Tag Archives: style

Nov27

Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Black Skinny Jeans Edition

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Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Black Skinny Jeans Edition

Hey everyone and happy Monday! I hope that all of you had a wonderful post holiday weekend and are now not overly stuffed from your Thanksgiving meal! I’ll be honest, I totally ate a plate of leftovers at nine in the morning on Black Friday – so not mad about it! Today, in Unsung Wardrobe Heroes, we’re going to be discussing the Lil Red staple that has been a must in my closet for the past four or so years. We’re talkin’ black skinny jeans:

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Lil Red is a punk rocker at heart, with a love for all things emo screamo, horror, bleak, dark, black, and dismal. So, obviously, black skinny jeans are the way to go for work/play/hanging out. Loft has, hands down, the best jeans that I have ever worn in my life, and almost all of my skinnies are from there. They fit like a dream, it takes a long time for them to fade, and they’re reasonably priced, making them an obvious choice for when I feel the urge to buy a new pair.

So why all black, you might ask? Why not blue or colored jeans? Other than a passion for All Black Everything, the truth is, is that black is slimming. Lol, I’m being so serious. Jeans in any other color but black make me feel like a beached whale. When I’m in my black skinnies, I feel slim and sleek while still giving my ASSets a great shape. I don’t know, I’ve never really cared for blue jeans and when it dawned on me that I don’t like how they make me look, I’ve steered far clear of them for years.

We’ve covered that black skinny jeans are slimming, but have we talked about how they go with everything? BECAUSE THEY GO WITH EVERYTHING!! I have an extensive wardrobe that is filled with interesting shapes, bold patterns and colors, and look at me statement pieces. Ain’t nobody got time for trying to find the perfect bottom to go with something bold on top. Black skinny jeans are a one stop shop and I can literally grab any top and jacket to go with my skinnies collection and be done with it – which is something that I do have time for!

In conclusion, black skinny jeans are the bomb and everyone should have at least one pair in their wardrobe arsenal. Although, one is a number that I scoff at, considering I have about six pairs and they’re all so similar yet SO DIFFERENT! If you don’t have a pair, you have the Lil Red Guarantee that you will love them, so get out there and BUY ONE!

So there you have it, the latest issue of Unsung Wardrobe Heroes: Black Skinny Jeans Edition! Where is your go to destination for jean shopping? What is your preferred jean color? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov26

Unsung Wardrobe Heroes

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Unsung Wardrobe Heroes

Helloooo everyone and welcome to a new segment here on lifewithlilred. Unsung Wardrobe Heroes is all about celebrating the staples that make up your closet that might not get enough credit. I know between my shoe hoard, love for bold jackets, and loud statement pieces, that my day to day clothing items (Especially for work!) seem to go unnoticed. Today, we’re going to talk about one of my literal favorite work shirts that also doubles as an amazing top for play. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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I really, really freaking like this shirt from Loft. I remember seeing it close to a year ago and thinking that I had to have it – and getting it for about fifteen dollars definitely didn’t hurt the cause, either! White is a color that I’m timidly trying to add more and more of into my wardrobe, and this was the shirt that started that movement. I love how the stark white pops against my skin and hair. Then, the bold, black paper fan pattern adds the touch of edge and fun that I have to have in everything that I buy.

This shirt is ideal as a top for work, and I love that it is so much more than a basic white button down thanks to the contrasting colors in such a charming pattern. But, as you can see from the first picture, this top is perfect for play, as well! This past summer, I preferred to wear this top tucked into shorts, along with a Panama hat and platform heels for a sassy ensemble to wear to my favorite outdoor shopping centers.

The best thing about this Loft top, though? It’s how easy it is to take this shirt from work to play in a few simple steps. I never change into a different outfit after work, but if I am going out afterwards, this top can turn into a nighttime look with a quick change of shoes, jacket, and accessories – talk about an Unsung Wardrobe Hero!

So there you have it, the newest lifewithlilred segment, Unsung Wardrobe Heroes! What are some favorites in your closet that doesn’t get enough credit? How would you style my Loft top? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov13

Monday Update: ASOS Obsessed

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Monday Update: ASOS Obsessed

Hi everyone and happy Monday! I hope that all of you had a fantastic weekend. While I peruse all of the wonderful fashion blogs out there, I always see ASOS mentioned, but have never taken the plunge to going on their website. All of the clothes in the haul posts that I have seen look gorgeous, BUT I truly don’t need another store to shop at…Said no girl ever.

During a blah night in last week, I decided that I needed to see pretty things, and browsed through some of my preferred shopping headquarter’s websites. And, just for the HECK of it, I decided to check out ASOS, too.

BIG MISTAKE!!!!

Guys….guyyyyyyys. Why did no one tell me that that website is amazing?! I mean, seriously, thank you because ballin on a budget. BUT DAMNIT, I feel so ashamed of myself. As an avid lover of all things British fashion, you would think that I would have been all over this site a long time ago, but sadly:

WE ALL THOUGHT WRONG!!

Sweet Jesus! That site is the bomb. Pages and pages and pages and pages AND PAGES of such fantastic, edgy, sleek, chic, cool, clothing and accessories AND SHOES and I just can’t even. If I didn’t have a single ounce of self control, I could probably spend all night clicking through each page and ogling over the seemingly never ending supply of clothes that I want.

THIS IS NOT GOOD!!!

You have no idea how badly I want to buy all the things right now, but I am showing restraint like a good girl who just burned a hole in her pocket with my holiday shopping haul. But, but, but – I can always consider a little shopping as an early Christmas gift to myself, right? #savemefrommyself #PLEASE

My questions for ASOS fans are as follows, BECAUSE I HAVE A FEW:

  1. How in Sam Hill do you pick what you’re going to purchase when there are So. Many. Options?
  2. What is your technique for shopping on a website with a million items to choose from when you want to look at all of it?
  3. What are your favorite ASOS pieces on their website right now? I want links, people!!!

I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: All Student Deals

Nov10

Faux Fur Fabulous – Replacing The One That Got Away

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Faux Fur Fabulous – Replacing The One That Got Away

Hi everyone and TGIF! If you remember from a post wayyyy at the beginning of September, I revealed my “one that got away” piece of clothing that came in a beautiful black and purple faux fur vest. Many moons ago, when Lil Red had no confidence, I purchased a real stunner of a faux fur vest from TJMaxx. Too nervous at what people might think and feeling like there was no way that I could pull it off, I returned the vest a day later. BIG MISTAKE. Because now, I would do anything to have it back. But, I did come pretty darn close to finding a good replacement. Check it out:

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I got this Romeo & Juliet Couture faux fur vest from TJMaxx for about twenty-four dollars. You can’t tell very well in the picture, but the jet black of the vest is mixed in with an inky midnight blue for a striking, night sky palette. What I loved about my original vest, was that the purple color was deep and blended seamlessly with its black base, and I feel like my newbie captures that perfectly. I love that the blue in this new vest is dark enough that the colors feel cohesive, but bright enough so that when it catches the light you can see the break up in the palette.

My blue ombre vest that was purchased in September is a lot of fun, and I love styling it. However, we all know that Lil Red is an all black everything girl at heart, so this vest was an absolute must. I like that this Romeo & Juliet Couture piece is more sleek than the other one that I have in my closet, because it gives me different styling options. I love my shaggy ombre vest, but I really like how this new one lays nice and close to my body for a slinky ink look against the fall and winter cold.

Now that I have a replacement to my one that got away vest, I feel at peace knowing that Sarah 2.0 finally has the confidence to pull off what the old me couldn’t. Is it exactly the same as old faithful? No. But, it’s close enough and makes a cool and edgy update to what was lost all of those years ago.

So there you have it, this Friday’s post: Faux Fur Fabulous – Replacing The One That Got Away! Do you have a one that got away clothing story? How do you style faux fur vests? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov9

Beautiful Stories, Beautiful Button Down

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Beautiful Stories, Beautiful Button Down

Hey everyone and happy Thursday! One thing that Lil Red loves is all embroidered everything. From fun sew on patches to elaborate floral designs and patterned backs, I’m obsessed with all of it. Embroidery takes a basic piece to an over the top fashion statement. Not only that, but it’s an easily accessible trend, as it is so popular right now, and you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for it. My shopping trip to TJMaxx last weekend allowed me to open my closet (And heart!) to a new button down by Beautiful Stories that I am completely swooning over. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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The first thing that I thought when I saw this twenty buck beauty was that I totally needed it. And second, I thought about how much is reminds me of one of my favorite army green button down tops from Zara with a similar “look at me” motif on the back. This shirt is so magnificent to me and what I love the most about it is that every copy of this shirt that was made is a little bit different due to the embroidery and dyes of the string. This button down is literally one of a kind, and I was sold the moment that I laid eyes on it.

The color palette of this top is so striking. I love that the army green base color has a more grey undertone to it, giving it a unique shade that makes my red hair and pale skin pop. The peach, bronze, white, silver, and yellow hues of the patterns on the back all work so well in a collaborative tapestry that makes for a grand reveal every time it catches someone’s eye. Not only is the back divine, but I loved how they added a little something something to the front of the top on the pockets and the patches in the bottom left corner. Sometimes I find that a beautiful back makes for a boring front, which is so not the case on this button down!

I cannot wait to incorporate this statement piece into my wardrobe year round, but especially now during the fall and winter. Because jackets are now becoming a necessity with the drop in temperature, showcasing this button down once my jacket is removed will feel like a huge unveiling every single time. This Beautiful Stories top has it all, and with such gorgeous detailing, who even needs jewelry while wearing it?!

So there you have it, my brand new Beautiful Stories, Beautiful Button Down! How do you feel about tops and jackets with a heavily detailed back? What is your favorite trend to sport this season? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov8

If The Shoe Fits: Reaction By Kenneth Cole Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Reaction By Kenneth Cole Edition

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! This past weekend I had a lot of fun hanging out with my mom and sister, Kristen. On Saturday night we enjoyed a ladies night out at a Mexican restaurant (Yum!) and on Sunday afternoon we went shopping all together at the “fancier” TJMaxx in Fairlawn, Ohio that my sister works by. Of course, I love my home base TJs that I live closer to, but it’s fun to go to a different one, especially when it has a better collection of more high end designers.

Kristen rarely goes shopping with my mom and I, so it was really exciting when she asked if we would come with her while she did some browsing before work. My sister’s opinion means a lot to me, and it’s always such a high compliment when she likes something that I’m wearing because we have such different tastes in personal style. That’s why when she expressed such a positive opinion of these new twenty-four buck beauties, I couldn’t say no! Take a looksee:

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Although my nickname is Lil Red, I rarely wear any clothing/accessories/shoes that rings true to my namesake. In fact, I don’t own one pair of red shoes (Shocking, I know!), so when I saw these retro inspired brick red Kenneth Cole heels, I had to give them a try. These shoes spoke to me on a spiritual level. The faux suede, the fringe, the buckle, the clothed heel, and the COLOR! And the twenty-four dollar price tag with a “compare at” price of fifty was a price that I was more than comfortable paying.

These shoes looked great with the outfit that I was wearing when I tried them on. I was wearing a pair of tights underneath shorts along with a flannel and a moto jacket on top. Not only were they a hit with my sister, but the two older ladies that were perusing the shoe department were also swooning over them. Everything that I purchase is because I love it but, I have to admit, it is always nice to receive compliments on something as soon as you try it on!

Although these heels made a great addition to a more edgy, street style outfit, I am more looking forward to wearing them for work. I think that the shape and style of my new shoe collection addition is very chic and professional, but the color and the fringe still makes it young and fun for a twenty-something on the go. These will add a sweet pop of color to my work wardrobe and will also be a funky way to complete an OOTD on the weekends. And hey, it only seems right that Lil Red finally has a piece of red anything in her closet!

So there you have it, the newest issue of If The Shoe Fits: Reaction By Kenneth Cole Edition! How would you style these shoes? What is your favorite pop of color to incorporate into your outfits? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov2

Have Some Pictures! AnkhorRed’s First Annual Bloggers Conference Edition

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Have Some Pictures! AnkhorRed’s First Annual Bloggers Conference Edition

Hi everyone and welcome to some photo spam of yours truly compliments of my trip to Manhattan, New York for AnkhorRed’s Bloggers Conference with Kate from Ankhor You. I have to admit, I am usually not one for taking pictures. I was once before, but not so much anymore. We can blame that on my self esteem that seems to dwindle lower every day. BUT ENOUGH ABOUT THAT, because I can finally shower you guys with all of the pics of me and we’ll call it square for the next year or so. Cool? Cool! Take a look:

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^^^ Special thanks to my expert iPhone photographer, Kate, for taking such lovely pictures!!! ❤

Where have you traveled to this year? Which locations are on your travel bucket list? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct29

Scarf Series: Shoot For The Moon Edition

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Scarf Series: Shoot For The Moon Edition

Hello everyone and happy Sunday! I hope that all of you are having a relaxing and restful day to wrap up your week! Today we will be completing the Scarf Series with a gorgeous, black and silver number straight out of one of Stevie Nick’s costume trunks. When I first saw this scarf at TJMaxx, I was totally thinking “Stevie”. And the first words out of my mom’s mouth when she saw it was “It’s just like Stevie Nicks”. So, let’s just say that this scarf is very Stevie inspired. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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This Printed Village scarf features metallic silver moons in various stages of waxing and waning against a deep black midnight sky. I’m not going to lie, I hated my Astronomy class in college, but I freaking LOVE the celestial background of this beauty! The pattern of this scarf is simple, cool, and understated, which is different than what I normally go for. You guys know that I love loud and bold clothing. However, there was something about this scarf that stuck… And yes, it is the fact that my mom and I agreed that it’s very Stevie Nicks. 😉

The best thing about this scarf, though? Other than the shimmering moons and a nod to the White Witch? The styling possibilities – because this scarf is huge. This Printed Village piece is the size of your average picnic blanket, which leaves you with tons of options for how to wear it. The idea that I’ve been toying with lately is wearing it as a sarong style wrap over a pair of black skinnies with a black crop top and my black oversized boyfriend blazer for a sleek All Black Everything OOTD. And, of course, chunky silver and gold jewelry is a must to tie everything together.

The sarong wrap for styling this scarf is an interesting idea that I’m looking forward to sporting. But this scarf is so Stevie that it would be sinful to not style it as such. To emulate the White Witch, I plan on layering my sheer maxi dress (That has a solid black crop style top.) over top of a lace maxi skirt, my new scarf wrapped as a shawl on top, and a Panama hat. My black, thigh high, faux suede boots underneath will complete the look and will be a fun peek-a-boo surprise when I give a signature Stevie twirl!

So there you have it, the last of my Scarf Series: Shoot For The Moon Edition! Which celebrity’s style do you admire? How would you style a Stevie Nicks inspired look? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct28

Scarf Series: London Calling Edition

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Scarf Series: London Calling Edition

Hi everyone and happy weekend! Today we’re going to talk about another scarf from TJMaxx that ignited a newly found passion for such a staple accessory. Because the way I style my outfits is so shoe and jacket oriented, scarves have been a part of my wardrobe that has fallen by the wayside. I have a lovely collection of scarves before these new additions in the Scarf Series, but my newbie purchases have sparked a fire to wear one literally whenever I can now. It’s new, but I’m not mad about it! Take a look at the next scarf segment in this series and let’s discuss:

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If there’s one thing that Lil Red loves, it’s all Europe everything. From a strong desire to travel there to a deep appreciation for the style and culture, this girl is destined to make her way across the pond. Whenever I see a piece of clothing or an accessory that fits my style and has an ode to Europe, whether it be literally in its design or made overseas, I am attracted to it like bees to honey. So, obviously you can see why I loved this scarf at first glance!

I am unsure of the brand of this scarf, as there was no tag. But, I like to make pretend that it came from some darling boutique in London that I could spend a rainy afternoon browsing through. This scarf screams “British Invasion” and I love everything about it. The fun, cartoon like designs, the fact that it’s not an infinity scarf (Hello, Parisian style wearing!), and the muted yet somehow bright colors with an emphasis on black, white, and red makes me go all heart eyes. I honestly can’t even, because this little baby was made for me.

This scarf is cheeky, which is so classic in describing Brit humor, so obviously I’m going to style this accessory with a sense of fun in mind. I’m thinking of throwing this around my neck over top of a mini dress layered with an over sized army green button down on top and a chunky, funky heel on the bottom to bring some London luxe to Akron, Ohio. Cheers!

So there you have it, the latest issue in my Scarf Series: London Calling Edition! Where in Europe would you like to visit? What do you admire most about European style/culture? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct27

Hats Off: Cheetah Girl Edition

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Hats Off: Cheetah Girl Edition

Hi everyone and TGIF! Fall finally appears to be in full swing, as Ohio is definitely enjoying brisk, autumn temperatures after almost the entire month of October treated us to summer like weather. With the drop in temperature comes the incessant need to accessorize with all of the fall cuteness, including scarves, hats, and fingerless gloves. A recent trip to Target brought me a darling new pom pom beanie to add to my collection, just in time for the hit of cold weather. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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I’m normally not a huge cheetah print fan, but there was something about this sassy sweet hat that spoke to me. I loved the cream, black, and gold color palette so much that the animal print pattern was something that I embraced, rather than shied away from. I’m also not one for pom pom hats, but the Pittsburgh Steelers colored puff was way too adorable to say no to!

Yellows and golds are both colors that I really enjoy wearing, especially as a top or an accessory that’s close to my face. The burnt gold of this hat looked so lovely on top of my red hair and it made the yellow in my hazel eyes really pop. I also loved that this hat had a cream base color instead of white, which gave this cute little number a more muted, fall look.

During the fall, I normally opt for my oversized floppy hats and Panamas, but I am so excited to throw this new addition on with my navy peacoat and hit the road. This hat is so sweet to me but the cheeky cheetah print adds just the perfect amount of sass, which made it a perfect add on to the landfill that is the Lil Red fall wardrobe.

So there you have it, the latest issue of Hats Off: Cheetah Girl Edition! What is your favorite fall accessory? What is your favorite animal print? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah