Tag Archives: style

Maxi Dress, Max Style OOTD

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Maxi Dress, Max Style OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! After getting my hair done, I could not wait to shoot ALL the content and was so excited to break out one of my favorite recent purchases: A gorgeous Max Studio maxi dress that I tried on a whim during an impromptu TJMaxx trip with my mom. As a short queen, maxi dresses are either a hit or a miss. There is no in between whatsoever so the dress you are about to see was a total toss up. You have no idea how happy I was when this pretty little number not only worked but elevated me to feeling myself status! Check it out:

Maxi Dress: Max Studio, TJMaxx

Platforms: Free People, TJMaxx

Earrings: Sincerely Jules, TJMaxx

Maxi dresses are such a magical summer staple. They provide the most wonderful movement, are lightweight, and incorporate fash-ion into a season when basic essentials reign supreme. This Max Studio dress is, easily, the best maxi dress I have ever owned. The pattern is bold and bright, the ruffle sleeves and tiered ruffle skirt make me want to dance, and that rouched waistline provides an hourglass silhouette to keep me from drowning in fabric. From top to bottom, this dress is IT. The only thing it requires are accessories that enhance because this dress does all of the talking.

With no need for anything else in the wardrobe department, the remainder of this look was simply shoes and accessories. Normally, I like to get funky with my shoe choices but this was not the dress to do so with. With the name of the game being enhancing the maxi dress, there was only one obvious option in my shoe department: My Free People platforms with basically the same color of red as the flowers in the dress for the straps and a buttery caramel heel. These heels gave me extra length to keep the dress from dragging and the colors I needed to prevent this look from feeling cluttered.

Last but not least was accessories. As the pattern of the dress was an accessory in itself, I only wanted to wear earrings. Rather than keep it simple, I went for a pair with some flashy sparkle to extenuate my neck. Outside of my arms, my neck was the only open real estate and it was important to draw attention to it to create the illusion of length. I put on one of my most beloved pairs: A dangly, tier diamond shape with crystal sparkles that my sweet niece got me for my birthday. They have the most delicious movement that danced, just like the dress. With that, I was ready to show off my new duds AND my new do!

This Maxi Dress, Max Style OOTD was so simple in its styling but screamed “look at me”. It is one of my favorite OOTDs of recent memory and I am so in love with my maxi dress! ❤

What is your favorite style of dress to wear? Did you get any wardrobe updates this summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Hair, Who Dis?

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New Hair, Who Dis?

Howdy! This past Friday was an absolutely awesome day from start to finish. I spent the first part of my day getting my hair right at the Shear Shop, the afternoon with my nieces, and a late dinner with one of my bestie girls to wrap it up. I have been counting down my next hair appointment since my last appointment because there is nothing better than spending time with my amazing stylist, Anna, while she works her magic. She is simply brilliant and even created customized colors out of our beloved Pulp Riot dye to achieve this look:

^^^ Peep a brand new OOTD coming soon!!

Orange: Desert Sky + Lava

Blue: Blue Muse + Nightfall + Aquatic

To begin the roughly five hour process of this look, Anna started by bleaching my hair for a little over twenty minutes. The roots were the primary concern so we weren’t too worried about getting the rest of the color out fully as we were going to cover it up with similar colors from my last styling session. Once the bleach was washed out, it provided the perfect blank slate to paint over with and have some colorful fun!

Anna and I were both in agreement that we loved the Rainbow Ice palette we used last time but we wanted to go bolder with it. To accomplish this, Anna decided to mix dyes together to form custom shades that would further enhance each other. The first order of business was the red. Normally, Anna paints all of my roots with Pyro because it looks the best when it grows out. However, we bypassed full root coverage last time to include Lemon into the mix. While the Lemon was pretty, the regrowth was SO noticeable and that was my only request. The rest was up to Anna! To keep the growing out process as pretty as possible, Anna used a base of Pyro with a bit of Fireball for good measure to keep that red fiery and fabulous.

The next step in picking colors was orange. In the OG version of this do, we only used Desert Sky and it was a lovely shade but quite muted. To kick things up a notch, Anna still used a base of Desert Sky but mixed it with a healthy dose of the neon orange Lava. This was much more like it and the orange against the turquoise is *chef’s kiss*. The final color to figure out was the blue. We were beyond obsessed with the beautiful Blue Muse from the OG but it faded out into green territory. To combat this, Anna added one drop of navy blue Nightfall into the Blue Muse dye to form a true blue hue. She also added the tiniest bit of Aquatic as we were fresh out of the Blue Muse and Nightfall combo before all of my hair was painted.

Once Anna concocted my custom colors, it was time for the best part – painting it on! Of course, we always have to take a celebratory whiff of the Pulp Riot dye because it smells exactly like Sweet Tarts and it will never grow old. Anna carefully applied the blue dye, into the orange, and the red to wrap it up and all that was left to do was wait for close to an hour before washing it out for the grand reveal. And what a grand reveal it was!!

I think everyone in the hair salon gasped once my hair was dried, cut, and straightened because it was just SO good. Our last style was lovingly called Rainbow Ice and Anna officially dubbed this one Rainbow Brite because that’s what it is to the T. It is bold, beautiful, and pure summer fun. I have been growing my hair out and to see these gorgeous Pulp Riot dyes on more canvas was so exciting. I didn’t think it was humanly possible for them to look any better but here we are!

Thank you to my wonderful, genius, kind, hilarious Anna for always making my hair dreams come true for over twenty years. You have truly outdone yourself!! ❤

How often do you get your hair done? Did you change your hair up for summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Beach Bombshell OOTD Bloopers

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Beach Bombshell OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Beach Bombshell OOTD! Or more like BOTD (Bikini Of The Day) while I got my Little Mermaid on at Geneva On The Lake. 😀 I literally could not tell you guys the last time I was on a vacation and this two day getaway sparked the travel bug in me something fierce. As a self employed gal, I rarely take time off because I can’t give PTO to myself lol. I definitely feel like I will be more lenient with that in the future because I have been ready for another vaca since we got home from our Fourth of July trip. And, yes, there would be OOTDs and Blooper Reels galore from the travels! Take a lookie loo at some yikes shots that won’t be gracing sexy swimsuit calendars any time soon:

Vacation has been weighing very heavily on my mind and I have found myself daydreaming about taking a trip constantly. Nothing gets you out of the same old same old funk better than new sights, new foods, and new experiences and it has been fun to even think about planning a getaway. Of course, if Johnny and I were to go anywhere, we would remain in the USA. That will NEVER stop me from fantasizing about my dream honeymoon, though!!

Ah, yes. The dream honeymoon. In my perfect, happy, filthy rich world, Johnny and I would have jet set to Europe after our nuptials. And I’m not talking a week or two trip, I’m talking like a whole month lol. Shopping in London, theater in Paris, smoking hella weed in Amsterdam, gazing at the horizon from a cliff side in Ireland – the works! To appease my sweet history buff Johnny, we would visit different WWII battlegrounds and it would be a win/win for both parties involved. I can see it in my mind’s eye so clearly and I know my dream honeymoon will happen eventually… I’m just so damn impatient for it! 😀

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a full fledged journey, it is so exciting to think about a brand new to you place. Let’s hop on a plane and go!

What is your dream vacation? If you could teleport, where is the first place you would go? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Fun In The Sun OOTD Bloopers

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Fun In The Sun OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Fun In The Sun OOTD! These pictures were taken during our Fourth of July getaway to Geneva On The Lake while the pasty pale was still pasty and not pink with the worst sunburns ever. Like seriously, if I could stop peeling any time now that would be GREAT! While the sunburns were a major buzzkill, I can’t say I’m not surprised. This is why you will rarely find your favorite vampire couple outdoors in the midst of summer! Let’s get started by looking at some yikes shots:

As you all know, Johnny and I have a downstairs neighbor who is most beloved to us. We love getting to see him every day and always look forward to our movie nights, dinner club meetings, and going shooting at the range. He is simply the best! Unfortunately, he had to be hospitalized and is currently doing MUCH better and regaining his strength at a rehab center before he comes home. Johnny and I have been visiting him regularly at the rehab facility and, honestly, it sounds like the place to be because my mind was BLOWN during my first visit.

While we were chewing the fat, we got a knock on the door from the Enrichment Director of the facility to talk about the activities for the day. I expected something typical like Bingo or a movie. I was dead wrong! The plan for the day was a resident’s birthday party with snacks, cake, and booze followed by Happy Hour with beer and wine! I have been to several different rehab facilities for loved ones and my line of work and have never heard of such awesome activities. We couldn’t help but have a laugh because I couldn’t not joke about the brilliance of this idea: Get the people good and drunk, they will fall, and stay in the rehab longer! Of course, I kid and it is a doctor approved and monitored drink but, hey, it sure sounds like a lot of fun! ❤

All I have to say is, I know EXACTLY where I’m going if I ever have to go to a rehab facility. The place was beautiful, the staff was lovely, and the activities can’t be beat! 😀

Do you have a favorite neighbor? What do you like to do when you get together? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Simple Summer OOTD

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Simple Summer OOTD

Howdy everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Today we are going to take a look at a Simple Summer outfit I wore to cheer on Akron’s beloved minor league baseball team, the Rubberducks. My core four crew and I went to a game in April and had the absolute best time. It was, however, cold AF and we left early because we were all freezing our nads off. This time around was simply perfect. It wasn’t too hot or too cold – just right for a baseball game! I wasn’t trying to pull out the fashion stops for this outing, rather something simple and sweet. My boys and I get rowdy at the games and I wanted to be as comfortable as possible while constantly getting up on my feet and rooting for the home team. 😀 Check it out:

Tank Top: Rachel Zoe, TJMaxx

Jean Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters

Candy Button Platforms: B.A.I.T., Unique Vintage

Hoop Earrings: SugarFix By BaubleBar, Target

Sunglasses: Lucky Brand, TJMaxx

I wouldn’t say that dressing for summer is my time to be lazy, rather my time to be comfortable which results in simpler looks. I’m on a fair bit of medication and almost everything I take increases my susceptibility for heat related illnesses. I have never done great in the heat, but this takes it to the nth degree so I try to wear as little clothes as humanly possible while still being gained entrance to wherever I’m going lol. So, I decided to stick with the classics in this look and what is more classic than a sweet little tank top and jean shorts?!

Being comfy doesn’t have to mean frumpy and I love how form fitting the short and tank top combo was. If I’m going to be wearing basic essentials, I want my curves to be on full display to turn even the simplest pieces into Va Va Voom status. The tank top by Rachel Zoe gets a lot of use during the summertime and for good reason. I’m all about that V-neck, thick straps, and vertical ribbing! The shorts then added a dose of sass factor with their high waist and distressing. With the tank tucked in, it enhanced my silhouette even more to turn these classic staples on their heads.

Next, it was onto shoes and accessories and I knew exactly what I was going to wear. I purchased the darling Candy Button platforms for my Candy Queen Halloween costume last year. They were so fabulous but I was sad that I had to wait until the summertime to wear them again. The baseball game was just the occasion I needed to break them out and It. Was. Awesome. They added such a fun pop of color, were super easy to walk in, and everything I imagined wearing them again would be and so much more! For jewelry, I wanted to let my tattoos do the talking as they were out for god and everyone to see. A sparkly pair of pink, purple, and silver hoops were definitely the move and it allowed for candy cuteness from head to toe!

Did the Rubberducks win the game we attended because of this fit? I think YES! Duck em up!!!!!

What is your ideal temperature for an outdoor outing? How do you stay cool in the summer heat? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Beach Bombshell OOTD

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Beach Bombshell OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! Or, rather, welcome to some pictures of me in a bikini lol. In one of my favorite shows, Superstore, one of the characters claims that bikinis and Halloween costumes are the same thing. You wear them every year until they’re threads and then get a new one. I can confirm that to be true, in regards to the bikini part anyways, because the one you are about to see is probably over a decade old at this point. However, it’s one of the only ones I have so that was good enough for me when Johnny and I went to Geneva On The Lake! Check it out:

^^^ You can peep more from this look on my TikTok @lilred6794 !!

As I was saying, I purchased this bikini a long time ago. In fact, I was still working retail at PacSun when I got it which means I was around nineteen at the time. I still remember it. My coworker went to Victoria’s Secret on her break, bought the exact same bikini you see above for her vacation, showed it to me when she returned, and I fell in love. As a bustier gal, it can be hard to find a suit that is supportive enough and my mind was blown when she told me that the tops went by bra size as opposed to Small, Medium, and Large. It was exactly what I needed and I went on my break and followed (swim)suit by getting the same one lol. Total poser, yes, but I just couldn’t resist because this was the best fitting bikini I have ever tried on and that still remains to be true.

It’s not like I haven’t bought other swimsuits in the twelve or so years since I got this bikini. I just can’t seem to part with it though because it still fits and it’s still cute AF! The bustier top, the sweet and sunny pastel hues, and the sassy strap sides on the bottoms are truly a match made in fun in the sun heaven. And the thing is, regardless of the age of this suit, it really hasn’t been worn all that much for two reasons. 1) As a very pale gal, beach and lake situations aren’t my bag because I burn so easily. As I write this, it has been ten days since visiting Geneva On The Lake and I am still peeling constantly. And 2) I refuse to get my hair wet to increase the longevity of my colorfully dyed hair. In the twelve plus years of having this bikini, I’ve probably only worn it twenty times and even that feels like an exaggeration. Here’s to another twelve years of my Beach Bombshell bikini because I fear I well never find one as good as this!

My beloved Victoria’s Secret swimsuit is blessedly not in threads yet and fingers crossed that it stays that way for forever!

Do you have any super old clothes in your wardrobe? How do you keep them looking brand new? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sophisticated Upgrades To Transform Your Home

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Sophisticated Upgrades To Transform Your Home

Elevating your living space starts with sophistication. Home upgrades don’t simply add functionality, they should create an atmosphere full of style, comfort, and appeal. From major renovations to tweaks on smaller details, sophisticated upgrades can transform any living space. Let’s go through some of these ideas which strike a balance between practicality and luxury:

Nothing elevates an interior quite like custom joinery can. From built-in wardrobes to bookcases, tailored joinery adds both style and function. From minimalist designs with clean lines to intricate paneling in rich warm finishes, tailoring joinery leaves an impression of exclusivity and craftsmanship that lasts.

A sophisticated home is one that takes advantage of advanced technologies. Installing fully integrated systems that control lighting, heating, entertainment, and thermostats with just the touch of a button or voice command gives you convenience, security, and efficiency. Not to mention reduced energy costs. Intelligent security systems to create a space that anticipates your needs is undeniably sophisticated.

Lighting can make or break the ambience of any room in a home. Avoid basic ceiling fixtures by layering lighting instead. From statement chandeliers and ambient wall sconces, to functional task lighting and dimmers for effortless mood control. LED strip lighting under cabinets or along skirting boards also adds an air of sophistication. The perfect lighting for each space in your home is a delicate dance and can be tricky to master if you don’t have experience. If you are trying to enhance your space with lighting, you could schedule a consultation with a lighting design company local to Hawaii (or your area). The pros will be able to transform your space with brilliant design and optimal lighting solutions.

A sophisticated fireplace is more than a source of warmth, it becomes an architectural centerpiece that enhances any space. From sleek linear designs to stone or marble mantels, fireplaces can reflect your personal style while adding value and elevate the overall home aesthetic. Incorporate built-in shelving or custom surrounds for additional functionality and visual interest. Or consider adding double-sided or suspended fireplaces for a cutting-edge touch that can unite multiple rooms seamlessly in amazing luxurious fashion.

Subtlety lies in your choice of materials. Incorporating luxurious textures and finishes such as Italian marble countertops, plush velvet upholstery, and brushed brass accents into a room will instantly give it sophistication. These high-end materials not only add visual appeal but also offer tactile indulgence for an effect that is luxurious without becoming overwhelming.

Your floors are more than simply something you walk on. They form the basis of your home’s aesthetic. You can replace tired carpets with hardwood flooring featuring intricate herringbone patterns or large-format porcelain tiles for a sleek finish. Add warmth with natural fiber rugs crafted specifically for this purpose. With statement flooring in your home, every step becomes a luxury experience.

Give your walls the attention they deserve by investing in fine art or high-quality prints as a surefire way to elevate the aesthetic in your home. Choose pieces that complement the existing decor while making a bold statement. Framing and lighting will add depth and make your home an art gallery in itself. If you really want to shake up your art decor, why not opt for LED video wall solutions? These screens will create an immersive experience to completely transform your space. You could showcase scenes of nature, outer space, or a montage of classic film clips. Whatever you choose is sure to wow any guest!

Transforming your home into a sophisticated statement doesn’t require a complete makeover, but rather taking an approach aimed at emphasizing its best features. Paying close attention to the grandiose and subtle details can make an investment not just in your space but in yourself and lifestyle too!

Featured Image By: Wonderhunt on Unsplash

Fun In The Sun OOTD

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Fun In The Sun OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! For the Fourth of July weekend, Johnny and I enjoyed a lovely little getaway to Geneva On The Lake. We stayed in a fantastic Airbnb with a few of our friends that was literally right on Lake Erie and it was like having our own private beach! On the Fourth, we posted up on our oasis on the water and had a blast soaking up the sun all afternoon. The sunburns that resulted in our lake day were anything but!! Take a look at what I wore before busting out an itty bitty bikini and my skin wasn’t fifty shades of Lil Red. It simply screams Fun In The Sun!

Kerchief Top: Altar’d State

Jean Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters

Platform Sandals: Sbicca, ModCloth

Sunglasses: Lucky Brand, TJMaxx

Dagger Earrings: These were bought on vacation in the Poconos!

When I was packing this outfit for our trip, I didn’t even put two and two together that it would be featuring a red, white, and blue motif on the Fourth. I was in no mood to celebrate America, lol, it just happened and that’s okay because I love this look and it is a super easy one to replicate. Normally when I am building an outfit, I start from the top down. This time, however, I started smack dab in the middle with the jean shorts from American Eagle Outfitters. I absolutely adore this high waisted, distressed pair and they are oh so sweet with any summer OOTD. They are such a classic summer staple with some extra flare, fit like a glove, and go with anything meaning you can’t go wrong with them!

Next on the agenda was visiting the top department and I knew exactly what I needed: My gingham kerchief top from Altar’d State. This was my first kerchief top I ever purchased and it certainly started an obsession because I can’t get enough of them. They are sassy but not overly sexy and such a unique take on summer clothing. You can only have so many tanks and spaghetti strap tops! This little number paired beautifully with the high waisted shorts and just as I love the Gingham line from Bath & Body Works, I loves me a gingham pattern too. This top gave a somewhat retro pattern a modern update and will always be one of my favorite summer tops.

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For shoes, I opted for a delightful pair of platform sandals by Sbicca. Yes, they were a pain in the butt to walk on the sand in but beauty is pain and I couldn’t imagine a different pair with this look. The straps are an almost perfect match to the blue in the top and they both feature a flower motif. It was like they were made to be worn together! Since I was going to wade in the water as I refuse to get my hair wet, I kept jewelry at a minimum with a pair of cream colored dagger earrings. Sunglasses were a must, of course, and I wore my beloved pair by Lucky. And, no, I didn’t lose them this time! 😀

This fit was Fun In The Sun, fashion fun, and vacation vibes to the T and I felt like the star of our private beach in it!

Are you going on any getaways this summer? What was the best vacation you have been on? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Brunch Babe OOTD Bloopers

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Brunch Babe OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Brunch Babe OOTD! There is nothing better than wearing new clothes and I was so excited to bust out my new top featured in this look by Caroline Constas. It was the ultimate Brunch Babe, farmers market fierce little number I needed for a late morning trip to First Watch! Before I could ever so carefully dig into brunch to avoid a spill on my new duds, pictures were in order. Take a peek at these yikes pics and let’s discuss an instance that simply delighted me this past week:

When I was little, I prided myself on being the best “finder” lol. Someone in my family was always losing something and I was excellent at finding where the misplaced item was. In my old age, however, I fear I may be losing my touch. My eldest niece decided to put together a scavenger hunt with Bluey toys for her little sister at chez grandparents. Lil sis ended up finding almost all of them, but big sis forgot where she put two of the toys (lol) and my parents asked if I would look for them. I searched high and low for the members of the Bluey gang for what felt like forever and, sadly, had no luck. Luckily, I manifested finding something else instead…

For Christmas, I got my mom a gift card to Elysian Nails. Fast forward a few months later when she was ready to cash in her manicure and we couldn’t find the gift card anywhere. Like the Bluey toys, I looked everywhere and ended up convinced it might have been thrown out on accident. When I was on my own scavenger hunt for Bluey’s friends, I thought about how awesome it would be to find the gift card too. A minute or two later, I took off the lid of a decorative pot in the kitchen and gasped at its contents. The Elysian Nails gift card was sitting three feet from my usual spot at the kitchen table this entire time! It was a Christmas in July miracle but I am not hanging up my detective’s cap yet. I will not rest until the remainder of the Bluey toys are returned back to my nieces!

It took seven months to find the missing gift card so maybe in seven months the Bluey toys turn up? Either way, I am on the case!

Have you found anything that has been missing for a while? Where was it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Brunch Babe OOTD

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Brunch Babe OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! I had a highly successful shopping trip at TJMaxx this past month with my mom and have been so excited to break out all of my new clothes! I had just the occasion to do so this past weekend because Johnny and I enjoyed a lovely birthaversary celebration brunch with my aunt and uncle. We went to First Watch and ate like kings and I did so VERY carefully to avoid a spill on this fabulous, flowery, flowy number. Check it out:

Embroidered Top: Caroline Constas, TJMaxx

Bubble Skirt: A New Day, Target

Kitten Heels: A New Day, Target

Skull Earrings: Sirius Woods, these were a birthday gift from my BFF!

The piece de resistance of my TJs haul was truly the flower embroidered top by Caroline Constas. I literally clutched my pearls when I saw it and knew in an instant that it was coming home with me. I had been dying to wear it and thought it was just perfect for the weekend brunch we had planned. It’s bright, quirky, and fun and it sounds weird but it just felt like the top to wear to sip mimosas in a trendy restaurant. This top offers so much delightful movement with the huge bell sleeves and I knew I needed a skirt to match that energy. Luckily, I had exactly what I needed compliments of my Valentine’s Day date with Johnny!

In the skirt department, I chose my beloved bubble skirt from Target. I have wanted one for forever and was so happy to have finally found one! This skirt provided the volume and movement that I required to form a cohesive silhouette with the top. I wanted a bold shape and I got it in spades! The high waist meshed well with the fairly close fit of the top’s bodice and then both pieces branched out into flouncy fabulousness. It was so hard not to twirl my way through the streets with this combination!

Last but not least, was shoes and accessories. I went for a darling pair of kitten heels that were also a part of my V-Day ensemble and feature an adorable heart on the toe. These were ideal for the outfit as the slingback strap gave an unbroken leg line. This helped add length to the look by accentuating my legs as the base was quite fabric heavy. I didn’t want to go overboard with jewelry because the shapes of the clothing were eye catching enough. To keep things simple, I chose the gorgeous pair of dangly pearl skull earrings from my bestie and was ready to get my brunch on!

I absolutely love my Brunch Babe OOTD and wearing my Caroline Constas top for the first time was everything I wanted it to be and SO much more! ❤

What is your favorite brunch spot? Who is your go to brunch date? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah