Monday, June 23, 2014

Stitch Fix #9

I feel like I can now say I officially have a personal stylist named Kyle.  Here is what she (he?) sent me for my latest stitch fix!

Brook Dot Print Tie-Waist Top by Pomelo
I thought the polka-dot pattern of this top was cute, but the tie made it feel a little costume-y for me.  Status: Returned


Melody Lace Embellished Sleeveless Blouse by Papermoon
This shade of plum is one of my favorite colors.  The shape is flow-y but still has a nice shape to it.  I also really appreciated stitch fix including a white camisole to be worn underneath.  Status: Kept!


Rylee Waist Twisted Maxi Skirt by Ark n Co
You can't really see the detailing of this skirt, but it has a twist over the stomach area and a large slit in the front.  There is a shorter skirt underneath.  If I didn't already have a long black maxi skirt I wear for orchestra concerts, this would have been a keeper.  Status: Returned


Justine Abstract Printed Dress by Mystree
This dress is made of a super lightweight fabric that makes it perfect for summer.  I also don't have much red in my wardrobe right now, so this will be a great addition.  Status: Kept


Evian Laser-Cut Hem Tiered Blouse by Pink Martini 
This was my least favorite item.  The blouse didn't have much shape to it and I found the tiers and cut outs a little strange.  Status: Returned


Stitch fix continues to be a fun way for me to gradually build my wardrobe.  I'm very excited about my new blouse and dress especially since I don't think I would have otherwise chosen them for myself if I was out shopping.  Since you can schedule fixes at any interval, I've decided to wait until mid-August for my next fix (to leave more room for real shopping this summer ;-)

Interested in trying Stitchfix?  Please use my referral link!  https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3184070

#stitchfix


Saturday, June 21, 2014

Wantable Intimates June 2014

Work has been a little busier lately (which is a good thing!) so I've gotten a little blog backlogged (again).  But now I have the weekend to catch up!  First up - Wantable Intimates 

Wantable is a great service, because it can be a one time purchase ($40) or a monthly subscription ($36).  There are three types of boxes to choose from (accessories, intimates, and make-up) AND its one of the few boxes that will allow to return the box for a full refund if you don't like what it sent.

Here is what arrived in my box this month (minus photos of underwear as requested):

St. Eve Tank (retail $14)
With all the working out I've been doing lately, I can't have too many basic tanks.  This also served as a motivator for me to get rid of some I had in the drawer that have been around a little too long.  I love this lime green color and the fit is great.  


Celine Colorblocked Long Line Bra by real Underwear (retail $38)
Definitely don't have anything like this.  It reminds me of something Lady Gaga would wear.  ;-)

Mix & Match Argyle & Stripes Socks by K. Bell ($15)
These are totally silly but I love them.  They are 10 individual socks in the same color scheme.  Perfect to wear with sneakers or for a yoga class.


Ribbon Lace UP Thong by Honeydew ($14)
Love this brand and style.

This was my favorite intimates box yet.  I've been wearing the socks all week and already gotten a good workout in while wearing the tank.  The value of $81 is much appreciated especially for such high quality items.

Interested in trying Wantable?  Please use my referral! https://www.wantable.com/invite/Uv05LObNMCE

NOTE: All links on this page link to my referral page

#wantable
#wantableintimates

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Rocksbox #17

I finally decided to part ways with the beautiful cuff bracelet in my last set since I figured it was time to mix things up.  Very happy that I did :-)  Here is my latest set!

Teardrop Druzy Bangle in Black by Margaret Elizabeth (retail price: $88, member price: $70.40)
I like the neutral color of the stones in this bracelet.  It's not as amazing as last month's bracelet, but I will definitely wear this a lot the next coming weeks. 


Pristine Circle Stud Earrings by Gorjana (retail price: $45, member price: $36)
These are adorable everyday studs that are different from any I have seen before.  The size is perfect and they have just the right amount of sparkle.  There is a chance I don't part of these and I use the credit on my account to make a purchase….


Blythe Necklace in Pine by Loren Hope (retail price: $88, member price: $70.40)
The note from the stylist mentioned she figured it would be fun for me to try a statement necklace again.  I love the deep green color of these stones.  It's great to not have to purchase pieces like this and still be able to incorporate the trend into my style. 


Another great set!  The big decision is going to be if I keep the earrings or not.  In the meantime, I have 3 great pieces to enjoy!

Interested in trying Rocksbox?  Please use my referral link and get $10 off your first month!  http://curebit.com/x/eUs8Yp

Birchbox June 2014

Here is post #2 of getting caught up on the latest deliveries.

The theme for June's Birchbox is "away we go."  There was a cute card of potential vacation destinations listed in the box along with a quiz to figure out "which location would best suit you" since the box has a tie in with JetBlue.  The promo card mentions that the samples this month are "travel ready" but aren't they travel ready every month?  Anyway, here is the box!


Revealed 2 Eye Shadow Palette Set by Coastal Scents (full size: $34, sample size: ?)
I have mixed feelings about this sample.  It's 4 colors (all of which I like) but unfortunately doesn't have an applicator.  I do think it will be perfect to keep in my purse for on the go touch-up since I usually don't have eye shadow with me.


Fresh Feet Wipes by Jasmine Seven (full size: (3 packs of 10) $9.95, sample value: $3.31)
Haha seems to be the month for wipes.  These will come in handy for after a day at the beach.


Folle de Joie Eau de Parfum by Joie (full size: $98, sample size: $1.73)
I don't mind fragrance samples occasionally since they are also great to have when on the go.  This scent is really fresh and flowery.


Super Comb Prep & Protect by Number 4 Hair (full size: $32, sample value: $4.80)
This is my least favorite sample.  I don't really use hair products and seem to get a lot of them as samples.  I will try to trade this.


Everyday SPF 30 with Cellular Response Technology by Supergoop! (full size: $48, sample value: $0.91)
I always need to wear sunscreen.  This small size is perfect to keep in bag at all times for when I'm in a pinch. 


The monetary value of this box is on the low side for birchbox, but I do plan on using most of the items. It's a very affordable subscription ($10 and can redeem about $5 by doing reviews on the website), so the hit-or-miss nature from month to month isn't too disappointing.

Interested in trying Birchbox?  Please use my referral link!  https://www.birchbox.com/invite/vnw45

What items did other people get in their birchbox this month?

#birchbox

Popsugar Must Have June 2014

Here come the June boxes!  It seems like I get a little back logged early in the month when things start to arrive so I'm going to try do do one review daily to get caught up.  I'll start with the first to arrive, Popsugar Must Have.

Here is my box!


Sachajuan Shiny Citrus Body Lotion ($24)
I'm someone that definitely needs to be better at applying lotion daily.  This has a very soft citrus scent.  I might end up giving this as a gift unless I can motivate myself to use this to moisturize daily as I should be doing.



Turkish T Mykonos Breeze Towel ($32)

This is a super light weight towel.  The description says it can also be used as a wrap (seems weird).  I guess it would making for a good blanket for an impromptu day outside since it is small enough to fit in a purse. 



The One & Only by Emily Giffin ($16.52)

Emily Griffin is the queen of chick lit summer beach reads.  I've enjoyed all her other books so far and was excited for this one to be released.  Unfortunately I was so excited for it, I checked it out from the library last week and finished it.  I was actually thinking about doing a post to review this book.  Instead I think I'll post my thoughts below.  Don't read the bottom of this post if you don't want spoilers!!!!  ;-)  I'll be giving this book to a friend to enjoy.  



Lollies Hair Ties ($8) (may be variations)

My hair is in a ponytail almost every day so I have a wide collection of hair ties.  D enjoys finding them all over our apartment.  These are made of swimsuit fabric so they won't stretch out.  They also look cute when wearing them on my wrist.  



You Smell Lemon Verbena Aloe Wet Wipes ($5)

These wipes are designed to allow for freshening up on the go.  Basically they remind me of lemon scented baby wipes.  I do like how they are individually wrapped.  I can see these coming in handy during a full day of excursions.


Native Union Coupon Code ($15)

Eh.  Not really excited by this.  There are some interesting items on the website, but nothing I'm interested in for only $15.  And shipping would be extra.  I won't be using this.


One Potato, Two Potato Hawaiian BBQ Chips ($2)

These sound delicious.  Can't wait to try them!




As I was discussing with a friend yesterday, this is a fun beach themed box but no where near as awesome as the April box.  Like all Popsugar boxes, the value is impressive (~$87 not including the coupon card)  I do really enjoy the variety of items that come month in this subscription and think it's one of the best boxes out there.

Interested in trying Popsugar Must Have?  Please use my referral link!  http://popsu.gr/skOG

#popsugar
#popsugarmusthave

NOTE: All Popsugar links in this post link to my referral page

***SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!***

My Thoughts on "The One and Only"
I was really excited for this book since the description reminded me of "Friday Night Lights" (one of the best TV shows EVER!).  It was a quick read and clearly kept my interest BUT, I'm a little weirded out about how Shea ended up with Coach Carr.  I appreciate the fact that 21 years is not a Hugh Hefner level age difference, but the fact he was a father figure to Shea, for her ENTIRE life, made this pairing seem wrong to me.  There is also the issue that it's her best friend's father.  It also bothered me how a relationship that clearly effected almost every character in the book was so nicely wrapped up and tied with a bow very quickly at the books end.  I've read some other reviews that complained about all the football talk, but I thought it fit well within the novel.

Did anyone finish this book?  Thoughts?

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Trunk Club Summer

D was buying some new items for his summer wardrobe last weekend, and we decided it would be a good time to see what items our Trunk Club stylist, Erin, recommended for summer.  By the end of the week, D's trunk had arrived.  As I've mentioned before, the great things about Trunk Club are that there is no styling fee, the level of personalized service is great, you only pay for any items you keep, and shipping back the items you don't want is super easy.

Here are the items in D's trunk (Elvis wanted to participate in the photo shoot as well):

Walking Shorts by Taylor Vintage 
Slim Fit Ging Richard Shirt by Bonobos
D liked both these items but already owns very similar items from J Crew.  Status: Returned



Slim Fit Pique Polo by Bonobos
D doesn't like polo shirts.  This was information I never knew about my husband until we had this box. It's always nice to learn new things in the subscription box process.  ;-)  Status: Returned


Pensacola Textured Stripe Polo by Billy Reid
Sharpe Short by Jack Spade
Another polo shirt, so D was still not a fan.  The shorts had a good fit, but the fabric was a bit thicker than D likes for shorts.  Status: Returned



Basic Slim Short by Penguin
India Slub Madras EZ ORB by Gant Rugger
There was another pair of these same shorts in lighter blue in the trunk that we didn't photo.  D didn't care for the slim fit or the fabric of the shirt.  Status: Returned



Schooner Boat Shoe by John Varvatos
I thought these would be fun for summer, but D didn't see the point of sneakers without laces when he could be wearing sandals.  Status: Returned



Walking Shorts by Taylor Vintage
The color of these is described as pink but they are really like a bright red.  D didn't think he would get much use out of these.  Status:  Returned



Graduate bangs by A.G.
These pants were made of super soft fabric but had some fancy decorations on the back pockets.  D was not a fan.  Status: Returned



I really liked all the choices Erin sent this time around (I think D looks great in every outfit!), but nothing connected enough with D for him to want to keep anything.  This is the first time we send back an entire box, but it's not worth keeping items that D doesn't plan on wearing.  We'll give it another try in a few months!

#trunkclub

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Glossybox May 2014

I actually really like that my new subscription box, Glossybox, arrives at the end of the month.  If you missed my post about the April box, I decided to subscribe to Glossy and cancel Ipsy.  Glossybox is a little more pricy (usually $21/month), but I signed up via a promotion and get the boxes for $16.  The May box has a tie in with Bergdorf Goodman.

Here is the box!



$25 promotional gift card to Bergdorf Goodman
Wow!  This is an actual gift card and not a coupon code.  I don't usually shop at Bergdorf, but I will definitely find my way there before this expires on June 15.


Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer (full size: $45, sample value: $13.24)
I don't regularly use primer, but I will give this a try especially since it can be used on top of moisturizer/sunscreen. 


Revive Intensite Volumizing Eye Serum (full size: $350, sample value: $70)
I've recently started using eye cream at night (a must now that I am past the big 3-0).  This is definitely a much more expensive variety than I've ever tried.  I wonder if I'll be able to tell the difference...


Alterna Caviar CC Cream (full size: $25, sample value: $8.50)
I remember when leave in conditioner was a popular item.  I'll give this a try and hope it doesn't make my hair look oily.  


Lancer Lift Serum Intense (full size: $275, sample size: $55)
Serum is another item I've been trying to incorporate into my routine lately.  Again, let's see if I can tell the difference between this and my usual Birchbox samples.  


Aerin Beauty Rose Hand & Body Cream (full size: $40, sample size: $4.76)
I love having small hand creams in my bag after so much hand washing during the day.  The scent here is floral but not too strong. 


Sulwhasoo Timetreasure Renovating Cream (full size: $400, sample size: $32)
Also now using night cream.  Excited to try this!


This is definitely my highest value box of all time (~$208 when including the giftcard).  It's nice to try out these high end products and see if I really notice/feel a difference from what I usually use.  I know I would never purchase full size beauty products with these price tags, but it seems like glossybox is going to keep me well supplied for a reasonable cost. :-)

Interested in trying glossybox?  Let me know and I'll send you an invite!!!!

#glossybox

Monday, May 26, 2014

Wantable Intimates April and May 2014

I know everyone has been waiting on the edge of their seats to read the Wantable post I've mentioned was on the way.  Since it's been a while, Wantable is a service that offers three different types of subscriptions: accessories, make-up, and intimates.  Each subscription is $36/month (or $40 for a one time purchase).  A unique feature of this service is the fact that not only each box personalized based off your preferences, it is easy to skip months or even return an entire box for a full refund if you don't like what they send.  I currently subscribe to the intimates box.

In April, I took advantage of the return feature for my box (this was the reason there was no post about it).  It contained, a bra (that didn't fit), some socks (with a pattern that I didn't really care for), a tank top (which I also didn't really care for), and some undies that were pretty cute.  It didn't really make sense to keep a box for a single pair of underwear, so I decided this would be a great month to see how the return feature worked.  After making a request to return the box, I was emailed a pre-paid shipping label to attach to the box before bringing it to the post office.  A few days later, I was refunded my $36.  Such an easy process and a great way to make sure subscribers are totally satisfied.

That brings me to my May box.  The categories I had marked that I "love" were: loungewear, tanks, soft bras, fun/flirty, and brights.  Here are the items I received (while following the request to not post photos of my underwear ;-)  :

Floral Lace Cami by Honeydew (retail: $24)
I love the color of this cami and really like lace back.  It would make for a great pajama top.  Unfortunately I noticed a small hole in the front that will probably get much larger the first time it's washed.  I sent a message to customer service, and they sent a replacement item (see below) since they didn't have more camis in this style in stock.  When I explained the item was damaged, they didn't even request I send it back. 



Ahh Chameleon Seamless Reversible Bra Navy/Turquoise by Rhonda Shear (retail: $24)
Reversible things are the best!  This bra is very comfortable and has been great for yoga/pilates class.



Wantable Seamless Boyshort by Uni Hosiery (retail: $8)
The cut of these is a true boy short design which is unlike other items I own.  I really like the fun pattern too. 


Ruffle Tank by St. Eve (retail: $22)
This tank is super comfortable for lounging/sleeping.  I also love this mint color.


Essential Bliss Cami by Honeydew (retail: $30)
This was my replacement item for the purple cami with the hole.  It arrived about a week after I reported the situation (along with a cute apology note).  The fabric is very soft and comfortable and it's a great replacement item for the other cami.


Between the ease of returning my entire box in April and the efficient replacement of a damaged item this month I am super impressed with the customer service over at Wantable.  The final value of my box (without the purple cami) is $74.  This is an amazing value for the $36 I paid especially when I like all the items so much!

If anyone is looking for a new subscription service, I HIGHLY recommend giving Wantable a try!

Interested in trying Wantable?  Please use my referral link!  https://www.wantable.com/invite/Uv05LObNMCE

NOTE: All links on this page link to my referral page

#wantable
#wantableintimates

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Rocksbox #16

Although the earrings and bracelet from my last set had definitely grown on me, I decided it was time to trade everything out since the point of rocks box is to keep my style fresh.  ;-)

Here is my 16th set!

Henna Statement Cuff by Matterial Fix (retail: $70, member price: $56)
Bracelet's are the jewelry item I wear the least often, but this is the second bracelet in a row I have really liked.  I love how this cuff is delicate with lots of detail but still makes a statement.


Charm Necklace in Onyx by Charlene K (retail: $130, member price: $104)
I don't have any necklaces this long in my collection, so I'm excited to try this style out with solid pattern tops. 


Cushion Cut Ring in Emerald Onyx (retail: $78, member price: $62.40)
I don't really care for this ring.  It's very similar to a piece I received previously (that one was a blue stone), and I had mentioned in my feedback that I "disliked" it.  I'm surprised this item was included in a set.  


I really like the bracelet and necklace in this set, but I do wish I had some earrings!  I'm going to be sure to make that request for my next set….

Interested in trying Rocksbox?  Please use my referral link and get $10 off!  http://curebit.com/x/eUs8Yp

#rocksbox

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Stitch fix #8

It's been a little quiet on the posting front lately but things will be picking up soon as we transition from May to June.  I have a great Wantable post planned to discuss their amazing customer service but I'm waiting until I have the full story to share.

In the meantime, I received my 8th delivery from Stitch fix yesterday.  At the suggestion of other blogs reviewing stitch fix, I decided to mention how much I loved my stylist Kyle from my last fix and how I hoped to have her (him?  not sure) be my stylist again.  I also made sure to update my Pinterest board with styles I like and mentioned that Kate Middleton is my celebrity fashion inspiration (what I really need is to have a royal hairstylist at my disposal, but that's a different issue).  My hope was that by making my tastes as clear as possible, I would continue to find at least one item in the fix to apply the $20 styling fee.  

My request worked!  There was a note from Kyle in the box that mentioned the items she (he?) chose channeled a Kate Middleton vibe.   Here is my latest fix:

Rita Airy Knit Pocket-Front Cardigan by La Made ($54)
This is a cute sweater and like the color, but I don't think it's an item I would wear too frequently.  The knit is also very delicate and I worried it about it snagging very easily.  Status: Returned


Wynn Mixed Dot Print Front Pocket Blouse by Papermoon ($48)
Eh.  This is my least favorite item in the box.  It's not terrible, but I don't see myself ever wearing it.  Status: Returned


Frany Cap Sleeve Cotton Embroidered Hemline Dress by Moon Collection ($28)
Here is a perfect example of a dress that I would never think to try on if I passed it in a store.  It's a perfect daytime summer dress and was extremely comfortable.  It seems very well made for the shocking low price too.  Status: KEPT!


Shakira Lace Sleeve Blouse by Papermoon ($48)
I like this style of blouse, but it was way too tight in the shoulders.  Status: Returned


Tuck Striped Fit and Flare Dress by Katherine Barclay ($88)
If I didn't already own a black/white striped dress, this would have definitely been a keeper.  I love the little yellow belt too.  Status: Returned


Even though I only ended up keeping one item, this was definitely one of my favorite fixes.  What was also interesting was that the prices for the items listed on my print out were a little different (a little higher) than the prices online when I went to check out.  I guess maybe there is a sale of some type going on over at stitch fix?  Or they are lowering prices on some items?  Either way, I'm not complaining.  

Interested in trying Stitch Fix and updating your spring/summer wardrobe?  It's a great way to find out styles that look great that you wouldn't choose for yourself.Please use my referral link!

#stitchfix