Tag Archives: wardrobe

Nov27

Get Winter Ready With These Ideas

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Get Winter Ready With These Ideas

Winter is nearly here and preparations need to be done to keep you and yours comfy cozy all season long. From wardrobe updates to weatherproofing and everything in between, here are some steps to get you winter ready:

Update Your Wardrobe:

With winter coming you will want to make sure that you are changing into warmer clothes to beat the frigid temps. One of the best things you can do to save money is to go through all of the winter clothes you have, see what still fits and what you would still wear and then get anything you don’t have. With kids in the house and how quickly they grow, they might need a whole new wardrobe as their winter clothes from the previous year may not fit anymore.

Weatherproof Your Home:

Winter brings a lot of harsh weather and in some areas extremely harsh weather. Different weather can have different effects on your home so there are some things you need to add to your to-do list before it sets in. One of the things you will need to do is to clear out the gutters. You will also want to make sure you bleed your radiators, service your boiler, get a furnace tune-up, and check your doors and windows for drafts. You don’t want the cold weather coming in, especially with the rise in heating costs.

Declutter And Organize:

You most likely will have done a spring clean but a winter clean is also something to be done. One of the things you need to do is organize and declutter what you can. A big area to focus on is toys if you have children. With Christmas coming you want to make sure you have somewhere to put all of the new prezzies. Having an organized and clear home can also help your mental health which can often take a downward turn during the winter.

Car Checks:

The bad weather can affect your car too. You can help prevent issues by getting it checked, checking tire pressure, and making sure your heaters work. If there are any other issues, get them sorted so you aren’t stranded in the snow with a car that won’t work. You will also want to make sure your window wipers work properly to make it safe for you to see in bad weather.

Eating Healthy:

Winter and Christmas bring a lot of goodies and treats and with the darker and colder nights coming it is easy to indulge. During the winter, a lot of bugs and illnesses go around so you want to make sure you are filling your body with goodness and nutrients so your body can fight off the bugs effectively. A good way to make sure you are caring for yourself is by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet. If you are having eggs for breakfast why not add some tomatoes and mushrooms to fill it out? If you are having pasta for dinner, you can add a whole variety of different vegetables or salad to the meal.

Stay Active:

During the winter months, it is very easy to want to be at home more and snuggled up watching TV. A lot of people normally reduce the amount of exercise they do in winter. You don’t have to go to the gym to work out, you can still do it in the comfort of your own home. There are hundreds of thousands of videos online of different workouts for different levels. You can also make use of the sunlight you have in the mornings and go for a walk or run around your local park. Staying active is beneficial for your health and well-being as when you exercise your body gives you a chemical which makes you feel happy, so exercise is great for improving a blah mood too.

Be in a sunny state of mind all winter long with the tips above. Make necessary preparations now to enjoy a stress free holiday season!

Featured Image By: Pexels

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Sep24

Clothing Staples For Your Wardrobe

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Clothing Staples For Your Wardrobe

Creating the perfect wardrobe for you is something that takes time. Unless you’re a celebrity, literally no one is buying an entire closet full of clothes in one shopping trip! Today, we are going to explore three different components of day to day life and the clothing you need to make it work:

Work:

Clothing that is appropriate for work is completely dependent on where you work, of course!

  • If you work at an animal shelter, clothing that moves well and is comfortable is the way to go like stretch jeans, leggings, and light long sleeved tops.
  • If you work at a restaurant or a grocery store and are in and out of the freezer constantly, a cozy cardigan should help the cause just fine. (And, if your freezer system at work is on the fritz, consider walk-in fridge repair for businesses to assist!)
  • In an office setting, you might want to opt for smart, professional clothing like blazers, slacks, blouses, or pencil skirts. Don’t forget a sharp pair of oxfords or kitten heels to complete the look!

Think about where you work and plan accordingly. Is the temperature comfortable or can it get a little warm or chilly? What are your coworkers wearing? Is there a dress code? This will all help you make the right decision on work appropriate attire.

Play:

You might not have much of a choice in what you can wear for work but play attire is a totally different story! Clothing for running errands, hanging out with friends, or a date should be all about what makes you feel confident. These are going to be key pieces in your play wardrobe’s arsenal:

  • A great pair of jeans is a definite must. A great pair of jeans with big pockets is even better! Skinny, boot cut, flare, or high waisted – a pair of jeans can be dressed up or down for whatever the occasion. Knowing your measurements can be a huge help when it comes to shopping for bottoms and can save you many a back and forth trip from the fitting rooms.
  • Statement jackets can turn an ordinary outfit into something special. Moto jackets with patches are always fun and edgy while a classic trench coat is a timeless piece. From sophisticated in a peacoat or sassy in a faux fur number, throwing on a jacket is an ideal option when you don’t feel like styling a look!
  • No matter if your style is simple or total fashionista, everyone should have at least one bold “look at me” top in their wardrobe. This is the perfect opportunity to play with patterns, bright colors, and unique shapes. If you are uncomfortable with something so loud on top, a patterned skirt is a great way to dip your toes in the water.

Leisure:

We can be so focused on work or play clothing that we tend to forget about pieces that are made purely for comfort. I am definitely guilty of this and my life changed for the better when I allowed myself to purchase pajamas and sweatpants! 😀

  • Leggings and sweats are the best for lounging at home, working out, or even going out and about in a sporty chic look. Leggings will also come in handy when it’s cold because they can easily be worn under your jeans. If you like to work out outside, be sure to invest in some hi vis jackets for your safety.
  • Wrapping yourself up in a snuggly, chunky cardigan is so comforting on a brisk day or when you’re curled up on the couch. Accessorize with a cup of tea to complete the look!
  • Cute pajama sets feel so luxurious, especially if it is something that you normally wouldn’t buy. Treat yourself to some new PJs and a matching robe and hit the hay like royalty.

Complete every aspect of your day in style with the tips above!

Jul25

Flower Power OOTD

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Flower Power OOTD

Hello! One of my favorite hang outs in July was when mine and Johnny’s friend, Shannon, stayed with us for a weekend. Shannon is an excellent photographer and made the trip from Marietta to photograph Johnny’s band, The Outside Voices, when they played at Musica in Akron. He was also kind enough to snap some shots of yours truly after the show was over! Take a look at some exclusive pics from my Flower Power OOTD:

Who? What? Wear?

My Flower Power OOTD was one that I felt insanely confident in and it feels so good to get all done up and go out with my husband after a long year and change indoors. When Johnny plays shows inside or out in the summertime, it is usually really hot so I like to sport something that is both cool and comfortable while still being cute, of course! This look featured all of the three Cs to the T and I had myself a little superstar moment being photographed at the concert venue.

What I love about this OOTD is its testament to my Summer Wardrobe Refresh. I stand firm in saying that you only need a few new pieces with each season change to keep your wardrobe looking and feeling new. My Flower Power outfit is a perfect example of this because while the skirt is brand new, the top and shoes are both at least six or more years old! Just one new piece in this OOTD had two over half a decade old items feeling like I was wearing them for the first time because they were styled in such a different way.

Another thing that I really enjoy about the Flower Power look is the monochrome palette. No abrupt pops of color in the black and white clothing meant for a long, lean silhouette and I felt ten feet tall rather than five foot one! While no one appreciates a good pop of color more than Lil Red, a minimal color palette like the one seen above can be just as effective.

Something I always mention in OOTD posts is styling a look that makes the eyes dance. This can be achieved by playing with color and accessories. In the Flower Power outfit’s case, however, it came from showing some skin in just the right places. From the peep toe heels to the peek a boo top, this look had enough going on so that one main area wasn’t the focal point of the entire outfit. I like to think people’s eyes were doing the Tango when I stepped out in my Flower Power OOTD!

What is the oldest item you have in your wardrobe? How do you refresh your wardrobe with the season changes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul5

Celebrity Pink Shorts

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Celebrity Pink Shorts

Hi! Today, we are going to be wrapping up my clothing haul from TJMaxx by discussing some shorts by Celebrity Pink. Then, tomorrow, it is onto all things skin care, makeup, and a whole lot of Face Mask Festivities so keep checking back in for more of the latest and greatest. 😀

When my mom and I had our TJMaxx trip, I was really hoping to find a new laundry hamper as well as another pair of shorts. My old hamper has been falling apart from the bottom and I only have two shorts from American Eagle that I had just been alternating every day lol. Needless to say, I definitely needed another pair! I asked the TJMaxx gods and I received with a woven wood hamper and a pair of Celebrity Pink shorts. (#blessed) Now, let’s get to it:

During my shopping, I found the TJMaxx shorts selection to be lackluster at best and struggled to find anything in my size and a mid rise. For those of you who don’t know, high waisted shorts just aren’t my thing and it is so difficult to find a regular pair of mid rise anything in a sea of high waisted. When I had all but given up, I found my Celebrity Pink shorts tucked away on the rolling rack and hoped for success because it was the only pair that I thought might work.

I was so relieved once I tried these shorts on and they fit like a glove, especially because of the junior’s sizing. My Celebrity Pink shorts hit slightly above my natural waist and were short without feeling overly revealing and I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I was also a huge fan of the medium wash of the shorts too since my only two other pairs are black and dark wash. Variety is the spice of life, as they say. 😀

I love everything about my new shorts but the coolest part is that they are made out of recycled fibers from plastic water bottles! I didn’t even notice this on the tag until I was taking blog pics at home and thought that was the neatest thing. Celebrity Pink delivered on the “Honey” style shorts and they are eco-friendly, to boot. GREAT SUCCESS!

What are some other eco-friendly brands? What is your preferred rise for shorts and pants? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul4

Luna Moon Peasant Blouse

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Luna Moon Peasant Blouse

Hello! Today we are going to discuss a mustard yellow peasant blouse by Luna Moon found during my TJMaxx Haul with my mom. I have never been a huge fan of peasant blouses. However, when I saw this top in one of my favorite colors along with a brightly embroidered pattern, I just had to give it a shot. This Luna Moon number will be ideal during the fall and cooler summer evenings and I can’t wait to rock it! Let’s get to it:

Nine times out of ten, I have found that peasant blouses legit look like maternity tops on me. My latest purchase is the one exception and that is, actually, thanks to a detail that I normally despite: The tied waist. This is just my personal preference but I cannot stand tops on me that tie at the bottom and I didn’t realize that was the case with my blouse until I tried it on.

This problem was quickly solved by simply tucking it into my shorts and it looked so much better. Tucking the top solved the tie waist issue as well as eradicated the flowiness that, more often than not, makes me look slightly preggo! You guys probably all think I sound crazy but I think everyone has a style of clothing that they refuse to wear for a silly (And more than likely, untrue!) reason lol. 

Now, finally, let’s talk about this Luna Moon blouse in actuality because I think it is quite stunning. We all know Lil Red loves mustard yellow but what takes it over the top, if you will, is the gorgeous embroidery. The blue, red, orange, and white pop so well against the mustard yellow and it has also opened my eyes to color combinations that I have never thought of before. Who knew turquoise and mustard could look so good together? Not I. Luna Moon did, though!

While this top will work during a mild summer day, I think it will be perfect for fall. Tucking it into skirts with thick tights and high waisted jeans will definitely be the move. As well as the shorts and tights combo that I am particularly fond of.

My new peasant blouse took me out of my comfort zone but that is what was so fun about the TJs trip I had with my mom. We both tried things that we normally would shy away from and the reward from the fashion risk made it so worth it. Here’s to taking risks with fashion for all in the future because you might just find your new favorite thing!

Is there a specific shape of clothing that you refuse to wear? How do you take fashion risks? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Jul3

Rachel Zoe Tank Top Set

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Rachel Zoe Tank Top Set

Hi! Lil Red loves ultra unique statement pieces, which means that more basic items often get overlooked in my wardrobe. What is lacking in essentials is made up for with a bunch of crazy shoes, though lol! While I always mean to get closet must haves while shopping like tanks and neutral options, it never quite works out that way. Until my trip to TJMaxx with my mom, that is.

At TJs, I found the literal best tank tops I have ever worn by Rachel Zoe. My only regret? That I didn’t get a backup of the set of two that I purchased! Check it out:

When I first saw this black and white tank top set, I just had to try it on. Normally, I would acknowledge the cuteness of these tanks and move on. However, I loved the convenience of the set of two, the ribbing, and the thick straps. Peek a boo bra straps are always an issue for me and knowing that it wouldn’t be a problem with these tanks made me eager to give them a shot. Who wants to adjust themselves all summer long? Pas moi!

I wasn’t expecting to feel so good in just a tank top but I really was blown away as soon as I had it on in the fitting room. These Rachel Zoe tanks fit like a dream and are quite slimming thanks to the vertical stripes and ribbing. The tank flattered my body without feeling too tight and there were no bra straps to be seen. 😀

Rachel Zoe clearly drew inspiration from a classic wife beater but she turned it on its head and made it *fashion*. The shorter length, tighter fit, and ribbing all helped the cause. However, the best part of these tanks is the appearance of the material. In my opinion, it almost looks sweater like when it is really just rayon! My new tanks will definitely help me stay cool this summer while still making me feel chic and I never thought I would say that about a basic piece before.

It has been brutally hot in Ohio these past several days with temperatures in the nineties and I have already made great use of my purchase because of it. These essential tanks are universally flattering while still having a little something extra to them and I am so there for it. Like I said, I wish I bought two sets and I highly recommend them!

What are some essential must haves in your wardrobe? How do you add spice to basic pieces? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Jul2

Rebellion Again Mustard Yellow Kimono

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Rebellion Again Mustard Yellow Kimono

Hi! During the pandemic, I really didn’t do too much online clothing shopping. It’s not like Johnny and I were going anywhere and I didn’t want to deal with the hassle of making inevitable in store returns. While I bought a few odds and ends, I found that I played it pretty safe with my purchases so I wouldn’t have to make a separate trip for pieces in the “no” pile.

Given the circumstances, this method worked. However, we all know that the last thing Lil Red likes to do when it comes to fashion is play it safe! That is why my past few shopping outings with myself, my mom, and best gal Danielle were so much fun. It felt amazing to be able to actually try clothing on in store and experiment with shapes and colors that I normally wouldn’t pick for myself.

Thanks to my recent hauls, I would consider my wardrobe perfectly refreshed for summer. The fashion bug continues to bite, though, because all I can think about is how I’m going to style all of these cool new finds. Like this Rebellion Again kimono, for starters:

I found this kimono at TJMaxx when I went with my mom and, originally, didn’t even plan on trying it on because they only had one size – a large. I thought it was going to be way too big but JANE encouraged me to give it a shot anyways and I’m glad she did because it fit just right! I have never owned anything like this breezy little number before and I think it is so unique.

As always, when it comes to anything mustard yellow, I fall in love with it pretty quickly because it is one of my favorite colors to wear other than black. Paired with the cream stitching, this kimono screams summer and I can picture myself throwing it on to go to the pool, work, and just about anywhere! Whether paired with simple shorts and a tank top or over a maxi dress for a boho vibe, I think it will transform any outfit into a statement.

The details and colors of my new Rebellion Again kimono are gorgeous but the best part of it is, easily, the fabric. The mustard yellow part is all mesh and I have never seen anything like that before. I love the contrast between the gauzy material and thick stitching and it is a light as a feather option even on a super hot day. I cannot wait to wear it ASAP!

What are your favorite colors to wear? How do you like to make fashion statements? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul1

Moon & Madison Knit Tank

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Moon & Madison Knit Tank

Hi! Shopping at TJMaxx with my mom this past week has been one of the highlights of my year – and getting married, of course! We had not had a mother/daughter TJs outing since before the pandemic and we picked up right where we left off so long ago. Walking into TJMaxx together felt like finally coming home after a vacation and we each left with an awesome haul of clothes, skin care, and home goods. My mom also found two cute new pairs of sandals which made my inner shoe diva so proud!

We were both able to refresh our summer wardrobes and I think I am well set for the season now. I am so happy with all of my purchases and can’t wait to sport this little Moon & Madison number ASAP:

I recently bought a knit tank at Dry Goods thanks to inspiration from Facebook ads and when I saw my new Moon & Madison top at TJs, I just had to try it on. I loved that it was cropped as my Thread & Supply one is much longer and, most importantly, I loved being able to show support to my friends in the LGBTQ+ community. It also shows support to myself, as well, because I am bisexual!

lifewithlilred is a page that celebrates and embraces all of the wonderful things that make us different and I am a safe person to anyone who may need to talk. My inbox is always open and I am just an email, comment, or Facebook message away. You can find me at: Sarah Mushenheim or email me at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com . I encourage everyone to live their life in color and with a little bit of red too! ❤

Who is your shopping partner in crime? What is something about you that you are proud of? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun28

Red By BKE Date Night Top

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Red By BKE Date Night Top

Hello! During my recent trip to Summit Mall with my friend, Danielle, she suggested shopping at Dry Goods and it was a huge success. Prior to my Altar’d State haul at the end of May, I had not been to the mall in years so I thought it best for Danielle to lead the way. We ended up in one of her favorite stores, Buckle, and I walked away with a gorgeous date night top by Red By BKE. Check it out:

When I first saw this top, I fell in love immediately and I also knew that Johnny would love it too. We both heavily favor the color black in our wardrobes and this little number actually reminded me of my black wedding dress! I had a feeling that my purchase was going to work well for me but I was blown away by how fabulous it was when I tried it on.

I would consider this top to be one of the sexiest that I own and, originally, I had a slight fear that it was going to be too much. However, once I tried it on, I felt completely chic. While the black lace is, indeed, sexy it is counterbalanced with only the lace from the shoulders up being sheer. This left no part of me feeling exposed, which made me feel incredibly comfortable in it.

My new top is form fitting and, as a bustier girl, I tend to shy away from curve hugging clothes. The genius of the design by Red By BKE eased that self consciousness, though! The opaque striping throughout the top makes your eyes dance rather than focus on just one part and it made me feel really confident. I also love that there is striping on the sheer lace placed exactly where your bra straps would be so I can get away with wearing a cleverly disguised black bra.

I am so happy with my buy from Buckle and I feel awesome in it. To me, it is the perfect balance of sex appeal and sophistication and it’s cool to see myself in that light because it is so different from what is in my closet. I can’t wait to wear this for the next date night with my husband!

What makes you feel confident? How would you style this top? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun26

Dry Goods Haul: Thread & Supply Knit Tank Edition

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Dry Goods Haul: Thread & Supply Knit Tank Edition

Hello! When it comes to Facebook ads, all of the ones that show up on my newsfeed are from different clothing websites – some of which I’ve never even heard of. Unfortunately, my awful experience with my wedding heels has completely turned me off from shopping with Facebook ad sites again. That doesn’t mean I can’t look, though, and I always find myself scrolling through the ads anyways for fashion inspo.

One website’s ads (Which I couldn’t tell you the name of now) featured a ton of cute knit tanks and sweater vest style tops. I loved all of them and was so happy to have found a similar knit tank in Dry Goods when I went to Summit Mall. Check it out:

When shopping in Dry Goods, I immediately noticed this tank on an end cap. It was paired over a T-shirt and it was just what I had been wanting so into the try on pile it went. While there were a ton of clothes I liked to try on, I was really hoping that this Thread & Supply tank would work well. I had been picturing something like it in my wardrobe for at least a month now and was insanely relieved when I knew it was a for sure purchase as soon as it was on.

My new top is, of course, totally charming with the multicolored pastel stripes but its versatility it what makes it the most appealing to me. During the summertime, wearing your arms bare is perfectly acceptable. However, it can be used in every season thanks to the possibility of layering. Throwing this over a form fitting sweater and pairing with a mini skirt and knit tights will, without a doubt, be the move in the winter.

After my shopping session in Dry Goods, I walked away with this tank and the Blu Pepper sweater featured yesterday. I also just had to grab one more little treat at the cash wrap:

There was a jar of computer and bumper stickers at the cash register for a dollar and when I saw the “Darlin'” one, I couldn’t say no because it’s my husband’s pet name for me! I stuck it onto my laptop as soon as I got home and it makes me smile every time I see it. 🙂

I am very pleased with all of my purchases from Dry Goods and definitely plan on shopping there in the future for a fall wardrobe refresh!

Have you ever ordered anything off of social media ads before? What was your experience? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah