Monday, August 25, 2014

Golden Tote August 2014

Rating: Love It!!!!
Cost: $49 or $149/tote (I'm reviewing the $49 tote)

I received my Golden Tote last week. I bought a $49 tote this month, in an effort to save money this month, because I am starting graduate classes to get my MBA. But...there were some cute surprise items and I ended up buying more from the Golden Tote Trading Group Facebook site. I will review my tote and the items I purchased.

For August Golden Tote collaborated with Merrick from Merrick's Art, so the tote bag design changed. I love this one and am so happy they are changing the design so frequently!



And here is a picture of what was inside my $49 tote. Generally the $49 tote has your chosen item and one surprise item. 


My chosen item this month was designed by Merrick, the paisley swing dress. I love this dress belted and without a belt. I actually wore it to work today with a cardigan, because my office is always freezing. It fits great and is so comfortable, plus I love the longer sleeve and length! This will get a lot of wear through the fall. You may remember me saying last month that I wasn't a fan of paisley, but for some reason I fell in love with this dress. And I did not want to take it off at the end of the day!



The item I received as a surprise in my tote was a Fantastic Fawn dolman long sleeved top in navy with crochet detail down the back. I did not like this shirt on me because I am not crazy about dolman sleeves, so I ended up putting this up for sale or trade on the Golden Tote Trading Group. So, this shirt has already moved on to a better home. It was really soft and comfortable, just totally not my style and I knew I wouldn't wear it.



Those were the 2 items I received in the $49 tote and the following items are pieces I purchased from the Golden Tote Trading Group.

Ok, now for the items I couldn't resist this month, that were surprises in others' totes. The first was this Potter's Pot striped sweatshirt blazer in blue. When I saw this I knew I had to have it! It's so comfortable, but looks pulled together, so I'll be wearing this to work. It's open in front, but I decided to pin it, so it would stay closed and look even more like a blazer. I'll probably wear it pinned and open for more casual looks! I love this and wish it came in solid colors too.


Another surprise item was this Priddy by Puella striped dress. I bought the grey/white stripe, but this dress came in various colors, including solids. This dress ran a little large, but I bought my normal size anyways (I have a habit of shrinking things) and it is a little big on me. I wasn't crazy about it on myself, because the slouchy pockets in the front made my hips look large. I'm already small on top, so the large hips did not look right. I decided to style it with a cardigan and belt and I like this look better. It will be perfect for work, but I'm still not completely sold on this dress for me. It looked great on everyone, so I wanted it, but just not sure on me. I'm still thinking this one over and may have to re-trade or sell it if I don't wear it within the month.


This is what the dress looks like without the cardigan and belt. Cute, but not on my body.



The final item I had to have this month, was this Cut + Sew Paisley Dress. I love the high low hem and this is so light and breezy. It fits perfectly, but is quite sheer, so I'm wearing a black slip dress underneath (the one I received from Golden Tote with my Woo Kaftan dress, a few months back). I know what you're thinking, I did say I didn't like paisley, but this dress was just perfect! I really do love this print. It's like an abstract paisley in the brightest, happiest colors! This looks summery, but I will be making this work for fall with boots and sweaters, because I love this dress. This was my favorite item from the purchases I made of the surprises in August!



I went a bit overboard this month buying items from the trading group, so I'm really going to try to cut back for September. We'll see how it goes. What was your favorite piece from the August Golden Tote?!?

*This subscription was purchased and financed by me, unless noted otherwise. Posts may contain referral links and I totally appreciate it when you use them!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Birchbox August 2014

Rating: Love It!!!!
Cost: $10/month

I love everything in my Birchbox this month! The theme for this month's box was "Lighten Up". "Here's to keeping cool and laughing our way into fall." And just about every month Birchbox gives subscribers the option to add on items. I usually never do, but this month I couldn't resist one of the items. I tried, but then I kept looking at it and looking at it and I knew I needed it. So, I'll review that too! And since I ordered an add on my box shipped in a large box!!!


This is what was inside.


I'll talk about my add on item first. It is the Chloe + Isabel Exclusive Modern Angle Short Pendant Necklace. It was designed in NYC exclusively for Birchbox! When I saw pictures of the necklace with blue and champagne crystals, I knew I had to have it. I'd never heard of Chloe + Isabel, so I wasn't sure what to expect. How cute is the little drawstring bag it came in?!? I knew when I saw it, I made the right choice to add it on! It came with a cute card including details about the necklace.


I went a bit crazy taking pictures (because I'm in love with this necklace)!!! And I couldn't resist the bird bag.


Here is a close up of  the crystals and chain. It's very nice quality and I love the colors!!!


My favorite part! How cute is the little bird on the chain?!? It even has a crystal for the eyes. Sorry I'm raving on and on, I really like this one!!!


And here I'm wearing it with my horseshoe necklace (which I haven't taken off, since I received it in a Popsugar Must Have box). This necklace is the perfect size for me and has just the right amount of sparkle, plus I'm a total fan of blue! I promise this was the last picture of the necklace. Isn't it lovely though?!?


Now onto my regular Birchbox for August.


Birchbox always includes an information card detailing all the items included in the box. And the other side of the card describes the theme for the month "Lighten Up".



Here's a look at what I received.


The first sample I received and the product that stood out most in the box was Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo. I love the packaging on this and was excited to try it. It smelled like hairspray when I first sprayed it, but then it left the prettiest scent in my hair. I think this might be my favorite dry shampoo because of the scent and packaging! And it worked well, leaving no residue.


The next sample I received was Dr Jart+ Dis-A-Pore Beauty Balm. I don't ever expect these products to work, but this one really made my pores smaller and my skin prettier. It blended in nicely to my fair skin and didn't feel heavy. It also kept my skin from looking greasy all day (even in the heat). I will continue to use this and might have to buy the full size.


I also received ModelCo Shimmer Bronzer. This month Birchbox let subscribers choose one of their samples and this was my choice. I love bronzer and I was hoping this wouldn't be too shimmery on my skin. Plus I like this brand, based on other products I've tried. It provided a subtle color to my cheeks with minimal shimmer, which was perfect for my fair skin. Another winner!


The Supergoop! Forever Young Hand Cream with Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 smells amazing! Berry scented (subtle and perfect, not too sweet and girly like it sounds)! It sinks right into skin and does not leave hands greasy or wet feeling. My only gripe with this sample is it is so small. I want more of this!!! 


The final beauty extra product included was Nugg Beauty Soothing Mask. I love masks, so this was the first product I tried from my box. And since they are single use packs, I smeared the whole thing all over my face (which was probably double or triple what I needed). My first thought was it smelled nice, just like chamomile! The mask was supposed to relieve dryness, redness, and irritation within 5-10 minutes. And based on the ingredients I thought it would, but it had an opposite effect on me and made my face feel tight and dry. I couldn't get it off fast enough and it didn't come off easily (I may have used too much). Needless to say, I probably won't be trying it again.


I liked all my samples this month, except one and that is a great box in my eyes! I love that Birchbox has been letting subscribers choose one sample each month (even if we break the site every time it goes live). I hope they continue!

And I have one last Birchbox item to talk about. Birchbox gave bloggers the opportunity to review Mindy Kaling's book, "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns)" and I got a copy. I was so excited to read this book. And I was happy I didn't have to try to get it as a gift with purchase!

To be honest when Birchbox does gift with purchase items I always miss out. I'm the person who orders a few minutes too late and it looks like the item is in my cart, but then it doesn't show up in my package and when I inquire they say they ran out. Bummer. Well this book came out as a gift with purchase, free with purchase of $35+ using code Mindy (not sure if it's still available). 

This is a really quick and fun read! It takes me forever to get into a book and actually finish it. (I'm not entirely through this one yet, but so far it's funny and enjoyable) I would say the average person could read it in a couple days, it is not very long and definitely keeps you entertained. It is basically the story of Mindy Kaling, and who wouldn't want to read a comic's book?!? I recommend getting your hands on the book!


Did you love your Birchbox as much as I did this month??? I'd love to hear about your favorite sample...

*This subscription was purchased and financed by me, unless noted otherwise. Posts may contain referral links and I totally appreciate it when you use them!

Monday, August 18, 2014

Citrus Lane August 2014

Rating: Lifer!!!!!
Cost: $29/month

My 26 month old daughter's Citrus Lane box came today! She was napping, but I couldn't wait to open it, so I did before she woke up (does that make me a horrible mommy?) I hadn't looked for any spoilers and wasn't expecting this box for a few days, so this was a complete surprise. It's always so much fun to open a box, when you have no idea what to expect.


Here is my first look.


And here is what was included inside.


Citrus Lane always includes an information card describing everything included in the box.


Citrus Lane has been letting subscribers choose one of their items the past few months. This month I had a choice of which Alphabet Flash Cards from Petit Collage I would receive. I could choose between "animals" or "on the go" and I chose "on the go" because my daughter is really interested in cars, trucks, and planes lately, so I knew she'd love these. These are totally adorable! And I wish we would have had them for the 6 hour car ride we just took to keep her entertained. Some words may be a little advanced for her (I didn't even know what a Zeppelin was), but the illustrations are worthy of being framed art.


The next item included was Tea for Two from Green Toys. I squealed a little when I saw this because I've almost bought her the Green Toys Tea Set a few times, but have resisted. She loves playing with dishes and tea sets, so this is perfect! And this is so cute in pink and purple!!! And it's dishwasher safe, so you can really use it as a tea set. I know this will be her new favorite toy!


The next item included was a Reusable Cool It Buddy from Me4Kidz. My daughter might be crazy, but she loves these things. She'll ask for them for her pretend boo boos, just so she can use the cold packs. This one is just her size and has a really cute saying! "I am okay, I am brave, I am tough, I am all better, I am ready to play now"


Also included was a Language Video Digital Download from Little Pim. I knew daddy would be excited about this. He wants her to learn multiple languages, so we will be using this. And she watches cartoons in all sorts of languages, so she'll enjoy it too! It's always good to learn a language at an early age.


It seems like this Citrus Lane box did not have as many items as other boxes in the past, but I was really happy with everything included and I know my daughter will be too! I know we'll be using them all!!!

*This subscription was purchased and financed by me, unless noted otherwise. Posts may contain referral links and I totally appreciate it when you use them!

Popsugar Must Have August 2014

Rating: Love It!!!!
Cost: $39.95/month

I received my August Popsugar Must Have box. It was waiting for me when I arrived home from vacation! Everyone was hyped about this box, so I couldn't wait to see what I got. Of course, I looked at spoilers. I couldn't wait! I had thought mine hadn't even shipped yet because there was no tracking information in my account and it still said processing. I was ecstatic when I saw the pink box on my doorstep! This is one of my favorite subscriptions each month.


This month Popsugar Must Have was inspired by celebration, sweet smells, sexy skin, happy treats, beach days, summer nights out, and shiny accents! Here is a first look at what I saw in the box.


As always they include an information card with everything included in the box. I really do read these!


The item I was most excited for was what Kendra Scott jewelry piece I received. I was secretly hoping for the necklace! I tend to wear necklaces much more often than earrings. I opened the little Kendra Scott drawstring bag and inside was....The Kendra Scott Elle Earrings in Slate. I'm really not sure how I feel about them. I want to love them, I really do and I was so happy I received them in silver! I prefer silver and I feel Popsugar really listened to my preferences. But I prefer dainty jewelry and these are large and I have a tiny face, so I may just try to trade them for the necklace (if I can). If not, I'll keep them and they'll make an excellent gift!



The next item was the Paddywax Ocean Tide + Sea Salt Mini Jar Candle. I love this! The scent is beachy and perfect, but most of all I can't resist this cute jar in the prettiest blue color. I need to start burning this candle right away, so I can use the jar once the candle is gone. Not sure what I'll use it for, but I'll figure something out.


I also received the Goodbyn Purple Meal and Dipper Set. This will get a lot of use and I like the compartments. It will be great for lunch on the go. I can't wait to use it for hummus and carrots and celery sticks. Yum!!! And it's dishwasher safe!


The Mason Jar Cookie Company Celebrate Cookie Mix is the cutest thing ever! I will be making these with my daughter. I really can't wait to try them. I love items that make baking quick and easy! I also think these will make great gifts, so I'll probably be checking out their website too. 


The Lollia At Last Perfumed Shower Gel smells great! It leaked a bit in it's bag, so when I opened it up, I could smell it right away. No damage was done to any other products, because it was sealed in the bag. And it only leaked a little, so it really wasn't a big deal. It smells great and I can't wait to finish my current shower gel, so I can try this. I've been wanting to try products by this brand, so I was happy to see this was included! Plus how cute is this packaging?!? 


I also received Bite Beauty Lush Fruit Lip in Popsugar. This looks bright, but I really like the color! This was included to celebrate the 2nd birthday of Popsugar Must Have! I haven't tried it yet, or anything by this brand, but I'm a fan of lip gloss, so I'm sure I'll use it!!!


The final special extra product included was a thinkThin Brownie Crunch High Protein Bar. I can't get too excited about a protein bar, but I like to save these for the days I don't have much time to eat and need something quick to eat. This one didn't last because it's covered in chocolate and looked really good. It was!


I wasn't sure I would love this month's Popsugar Must Have box when I saw the spoilers, but I do. I always find items that end up being my favorite things in these boxes. Even though I wasn't a fan of the highest retail valued item in the box, the Kendra Scott earrings, they will make a great gift! They are really pretty and I would love them if they weren't so large. The rest of the items in the box will all be used, so that makes for a good month! Can't wait to see what Popsugar Must Have sends for September!!!

*This subscription was purchased and financed by me, unless noted otherwise. Posts may contain referral links and I totally appreciate it when you use them!

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Popbasic Wanderlust Collection

Rating: Love It!!!!
Cost: $78

I have some very exciting news! Popbasic ran a contest from their Popcast and they were looking for viewers to name the pieces of the Wanderlust Collection. Well, of course I entered, because who wouldn't want to win this collection! And....I won!!! I was so happy and excited and they sent it out right away, so I have it in my hands before the collection is available to purchase. Yay! So, you get to see what I thought about it, before it's even released.


The Wanderlust Collection will be available Wednesday, August 13th at 10am PST (1pm EST for all of us East Coasters). And since Popbasic used the names of the pieces I came up with I will be including the descriptions as they appear on my information card, so exciting! Also, Popbasic includes a special extra in the collection and I won't be spoiling that for all of you, so that will not be in my pictures.


Ok, now on to the pieces. But, first here was the first look when I opened the box.


The first item I was excited to try on was the Impulse Cardigan. "It's the perfect companion to any outfit. Wrap yourself up in our impulse cardigan when you're about to embark on a road trip, or heading out for a few last minute dinner essentials." It's 100% cotton and machine washable. I've always loved that about Popbasic, most of their items are machine washable! This cardigan drapes beautifully and is very soft and comfortable. It's a dreary, rainy day here, so I'm already wearing it. To get this review up quickly I took some pictures on myself and with a dress form. (Oh, how I really really hate getting my photo taken, can you tell?!?)


I tied the front of the cardigan for a different look also. I think this could look nice with dresses with a defined waist. (Sorry for the wrinkles)


And because you can never have too many striped tees, I was so happy to receive the Traveler Tee! "A staple in every suitcase, the traveler tee is a light weight cotton, that pairs effortlessly with jeans, ballet flats and a cardigan." That is basically what I'm wearing all the time, so this tee suits me perfectly. It fits comfortably and I love the roll sleeve detail. It's a heavier weight tee than the tee featured in the Jane Collection, so it is not sheer, which I like. It's 80% cotton, 15% polyester, 5% spandex and machine washable.



The final item in the collection is the Drifter Necklace. "An effortless piece for when you're packing light. Wear your drifter necklace with your casual day outfits, or pair with a simple black dress when you're enjoying dinner and a show." The necklace is gunmetal and a very nice weight. It has a lobster claw clasp and can be worn on a few settings. This necklace is very much my style and I know I will get so much wear out of it.




I am so happy with this collection and could not be more thrilled to have won it! I know I will be wearing these pieces all year long and can't wait to see what Popbasic comes out with next. And remember if you haven't signed up for Popbasic e-mails yet, you'll save $15 on your next purchase by clicking any of my links in this post and signing up. Will you be picking up the Wanderlust Collection?