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!

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3184070

#stitchfix

Glossybox April 2014

I decided a few weeks ago I really wanted to give Glossybox a try after reading some great reviews on other blogs.  It is a $15/month box but often includes full sized items (yea! :-)

To prevent our home from overflowing from any more samples than it already is, this meant I decided to discontinue my Ipsy subscription.  This is actually the April Glossybox, but I received it on May 9.  Here is my very first Glossybox!

Relax Body Creme by Aqua Spa (sample value $1.78, full size: $8)

I'm definitely in good shape in the lotion department for a while.  This has a nice lavender scent.

Super Gloss in Vanilla Pink by Bellapierre Cosmetics (FULL SIZE: $24.50)

This is a great shade of lip gloss!  It's not too "peachy" nor is it too sticky.  And of course it's extra nice to have a full sized tube!

Caldrea Body Wash (sample size: $1.57, full size: $18)

I like this company and do enjoy using different scented body washes to perk me up first thing in the morning.  The lime scent of this body wash definitely accomplishes just that.

Ciate London Paint Pot (FULL SIZE: $15)

While sparkly, bright orange is not a color I would usually choose at the nail salon, I think this will a lot of fun to wear this summer.

Eyeshadow Sealer/Base by Lasplash Cosmetics (FULL SIZE: $9)

I love that this is the third full size item in the box, but I don't need eyeshadow base at the moment (a little always goes a long way).  This will go in the trade/gift pile.  

I'm very satisfied with the items in my first glossybox and I can't wait to see what is included in future boxes.  The total value of the box is around $52 AND includes 3 full sized items.  I think making the switch is going to be worth it…

#glossybox

Birchbox May 2014

Now to review the box that started it all - birchbox.  The theme for May's Birchbox is "freewheeling" which means the samples are supposed to tie in to enjoying the spring sunshine.  The box also contains a $25 off coupon for Kate Spade Saturday items.  Here is my May box:

Silver Eyeliner by Cynthia Rowley Beauty (sample value: $12, full size: $16)

I love eyeliners and am always open to trying new colors.  Silver is a new one for me.  It's a very smooth formula but this metallic shade was too much for me.  I did a light application on my lower eyelids and I looked like an extra from Cirque du Soleil.  It was definitely fun to try, but this won't be a look you'll see my wearing.  Too bad I didn't get another color.  

Spa Therapy Body Lotion by Gilchrist & Soames (sample value: $2.53, full size: $15)

The scent of this lotion is "sea fennel" and it's not too overpowering.  This will be a great lotion to travel with.

BB Cream Golden Glow by Marcelle (sample value: $4.72, full size: $27)

This BB cream has a very smooth matte finish which I love.  The problem for me with this product is the lack of SPF.  I'll use the sample for evenings out, but the lack of SPF will prevent me from adding this to my daily routine.

Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner by Number 4 High Performance Hair Care

(shampoo: sample value: $4, full size: $34, conditioner: $0.26, full size: $36)

Unfortunately still not excited by shampoo/conditioner samples.  Especially if they come in foil packets.  :-(

All-in-One Gummy Vitamins for Adults (sample value: $0.33, full size $30)

I already take a multivitamin, so I don't really have a need for these.

Unfortunately this was a slightly disappointing month for my birchbox.  These boxes are usually hit or miss but usually there is at least one item I'm excited about.   The overall value of the samples is around $20 which is a great value for the $10 price tag and it did enable me to try new things.  It would be pretty unrealistic for me to expect the best box ever every month.  ;-)

What did other people get in their birchboxes this month?

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

#birchbox

Popsugar Must Have May 2014

My May boxes all arrived pretty much on the same day so I have a little bit of "box backlog", but this post is going to get me back on track.  The Popsugar Must Have box is always my most diverse box. After such an amazing April box, I was super excited to see what the "must have" items would be for May.  Here is my May box:

Must Have Beauty

Smell Bent St. Tropez Dispenser (retail: $45)

You know how the swim suit models in the Victoria's Secret catalog not only look perfect in their swim suits but also have perfect hair and makeup while rolling around in the sand?  We'll I imagine this is what they would smell like.  The scent is a mix of coconut and a soft perfume.  It's perfect for a summer day and doesn't smell like sunscreen.  Love it!

Must Have Home

Zing Anything Citrus Zinger (retail: $17)

I've now started always making sure it carry a water bottle with me during the day to make sure I stay hydrated.  This bottle has the added bonus of a citrus juicer on the bottom to directly infuse your eater with orange, lemon, or lime.  Lemon water will be perfect to enjoy regularly now that the weather has warmed up!

Kerry Cassill Eye Mask (retail: $24)

Hmmm - I can't say I have much need for an eye mask.  The pattern is cute but I don't see myself ever using this.  It will go to the gift/trade pile.  (Btw, if anyone ever would like to be gifted any of items in this pile, please let me know! :-)

Must Have Beauty

Obsessive Compulsive Pool Boy Nail Lacquer (retail: $10)

Lots of nail polishes lately, but I really like this shade of blue.  It's very summery but not too bright. 

Must Have Fitness

Tone It Up DVD (retail: $15)

This is a workout by the ladies from the Bravo TV show "Toned Up."  I'm not really big on working out in my apartment (aka jumping around in a small space) nor do I ever really watch DVDs.  The workout has good ratings online, so hopefully I'll be able to find a good home for it. 

Must Have Food

Hi I'm Skinny Multi-Grain Sweet Onion (retail: $4)

If Sunchips and Funyuns got together and had a baby it would be these delicious snacks.  They have fewer calories than similar snacks and are super light and crispy.  Yum!

While I didn't love this box as much as Aprils's, it still has a great value (~$115) and I will enjoy the fragrance, snacks, and water bottle a lot.  I also think they did a great job putting together a box of summer items.  What did other people think of May's box?

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

#popsugar

#popsugarmusthave

Rocksbox #15

Due to one of my earrings getting lost from my last set, I decided to switch it out right away. The team at rocksbox was very sweet about not charging me for the lost earring when I explained what happened which is much appreciated.  :-)  I love how the sets can be changed out as frequently as you like during the monthly membership.    Here are the items in this 15th set.

Gemstone Necklace in Sapphire by Charlene K (retail: $110, member's price: $88)
I like the deep blue color of this necklace and the size is nice for daily wear.  The price definitely seems a little on the high side to be purchased, but that's ok since I'll be sending it back once I've worn it a few times.  That's the fun part about rocksbox!  :-)

Diana Bracelet by Urban Gem (retail: $86, member's price: $68.80)
This is my favorite item in the box.  I'm usually not much of a pearl person, but I really like this bracelet.  I have some events I'll be dressing up for on the horizon and this will be a perfect compliment.

Lark Earrings by Gamine (retail: $39, member's price: $31.20)
There is nice movement in these earrings and they aren't too large.  I'm going to be EXTRA careful both stay on my ears when I wear them! ;-)

Overall this is a good set.  I'll definitely wear all three of the pieces the next coming weeks, but don't love anything enough to want to keep it.

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

#rocksbox

Rocksbox #14

It was another quick turn around for this rocks box set.  Here is what I received in box #14:

Ophelia Cocktail Ring in Chrysoprase by Margaret Elizabeth (retail: $148, member's price: $118.40)

This is a pretty ring that I'm sure I'll enjoy wearing it for a little while.  As far as cocktail rings go, I like that the size of the stone is noticeable but not ridiculously large.  The price seems super high so it will be fun to wear for a little bit without the commitment of keeping it.

Sunburst Bangle in White by House of Harlow 1960 (retail: $68, member's price: $54.40)
Lots of great detail on this bracelet.  The white color will make it nice to pair with warmer weather outfits. 

Hoops on Hoops Earrings by Urban Gem (retail: $28, member's price: $22.40)
These earrings are a little larger than I usually wear, but I love how fun and dangly they are.  Unfortunately one disappeared on my way to brunch today (D noticed I was only wearing one :-( ) so I'm going to have to let Rocksbox know. 

This isn't my favorite box, and now since I've lost one of the earrings I'll probably return this box pretty soon.  Let's see what's in my next set!

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

#rocksbox

Stitch Fix #7

Now that the weather is starting to warm up (finally!) I was REALLY hoping stitch fix came through with some great summer items.  My stylist this time was "Kyle." Here is how stitch fix #7 turned out.

Lynx Striped Hooded Knit Cardigan by Splendid 

This piece is SUPER soft and I'm sure would be great for layering during the warmer months.  It's cute but I don't really love it.   I would have liked it better if there was a way to close it (a belt tie even).  It was also the most expensive item in the box.  Status: Returned

Nima Swiss Dot Cinched Waist Silk Blouse

I really love the apricot color of this blouse.  It has a unique shape and it's great that it has an attached cami underneath.  This will be perfect for workdays and will also go great with jeans.  Status: Kept

Benni Dotted Striped Knit Shirt by Tart

I didn't like this shirt and the fit was oddly very big.  The dresses by Tart have have been a win but I have not been impressed by the shirts.  Status: Returned

Audry Lace Fit and Flare Dress by Mystree

This dress was really pretty and was a great price.  I usually stay away from all white but this was slightly cream and would have been perfect for summer.  Unfortunately it was torn right at the waistline.  Status: Returned

Evah Crochet Detail 3/4 Blouse by Ezra

WHOHOO!!!!  Finally an amazing blouse that is flow-y that has a nice shape to it.  The color is gorgeous AND it's not see-through!  It's perfect spring.  Status: Kept

This was by far my favorite fix yet.  If the dress hadn't been damaged, I would have kept 3 items but I'm super happy with my two new blouses.  I hope Kyle is my stylist for my next fix!

Interested in trying Stitch Fix and updating your spring/summer wardrobe?  Please use my referral link!

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3184070

#stitchfix