Tag Archives: tjmaxx

Apr26

So Spring OOTD

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So Spring OOTD

Howdy! Spring weather in Ohio has been flip flopping hard and I honestly can’t keep up. It goes from the seventies to the thirties in a snap and it’s just all around confusing and, frankly, annoying lol. It is impossible to get the apartment to a comfortable temperature and it is always too hot, too cold, and never just right. Where’s Goldilocks when you need her?! On the blessedly warm days, it has been so nice to break out some spring clothes like the ones in this super cute OOTD. Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Cami Top: Banana Republic, TJMaxx

Mini Skort: Kyodan, TJMaxx

Platforms: Free People, TJMaxx

Earrings: You can’t really see them but they are made out of Lego by AbbieDabbles!

Both bracelets were purchased forever ago from Aerie!

This little look is simple and incredibly easy to replicate but oh so much fun! When it comes to dressing for the warm weather, a skort/cami combo can’t be beat to keep cool AND serve fashion. I started this OOTD by browsing in my cami collection and decided on an adorable floral number by Banana Republic. I just love all of the sweet colors that this top features and am a huge fan of the fit. The V-neck is high enough that I still feel comfortable in it and I really appreciate the thicker strap to keep my bra straps in check. I never really care if I have bra straps showing but this top conceals them perfectly making this look girly sweet over sexy chic.

Next on the agenda was a skirt or skort and I picked one of my favorites by Kyodan. The skorts I own from this brand are meant to be worn playing tennis. I don’t play tennis nor do I have the desire to but this skort still serves! See what I did there? I freaking loves me a skort and actually just added a new one into my wardrobe. They are just right for being on the go and not worrying about a sneak peek of my underoos lol. This stark white skort made all of the pretty colors in the cami pop even harder and provides such delightful movement. I loved shimmying and shaking in it when I went to see The Struts last year! 😀

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For shoes, I opted for a darling pair of platforms by Free People. It was a close match to the red flowers in the top and tied this look together from head to toe. I also can’t get enough of those studs and the wrap around strap! In the accessories department, I went for the cutest pair of Lego earrings. They have a ladybug sitting on top of a green leaf and, although you can’t see them, I know that they’re there and that’s good enough for me. I added a few cuff bracelets to the mix and was ready to rock in my So Spring OOTD!

The weather might be ping ponging but no matter what the forecast shows, I am always ready to style for whatever season the day may bring!

What does a typical spring outfit look like for you? What is spring weather like in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr18

Bunny Pug!!!!

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Bunny Pug!!!!

Hello!! While Halloween will always be my favorite home decor season, Easter is a very close second because I love all things BUNNIES!! I am a proud bunny mom to my precious Melvin and Penelope and I always like to get a few pieces of bunny decor per year to honor their existence. A few weeks ago my mom and I went on a shopping trip to TJMaxx and I just might have found my favorite bunny statue to grace our knick knack shelves yet. I present to you the bunny pug:

^^^ Look at that wittle face!!!

As my mom and I browsed the home decor department, I was so pleased to see that all of the Easter items were marked down significantly. Surprisingly, I didn’t even notice the bunny pug and I’m genuinely not sure how because it’s quite the statement. Thanks to my mom’s eagle eye she pointed it out and it went into the cart immediately. This sweet statue was just six bucks and that is a steal! I thought it was the funniest thing and I knew Johnny would love it too. Especially because it looks like the pug is wearing the pink bunny suit from A Christmas Story – one of our faves!

I was so excited to show Johnny my find when I got home from work and walked through the door with TJs and grocery bags in tow. Then, the unspeakable happened. As I put my shopping down, my bunny pug knocked into one of my curio cabinets and my heart sank. I just knew that something broke and, indeed, one of the ears came clean off. I was SO sad! In a flash, I broke out my emergency super glue in case of a broken acrylic and set to work to fix the whoopsie daisy. Sadly, the glue was not strong enough and my heart sank further. 😦

I am pleased to report that the broken ear surgery was only postponed to the following day compliments of my Johnny. He got some super strength super glue after work and fixed it for me as soon as he got home. When I got back from my shift a half an hour or so later he surprised me with the repaired bunny pug and I was over the moon! It made me so happy and it was so thoughtful of him to see the problem and solve it the very next day. What a guy! ❤

My bunny pug recuperated nicely after his ear surgery and I can’t help but smile every time I see it! 🙂

What is your favorite holiday to shop home decor? What is your favorite discount store to shop at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr15

New Democracy Blouse

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New Democracy Blouse

Hello! Although I am not a huge fan of dressing for summer, I absolutely love dressing for spring. Spring weather is just the best because it’s not too hot or too cold so you don’t have to commit to bundling up or rocking shorts every day. I always enjoy updating my spring wardrobe with a few new pieces as blouses, cool slacks, and light jackets can be utilized across multiple seasons. During my last shopping trip to TJMaxx, I wasn’t sure what I needed to freshen up my outfits for spring. That was okay, though, because TJs told me what I needed. Like this new blouse by Democracy that I am obsessed with. Also, don’t mind the wrinkles – it needs ironed so badly!!

Like the pants you saw yesterday, I wasn’t sure what to think when I saw this top. It didn’t blow me away but I didn’t outright hate it. It was somewhere in between. However, the pale butterscotch color reminded me so much of my grandma. Anything yellow was her favorite! I, too, adore wearing yellow and it’s like a hug from her when I do so. So, into the cart it went! I genuinely wasn’t expecting this blouse to come home with me because I had several other tops to try on. To my surprise, none of them did anything for me while this little Democracy number was doing the most.

This top is such a light, breezy material which I love for spring and summer. What I don’t like, though, is when gauzy fabrics are too billowy and hide my figure. That is not the case with this top in the slightest. Despite the movement that the material provides, it fits close to the body while still allowing for a little wiggle room. And, of course, I can’t get enough of that embroidery and the rouching on the neckline and cuffs. You all know I am a sucker for anything embroidered! I can see myself sporting this top with a sweet pair of denim shorts for play and tucked into flouncy skirts for a date night look. Stay tuned for a brand new OOTD featuring this pretty little something soon!

With that, I think that my wardrobe is perfectly updated for spring. Until the next time I go to TJMaxx, anyways… !!!

What is your favorite color to wear? Is there a color that makes you think of a loved one? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr14

New Oat New York Jeans

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New Oat New York Jeans

Hi! This past Tuesday my mom and I had a fabulous shopping trip to TJMaxx to scope out some prezzies for my birthday girl sister. And, of course, I had to scope out some treats for myself too! Spring has officially sprung at TJs and I was hoping to find a few new pieces to shake up my warm weather wardrobe. It’s always nice to have a couple of new things when the seasons change! I walked away with a gorgeous top and a funky pair of pantaloons by Oat New York. I am just as shocked as you are that these are not black skinny jeans! Take a look:

When I first saw these jeans on display, I couldn’t decide if I loved them or hated them. And, honestly, that is exactly what I like lol. If they don’t work then it’s no harm no foul. If they do, however, then I walk away with a totally unique item that other people might have passed by. When it comes to shopping, I say try on everything so into the cart they went. I wasn’t married to these bad boys either way but, I’m not going to lie, I was hoping they would work. They are so different from anything I own and I love introducing that variety into my OOTDs.

My hopes and dreams were answered when I tried these jeans on because they are everything! The fit is so exciting to me as they clearly balloon down the legs and taper at the ankle. There is nothing skinny about them and, I daresay, it felt good to branch out! And, of course, how cute are those embroidered flowers going down both legs? I am a sucker for anything embroidered and have many a top with my favorite details but no pants! As these jeans are such an exaggerated wide leg fit, my vision is to pair it with an itty bitty tank top to create a silhouette that makes the eyes dance. I can’t wait to rock them so stay tuned for a brand new OOTD coming soon!

Stick around for more from my TJMaxx trip – there may or may not be some marked down bunny decor too. Love that post Easter shopping! 😀

Are you giving your wardrobe an update for spring? What is your favorite season to shop for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr12

Makeup Magic OOTD

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Makeup Magic OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! As you saw a few days ago, I had a fabulous time getting my makeup done by an old friend who works at MAC. I rolled into the function wearing a 70s inspired outfit and she transformed it into David Bowie a la Thin White Duke and I was in love. The outfit might have been quite simple but when paired with the amazing MOTD that was created, it turned into an absolute statement. Between the makeup and my new hair I was feeling myself SO hard lol! Take a look:

Who? What? Wear?

Denim Collar Top: Truth By Republic, TJMaxx

Tan Slacks: Sincerely Jules, TJMaxx

Retro Platforms: ModCloth

Face Silhouette Earrings: Cynthia Rowley, TJMaxx

Although I wore the Truth By Republic top in a recent OOTD, I just had to bring it back for the one time. It’s so damn cute! I am all about classic staples with a twist and the denim collar and cuffs on this shirt are exactly what I’m talking about. Sans this unique touch, I wouldn’t have given this top a second glance. However, it immediately caught my eye. In fact, I tried on several look at me spring blouses when I purchased this shirt and it was the only thing that came home with me. The blouses were nice but the Truth By Republic top took the cake as it was so cool and different than anything I own.

In the pants department I opted for a pair of tan slacks by Sincerely Jules. While you can almost always catch me in black skinnies, sometimes I like to change it up! These straight leg pantaloons scream 70s to me and are so classic. They are perfect for work or play and I definitely appreciated the stretchy waist. We went to Buca Di Beppo after my makeup adventure and mama needed some breathing room afterwards lol. Between the pasta and A LOT of pre gaming with bread, I was completely stuffed!

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For shoes, I went with a pair of retro platforms from ModCloth. These heels are as old as dirt and were purchased over a decade ago during a warehouse sale. You would never know, though! The navy in the wallpaper pattern tied the look together from head to toe while the orange and camel heel provided a fun pop of color. All that was left to do was accessorize and I kept it minimal with a pair of face silhouette earrings by Cynthia Rowley. These earrings are so funky and I was loving how the gold popped against my hair!

From the MOTD to the OOTD, this look was pure magic. I can’t wait to have more makeup fun with my friend soon!

What is your favorite era of fashion? Who is your celebrity style icon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr10

Glow Hub Nourish & Hydrate Gel Moisturizer Review

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Glow Hub Nourish & Hydrate Gel Moisturizer Review

Hello! It took me a solid two plus months to finish the moisturizer I was using and I am finally onto something new. For the past week and change, I have started using the Glow Hub Nourish & Hydrate Moisturizer and it has been a revelation. I have literally never used a moisturizer like this one before and I just had to share it with all of you. If you are looking for baby soft skin and the most radiant glow, then you have got to try this Glow Hub one out. The moisturizer definitely lives up to the brand name! Let’s discuss further:

There are so many things that I love about this moisturizer but let’s start with the texture. Can you see the bubbles in it? SO satisfying! Gel moisturizers are my absolute favorite and I can’t get enough of the hydrating burst I feel when I use them. The Glow Hub moisturizer is, hands down, the best gel texture I have ever used. It is the bounciest, lightest formula and it sounds weird but it almost feels like rubbing jelly on your face? Lol as soon as I start applying it, I can slightly feel the moisturizer crackling on my skin in fizzy delight and it is so invigorating. It’s a bubbly blast of cool, hydrating magic!

Not only does the texture of this moisturizer amaze me, but the scent does too. It is infused with peach and coconut but all I can smell is the peach. I am so not mad about this because anything peach scented is my favorite! The Glow Hub moisturizer smells exactly like a fresh bit peach and it’s honestly an experience to use it between its fragrance and the fizz. After just one use of this product, it was like a transformation. My skin looked fresh, bright, and clean and felt soft as can be. I genuinely can’t recall ever using a moisturizer with such immediate and apparent results. If I ever see this bad boy again at TJMaxx, I am buying Every. Single. Jar. Available. It is that good.

Gel moisturizers are perfect for spring and summer and the Glow Hub Nourish & Hydrate Moisturizer is perfect in general. Highly recommend!

What is your favorite skin care brand? How about your favorite moisturizer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr3

March 2026 Finishes

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March 2026 Finishes

Hello everyone and happy April!! March was a big month full of travel, new hair, and a whole lot of fun! It took a while to get myself back in the work flow after my mini New Orleans vacation but I am in full swing now and it feels great to be back. I even started another new social media job so stay tuned for more on that later. 😀 Before we dive into April showers in the hope of May flowers, let’s back peddle a bit to discuss my beauty finishes for March. There were several new favorite items in there so let’s get to it:

Would I Use Again?

Bath & Body Works Cucumber Melon Shower Gel: YES

Aroma Naturals Vitamin E Moisturizer: YES

Trader Joe’s Watermelon Lip Mask: YES

Dr. Wellness Vitamin C Moisturizer: YES!!

Trader Joe’s Ultra Rich Body Butter: YES

Why/Why Not?

Aroma Naturals Moisturizer: I purchased this travel size Vitamin E moisturizer by Aroma Naturals for my trip to New Orleans and I liked it a lot! This moisturizer was nice and light which was perfect for the warm days and all of the walking in NOLA. It absorbed very quickly and I like to think it made me look slightly less tired after a trip to the bars on Bourbon Street lol! It took me a little over two weeks of twice daily use to finish the jar and I would happily use it again. In fact, I plan on it when my family goes to Italy this year!

Trader Joe’s Lip Mask: I started using the Trader Joe’s Watermelon Lip Mask in August and just finished it during the first week of March. Talk about a long lasting product and an excellent value! I used this lip mask every night before bed and really enjoyed it. The scent was delightfully reminiscent of Lip Smackers, a small swipe across the lips went a long way, and I woke up every morning with lips that were kissable and soft. It was especially helpful during the cold months of winter when my chapped lips get out of control. Definitely grab one if you are at Trader Joe’s – you are in for a treat. 😀

Dr. Wellness Moisturizer: Speaking of a long lasting product and an excellent value, we have the Vitamin C Moisturizer by Dr. Wellness. I began using this moisturizer during the first week of January and finished it up in the middle of March. I was SO sad when it was all gone because this moisturizer was phenomenal and I would be thrilled to find it again at TJMaxx. This product was literal radiance in a jar and my skin looked bright and alert after each use. The texture of the Dr. Wellness moisturizer was light and bouncy while still feeling incredibly nourishing. Even Johnny liked using this one so it is a double winner!

Trader Joe’s Body Butter: I was raised on the body butter from The Body Shop and miss having it in my routine so very much. The Ultra Rich Body Butter from Trader Joe’s is the next best thing. Although nothing will be better than The Body Shop, this is a close second. The vanilla orchid scent was so soft and pretty and, yes, this body butter was ultra rich. The Shea Butter formula made for a much denser body butter that did require a fair dose of rubbing in. Once it was on, you could feel it working immediately and my skin was so happy and hydrated. Both Johnny and I used this body butter and loved how it took away all of the redness from our dry hands in one night! It took me a month and a half of a few quarter sized dollops per night to finish the jar.

This was a GREAT SUCCESS for my March empties with all of them being potential repeat purchase products. I highly recommend all of them so be sure to add it to the cart if you see them while out and about!

Which products did you use up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have used them before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar29

Faux Fur Fierce OOTD

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Faux Fur Fierce OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! I had too much fun getting my hair freshened up for spring at The Shear Shop last week. My stylist created the most dreamy Spring Sunset palette and I couldn’t wait to get home and show Johnny… And take pictures to show if off, of course! Whenever I return home from the salon, Johnny always greets me with “Who are you and what have you done to my wife?” and it never gets old. ❤ After he shared his usual Middle Class Fancy sentiments, I rushed to put together the outfit I was daydreaming about at the salon to get the content train rolling. Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Faux Fur Vest: Thread & Supply, TJMaxx

Bling Collar Button Down: H&M

Jeans: Gap, TJMaxx

Heeled Mules: Dolce Vita, TJMaxx

Snake Bracelet: Earthbound

Prior to my appointment at the salon my stylist and I will discuss what colors we are thinking so she can purchase them for me. Originally, we were planning on a paler blue called Blue Tux with the Shag Rug orange. Then, we pivoted hard! However, I definitely still had blue on the brain as my color sat and began styling an OOTD around my Thread & Supply faux fur vest. I absolutely loved the Blue Tux Pulp Riot dye and it actually closely matches the lighter blue in the vest but way more vivid. With that, I knew what must be done next.

Black jeans were a given, as per ushe, but what to wear underneath the vest? I toyed around with a few different options before landing on my blingy collar button down from H&M. This shirt is as old as dirt but I still love it all the same and that collar just adds so much fun to any OOTD. The faux fur vest is, without a doubt, a statement piece while the button down is a basic staple with a twist. That is exactly what I like and thanks to the collar, it was able to hold its own under the vest with that bedazzling that made this look even better.

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For shoes, I went with a gorgeous pair of snakeskin patterned heeled mules by Dolce Vita. While I love the idea of a classic mule, mama needs a heel and these ones are perfect and feature my favorite animal print. They might not have been great for where we shot pictures because the skinny heel kept getting caught in between the wooden walkway but, hey, I made it work! To keep with the snake theme, I wore my new favorite snake wrap bracelet from Earthbound. My sister treated me to it when we were in New Orleans and I was so excited to bust it out. Last but not least, I put on a dangly pair of earrings with a big amber gem to play up the new tones in my hair. With that, I was ready to rock my new do!

I am an avid fan of faux fur and this fit turned out just as I imagined it. I love it when that happens! 😀

Are you updating your wardrobe for spring? Do you like to rock faux fur too? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar25

New Orleans Wedding OOTD

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New Orleans Wedding OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! The weekend of Friday the thirteenth was a fantastic one as my sister, Kristen, and I were in New Orleans to celebrate our cousin’s wedding. We went to a wonderful pre wedding party on Friday and then the big show happened on Saturday evening. The wedding was absolutely beautiful and we even got to parade through the street after the happy couple said “I do”. It was way cool! It was such fun to get dressed to the nines with my sister and be with our extended family and new friends. Take a look at what I wore and let’s discuss:

Who? What? Wear?

Floral Dress: ModCloth, Coconinno

Fringe Shawl: TJMaxx, Laundry

Gloves: These belonged to Johnny’s grandma!

Heels: Steve Madden, Kohl’s (I think!)

I think the earrings are from Target!

Outside of going to Playhouse Square for a play or musical, I rarely have the chance to get super dressed up and definitely took advantage of the wedding to do so. Styling formal wear is something that I get to do maybe once a year and there is no better occasion than a wedding to get all dolled up! For my wedding look, I started with a gorgeous dress by Coconinno. I actually wore this when my oldest brother got married over ten years ago and am very glad it still fits lol. From the fitted top to the a-line skirt and the stunning medley of colors, this dress is so charming. This Coconinno number is also quite light making it ideal for a summer wedding or an early spring one in New Orleans. I just love the movement of the skirt and it was perfect for dancing the night away!

Next up was shoes and accessories. For accessories, I added a little bit of everything! First was an adorable fringe shawl by Laundry which is oh so pretty and unique. Although the dress could have been worn without it, the shawl covered up the bra area and I really appreciated that as I could attend the wedding without worrying about bra straps being visible. It also added movement to the top half of the look with the fringe bouncing with every step I took. I also decided to wear a pair of gloves that belonged to Johnny’s grandma which I thought looked so elegant. If you look closely, you can see that there are ruffles going around the wrist and it was yet another sweet detail that elevated this fit.

Last but not least for accessories, I added a pair of dangly three tiered black gemstone earrings. I styled my hair in a chignon inspired do and the gems looked so pretty as they danced around my bare neck. For shoes, I went with the very first pair of heels I ever owned – a strappy little pair by Steve Madden. I will never part with them and that is a good thing because they were exactly what I needed to wrap this OOTD up. That wooden heel is so funky and it was a thrill to hear them clacking across the brick sidewalks! With that, I was ready for a night to remember at the most lovely wedding. ❤

I felt like a star in this look and am so in love with how it turned out. The dress was already great but the accessories took it over the top!

Are you going to a wedding this year? Do you get the chance to rock formal wear often? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar21

Wedding Party OOTD

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Wedding Party OOTD

Hi! After my sister, Kristen, and I landed in New Orleans on Friday we were whisked away in an Uber to get to our hotel. We stayed at the Chateau Orleans and it was absolutely gorgeous. The staff was so wonderful, the decor was stunning, and the location couldn’t be beat as it was right in the heart of the French Quarter. We arrived at our digs around three thirty and relaxed until it was time to partay at a pre-wedding party for my cousin and his beautiful bride at the Napoleon House. It was such fun to get glammed up and let the good times roll! Take a look at the little look I put together for the celebration:

Who? What? Wear?

Polka Dot Slip Dress: Talia Benson, TJMaxx

Faux Fur Collar: St. Tropez, TJMaxx

Platform Heels: Bamboo, TJMaxx

The earrings were a Christmas gift from my blogging bestie!

I wanted to bring the drama to the pre-wedding party and I couldn’t imagine a better dress than this fabulous number by Talia Benson. It is one of my favorite dresses I have ever owned and I love it so much that I don’t even care about the slight difficulty getting it on and off. Those connected slip dresses can be tricky! This dress invokes my edgy girly style to the T and I felt like a star in it. That sheer mesh overlay, the dropped waist, and ribbon ties to cap the sleeve truly allow the eyes to dance as there is a lot going on but it still feels so cohesive. It was also the perfect dress to wear in the warm weather of New Orleans as the fabric was so light and breezy!

While this dress provided an excellent base, I wasn’t done yet and felt like something was missing. As I racked my brains on what I could add, I landed on faux fur and decided to pair it with an amazing lavender collar by St. Tropez. Regardless of if the dress had a pattern or not, it was still a neutral piece which meant that I could have some fun with accessories and I sure did! The faux fur collar elevated the dress to a whole new level and the silhouette it created was so striking. I have never paired this dress with the collar before and I can’t believe it took me this long to think of it smh.

For the remainder of my accessories, I chose a pair of sword earrings that my bestie gifted me with and it was like she was there for the party too. She is always very close to my heart! Finally, it was onto shoes and I went with a killer pair of platforms by Bamboo. They might have taken up a ton of space in my suitcase but it was so worth it because wow. That pop of red with the colorful embroidery made this look special from head to toe. With that, I was ready to celebrate good times in New Orleans!

There is a lot more fashion fun from my trip so stay tuned on lifewithlilred!

What do you normally pack on a vacation? Where is your favorite place to travel to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah