Tag Archives: tjmaxx

Feb14

V-Day But Make It Goth OOTD

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V-Day But Make It Goth OOTD

Hello everyone and Happy Valentine’s Day! Please be mine xoxo! The other week I thought it would be fun to create a goth V-Day inspired look and I have been so excited to share it with all of you. It had me feeling like a star running through a haunted castle in a Guillermo Del Toro movie and it was nothing short of exhilarating. This look also features a couple of gorgeous vintage hand me downs that belonged to Johnny’s grandma. Clearly, she had impeccable taste! Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Crushed Velvet Coat: There was no brand name to be found but this was a vintage hand me down

Polka Dot Slip Dress: Talia Benson, TJMaxx

Skeleton Platforms: Dolls Kill

Gloves: These were also a vintage hand me down

Teardrop Earrings: I think I got these at Target

When I began thinking about a goth Valentine’s Day OOTD, the Talia Benson slip dress immediately came to mind. It brings the drama with a form fitting slip, a mesh overlay adorned with polka dots, and a divine dropped waist. I don’t get to break this little number out very often as it’s definitely a Playhouse Square level occasion option. However, when I do, no one can tell me NOTHIN. This dress is stunning on its own but I absolutely needed more to it. It was a frigid ten degrees when we took these pictures and I would do basically anything for fashion but I won’t do that lol.

The next step was selecting a coat to wear and the choice was obvious: My vintage hand me down. Several months back, Johnny’s mom gave me a handful of coats and dresses that belonged to his grandma. As pretty as they all are, they are not suited for everyday wear. Until now! This floor length coat in a soft crushed velvet is a goth girl’s dream come true. It’s impossible not to swoon over those bubble shoulders, brooch style buttons, and pale gold lining. Not only did this coat provide the goth princess vibe I was going for, but it was also warm as can be. In fact, I could have stayed outside comfortably for awhile unlike Johnny who took these pictures in pajamas and a leather jacket on top. SMH!!

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For my shoes, I went for a killer pair of skeleton designed platforms for two reasons. 1) It matched the aesthetic. And 2) I needed the extra height badly as the coat would have been dragging on the floor without them. Even with them on, it barely was hovering above the ground! For an extra dose of warmth, I added on a pair of black vintage gloves. If you have a good eye, you’ll notice in the pictures that it has sheer ruffles across the wrist, making them even more special than they already are. Last but not least were a pair of dangly black gem teardrop earrings to symbolize the goth tears I shed as a teenager lol. With that, I was ready to unleash my V-Day But Make It Goth OOTD!

In case you couldn’t tell from my several Pan’s Labyrinth tattoos, I am an avid fan of all things Del Toro. I like to think that this OOTD would do him proud!

What is your Valentine’s Day style? Are you pastel sweet or goth chic? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan29

Sweet Surprises: Eos Hand Cream Edition

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Sweet Surprises: Eos Hand Cream Edition

Hello! I am so lucky because my family freaking rocks. I have the coolest siblings, the coolest nieces and nephew, and the coolest parents. Johnny and I live not even five minutes away from chez parents and I swear it’s not close enough. I just love spending time with all of them so much and trust and believe we’re texting nonstop when I’m not at their place. While any time with any of my family members is my favorite, I am especially partial to shopping trips with my mom. This has been a staple in our relationship since I was little. What can I say, I’ve always loved fashion! During our last TJs trip together, my mom helped me pick out a gorgeous new purse. The following day, she surprised me with a little treat to keep handy as I tote around my Antik Kraft saddlebag:

If I had to estimate the amount of times I have heard my mom say “Open your hands and close your eyes and I’ll give you a big surprise” since my youth, I would say it’s in the hundreds lol. No matter how old we get, she still repeats that sentiment when she picks one of us up a little something and it is still so exciting. This time around, my surprise was a perfect purse sized Eos hand cream in Vanilla Cashmere. I am a vanilla fragrance gal just like my mom and I always associate that scent with her. (As well as her beloved discontinued perfume from The Body Shop called Leap!) This travel size bottle of hand cream was such a lovely nod to our shopping adventure and it makes me smile whenever I am rummaging through my purse.

All of you know that TJMaxx is my happy place. Yes, I love the fashion but I also love the memories that flood over me whenever I walk into the store. I have the fondest recollections of shopping there with my grandma (My mom’s mom) and my mom too. Three generations of us gals shopping till we drop and having fun exploring our own personal styles. Whenever I have a hankering to go to the Maxx, I always ask my mom if she wants to join me because it’s so special to walk the aisles with her. From a little girl to a grown woman, TJMaxx is our sanctuary. Hallowed grounds to let the store tell us what we need. Simply having the hand cream that my mom got me in the bag that I got with her brightens my day because it brings back so many happy days we had together doing my favorite thing… Shopping! ❤

My mom is the queen of Sweet Surprises and the queen of Best Mom Ever. I am the luckiest girl in the whole world! 🙂

What do you keep in your purse? Where is your favorite place to shop? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan27

V-Day Bratz Doll OOTD

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V-Day Bratz Doll OOTD

Hello! Last weekend I got all dolled up to see Stereophonic at Playhouse Square with my main squeeze. Although the show sucked eggs, the OOTD was on point! Speaking of dolled up, I was very inspired by Bratz dolls when I styled this look. Bratz were my favorite dolls to play with when I was little and their trendy fashion inspired me then and now. I told Johnny about my outfit inspo and he said he was feeling Sabrina Carpenter over Bratz to which I replied “same thing”. It’s so true! Take a look at this Bratz/Sabrina Carpenter fit and let’s discuss:

Who? What? Wear?

Heart Sweater: Very Truly Yours, TJMaxx

Tennis Skirt: Kyodan, TJMaxx

Platforms: Sugar Thrillz, Dolls Kill

The brooch earrings were purchased forever ago from PacSun!

I purchased the absolutely darling Very Truly Yours sweater during my last shopping trip at TJMaxx. It was the first thing I saw when I walked into the store and I had a vision of an outfit a la That’s So Raven. In my head, I pictured the look you see above to the T and I just had to have that sweater to see it through. I was hoping to find a Valentine’s Day piece of clothing to wear to my Playhouse Square outing and what I found was pure candy hearts perfection. This sweater is so soft, sweet as can be, and is chock full of adorable details. I love the argyle diamonds, the piping on the collar, and those heart shaped buttons! My new sweater felt very Chloe from the Bratz collection and I definitely see where Johnny was coming from on the Sabrina Carpenter front. She is Chloe to the T!

I paired my sweater with a sassy little tennis skirt by Kyodan. While this is an athletic brand, they serve fashion while serving tennis and I can’t get enough of their skorts. They provide flounce sans any fear of a wardrobe malfunction and it was a gift that kept on giving as we hiked our way up to the balcony at the theater lol. I adore a pleated skirt as they are so girly and it kept with the ultra feminine vibes of the sweater. Although I was freezing my nads off even with the knee high socks, it was so worth it. 😀

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For shoes, I opted for a gorgeous pair of platforms by Sugar Thrillz. The baby pink of the heels was an excellent match to the sweater while the pop of plaid added some funky fun. And, of course, the heart accents going across the shoe added to the Valentine’s Day flare. In the earrings department, I went for a pair of brooch style studs with a red rose in the middle. Roses are a classic V-Day gift and I said “make it fashion”! With that, I was off to see a terrible show with my honey as an early Love Day date. ❤

Is it Bratz or Sabrina Carpenter? I say both. I love my dolls and my beloved Miss Carpenter just as much as I love this look!

What is your favorite Sabrina Carpenter song? Which Bratz doll was your favorite? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan25

TJMaxx Haul

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TJMaxx Haul

Hello! Nothing pleases me more than a good TJMaxx haul and the one I had with my Christmas gift cards was one of the best ones in recent memory. Normally when I am shopping at TJs, I let the store tell me what I need because you never know what you are going to get. This time around, however, I had a shopping list of what I would like to find and was able to completely check it off. A new Valentine’s Day piece of clothing? Check! New purse? Check. Black skinnies? Checkeroo. Skin care restock? Check, check, double check! Take a look at the rest of my haul:

As you all know, basically all I wear is black skinny jeans lol. They are just the perfect pantaloons and my Johnny concurs as that’s all he wears too! We are a match made in heaven. While black skinnies are perfect in every way, they fade and that is not okay with me. I need jet black, baby, and usually purchase one new pair per year. The past few times I have needed new jeans at TJs, I was lucky because I found some pairs of 1822 Denim which is the brand I normally wear. I couldn’t find any pairs of this brand during my shopping and ended up with a pair from Gap, instead. It was actually a nice change of pace! They fit like a glove and were less than half the original price. I have had one pair of Gap jeans in the past and I liked them a lot so it’s cool to revisit an old fave at the right price!

While it was great to find some new clothes and a purse, the most important thing on my shopping list was skin care. I like to follow the rule of threes when I purchase my beauty products. That way, I don’t have to go to the store monthly for more. I was so happy to find a huge bottle of my go to micellar water as well as a few moisturizers and a serum. I have never tried the Supergoop! brand and I’m looking forward to it! The best find, though, was the ValJean Labs cleanser – there was only one and it was tucked away. Their hydrating foaming cleanser was one of my most favorite products and I can’t wait to try the deep cleansing version. If you are on the hunt for a new cleanser, I truly can’t recommend this brand enough. Their scrubs are fabulous too. 😀

Thanks to this haul, I am good to go for the rest of winter. Although, let’s be real, you know I already can’t wait for a spring refresh shopping trip! 🙂

Do you update your wardrobe seasonally? What are some of your springtime staples? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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