrival in the mail. Well, that last part was a lie because the anticipation was literally killing me – but that’s neither here nor there. Anyways, check out my last pair of platforms from Dolls Kill compliments of their Halloween collection and let’s discuss:

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With a special shout out to human anatomy and the spooky season, these taller than life platforms spoke to me on a spiritual level. I love their exaggerated platform shape and the contrast of the jet black with the pale grey vertebrates climbing up the heel. I am a firm believer in living every day like it’s Halloween because that’s just the emo kid in me and these heels are the perfect ones to enact that with.

Whether you pair these with your best black skinnies or sport it with a black or pale pink tulle skirt, you will be sure to make a statement. You can keep your look edgy or soften it up as much as you like for a punk touch to your OOTD. Either way, you will be the best warm body of the ball in these skeleton platforms. Just don’t break a bone trying to strut around in them! Ba dum chhhhhhhhhh.

What is your favorite holiday to dress for? What is your favorite pair of shoes from my Dolls Kill haul? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec28

If The Shoe Fits: Bat Wing Baby Platforms Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Bat Wing Baby Platforms Edition

Howdy! When shopping Dolls Kill on Black Friday, I was very drawn to their sassy but spooky Halloween collection. From devil horns and bat wings to skeletons (Which you will see tomorrow!), the horror genre lover in me went a little crazy. I just couldn’t help myself, though, and ended up with some amazing statement pieces – like the bat wing platforms by Sugar Thrillz seen below:

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Man oh MAN do I love these heels. They’re just pure fun and the purple translucent wings take them completely over the top. I also really like the funky shape of the heel. The overall look is so vampy with the perfect amount of cheek to it and that’s what makes the shoes on Dolls Kill so special. They all are a tad tongue in cheek and they will definitely start a conversation where ever you go.

I am so looking forward to busting these open platforms out during the summer time with all of the short shorts, maxi skirts, and dresses. I can’t wait to see them poking out beneath maxi length pieces as well as being completely out there, bat wings flapping in the breeze, in the shorties.

Obviously, these are going to be excellent for the Halloween season and will be a great option for parties that I don’t feel like dressing up to. My new platforms along with a spooky chic ensemble is a costume all in itself!

How do you sport a spooky chic look? What is your favorite Halloween character or animal? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec24

Tiny Treat Yoself: New Headband Edition

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Tiny Treat Yoself: New Headband Edition

Hellooo everyone! There is nothing better than purchasing a little pick me up from time to time and that rings true from when I *shockingly* only snagged one thing during my last trip to TJMaxx with my mom. The new headband that I got was only four dollars making that my least expensive TJs excursion to date! Let’s all honor this achievement with a brief round of applause…..

Thank you.

Anyways, I always love tiny wardrobe updates that can transform one of your outfits without breaking the bank. And, with super 70s vibes, this headband will make for a fun retro addition to my OOTDs. Check it out:

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I have become a huge fan of hair accessories this past year. From cute clips and barrettes to headbands and ribbons, I love the unique pop that perks up my do for the day. As soon as I saw my latest TJs purchase, I knew that I was going to need it. The deep gem toned palette along with the swirling pattern and knot on top makes it just right for a salute to the 70s.

This headband will be the perfect addition to an OOTD of a mini A-line skirt, tight sweater, cable knit stockings, and smart oxfords for a modern take on a retro style. I have already gotten so many compliments on my tiny treat and it is a great option for a lazy hair day when I don’t feel like straightening it. It instantly enhances all of my features because of the flattering colors and I go from “blah” to “BAM” in mere seconds!

Despite not having a major haul like usual when I shop at TJs, I was so satisfied with this purchase – which proves the power of a Tiny Treat Yoself. 😀

What is your favorite goodie to buy when you need a pick me up? How would you rock this headband? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec23

If The Shoe Fits: Sugar Thrillz Platforms Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Sugar Thrillz Platforms Edition

Hello! I have had my eye on the shoes that we will be discussing today from Dolls Kill for months now and I couldn’t pass up buying them during their Black Friday sale. These pink plaid, heart embellished beauties are so Cher a la Clueless and I am nothing short of obsessed. Am I a pink girl normally? Hell no. But these Sugar Thrillz platforms were way too sweet to not purchase. Take a look:

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As all of you well know by now, my personal style is far from “cutesy” and much more on the edgy rocker spectrum. So, what drew me to these cute as a button heels? I honestly couldn’t tell you – I just like them! The Clueless vibes just spoke to me and I loved the retro shape along with the heart chain links. They are so adorable but they also have the school girl sex appeal circa Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time”  that made for a perfect combination of sweet and sassy.

I cannot wait to pair my new Sugar Thrillz platforms with skater skirts and cable knit tights. But, I am most looking forward to wearing them with my yellow plaid skinnies from Target and red plaid blazer from Goodwill for an All Plaid Everything look that will be super funky and unique. To me, fashion is all about pushing the envelope and what could be more cool than fifty shades of plaid?! The answer is nothing, of course! 😀

What is your favorite style of shoe? How do you incorporate plaid into your OOTDs? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec21

If The Shoe Fits: Go Speed Racer Platforms Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Go Speed Racer Platforms Edition

Hellooo! I went a little shoe crazy on Dolls Kill during Black Friday but I am so not complaining. I normally have a few big shoe hauls per year and when I can get a bunch of pairs that I like for a great price, I don’t mind the splurge quite so much. The platforms seen below are different, to say the least, but that’s why I needed them! They’re fun, unique, and perfect to wear to a NASCAR event, if you’re in to that sort of thing, lol. Check it out:

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I was really looking forward to getting all of my shoes in the mail but I was pretty excited for this particular pair. I am always drawn to buying things that I’ve never seen anyone else wear before and these ones totally qualify under that category. I love the huge buckles, the checkered flag heel, and the lightning bolt pops of yellow. They are attention grabbing and quirky and I just like them!

I cannot wait for the warm weather to wear these open platforms and they will be so fun to sport with a loose fitting shirt and short shorts. The Go Speed Racers are also ideal for the “athletic chic” style that has become popular within the past few years. Throw these on with your favorite pair of leggings, an oversized hoodie, and a messy bun and you’re all set with a cool and trendy look for whatever the day has in store for you… Even if it’s not going to the gym. 😉

Where do you find the craziest shoes at? How would you rock these NASCAR inspired platforms? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec20

If The Shoe Fits: Devilishly Good Platforms Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Devilishly Good Platforms Edition

Hi! When Black Friday rolled around I just couldn’t resist checking out Dolls Kill to do some “window shopping”. Naturally, I picked out five pairs of shoes that I wanted REAL bad and told my boyfriend to “save me from myself” when he came home. So, he proceeded to shut my laptop and my wallet breathed a sigh of relief.

PLOT TWIST

Fast forward to a few hours later when Johnny and I were at a party and I told him I still wanted the shoes that I couldn’t stop thinking about. His sweet self remembered every shoe I wanted and found them on his phone so I could order them from our friend’s living room. Did I bag myself a winner or what?! Check these pretty babes out and let’s discuss:

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Dolls Kill specializes in funky, unique, and sometimes downright crazy footwear and I think these 666 inspired platforms fit that description perfectly. These heels were from their Halloween collection and I fell so in love with the cheeky design and flamboyant glitter. And, to think that I almost didn’t get them?! I know, I’m shocked by it, myself, because that really is so unlike me!

I have honestly never seen shoes like these before and I don’t think anyone else has either because they were the talk of the night at the Friendsgiving event that Johnny and I went to. Literally every single person in the room paid me a compliment on them and you know I was just feeling my damn self! I have a very special place in my heart for every shoe I own but I think these might be my new favorite. 20/10 would recommend buying a pair. 😀

Did you do any Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping? What kind of deals did you score? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec16

Thrifting With Zip

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Thrifting With Zip

Howdy! As you all know, I have grown very fond of secondhand shopping this past year and am all about the Goodwill. This love for thrifting developed while shopping for my apartment and now I cannot resist the urge to check out the local thrifts to see what treasures I can find.

So, when another beautiful blogger, pen named Zip, contacted me about her amazing thrift store finds, I couldn’t say no to featuring them on my page. Let’s take a look and, as always, if you’re interested in guest posting on lifewithlilred, shoot me an email at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com!

Thrifting With Zip

1.) Snake Skin Short Jacket: The thing I love most about this jacket would be the snakelike design and the dark edgy look it gives off. I would probably pair this with a simple all black casual look with some high fall boots.
*Lil Red approves and recommends sporting a deep red or purple lipstick for the ultimate vampy cool look!
2.) Black & White Marble Blazer: Hence the name I picked out on this fashion find, lol. It was eye-catching the moment I saw it, and the best part is that I got this gem for free from a local thrift shop. I guess it’s true when they say that the best finds in life are free! Anyways, I really love this blazer and the old-school 90’s vibe it gives me. Plus, its a diverse fashion piece which I can wear in many ways. And, did I mention it has pockets?!
3.) Multicolor Sweater Dress: This was probably my favorite thrift find this year! The colors really make your eyes pop and it’s such a bold statement. It’s also reversible, so I can wear it both sides, which is pretty cool. Personally, I LOVE the colored side and the “look at me” vibes it gives off. I would wear this dress with some bad-ass, suede thigh high boots.

About The Author: I am Oprah “Zip” Bradford, but I’m known to most by my pen name Zip. I am just a normal ole gal from the small town of Covington, Louisiana. I am the author of ten books, a full time blogger, the creator of the empowerment platforms OprahZipBradford.com, The Come-Up, and the upcoming book “The Single Woman’s Plug”. I also created the hashtag #ZipPost on Facebook which spreads my empowerment messages around the world.

Contact Zip At:

Thanks again to Zip for guest posting on lifewithlilred! What is your favorite secondhand store? What is your favorite treasure you’ve found thrifting? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah