BIRCHBOX Review - October 2013

So you may have noticed October is almost over and I'm just now posting my BIRCHBOX review. I've had trouble getting around to using all the products, and I refuse to post a review without trying the products. But it's done now so here it is. I'm still working on getting the lighting right so please excuse the dim pictures (curse not having any natural light in my house).



Not a bad looking box. We'll start with the good:


Miss Jessie's Original Creme de la Creme Conditioner, sample size. I was quite skeptical about this (which you'll notice is a trend for me). I've tried many leave in conditioners and never seen much of a difference. I decided to try it before church two Sundays ago since I knew I would be blow drying my hair. The instructions said to leave it in for 5 to 10 minutes. I'm not really a "long shower" person so 5 minutes was all I could stand to leave it in for. I noticed the smell was very fresh. Almost like older brands of soap. It wasn't an unpleasant smell, but it was very strong. I could smell it in my hair all day. I didn't notice a huge difference once I blow dried my hair, until I started looking at the pictures that I took for that week's blog post. It looked pretty stinkin nice.



I also got a comment from the husband saying I was having a really good hair day. So I guess despite my skepticism, it did make a difference.  Also since the sample was a rather large foil packet, I was able to use it three times so bravo on the sample size.



Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and Pure Muslin Cloth, sample size. This was the item that held up the review. It took forever for me to get motivated enough to use it. Plus I kept forgetting about it. So last night after my workout I decided to try this stuff out. You rub the cleanser on your dry face to cleanse, then you wet the cloth with hot water, and polish the cleanser off. Lastly you splash your face with cold water to cool it off. It was definitely strange to rub cleanser on dry skin, but I went with it. It felt creamy and smelled very eucalyptus-y (yes, I turned that into an adjective). The hot cloth felt nice as I was polishing, but I could definitely feel the exfoliating effect. My face was a little raw after (I may have "polished" too hard) but the splash of cool water helped to tone it back down. I have to say, my face felt phenomenally smooth after and not at all irritated. Definitely an effective product.

I didn't really have any "bad" in this box so we'll move on to the "meh":


POP Beauty Aqua Lacquer in Floating Rose, full size. Why is this in the meh category? Because it felt like every other lip gloss I've ever used. It claimed not to be sticky, but I still found it to be that. The one benefit that I would give it over other lip glosses is the wand applicator instead of the typical squeeze and rub design.  It wasn't a bad lip gloss, just nothing special.

Joie Folle de Joie perfume, sample size. Not a big fan of perfumes these days, but when I do wear them, I prefer a light, fruity scent. While this claims to have mandarin layered in, all I could smell was the rose and sandalwood. A bit too "crisp" of a smell for me, but really not a bad smell. I just like to smell more subtle and generally more sweet.



Chapstick Hydration Lock, Vanilla creme, full size. This was the "BIRCHBOX find" for the box and it came with a $1 coupon off any Chapstick Hydration Lock I purchase in the future (before 31 Dec). Unfortunately I won't be purchasing this anytime soon. It smelled nice and went on smooth, but I found myself reapplying constantly because my lips still felt dry. I think I'll stick with my Burt's Bees that I only have to apply every other day.  I was also a little sad they sent me two lip products in the same box. It seemed a like overkill. However, I did appreciate that they were both full size.

So that's the box for the month. Overall I thought it was a good box for getting me out of my comfort zone and trying things I never would've tried before. They weren't all home runs, but I definitely think it was worth the $10 (especially since the lipgloss is $14 by itself).

If you're interested in signing up for the waitlist, please use my link here. Happy Shopping!

What I Wore to Church - Anchor Print Dress and Mustard Mary Janes

Dress: eShakti Retro Anchor Print Shirtdress
Shoes: ShoeDazzle Malese

What can I say about this dress? I absolutely love it! It's super soft corduroy (Yes, corduroy!). It has an adorable anchor print that is right in line with the current nautical trend. It's warm, which is perfect since it's been cooling down around here finally. It fits like a dream, and like most eShakti dresses it has POCKETS!   This is seriously the most perfect dress I've ever worn. I fell in love when I found it on the website, and knew I had to have it.  It was a bit pricey, but between various coupons/giftcards and taking advantage of the buy 2 get 20% off deal they had over Columbus day, I got it down to a reasonable price. That's why I always encourage people to sign up for eShakti despite what appears to be higher price-ranges. There are ALWAYS opportunities for coupons. Each time you receive an item, there is a delivery survey to fill out. Once you fill it out, BAM: $10 coupon. Occasionally they send out surveys to fill out and occasionally they give coupons with those. Sometimes they give coupons just because. Not to mention the awesome sales they frequently have, as well as the overstock section. There is always an opportunity to get these adorable dresses for way less than full price.

Now onto the shoes. These were another pair from the heyday of ShoeDazzle. Back when this was considered pretty tall for them instead of the 2-3 inch platforms they have now. I so wish they would figure out that there is still a market for shoes like this. I absolutely adore these shoes and am so glad I snagged them when I could. I thought the mustard paired perfectly with the yellow anchors in the print, and brought a nice fall feel to the outfit. And who doesn't love mary janes? I'm such a sucker for them. I'll share a heel wearing tip with those of you that don't wear heels because you think you won't be able to walk in them. Start with a mary jane. The strap (or in this case, straps) hold your foot in so all you have to worry about is balance. Without the strap, you may also have to worry about keeping your foot in the shoe, especially if the shoe doesn't fit quite right, and the result can look like a baby giraffe learning to walk. Not an attractive look.

The referral program for eShakti is still going strong so if you'd like to try them out, use code ELIZABETH92SP for $30 off. If you're in love with the corduroy anchor print, but maybe not the design of the dress, check out the Peter Pan Collar Anchor Print Dress or the Colorblock Collar Anchor Print Dress. Both are equally adorable.

If you would like to sign up for ShoeDazzle, just to peek around in hopes they might get better (or who knows, maybe you'll find something you actually like), use this link. If you sign up for their new VIP Elite program which is the same subscription model as JustFab (and the same as it was previously with ShoeDazzle), you get 50% off your first pair. Just make sure you read the terms and conditions prior.

Happy Shopping!

What I Wore To Church - Polka Dots and Red Accents

Shirt: H&M
Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: Iron Fist Society Suicide
Jewelry: Monica's Fantabulous Fashions

Since I'm trying to take my own advice and try new things, I challenged myself this week to create an outfit I've never tried before using things I already had in my closet (novel concept, right?), instead of just wearing an outfit I've tried and proven before.

I'm totally digging the retro look of high-waisted skirts these days, and had this one in my closet from Old Navy. I bought it over a year ago but had never worn it. I wasn't quite sure how to style it because when I bought it, I was stuck on the idea of skirts being worn on my hips. When I dug it out this morning, I had the perfect combination in mind. It originally came with a black sash belt, but how boring is that? I love how the red belt brings attention to the smallest part of the waist and adds some fun. It also brings out the red in the shoes.

I originally bought these shoes when JustFab was featuring the Iron Fist collection. The biggest downside of Iron Fist is that they only carry full sizes. I first bought them in an 8 and they were far too snug, but by the time I decided to exchange, they were sold out of the 9. I had to stalk the website for months before I finally got them in a 9 and they were SO worth the wait. The details on them are too adorable for words, and I love pairing the polka dots on the strap and bow with other dots. Seriously, bows and dots are my favorite details.

Overall, I loved the retro look of the outfit, and how all the little details worked well together. I got lots of compliments at church so I'll take that to mean it worked. Again, I guess I should continue to take my own advice and try new things. It seems to work out in my favor.

What I Wore To Church - Zigzag Print Dress and Corset Heels

Dress: eShakti Retro Style ZigZag Print Dress
Shoes: ShoeDazzle Eveleigh (no longer available)

This is one of my favorite eShakti dresses, and the first I ever paid the extra money to have customized. I really like the way this one looks with sleeves. Not all of their dresses look good with sleeves because the patterns end up looking off with the added sleeves, but this one worked out. It's sold out now, but their dresses come back all the time. Since all of their dresses are handmade at the time of purchase, when they run out of fabric, they pull the dress from the site. When they get the fabric back in, they re-release the dress. I like to bookmark the dresses that I'm interested in so that if they sell out, I can still keep an eye on them.

The shoes are from the glory days of ShoeDazzle, back before they were obsessed with 3" platforms and pointy toes. I wish they still carried shoes like this. The ribbons on the back are interchangeable, so you can really have fun with the detailing. I never fail to get compliments when I wear them, because they are just so unique and fun.

Now time for the shameless plug. Those of you that haven't tried out eShakti yet, now is the perfect time. Their referral program is back! If you use my promo code: ELIZABETH92SP, you will get $30 off your first purchase instead of the usual $25, and I will get $15 in credit for the referral. It's a win/win for everyone. From now until the 15th, they are running a Columbus Day special where if you buy 2 dresses, you get 20% off. If you buy 3, you get 30% off, and all new dresses are an additional 5% off. Also, if you like their facebook page, you can get 50% off shipping until the 15th. It's definitely a good time to join in the fun. Just don't forget to use my code! Happy Shopping!

Having Fun With Accessories

Shirt: Express
Cardigan: Tilly's Essential Elbow Sleeve Cardigan
Capris: American Eagle Artist Crop Jean
Shoes: ShoeDazzle Harmonize
Scarf: Tilly's

I'm always hesitant to wear scarves. As my sister likes to say "my neck feels overdressed." I've been told I feel the same way about scarves as some women feel about heels. They just don't feel comfortable in them. The advice I always give is "rock them like you're the most confident person ever, and no one will know the difference". They've told me the same thing about scarves. It's all about confidence, so here I go. Branching out into scarves with my most confident face on. Did it work? Did I fool you? Either way, I'm in love with this scarf. It's a nice summer infinity scarf that I got from Tilly's when they were having one of their MONDO clearance sales. It cost me all of $2. It's got cute little polka dot and lace detailing and it's really soft. So whether or not I make it work, I'm loving it.

I was also pretty hesitant about the shoes. They'd been sitting in ShoeDazzle's clearance section for months calling to me, but the reviews were all over the place with comfort and the husband's not a fan of wedges. The last time they gave away their free $10 credits, I finally splurged (a whole $5). I went up 1/2 a size to compensate for the bad reviews and they are a tad big. But gosh darn it are they cute! And to my shock, husband said "they're not bad for wedges." So success all around!

I guess I need to start taking more risks with my accessories. How many cute outfits have I missed out on because I was too scared to try something new? I encourage you to do the same! It's so much fun to pay around with new looks. Be brave, my friends! Happy Shopping!

What I Wore to the Zoo - JustFab Denim and Vans

My sister is in town this weekend "evacuating" from the tropical storm on the Gulf Coast. That's in quotes because it doesn't look like the storm is going to be that bad, but it was an excuse for her to have a sleepover at my house.

To entice them up here, I suggested we should go to the zoo. It was definitely a success with the kids, and it was a great excuse to squeeze in an outfit post since there isn't church tomorrow.


Shirt: PBX Basics from the BX
Pants: JustFab Signature Skinny Printed Denim in Fresh Floral
Shoes: Vans Canvas Authentic

I'm always looking for opportunities to wear my floral denim and I thought this worked out. It's still pretty hot here in Alabama so I don't get to incorporate boots into my wardrobe rotation yet, which I'm pretty bummed about, but I needed some comfortable shoes for walking around the zoo. I have a love affair with Vans lace ups (don't pass out from shock that I wear sneakers), and they were perfect for this trip. I thought they added a cute, casual feel to the outfit.

I can't get over how much I love JF Denim. They are so soft and stretchy, and there are so many prints and colors to choose from. Really anyone can pull off skinny jeans if they are styled correctly and I have yet to see anyone of any size that doesn't look good in the JF ones. I've decided I'm in love with printed denim. I used to think I couldn't pull them off, and even now looking at the pictures on the JF website, I don't like the way they look, but I like the way they look on me. I used to be worried that they were too "young" looking, but I guess I just decided I don't care. I think with the right styling, you can avoid the teenager look, and everyone should at least give them a try.

If you're interested in JustFab, please sign up using my link. Just note, it is a shoe club and if you don't go in each month to "skip the month" they will charge your card and give you a credit to use on any regular priced item on the site. Just be sure to read the terms and conditions. It's really not that complicated, but I like to make sure people are forewarned.

And for funsies, here's a couple pictures of the kids at the playground at the zoo. Enjoy!