what i do + giveaway!

Morning friends! If you've been stopping by LRW for a while, you know more or less what I do outside of blogging (which, at this point, doesn't generate any income for me). However, if you're new around these parts, you might not "get" what it is that I do.

"Stylist" can mean a bunch of different things. Maybe sometimes it has a negative connotation. What I want to do is help you sort out your true style - not my style, and not what anyone in the media says should be your style. How do I do that?

The first way is what I like to call a closet makeover or shopping in your closet. There's probably a better name for it, but I haven't thought of it yet (suggestions welcome!). I come to you, I go through your stuff (NO judgement), very literally, and together we weed out the items you don't wear from the items you do (and subsequently donate or sell). I help you reimagine what you're working with, highlighting great pieces and pairing items together that you haven't considered yet. Basically, it's a party. Let us do it!

The second way is a little more formal and a lot more glamourous. Hire me to style your photoshoot or your outfit for an event / job interview / important day. We'll chat, figure out what you want to do, and I'll come up with a moodboard for the occasion (it will look like this, or this). We'll talk it over, maybe purchase some things, probably take some pieces from your existing wardrobe. I'll revise the board, then we'll finalize the look(s). If you're having a photoshoot, I'm happy to be on set with you (more than happy, I love love love it!) to make sure you look you're best - because DAYUM you're fine!

With all that being said, I'd love to work with you. You can email me at littleredswell AT gmail DOT com for rates. AND, because I love you all so much, I'm giving away a closet makeover today for free! Just leave a comment below with your favorite item in your closet, and I'll select one winner at random on Friday! Can't wait to work with you! xo

image 1 and 3 by Victoria Gloria, image 2 and 4 by Ashley Caroline. all shots above styled by moi!

emmy best dressed and my fall outfit

Good morning friends! I feel obligated to run through a few of my favorites from last night's Emmy Awards, if only to fully appreciate the ladies who shut it down.

There were a lot of good looks last night. I didn't see  a whole lot of dresses I wasn't a fan of, but in no particular order, these were my favorites:

Uzo Aduba in Christian Siriano

How amazing does she look? Everything is perfect from the hair to the makeup to her dress...and that color on her is divine. I adore and respect her work so much, and l love seeing her killing it here.

Julia Roberts in Elie Saab

I'm not a huge fan of Julia Roberts but I love this dress so much. I love the grey navy color, and her legs...please.  The skirt is the perfect length, and neckline is just low enough, and I adore the long sleeves. Bravo, Julia!

Kiernan Shipka in Antonio Berardi

This little lady is FOURTEEN, and she already has the red carpet formula down pat. Her looks are always rounded out and a little retro. She looks amazing here, that's it.

January Jones in Prabal Gurung

I never get tired of seeing January Jones on the red carpet. She is consistently one of my favorites and this look is no exception. This dress could have gone the princess-y route, but I love that she toned the look down with her  bold makeup and casual (I can't think of a better word) hair.

Today I'm officially back to work at my day job and like I said yesterday, I'm excited to be back into a routine (and normal eating habits!). As thankful as I am for this mild summer, I am more than ready to experience fall in all of its crispy splendor. I'm ready for JEANS and layers and layers and oxfords. Tell me, what is your go to outfit for fall?

xoxo

images via Just Jared.

silk for fall

Please excuse that post title - I'm a little rusty over here. I'm so excited to be back and into the swing of things; I can't wait to give you guys some great stuff this week, and before I delve into a vacation recap, I want to show you all what has been on my mind.

As soon as we started wrapping up our stay in Costa Rica, I started thinking about fall. Maybe it's the little Allie in me who used to get so excited for the start of school (after my mom and I went shopping one year I laid out all my new outfits and wrote down which pieces could be mixed and matched), but I love this season change more than any other. At our beach house, there was a little chill in the air during mornings and at night - it's this amazingly bittersweet way to day goodbye to summer.

Anyway, I was browsing around the internets and I came across rag and bone's fall line (if you're a regular here, you know I've been hesitant to acknowledge fall this summer):

Right!? Normally I think of wool and flannel and layers when I think of fall, but this flowy top with the sexy cut out is such a great way to transition. The buffalo check pattern would pair perfectly with a wrinkled button down, slouchy cardigan, and leather jacket. Or throw it on top of a beige turtleneck and a pair of black skinny jeans. Either way, I think I'll be adding some silk into the rotation this fall.

Speaking of skinny jeans - I keep reading about the death of skinny jeans this fall. I resent that comment. It's as if we're all going to wake up on September 1st and spit at the contents of our denim collection. I think, if you like them (as I do!), keep wearing them, and when you feel a pull towards a different style, go for it! Okay, rant done. :)

See you guys tomorrow xoxo

the ultimate packing list

As I've mentioned, Raven and I leave for Costa Rica on SUNDAY! We are so excited, especially with what was a very scary passport snafu behind us! In deciding what to pack for this trip, I wanted to reduce the pieces I bring and just bring better things, and I wanted to share my list with you!

Hope you enjoy!

1. Cozy Workout Wear - Raven and I plan on taking a hike and attending yoga class, so I'm bringing a workout shirt and pants with me. My feet always get cold on planes, so I'll wear my sneaks during the flight.

2. Classic every day outfits - I plan on spending 95% of the trip in my bathing suit, but for lunches / exploring, etc, I'm bringing one classic tee / one graphic tee, and 2 pairs of jean shorts. Bandana is for sunny days / sweaty brow / looking good in general.

3. I wish I could pack this little guy. He hopped up while I was shooting this and I didn't have the heart to make him get down.

4. Turkish Towel - I'm so excited about bringing this to the pool and the beach, and will be using it to keep warm on the plane!

5. Tieks! Paramount for comfort, I'll put these on when we land / where them around the resort. They're great for walking and look how nicely they fold up!

6. Bikini - I only have one, so this year I sprang and purchased one by Norma Kamali, which is the epitome of classic, and is super flattering.

7. Sandals - I'm sure I'll dress up for dinner one night, and I'll wear these when I do. Aren't they the perfect summer sandal? (not pictured- Birks!)

8. Fancy Dinner Outfit - I'm on the fence as to whether or not I bring a dress on this trip. These flowy pants from target and simple backless tank would be the perfect amount of sexy, but part of me wants to bring a dress. We'll see!

9. Unmentionables - I'm bringing one nude strapless, one lacy bralette, and the best thongs. I put them all in a zippered pouch for travel, then put the dirty pairs back in the pouch over the course of the trip.

Aside from the above, I'll be bringing the following:

- Sunblock

- Bronzer

- Eyeliner

- Creamy Lipstick

- Moroccan Oil

- Antibiotics, Benadryl and Tylenol (I'm insane but you never know!)

- Hand Sanitizer

- Snacks to bring to the beach

I'm so excited! Oh, and I dyed my hair...check it out!

It's definitely crazy bright and will take some getting used to but I love it. What do you think?

Happy Thursday! xoxo

vacation's all i ever wanted

dress // hat // tote // sandals // scarf

This weather is killin' me! Actually, it's kind of cozy, and it's making me so thankful that Raven are escaping to warmer climes on Sunday. I can't stop thinking about our upcoming trip, and as I was wandering the web this morning, mentally making note of all the cute pieces I don't have for my trip, I realized it's been a while since I put together a moodboard for you all!

Doesn't this dress just look like a big hug? It's one of those multi-use items in your suitcase; from cover up to dinner dress, it's perfect (also let's be honest - nightgown). I'm not a fan of hats at the beach, which is silly because I'm essentially allergic to the sun, but I thought this hat was different in the sweetest way.

Tell me, what are your vacation wishes? I'll be back tomorrow with my packing list and tips...looking forward to seeing you then!

xoxo