Tag Archives: sunnies

Apr23

So Bright I Need Shades

Posted on April 23, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Hello!! Last Tuesday, I had the morning to myself after working from home and all I wanted to do was shop, shop, shop! Before my afternoon shift, I hit up TJMaxx and Bath & Body Works for some much needed retail therapy and had an absolute blast. At TJMaxx, I spent my Christmas gift cards on a few new things for me, skin care, birthday gifts for my bestie, a new shirt for Johnny, and sunglasses! I have been so sick of wearing Johnny’s plain frames and chose two new pairs; one by Sam Edelman and the other, surprisingly, was by America’s number one baddie, Martha Stewart lol. Check them out:

There was a point in my early twenties when I had sunglasses galore as they were a cheap and fun way for a little pick me up. I had quite the collection of sunnies in various shapes, sizes, and colors and would change out which one I was using often. Of course, sunglasses don’t last forever and all of them had definitely seen better days. Scratches, loose screws, and cracks began to form and one by one my collection ended up in the trash. And, eventually, I had to resort to square black frames a la Johnny when driving and out and about.

The sunglasses that I had been using were probably the most boring thing that Johnny and I own and I decided to check out the sunglasses wall at TJs during my excursion. I was pretty unimpressed with a majority of the options and was drowning in a sea of tortoiseshell! However, I did have luck with two pairs and that’s great because literally anything was better than what I had! I was shocked to see so many Martha Stewart pairs on the shelf, but it all worked out because they were arguably the most fun frames available. I still can’t quite wrap my mind around that. 🙂

The pair of Martha, Martha, Marthas that I selected are really cool and I love the shape; they are huge! One problem that I have found with gigantic frames are how heavy they are and that was not the case with my new pair at all. These are so light but still feel sturdy and that is a major plus. I feel so perfectly posh in these shades and ten dollars isn’t a bad price to pay for a pair by America’s sweetheart! 😀

The other pair I chose was by Sam Edelman, whose accessories I am obsessed with. In fact, I used to have a pair of sunglasses from that designer until they broke! I am all about sunnies with a unique shape and these octagonal frames were an instant must. In fact, I used to have a very similar pair until they broke lol. Noticing a theme here? I have been wearing these sunnies every day since I got them and they are awesome! Like the Marthas, they are nice and light and the protection they offer from the sun without drastically changing the colors of everything makes for an ideal pair for driving. And for also looking fresh to death!

For so long, I focused on clothing and shoes while shopping that I didn’t even think about getting new sunglasses, which I really needed. These new pairs will come in very handy during the sunny days of spring and summer and I might just have to start rebuilding my sunglasses collection again! Keep it posted for more from my TJMaxx Haul coming soon!

Do you have a collection of any accessories? What is your favorite accessory to shop for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar26

So Bright I Need Shades OOTD

Posted on March 26, 2021 by lifewithlilred

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Hi!! I am having such fun with my Reimagine Your Wardrobe series and am so thankful to my fiance, Johnny, for taking pictures of my OOTDs during my weekly shopping trips in my closet. It is so easy to wear the same, most loved items again and again and I, for one, am definitely guilty of it. This fashion series has challenged me to think outside of the box and try new things and in this outfit’s case that meant wearing a pair of high waisted jeans and not pairing it with a shirt to cover the waistline up. For those of you who don’t know – I am not a fan of high waisted anything so this was a big step for me! Take a look:

Who? What? Wear?

Aviator Patterned Button Down: Karl Lagerfeld, TJMaxx
Coated Snakeskin Patterned High Waisted Jeans: Seven, TJMaxx
Snakeskin Patterned Stiletto Heeled Mules: Dolce Vita, TJMaxx
Bejeweled Cheetah Necklace: Natasha, TJMaxx

When I get asked about my issue with high rise, I always reply that I just don’t think it looks good on me. I am barely over 5’1 and have a larger bust so high waisted pants make for a less than flattering silhouette on my body type. I feel like they make me look wide and even shorter than I already am. So why did I buy a pair of high waisted pants? Well, I really like snakeskin patterned anything and coated jeans are my favorite. Despite the high rise of my Seven jeans, they still fit well so when I wear them I just put on a longer top.

Like I said, it was a big step for me to wear these jeans with a tucked in top and while this OOTD is fairly simple, I felt like I was taking a huge risk! I absolutely adore button down shirts and have wanted to shoot an outfit featuring one for a while. Despite the days being much clearer in Ohio, it is still a bit chilly and my look was perfectly appropriate for the weather and I would definitely wear it again.

I have quite a collection of button downs with a few select ones that get worn a lot more than others. Which is exactly why I wanted to wear my Karl Lagerfeld top because it doesn’t get as much love. After shooting these pictures, however, I have no idea why I don’t sport this shirt all of the time! My most educated guess is that the button down is quite long so it doesn’t tuck in nicely to shorts and I usually don’t wear them tucked in with jeans.

I tried my aviator adorned top with a few different bottoms until I officially settled on my high waisted Sevens but I still wasn’t particularly sold on it. I knew that the button down had to be tucked in if I wanted to wear it, which meant that I needed to be careful about which shoes I selected.

Because my jeans were high rise, I had to find a pair of shoes that would really elongate the look which is why I went with my stiletto heeled mules. The high heel added length while the shape and pattern meshed beautifully with the jeans, making my legs look way longer than they actually are. Finally, I was completely sold on the look and couldn’t help but thinking “so that’s how you style high rise pants” lol.

Once the base of my outfit was complete, it was time to accessorize. I didn’t want to overwhelm my OOTD with lots of jewelry because its silhouette was so sleek. Too many accessories would break up the long lines that I spent so long trying to achieve but I knew I needed something to pop against the neutral color palette.

I stuck with my tried and true method of accessorizing a button down which is placing a necklace shorter in length with a bold pendant smack dab in the middle underneath the collar. Not seeing the necklace’s chain kept with the straight line silhouette that I was going for and the statement pendant almost looks like it could be built into the shirt. And, of course, no outfit is complete without my engagement ring now!

It’s one thing to try out a color or pattern that you don’t often wear but an entirely different shape of clothing is a whole different ball game. I completely stepped out of my comfort zone with this outfit and this is the first time I have ever worn a pair of high waisted pants while actually showing that they are high rise! I feel proud of myself for trying something new and I don’t think I will be shying away from high rise anymore because I felt awesome in this look. 🙂

What is your preferred rise for jeans? How do you take fashion risks? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May21

Prepare For Summer With These Awesome Style Choices

Posted on May 21, 2020 by lifewithlilred

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Prepare For Summer With These Awesome Style Choices

While lock down may not have fully ended just yet, that doesn’t mean that it’s not time to start getting ready for the summer season. Specifically, we’re thinking about your new style options and there are definitely some trends here that are worth considering. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that you can look incredible when the sun begins to emerge:

The Right Shades:

Yes, you can start by thinking about which sunglasses you are going to wear to the beach this year. This is an easy place to begin and it’s worth noting that not every pair of sunglasses is going to suit every person. The style of sunglasses that are right for you is always going to depend on both of your eyes and the shape of your face. Some people are more suited for aviator-style shades while others will be better off with cats-eye glasses. It’s entirely up to you, of course, but a big trend this year is the wooden arms of the shades. Typically made from bamboo, these will stand out beautifully and make quite the impression.

New Jewelry And Piercings:

You can be a little bolder with your style this season and, instead, opt for some new piercings. A popular choice this year is going to be the constellation ear piercing. These look incredible and you can find out more from Urban Body Jewelry. Alternatively, nose piercings are another popular choice worth checking out this year. Studs are definitely on-trend and you’re going to see these a lot this summer with new season looks.

A Fresh Hairstyle:

A lot of people are currently wondering what their style should be when they emerge from lock down. Remember, a lot of offices are not reopening which means that employees have a chance to think big with their style. That means that many people are being a little bolder with their hair dye choices. If you’ve always dreamed about trying out a radical new color for your hair, then now could be a perfect time. Be aware that some color choices are going to make your eyes pop beautifully. Particularly when you get the makeup just right to go with the option that you choose.

From neon pink to a gorgeous silver, there are an abundant array of possibilities for you to consider. You could also match this with a brand new cut too. Is now the time to try a pixie cut? It definitely could be!

Metallic Leather:

Finally, if you’re looking to reinvent your wardrobe this summer season, then you might want to visit a retro clothing store. If you look at fashion blogs, you’ll see that metallic leather is back on-trend. You’re going to see a lot of people this season looking as though they are heading to an 80’s themed rave and we think you’ll agree, it’s about time.

We hope you have fun trying some of these trends and ideas yourself to look fresh and fun all summer long!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct30

Sunny Side Up

Posted on October 30, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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Salutations! One of my favorite “treat yoself” items to get while shopping is a new pair of sunglasses. Or, in this case, three of them. I just couldn’t help myself! Sadly, my favorite pair of Lucky sunglasses broke during the car accident. I was really upset about this and once my boyfriend and I were up and moving again he bought me a similar pair at the mall to replace them. And, sadly, the pair he bought me broke too! So, I just had to fill the Lucky Brand shaped void with these little beauties. Check it out:

The top and bottom pair seen above were actually both from the Dollar Tree and I was astounded to find such cuteness there for one whole dollar. I loved the funky 70s flower pattern and I can never have enough tortoise shell hued shades, either. As always, will they be of the best quality? No, definitely not. But, were they cute enough that I didn’t care? Obviously!

I also totally swooned over the Crayola indigo colored aviators at TJMaxx. I *shockingly* only own one other pair of aviators and they are on the fritz so I figured it was time for an upgrade. The unique color and gold detailing creates an amazing contrast with my hair and skin tone and they feel so posh while still being totally badass. Will these be of better quality? I sure fucking hope so!! 😅😅😅

What is one of your favorite treat yoself things to buy? How often do you buy new sunglasses? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep19

Essential Staples For Your Wardrobe

Posted on September 19, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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Not everyone will want to have a wardrobe full of staples or even care. But, sometimes, the right scarf or belt can make your whole outfit. However, if you are looking for a quick and easy wardrobe with a range of basics that will go with anything, then here is the list for you:

Ankle Grazers:

If they worked for Audrey Hepburn, then chances are that they are going to work for you too. It is a smart option instead of jeans or leggings and can go from the office to the bar with ease. They work well with sneakers, brogues, or even a heel.

Blouse:

The power of the blouse is so underestimated. They go with skirts, jeans, or black dress pants and can be casual or smart. If you like adding color and patterns into your daily outfits, then go for a retro style. They don’t have to be pricey, and you can pick up some really nice silk ones in thrift stores.

Classic Leather Belt:

The right belt will last a lifetime. And, it gets really frustrating to be pulling up your jeans all the time! A will leather goods belt will upgrade your casual jeans and a t-shirt without any effort required, and you can match them with your bag or shoes. Simple and effective.

Flats:

Ballet flats are here to stay. They are light on your feet so are perfect for heavy use and will work with every outfit that you can think of. Having them in a couple of colors is going to give you more selection, but in general navy, black, and nude will be just right.

T-shirts:

Grabbing a range of t-shirts in whatever color you like best is a great idea. They work well under blazers, with jeans, or with black ankle grazers. And, of course, make for perfect loungewear, too!

Tube Skirt:

Or any type of midi with a bit of a stretch is perfect. They are easy to slip on and if you’ve gone all out on a big meal, they will stretch with you! H&M has some great ones in their basic range.

Sunglasses:

Not only do they protect the skin around the eyes, but they cover a multitude of sins. While you are getting yourself some sunnies, make sure you grab an excellent case for them and keep them in your bag at all times. Tired but have somewhere to be? Sunglasses. Bright outside and you need some extra protection? Sunglasses. Don’t feel like being social? Sunglasses. There is a pair to suit all face shapes, so don’t worry if you don’t usually wear them – invest and you’ll never look back.

Big Tote:

A big tote bag can carry pretty much your whole house in it. Great for everything from folders to tablets and everyday essentials like wallet, phone, and keys. Get one that matches some of your shoes and your belt to tie in any look that you want to create.

Having essential staples in your wardrobe will keep you from having the “nothing to wear” phenomenon and will keep you looking oh so chic!

Featured Image By: Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Jul9

New Lucky Brand Sunnies

Posted on July 9, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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Howdy! If there’s one thing I’m a sucker for (other than shoes, jewelry, hats, clothing, and accessories lol), it’s sunglasses. My eyes are very sensitive to the light and I always need to wear them when I’m outside to prevent irritation and squinting – which, in turn, prevents premature wrinkling! 😀

Whenever I spy a cute pair of sunnies, I normally always buy them, because I know that I am going to use them. And, a lot of the pairs that I have are older and have been breaking, which puts a lot of empty spaces in my collection. So, I was happy to find these gorgeous bubblegum fun Lucky Brand sunglasses at TJMaxx to fill that gap. Take a look:

I have never owned a pair of sunglasses like the ones above and I am absolutely obsessed. I love the mini cat eye, the clear frame, and the clear pink color. They are just pure sweet, fun, and sassy and I have been wearing them every day since I bought them this past weekend. Lucky Brand accessories are the best and I have plenty of their jewelry but no sunnies so it was an obvious choice to put them in my shopping cart.

My only qualm is that the lenses are not the most protective to sunlight because of the pale pink color. They still do a half decent job, but you can definitely tell the difference in protection between these and a dark lens. But, they’re cute as can be and that’s a small price to pay, I guess!

What is your favorite brand to shop for accessories? How do you protect sensitive eyes in bright light? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb25

Accessory Story: New Sunnies Edition

Posted on February 25, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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Hiiii everyone! I know that after my last post about the fifty cent sunglasses I got from the thrift store, I vowed to never purchase sunnies for over ten bucks again. But, sadly, seventy-five percent of my sunglasses collection has broke in the past year, because all of them are old AF. Seriously, I’ve had some of these pairs since high school, so it’s no wonder that the ones that are almost a decade old have been snap, crackle, and popping their way into the trash can.

So, needless to say, I really needed a reup of shades and, although the two pairs I picked out from TJMaxx were slightly over my ten dollar budget, I am so happy with them! Take a look and let’s discuss:

As you can probably tell, I am a huge fan of huge sunglasses. Don’t get me wrong, I love the teeny tiny pairs, too. But, nine times out of ten, I opt for a pair that’s big enough to cover half of my face. To me, there’s something so glamorous about big shades and, although my life is far from luxurious, it’s nice to play pretend!

The big frames are a Lil Red must, and so is a more muted color palette when it comes to my sunnies. Huge shades in a bright color would like a little much with my bright red hair and lipstick, so I like to go for the tortoise patterns, blacks, and browns. Both the Sam Edelman and Tahari pairs that I purchased feature a tortoise hue, which makes their size chic instead of cartoon-y and I am so looking forward to wearing them once the sun finally makes an appearance in Ohio. Now, here’s to hoping that they don’t break! #fingerscrossed

Do you prefer large or small sunglasses? What does your favorite pair of shades look like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb12

Happy Tails Thrift Shop

Posted on February 12, 2019 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! Recently, a really cool thrift shop opened up right down the road from me. It is called Happy Tails and all of the proceeds are given to the Akron Humane Society. My mom enjoys volunteering there on the weekends and I love taking my clients there to shop around and find some good deals. And, I found some good deals too! This past month, I got a four drawer filing cabinet (Which I’ve wanted for forever.) and a pair of retro sunglasses for just under eleven bucks. Check it out:

I am so incredibly happy with my purchases and it’s even better that the money goes to helping our local animals in need. I asked for a filing cabinet for Christmas and, sadly, did not find one under the tree. And, while scoping post holiday sales, a two drawer cabinet was still around forty dollars. I got twice that for ten bucks!

I love the old school locker feel of my new cabinets and I had a blast organizing all of my paperwork in accordion folders so that I no longer have to lug huge binders from home to home. I was able to clear away a ton of clutter to house in my new cabinet and I even left a drawer for my mom to store all of her paperwork in, too. My filing cabinet makes me feel like an adulting champion and there is nothing better than that.

My new sunnies that I got for fifty cents was also a huge success from Happy Tails and I’ve worn them every day since I got them. Within the past year, seventy-five percent of the sunglasses that I’ve owned for years have broke. And, while I’m shopping at Target or TJMaxx, I just can’t justify spending twelve to fifteen bucks on a pair of shades. But, fifty scents for these mini framed, mint green beauties was something that I could definitely swing! I’ve wanted a pair like this for forever, and the funky color makes them unique and so totally fun!

Thrifting can bring tons of amazing steals and when your spendings go to a good cause, it makes it that much more enjoyable. I can’t wait to go shop at Happy Tails again soon. 😀

What is the best thing you’ve found at a thrift store? What are some ways that you shop smart? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec21

Cool In Karl Lagerfeld

Posted on December 21, 2017 by lifewithlilred

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Howdy! Everyone who knows anything about fashion knows about Karl Lagerfeld, the amazing head of Chanel, Fendi, and his self titled brands. Karl is an icon, and part of what makes him so are his signature aviator sunglasses, which he wouldn’t be caught dead without. So what better way to give an ode to the man behind the shades, than with a sharp white button down literally covered in them? Take a look:

I nabbed this ah-may-zing shirt at TJMaxx as they were putting it on the rack for thirty dollars and I am so in love. Not only does this shirt give an extra pop of stark white to my wardrobe, which I’ve been working on adding, but it makes me feel devastatingly chic to own this top that feels so completely Karl. Am I a person who is overly concerned about labels? Not really. But, my god, does it feel good to have something with Karl Lagerfeld’s name on the tag. And I can definitely swing thirty dollars instead of the ninety dollar price point that I found on his website.

I am SO looking forward to pairing this top with black skinny jeans, black ankle booties, and a moto jacket so that the bright white top can really shine against All Black Everything. And, of course, a red lip is a total necessity for this look. This button down is great for a cheeky look for work and is an instant hit for all things play. I am freaking obsessed. And, yes, aviator sunglasses are absolutely required.

I feel so helplessly Cool In Karl Lagerfeld and I am ready to take on the day without taking off my sunnies as an ode to the gorgeous fashion mastermind. Who is a designer that you go gaga for? How do you score designer duds for a deal? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May26

Warby Parker – ROCI N’ Roll

Posted on May 26, 2017 by lifewithlilred

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Hi everyone and TGIF! I hope all of you are having a fabulous day so far! So, if there’s one thing that Lil Red loves, its sunglasses. From my beloved and battered frames from when I worked at PacSun almost three years ago (yikes!) to my Chanel pair randomly given to me by my nail tech, I truly treasure my sunnies. I probably have over twenty pairs of shades for any given occasion and, yes, I’m totally aware that that’s a little excessive!

But, guys, hear me out: sunglasses are seriously the best accessory on the planet. Not only do they shield sensitive eyes (like mine!) from the harsh sun, but they instantly transform an outfit. Whether you’re covering your face with oversized frames because you decided not to wear makeup or you want something bright and fun to wear while lounging by the pool – there’s a pair of sunglasses for you. From “don’t look at me” diva shades to a pair of crisp aviators or even a cat eye if you’re feeling saucy, there is a sunnie style for you to fit your mood (or moods!) that day.

And guess what? Cute, chic, throw your face back at the sun you emblazoned goddess sunglasses can all be found if you shop with Warby Parker. Warby Parker, the little brand that could, developed from the brain blast of college students who were sick and tired of paying a pretty penny to replace their glasses and sunnies every time they got lost. Hey, I feel it – you know that your girl is constantly ballin on a budget!

Anyways, fast forward to present day, about seven years after the brand first launched and you will find that Warby Parker is up to a world of good. Did you know that one billion people worldwide lack access to prescription glasses? That’s why with every pair of Warby Parker frames sold, a pair goes out to someone in need, thanks to collaborations with non-profits like VisionSpring.

Oh. And did I mention that another part of Warby Parker’s world of good comes with the fact that their glasses and sunnies are seriously cute? Yeah. Let’s get to that. Warby Parker has just launched their summer collection and I am in love. We’re talking 1960’s mod inspired shapes with a bright but slightly sun faded color palette to give you dusky hues in an array of gorgeous shades. Hello, fun in the sun.

Along with Warby Parker’s summer collection comes a fabulous collaboration with artist, Robert Rauschenberg. A legendary artist, in his own right, Robert Rauschenberg is known for his creative spirit and a life dedicated to activism. He truly is the perfect person to pair up with Warby Parker for a limited edition collaboration. Drawing colors found in one of four paintings from Rauschenberg’s ROCI (Rauschenberg Overseas Culture Interchange) project, the “there for a short time only” frame is available in four different colors. And the name of this stunning brand new collaboration, you might ask? ROCI, obvs! Take a look:

With stained sea glass hues sweetly contrasting from the frames to the sides, it’s no wonder why the ROCI collection is a major hit! The muted yet vivid tones of these frames will pop beautifully against a summer tan as you strut your stuff on the boardwalk or beach. Or, if you’re sporting the pasty pale look, like me, all summer, you can wear your new ROCIs while jamming in your car to AFI as you’re on your way to a sold out show at your favorite venue. House Of Blues, anyone? That’s how I ROCI N’ Roll.

It’s a no brainer to see why I simply adore the new ROCI collab with Warby Parker and Robert Rauschenberg. Art truly has met fashion with this limited edition collection, which is nothing short of inspiring. So, now, let me inspire you with some of my favorite frames from the Warby Parker summer collection so that you can start day dreaming about your next summer fun adventure:

Seen From Top To Bottom:

Laurel in Espresso Tortoise
Clementine in Espresso Tortoise
Nancy in Coral

When I shop sunnies, I normally always opt for a darker colored frame. With bright red hair and red lips, a colorful pair of sunglasses can be, well – a bit much. That is why I am totally in love with the Espresso Tortoise hue seen above, particularly in the Clementine frame. Black, browns, and tortoise shades make up a majority of my sunnies collection and the Clementine frame just speaks to me as something that I love enough to want to wear on my face!

So, if I love dark colors on my sunglasses so much, why would I choose the Coral colored Nancy frames? Well surprise, surprise I actually really like that shade! Once long ago I had the most gorgeous circle shaped pair of sunnies from Aerie in almost the exact Coral color as the Nancy frames. I wore those sunglasses everywhere and I loved how chic and elegant they made me look. After years of wear and tear, my beloved shades finally fell apart and I miss them every day. The Nancy sunglasses from Warby Parker’s summer collection would be the perfect replacement for my fallen friend. Revel in this, because this is the only time I’ll admit to liking a color other than black!!

Are you drooling yet? I think it’s high time that you head over to Warby Parker’s website to start some shopping of your own! What is your favorite frame from their summer collection? How many sunglasses do you own? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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