Tag Archives: tjmaxx

Jan22

It’s In The Bag: Antik Kraft Saddlebag Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Antik Kraft Saddlebag Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of It’s In The Bag! I so loved going on a TJMaxx trip with my mom and had grand plans for my Christmas gift cards. 1) A skin care restock. 2) A new piece of Valentine’s Day clothing. 3) A new pair of black skinnies. And 4) A new purse if the gift card could cover it. I am pleased to report that I achieved all of these goals with EXACT CHANGE. Peep this girl math… The amount left over for me to pay was $18.01. As luck would have it, the cash in my purse totaled to eighteen dollars and lots of change for good measure. It was freaking awesome and I just had to share. ANYWHO, let’s take a look at this bag, baby!

I haven’t bought a purse for myself since 2019. Yes, you read that right – seven years of no new purses. However, I never felt the need to buy more because I have so many and always prefer to spend my moolah on clothes and shoes. My tune definitely changed in the past few months, though! During the fall, TJMaxx had a gorgeous black purse that was embossed with skulls. I was obsessed but couldn’t justify the eighty dollar price tag. So, I waited for it to go on sale but someone with great taste snatched it up in the meantime. As much as I wanted it, it was no harm no foul and I vowed to eventually find a purse at a price point I was more comfortable with. I sure did with this little number by Antik Kraft for thirty-five dollars! That was much more like it. 😀

When I made my first round through the purse department, I noticed the same bag by Antik Kraft in a rich camel hue. It was pretty, but I am an All Black Everything girl through and through and thought to myself how much better it would be if it were black lol. As luck would have it, black was the other color option available and it was perfect. The saddlebag shape is just so cool and I do not have a purse in my collection that even remotely mimics that style. The oversized stitching on the strap is everything and the size of the purse in general is ideal. It’s big enough to hold all of my belongings without being so big that I can’t find anything. Despite this purse’s simplicity, it still manages to invoke an edgy vibe and it just had to come home with me. I swapped purses as soon as I got home and feel like a star with it slung over my shoulder!

Although I never ended up with the skull adorned bag of my dreams, this Antik Kraft saddlebag will do just fine. Even better, actually, because the price was right!

How often do you swap out your purses? 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

Jan20

Very Truly Yours Valentine’s Day Sweater

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Very Truly Yours Valentine’s Day Sweater

Hello! I have a nice long break between shifts on Tuesdays. During that time, I like to read or work on the computer. If I have nothing to do, I use that time to shop because I am right in a plaza with a TJMaxx. It’s a gift. Speaking of gifts, my mom joined me this past Tuesday on a shopping trip and we had the best time! I had Christmas gift cards and TJMaxx rewards burning a hole in my pocket and I planned on restocking the skin care I needed and purchasing treats for myself with the remainder. I did exactly that and ended up with this gorgeous little number for Valentine’s Day by Very Truly Yours. Check it out:

As soon as we walked into TJs, this sweater was the first thing I saw and it was love at first sight. It is just the sweetest! The baby pink color, the argyle style diamonds, white embroidered hearts, and heart buttons put me in Valentine’s Day heaven. This sweater fits snugly without being tight, is soft as can be, and literally gave me heart eyes! Although V-Day is a while away, I plan on busting it out this weekend as Johnny and I are going on a date to Playhouse Square to see Stereophonic. Hey, it’s never too early to give some Valentine’s Day OOTD inspo on the ol’ blog!

Even before trying this sweater on, visions of what I could wear with it swirled through my head at a rapid pace. What I decided on is a Bratz doll inspired look that I am so excited for all of you to see. I’m thinking a white pleated mini skirt, thigh high tights, and a funky pair of pink platforms. Bratz doll style is all about girly clothes with a sassy twist and I hate to toot my own horn but I think this outfit is going to fit that to the T. Keep it posted on lifewithlilred for a review of the show and exclusive OOTD pics. Can’t wait? Follow me on TikTok for an early peek at an outfit video coming soon. ❤

I had such a fabulous time shopping with my mom and had a great haul to boot. Lots more fashion fun is on the way!

What is a perfect Valentine’s Day date for you? Were you a Barbie or Bratz girl? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan19

Hail Yourself OOTD

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Hail Yourself OOTD

Hi! Johnny took last Friday off which was great! The bunnies got to stay out and play all day and it gave us time to knock out a quick OOTD shoot before I left for work. Normally, we save that for Saturday but it was SO hard going back to work after holiday time off that we had no intention of moving once the day was out. I am pleased to report that we made good on that goal! The look you are about to see is ultra casual as I was bopping around town for work but I still loved it just the same. Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Cropped Sweater: Johnny got this for me from the Last Podcast on the Left website

Star Skinny Jeans: Kut From The Kloth, TJMaxx

Wedge Boots: Jennifer Lopez, Kohl’s

The earrings were a Christmas gift from my blogging bestie!

This past Friday was a balmy fifty degree day so I started building this outfit in the sweater department of my wardrobe as that’s all I needed to be comfortable. From there, my eyes landed on the Last Podcast on the Left cropped sweater that my main squeeze got me. Johnny is an avid fan of that podcast and treated himself to a bit of their merch as well as a little something for me too. It was so sweet and this sweater rules! I am all about the sentiment, that oversized neckline, and the pentagram elbow patches. Way cool!

After my top was selected, I moved on down to the jeans department and went with a pair of star patterned skinnies by Kut From The Kloth. I knew I was going to sport an All Black Everything ensemble so that gave the opportunity to have some fun with a bold pattern. Also, the stars on the pants nod to the pentagrams on the sweater which I didn’t even notice until now lol. Hey, that worked out well. 😀

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For my shoes, I picked a pair of hidden wedge boots by Jennifer Lopez as they were relatively plain minus the stud details. These shoes are ten years old, were purchased for four dollars, and I just can’t part with them. They are SO comfy while providing extra height and are just right for trudging around in the lousy winter weather. Last but not least, I popped on a gorgeous pair of sword earrings gifted to me by my bestie. These earrings also feature a dangling burnt orange gem which was a perfect match to the lettering on the sweater. With that, it was off to work!

It is very rare for me to do my makeup or wear something other than skinnies and a hoodie to work. As simple as this look was, it definitely felt like I was spruced up!

What do you usually wear for work? How long does it take you to get ready for work? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan18

Dr. Wellness Vitamin C Moisturizer Review

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Dr. Wellness Vitamin C Moisturizer Review

Howdy! I started using a new Vitamin C moisturizer by Dr. Wellness at the beginning of December. I was excited to give it a shot because I have used that brand’s lip balm in the past and loved it. I honestly had no idea that Dr. Wellness had skin care staples too and got to test it out for a song. A huge tub was only five dollars and I am nowhere near done. That’s great for me because this Vitamin C moisturizer is the bomb.com. Fingers crossed that TJs has it again when I do my annual Christmas gift card skin care restock. I’ll buy the lot! 😀

Completing my morning and night skin care routine is something that brings me peace. Those extra five minutes to pamper yourself and get started for the day or wind down at night. No matter what products I am using, I enjoy this time. However, it’s even better when I’m using one as nice as the Dr. Wellness moisturizer! Its texture is almost whipped and cloud like, it smells faintly like oranges, and a nickle sized dollop allows for full face and neck coverage. That’s what I’m talking about!

This moisturizer’s consistency is a bit thicker but it absorbs quickly and sits like a dream under makeup. It has been especially soothing and hydrating in the winter but could be used any time during the year and it would still be a pleasant experience. I have been using this moisturizer twice daily for over six weeks with wonderful results. My skin is so soft and I have noticed a huge radiance boost. That extra dose of brightness definitely perks me up during these grey January days! Highly recommend. 🙂

If you have a normal to dry skin type, you are going to love the Dr. Wellness Vitamin C moisturizer. A new year is the perfect time to freshen up your skin care routine!

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

Jan15

Christmas OOTD Pt. 3

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Christmas OOTD Pt. 3

Hello everyone and welcome to my last Christmas OOTD! Better late than never, amiright?! This holiday season was magical, to say the least. However, this weird January limbo leaves a lot to be desired! Every day feels like a month long Monday and I never know what time it is because it always looks like five in the afternoon. Winter has been cool and all but I am so ready for spring now! Before the ol’ blog shifts to warmer days ahead, let’s take a look at this blast from the past half a month ago lol:

Who? What? Wear?

Step Brothers T-Shirt: Spirit Christmas

Christmas Tree Skirt: Spirit Christmas

Bedazzled Fishnets: Urban Outfitters

Heels: Bamboo, TJMaxx

The earrings were a gift from my mother-in-law!

When I visited Spirit Christmas for the first time, I couldn’t believe my good fortune. I walked away with the fabulous tree skirt and a silly sweater vest. Most importantly, though, I purchased the festive Step Brothers holiday t-shirt. For those of you who don’t know, Step Brothers is one of my all time favorite movies. I could not even put a number on how many times I have watched it but at this point I think it’s safe to say I have the flick fully memorized. I just love Dale and Brennan and nothing says “season’s greetings” more than a shirt with them on it. My family shares in my passion for comedy gold and I know they appreciated this top during our Christmas celebration too!

I couldn’t let Christmas pass by without wearing my tree skirt one more time so that was the move for this outfit. And, although the skirt was paired with the gemstone tights already, I just couldn’t help myself but wear them again. They just add to the sparkly brightness of Christmas Day and both pieces were a huge hit with my nieces and nephew. The littles couldn’t get over the disco ball ornaments, pops of bling bling, and shiny tinsel. In fact, my nephew told me I looked like a “very fancy woman” and it was the best compliment ever. 🙂

To wrap up this look, I went for a darling pair of red heeled boots by Bamboo. These boot babies are great for any season but that gorgeous red just screams Christmas! I think Mrs. Claus should get a pair so we can twin but I am assuming she would prefer something more sensible at Santa’s Workshop. The last order of business was popping on a pair of pretty silver earrings from my mother-in-law and I was ready to enjoy the holiday with my nearest and dearest. ❤

Sayonara, Christmas and see you soon, spring. Here’s to dethawing, glorious sunshine, and spring flowers!

How has your 2026 been going? Has January felt like it has been dragging for you too? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan11

Christmas OOTD Pt. 2

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Christmas OOTD Pt. 2

Hello!! My Christmas OOTDs are a dollar and several days short but that’s okay. 1) It gives an extra incentive for all of you to follow me on TikTok for immediate OOTD content. *Shameless plug* And 2) I had so many fantastic holiday hauls that definitely took first dibs. The look you are about to see was from when we celebrated with Johnny’s family on Christmas Day. An OOTD that answers the question of “What do you wear when it’s fifty degrees on Christmas?” Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Feliz Navidad Sweater: Walmart

Skirt: Kyodan, TJMaxx

Heels: Reaction By Kenneth Cole, TJMaxx

Frilly Socks: ModCloth

The headband and chain earrings are both from Target, I think!

A balmy fifty degree day on Christmas was honestly confusing lol. What do you wear on a winter holiday that feels like spring?! Rather than be too warm or too cool, I decided to combine the two seasons for a look that kept me comfortable during the heat wave while serving up a dose of festive fun. To start, I chose my favorite and only Christmas sweater from Walmart. Johnny and I got this years ago when we went to a friend’s Christmas party and I just freaking love it. Those bright colors completely pop and this twenty buck purchase has served me well for many a Christmas Day.

Next on the agenda was what to wear on the bottom. After a cold spell, the weather turned into spring. Like a true Midwestern gal from Akron, Ohio that means it’s time to break out the short shorts. Or a skirt! Trust me, no matter how cold it is here there are always tons of people in shorts so I knew I was in good company with my devil may care comrades. For my skirt I went with an adorable tennis skirt by Kyodan that has a pair of shorts built in. The pleats are oh so sweet, I never had to worry about a wardrobe malfunction thanks to the shorts, and the ventilation was definitely needed. We were all burning up!

The last order of business was shoes and accessories. To keep my leg line long and unbroken, I selected my pair of darling red heels by Kenneth Cole and slipped those on with a pair of frilly ankle socks. I am all about a frilly sock and they add such a touch of girly cuteness to each look. For accessories, I went with a pair of gold chain earrings and popped on a headband too. The burnt amber gems of the headband went perfectly with the rest of the look and I never say no to more bling bling. With that, I was ready to step into the sun and enjoy a beautiful holiday. ❤

Was it Christmas or Easter in this look? Who’s to say? This was a healthy combo of the two but when you’re in the Midwest, you just make it work!

What are the seasons like in your neck of the woods? Do you have a favorite holiday sweater? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan6

Christmas OOTD Pt. 1

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Christmas OOTD Pt. 1

Hi! If you follow me on TikTok, you were able to see my Christmas OOTDs in real time. If not, let’s take a look at them in blog time AKA several weeks later lol. I had three festive fits to break out and I was so excited to wear them all – even if it was just for the sake of taking pictures. That was very much the case for the outfit you are about to see. We didn’t have an adult holiday party to attend and I couldn’t have imagined wearing this ensemble to visit our parents! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Ho Ho Ho Sweater Vest: Spirit Christmas

Tree Skirt: Spirit Christmas

Bedazzled Fishnets: Urban Outfitters

Red Heels: Reaction By Kenneth Cole, TJMaxx

Hoop Earrings: Argentino Vivo, TJMaxx

I had a blast visiting Spirit Christmas before the big celebration and was hoping to find a cute elf or Mrs. Claus costume to wear. Instead, I walked away with a Step Brothers T-shirt, a sweater vest that put me on the naughty list, and a tree inspired skirt. Now, during a normal shopping trip I am looking for pieces that can be worn for several seasons rather than one day of the year. However, I just couldn’t say no to the Santa’s Favorite Ho sweater and a skirt that looked like I had stolen Christmas!

This OOTD was part naughty, part nice, but oh so much fun and I WILL find an event to wear it to next year, damnit. That cheeky sweater vest with the make you blush saying paired so perfectly with my tinsel skirt adorned with red and silver ornaments. It was like a sassy version of Santa’s elves and I got to do it Lil Red’s way as opposed to a store bought costume. The sweater vest may or may not have been a for the sake of content purchase but I did get to bust out the skirt again for my family celebration. My nieces and nephew were obsessed with it and so am I. Although the tinsel definitely started to shed after extended wear!

To wrap up this fiercely silly look, I slipped on a pair of bedazzled fishnet tights from Urban Outfitters for an extra pop of bling and, dare I say, naughtiness! To balance things out, an oh so sweet pair of red heels by Kenneth Cole were in order. It matched the sweater vest to the T and I just adore that fringe detailing. Last on the agenda was a pair of forest green hoop earrings by Argentino Vivo to keep with the Christmas palette. With that, I was ready to take pics and get back in my pajamas lolol.

I might not have gone anywhere in Part One of my Christmas OOTDs but that’s no matter. This look was for me (And all of you too!) and I am SO happy with these purchases even if they can only be worn during the holiday season!

Do you have a collection of holiday seasonal clothes? Where do you like to shop for them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan3

December 2025 Finishes

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December 2025 Finishes

Hello everyone and welcome to the last beauty finishes post of 2025! It is officially 2026, baby, and I am so ready for another year of lifestyle fun with all of you. I am also eagerly anticipating the great skin care haul of 2026 with my Christmas gifted TJMaxx gift cards. Before we go into the new, it’s out with the old so let’s take a look at these empties and discuss further:

Would I Use Again?

Bath & Body Works Evil Queen Body Cream: MAYBE

Precision Beauty Fountain Of Youth Retinol Serum: YES

Emilianna Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer: MAYBE

Why/Why Not?

B&BW Body Cream: I purchased the Evil Queen body cream when it was offered at Semi-Annual Sale prices after Halloween. It wasn’t my favorite scent but that doesn’t matter too much to me as I only wear lotion to bed. Evil Queen smelled faintly like apple but it was primarily musky which I am so not a fan of. It grew on me after a few uses but I wouldn’t buy it again unless it was dirt cheap. It took me about two weeks of daily use to finish the bottle.

Precision Beauty Serum: I have been fairly loyal to the Precision Beauty brand for serums and I am not mad about it! They are long lasting and the effects are awesome. It took me a month and a half to finish this bottle with twice daily use. These serums are thicker in texture but absorb quickly and a little of it goes a long way for full face and neck coverage. In the time of using it, I noticed an instant glow up with every application. The Precision Beauty serums are so nourishing and I highly recommend them!

Emilianna Moisturizer: This moisturizer was pretty good but it wasn’t the best one I have used in the world and I probably wouldn’t purchase it again unless it was the only option available. The light, clean scent was nice and it almost felt like a cold cream when applied which was refreshing. However, in the over one month of using it I failed to see anything special about it. Definite last resort option, for sure.

With that, 2025 on lifewithlilred is complete. Stay tuned for a massive skin care haul coming soon!

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

Dec20

Let It Snow OOTD

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Let It Snow OOTD

Howdy everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred! This past Saturday I enjoyed a wonderful pampering session at The Shear Shop and emerged with a beautiful new do in a peacock palette. Afterwards, I could not wait to take pictures to show off my new look – rain, shine, or snow! Once I returned home from the salon, Johnny and I ventured out into the cold for some OOTD magic in the freshly falling snow. I just love how these pictures turned out! Take a look:

Who? What? Wear?

Faux Fur Jacket: Me Jane, TJMaxx

Coated Skinny Jeans: Seven Jeans, TJMaxx

Heeled Boots: Olivia Miller, TJMaxx

Gloves: StilEstro, TJMaxx

I have no idea where the earrings are from!

I pondered what I wanted to wear for these pictures as I drove home from the salon and decided that I wanted to sport an All Black Everything motif. These pics were about the outfit, of course, but also to showcase the hair. I wanted the rockin peacock palette to be seen in all of its glory and that called for a neutral background to prevent color clutter. This may be a simple OOTD but between the unique details in the clothing and my new hair, it turned into a full fledged fashion statement.

For my jacket, I chose a stunning faux fur number by Me Jane. I am an avid fan of faux fur and this jacket is pure sophistication. I adore the visible diamond shaped stitches and the brooch style button. The shape is so classic and it is nice and warm for the wintertime. The timelessness of this jacket created such an interesting juxtaposition with the modern hair and I felt like an old fashioned movie star! As I was going with All Black Everything, I paired my jacket with some top or another underneath as I planned on wearing it buttoned and my coated skinnies by Seven Jeans. These pieces paired together formed a long and lean silhouette while also playing with texture from the shiny coating of the jeans and soft faux fur to make the eyes dance.

Next up was shoes and accessories. I went with my favorite pair of chunky heeled boots by Olivia Miller which added a shiny pop of bling from the chains. It also helped tie the look together from head to toe thanks to the blinged out brooch button on the jacket. As another additional sparkly surprise, I chose a pair of gloves by StilEstro in a gorgeous cream hue that featured a big flower brooch on one of the hands. Finally, I popped on a pair of dangly earrings with sizeable burnt amber gems hanging from them. These playful touches of shiny gems and silver looked so striking against my neutral palette and the white fluffy stuff falling from the sky!

With winter fashion this good, I say Let It Snow… In moderation, of course!

Have you had a snowy winter? What is your favorite wintertime activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec7

Thxgiving Pt. 2 OOTD

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Thxgiving Pt. 2 OOTD

Hi!! The day after Thanksgiving, Johnny and I enjoyed a wonderful lunch at El Meson with his parents. I might have still been in a slight food coma but I never say no to Mexican food and El Meson is, hands down, the best restaurant in our neck of the woods. The meal was delicious, the company was delightful, and I loved piecing together this little something to wear. Also, so aware there aren’t many pics to check out. We were starving and freezing our nads off when we took these before leaving and it was definitely not my best work. Lol, hey it happens to the best of us!

Who? What? Wear?

Jacket: Vince Camuto, TJMaxx

Skinny Jeans: 1822 Denim, TJMaxx

Boots: Candie’s, Kohl’s

Earrings: Argentino Vivo, TJMaxx

The hat belonged to my grandma! ❤

I am not a fan of winter in the slightest and am a spring and fall girl through and through. However, I sure love dressing for winter! Jackets are one of my favorite fashion items and I have quite a collection of cold weather coats to choose from. It is exciting to break them out again and I couldn’t wait to wear my amazing blazer style jacket by Vince Camuto. It is one of my all time favorite TJMaxx purchases and I feel like a star in it. Those faux fur cuffs just scream luxury and I have a little Devil Wears Prada moment every time I slip it on. This jacket is a timeless staple with a twist and that is exactly what I like.

The base of this outfit was kept simple as I wanted the jacket and accessories to do all of the talking. And anyways, I had no intention of taking my jacket off. Did I mention it was freaking freezing?! Black skinny jeans and a form fitting navy sweater were the move and it was off to accessorize. This is always the best part of dressing for winter for me as I am a huge accessory girl and the cold months are my time to shine. As a heavily tattooed chick, accessories fly out the window when it’s hot out because they are my accessories. In the winter, I forget I have a majority of my ink because I’m all covered up!

For accessories, I delved into my hat collection and returned with a beautiful vintage cloche hat from my grandma. She had the most impeccable style and hats were her favorite. I am lucky enough to have several of her hats and it brings me so much joy to wear them. I think she would be so happy about it too! This hat is so timeless yet modern with that black feather and it was just right with my jacket for that freshened up old-timey feel.

In the shoe department I opted for a gorgeous pair of thigh high boots by Candie’s to strut my stuff in. These boots are eight years old but I just can’t part with them! I love their length, the heel, and how form fitting they are for a sleek and lean silhouette. Last but not least was jewelry and I chose a medium sized pair of hoops by Argentino Vivo in forest green. As red and green are complimentary colors, they looked especially striking against the vibrant red of the hat. With that, I was ready for food coma round two!

I love me a holiday where all that’s required is to dress up and eat. Is it bad that I’m already thinking about Christmas dinner… and next year’s Thanksgiving?! 😀

What is your favorite holiday? How do you celebrate it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah