Tag Archives: thrifting

Oct21

A Night At The Theater OOTD Pt. 4

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A Night At The Theater OOTD Pt. 4

Hello! This past weekend, Johnny and I went on a date night to The Haunted House Restaurant and Playhouse Square for a showing of Les Miserables. We had a great time despite Les Mis being a total snooze fest lol. No matter what the occasion, I love to step out in a great outfit but it feels even more important to do so for A Night At The Theater. Going to a play or a musical is an event where everyone wants to look their best and I felt my best in this look:

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Who? What? Wear?

When I am styling an OOTD for a theater production, I want it to be both chic and unique. Of course, I want to look sophisticated but I also don’t want to wear what everyone else has on. I think that this outfit was very successful because I felt classy AF and was sporting pieces that all had cool details to them to make the look pop. If you notice, each key component in this fit has a lovely sheen to it that only enhanced the “look at me vibes” and made me feel like a star without being on stage.

I started styling this outfit with Johnny’s blouse by Notations in mind because I am obsessed with it and never had an occasion to wear it to. As you all know, I love me some mustard yellow and jewel tones like that and the emerald green in the coat just hit different in the fall! This blouse reminds me of a sexy bowling shirt in the best way possible and I love that I can borrow my husband’s clothes! 😀

To keep going with the sheen in the top, the logical next step was a coated pair of snakeskin patterned skinnies. These jeans by Seven are one of my absolute favorites and it created such a nice, lean silhouette when paired with the blouse. When you’re creating outfits, it is so important for each piece to flow together to form a cohesive look. The shine in both the pants and top blended seamlessly and made me feel ten feet tall rather than barely 5’1. You just wouldn’t get that same effect with a plain black pair of skinnies.

A coat was a must because it has been freaking freezing in my neck of the woods. While the Nine West one is, admittedly, not the warmest, it served its purpose well in this look. I thought that the emerald green looked beautiful over top of the mustard yellow and it was fun to wear two of my favorite colors at once. This coat is such a classic piece but the striking color makes it really special. It also had some sheen to it to keep the likeness that I was working with in tact.

With the base of the outfit sorted, it was time to accessorize. You can all call me out on featuring my Forever 21 platforms in yet another OOTD but I just can’t help myself – they are the best! I love a platform boot because they offer an incredible boost in height and a fabulous touch of retro. I have several pairs in different colors but I didn’t want to introduce anything too crazy against the palette that was already created. These platforms were the way to go and the peek-a-boo of gold and red further complimented the jewel tones in the outfit.

For earrings, I chose my red heart dangly pair to tie the look together from head to toe thanks to the red in the platforms. With neck tattoos, colorful hair, and five nose piercings, I have began to shy away from dangly earrings because it can be a bit much. However, I had my hair pulled back and it gave me the perfect canvas for a longer pair of earrings since my neck was so exposed. Not to mention how freaking cute they are!

Finally, I decided to swap my Union Jack studded purse with my white Foley + Corinna one. I tend to change my purse every month or two and this was the right time for a new one. This bag is one of my favorites and the black spikes pop so well against the stark white base. I also liked how it added another color to this outfit’s palette without interference since it is a neutral. The only dislike is that it’s a bit small so I’ll constantly be having to empty out my Taco Bell receipts lol.

I had an absolute blast styling this date night at the theater look and it made me feel like a billion bucks. This OOTD also featured two pieces found at secondhand stores, which is a true testament to the power of thrifting!

What is the best thing that you have found at a thrift shop? Which events do you deem worthy to dress up for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

PS: Keep it posted for bloopers from this OOTD tomorrow!

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Jan13

4 Tips For Creating An Eco-Friendly Household   

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4 Tips For Creating An Eco-Friendly Household   

With increasing concerns about the environment, many are finding ways to take action so they can help save mother Earth. This includes looking into ways to be more aware of how they can help, what companies are doing, how to buy, how to better recycle, and being energy-efficient at home. The smallest of changes can make a massive difference if it’s all combined!

Not only are these changes great for the environment, but it’s also good for your wallet too. There is this idea that you need to be rich in order to be sustainable but that’s far from the case. Living a sustainable lifestyle can not only be incredibly cheap, but it can save you a lot of money each year. These are some ways that you can create a more eco-friendly space right at home:

Check to see if there are any cracks that need to be sealed:

You want to make sure that your home is well insulated, especially during the colder months. Right before fall or winter hits, you’ll want to do a thorough inspection at home to see if there are any cracks that need to be sealed up in your doorways, window seals, vents. It’s also best to take a look at your doors and windows to see how energy efficient they are. Something such as a bend window is known for being majorly energy-efficient and those can save you a lot of money each year in electricity. Sealing up your cracks and changing out the doors and windows are also great for boosting your property value as well.

Take a look at energy-efficient swaps at home:

There are plenty of appliances that can be swapped out for something more efficient. This can include checking out bathroom appliances such as low-flow toilets, showers, and sinks but it can go far beyond that as well. Did you know that your light bulbs could save you money? There are plenty of energy-efficient light bulbs on the market that can help you out. Even looking into Star Energy appliances for your kitchen or laundry room can make a massive impact.

Buy secondhand:

One way to avoid getting things thrown into a landfill would be to check the secondhand market first such as visiting flea markets, thrift shops, and going on websites such as Craigslist, eBay, or even Facebook Marketplace. If you’re unable to find a secondhand version of the product you’re looking for, then you can buy it brand new. We all know that the secondhand option will be much cheaper!

Start a garden:

Even modern apartments will have a space to do some gardening. Gardening is not only a way to save on groceries, but improving that green thumb of yours can help offset your carbon footprint. Having a garden is wonderful for bees and other pollinators such as butterflies too. There are so many perks to having a garden, that it can even boost the curb appeal of your property.

But what if you don’t have space for a garden? What if you don’t have a lawn? Even if you don’t have adequate spacing, you can make room for growing some produce or flowers. Many apartments will have balconies or a large table will do too. Your plants don’t necessarily need to be outside in order to thrive. If you have some space next to a window, that will be just as adequate.

Helping the environment and saving some money is the ultimate win/win and there is no better time than the present to get started!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Sep24

Eco Friendly Options To Consider

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Eco Friendly Options To Consider

Being eco friendly is one of the best ways to show that you care about the planet and those who inhabit it. While we hear the words “eco friendly” often, it can be hard to know where to get started. The best way to begin a more eco friendly lifestyle is by making small, immediate changes to your day to day life. Nothing is too small as long as you are committed to sticking with them! Let’s look at a few ways to incorporate some eco friendliness into your life:

Your Commute To Work:

Driving to work might be the only option for some people due to a range of different reasons like the distance, lack of a metro system, or poor weather. However, if you can bike, walk, ride share, or take the bus even one day out of the week, it can make a big difference! Alternate modes of transportation also help save you money. What’s not to like?!

Give An Item A New Purpose:

Reusing items in a different way is always an eco friendly option. For example, did you know that some companies will remove old appliances for you, repair them, and sell it at a discounted rate so people can buy used appliances for sale? Not only is this environmentally friendly as it will prevent the appliance from ending up in a landfill but it provides safe and cheaper options for people who might not be able to afford a brand new model.

Secondhand Shopping:

When moving into my apartment, I furnished it almost entirely with thrifted or handed down items. When it comes to clothing, furniture, or little odds and ends that you didn’t know you needed, you can’t go wrong with secondhand shopping. There is nothing better than finding a treasure that no one else will have and it will provide you with a space and style that is totally unique for you.

Donate What You Can:

When doing a home haul away, there are plenty of different routes that you can take instead of just throwing things away. Clothing can be donated to homeless or battered women’s shelters. Old bath or beach towels can make an animal in a shelter much more comfortable. Furniture can be given to a family in need or could be sold on virtual marketplaces. You could even have a yard sale! Repurposing items is always the way to go and can make a big difference for the people who will receive it.

Living an eco friendly life helps this great big wide world and is an amazing way to assist people who might not be as fortunate as you. ❤

Sep21

DIY Projects For Your Home

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DIY Projects For Your Home

If you are handy, completing DIY projects in your home is a great way to get creative and save some money. This is especially nice as the holiday season is fast approaching and there are gifts that need purchasing! Today, we are going to discuss some DIY projects that range from a beginner skill set to advanced to spruce up your home and fatten your wallet. Let’s get to it:

Painting:

Of course, you can hire a professional house painter but you can also do it yourself! From painting your house to freshening up a couple of rooms, completing a painting project on your own can be lots of fun. You can get creative with the colors and patterns that you choose and you can even turn it into an event. Gather some friends and have a painting party. Music, pizza, and a movie night afterwards will turn a chore into an absolute blast.

Painting doesn’t just have to be limited to rooms and the exterior of your house. If your walls are looking bare, try your hand at painting your own unique artwork to hang up. You can watch tutorials on YouTube or attend a Paint Night with friends to help you get inspired.

Refurbishing:

Refurbishing old and used furniture is an awesome way to save money and even make money if you’d like to sell your completed pieces on the side. It is also eco-friendly as you can purchase used pieces from a secondhand store and give them a whole new life. From sanding and painting to upholstering and adding on to the existing piece, there are lots of possibilities based on your skill level. You will end up with a one of a kind table or chairs that no one else in the world will have.

Landscaping:

If you have a green thumb, landscaping projects could be the DIY for you. Hiring a landscaping company to do it for you is easy but doing it yourself will be so much more rewarding! You could build your own raised planters, make a fountain out of terracotta pots, or simply lay down that mulch that you have been meaning to do for forever. Spending time outdoors is so good for your mental health and is even better when you are with friends. Garden party, anyone?

While your DIY skills may not be HGTV worthy, it never hurts to try something new. Who knows, you might just end up finding your new favorite hobby!

Mar9

Goodwill Amazing WTF Find

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Goodwill Amazing WTF Find

Hello! One of my clients absolutely loves old school VHS movies and we end up frequenting one Goodwill or another weekly. From clothing to decor for my apartment, I usually end up finding a little something for myself or my boyfriend during these shopping trips, too. Thrifting is like a modern day treasure hunt and, I think I hit the mother load this past week, if I do say so myself. Lol, check it out:

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While my friend browsed her preferred movie section, I perused through the records and ended up walking towards the wall art. I didn’t really plan on looking through it because I still have quite a few pictures that still need hung up in my apartment. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I just happened to see Dr. Evil from the Austin Powers franchise and said “Wait… what?”

Upon taking a closer look, I happened to see that the poster of Austin Powers In Goldmember was signed by Mike Myers, Seth Green, and Verne Troyer offering his “best wishes”. It was in that moment that I realized I had hit the jackpot. Goldmember just so happens to be my personal and my family’s favorite Austin Powers movie and I just knew everyone would be as excited about it as I was…

AND THEY WERE!!!

For four dollars, I purchased the most randomly wonderful come up I’ve ever had in my life. The entire time I was thinking “wtf?” to myself because no one in their right mind would be giving something so fantastic away. But, hey, one man’s trash and whatever.

I, for one, am THRILLED with this Goodwill find and it is definitely the best thing I’ve come across yet. You would have to pry this poster out of my cold dead hands so, although I can’t comprehend dropping something like this off at the local Goodwill, I am so glad someone did! 😀

Do you have any celebrity autographs? What has been your favorite “wtf” thrifting find? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb25

If The Shoe Fits: Fringe Finds Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Fringe Finds Edition

Hello! During my Valentine’s Day weekend in Marietta, I did a fair bit of shopping… No surprise there! My boyfriend, Johnny, and I wandered into the Noah’s Arc Thrift Shop in Parkersburg, West Virginia and I found the most fabulous pair of black fringe cowboy boots I have ever seen in my life. And the real miracle? The boots are a size five and a half and I’m a six! Praise be to he. Anyways, take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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While Johnny and I were browsing and my eyes locked on these bad boys by Dingo, my heart literally stopped. Then, I was filled with the overwhelming disappointment that the boots of my dreams were one half size too small. I had no intention of trying them on, because I figured that they wouldn’t fit. But, Johnny encouraged me to give them a shot anyways and by some divine intervention, they fit… albeit a little tight! 😉

I have never owned a pair of cowboy boots before and never had a desire too because they aren’t my style in the slightest. But, if you throw some black fringe on a shiny black background and a bad ass shape, how do you expect me to refuse?! These are the most punk rock cowboy boots I’ve ever seen and it only seems fitting that they should now belong to me.

Had these shoes been less loved, I highly doubt that they would have been able to fit me comfortably. But, the previous owner obviously wore them a lot because they were nice and broken in. These boots are going to look so fierce with short shorts and peeking out beneath maxi skirts this summer and I am one hundred and fifty percent ready for it!

How do you style cowboy boots? What has been your latest thrift store find? 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

Dec2

Trail Blazers: Jones New York Blazer Dress

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Trail Blazers: Jones New York Blazer Dress

Hello everyone! It’s no secret that Lil Red loves the Goodwill – a spark which has burned brightly since doing a majority of my apartment shopping there when I moved in. Similar to TJMaxx, shopping secondhand feels like a treasure hunt. You literally never know what you’re going to find. Sometimes the shopping trip is fruitless and other times you walk out with a bagful of things you didn’t know you needed until you laid eyes on it.

For example, the last time I was at Goodwill, this amazing Jones New York dusty pink blazer dress was just hanging out on one of the end caps and it was instant love. With vintage vibes and a color I rarely wear, this purchase felt exciting and I am so looking forward to sporting it this holiday season. Take a look:

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The very cool thing about this little number, aside from the fact that it looks fresh out of the 1950s, is the options that it comes with. Yes, it could be worn as a dress, which I plan on doing for at least one holiday get together. But, it also can be thrown on as a trench style coat, which will look particularly becoming in the spring. Buying pieces that can be worn a multitude of ways helps the garment continue to feel exciting with every use and it always makes me feel like I’m getting a lot of bang for my buck.

I spent a whopping five dollars on this dress and I’m sure that the original price tag was at least twenty times that. And, that’s the beauty of secondhand shopping. For five dollars I got to treat myself with an old piece of clothing that feels brand new to me and there is really nothing better than that!

What has been one of your favorite secondhand finds? How do you shop secondhand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct10

Trail Blazers: Rrrruss Edition

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Trail Blazers: Rrrruss Edition

Salutations and welcome to the last article from my Trail Blazers series compliments of spending twenty dollars at a North Carolina Goodwill. The last blazer we will be discussing is a more simple one by Rrrruss. But, with the smart grey tweed and adorable chocolate brown elbow patches, this sweet little number is anything but boring! Check it out:

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Definitely a far cry from the slouchy, shoulder padded blazers we talked about previously, this fitted grey blazer is perfect for scholarly chic fall OOTDs. Everything about my new blazer just feels so collegiate cool and I have big aspirations to go full Blair Waldorf with it by pairing it with a mini skater skirt, cable knit tights, starched white blouse, and a fun silk scarf, tie, or bow tie to complete the look. And, we can’t forget one of her signature headbands!

Although I obviously love me a good boyfriend blazer, there is nothing better than a sharp, tailored to perfection one to create CEO level confidence by simply slipping it on. A well fitted blazer is a power piece, for sure, and it would behoove every single person on planet Earth to have one in their wardrobe. From work meetings to running woman on the go errands, my new Rrrruss blazer will give me Blair Waldorf vibes and a confidence that is all mine. ❤

How do you style a Gossip Girl inspired OOTD? What is your favorite power piece in your wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct9

Trail Blazers: Kasper Pt. 2 Edition

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Trail Blazers: Kasper Pt. 2 Edition

Howdy! I honestly can’t think of a time when shopping has made me feel bad. Lol, I know such a shopaholic – but seriously. When I’m happy, I shop. When I’m sad, I shop. When I’m indifferent, I shop. But, hey, there’s a lot worse things that I could be doing and at least everything in my Trail Blazers series was from a Goodwill in North Carolina so it definitely didn’t break the bank!

I will admit, that I was not in my normal happy go lucky state of mind during this particular shopping trip. However, purchasing four blazers for twenty bucks in total perked me right up! Lol, check it out:

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Now, I am well aware that this olive green cheetah print number by Kasper is super old ladyish. Believe you me, I am the first to admit it. But, I just feel like I can do something cool with it especially because the color is divine. Because fifty shades of green is so flattering on me, it took the old lady element out of this jacket and turned it into a piece that’s quirky and unique compliments of the velvet animal print and slouchy fit.

If I wear this blazer before my boyfriend gets to it for a concert with his band, the plan is to keep things really young and fresh. So, I’m thinking of pairing it with shorts with tights underneath, a sweet crop top, and all of the chunky gold jewelry. And, of course, a cool pair of boots!

When shopping secondhand, it’s easy to just search for the things that are more suitable to your age and bypass all of the other options. Unfortunately, this means that you’re turning up your nose to eighty percent of what’s in the store. When thrifting, you have to use your imagination to turn something seemingly “not your style” into a new wardrobe staple. I felt like I could do that with this Kasper blazer and I’m looking forward to seeing how it works. 😀

Which sections do you love to shop in at your local thrift stores? How do you get creative while secondhand shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah