Thursday, January 3, 2013

December Birchbox Review

I have had my eye on these little things for a while now. I had heard of a "birchbox" but I wasn't really sure what they were all about. As their popularity started to escalate, I had to see what all the fuss was about. In case you don't know a Birchbox is a box sent to you via mail every month filled with cosmetic samples. If you like the products, you are able to go to the Birchbox website and purchase the full sized item. OR you can just enjoy your new little samples every month (that's what I intend to do).

When I went to the Birchbox website, I soon was notified that I had been put on a waiting list for one of these things. They said it would take 6 weeks, but it only took about 3. I received my first Birchbox in the mail Wednesday and I am pretty satisfied with the contents. So, I'm going to share with you what my little box brought me this month :)


I LOVE the pink box. How could you not want a little pink box to show up on your door step every month for $10?





The full contents


This is Nicole Richie's new fragrance "Nicole." I really liked it. It's not too strong or floral. I'm not a big fan of floral scented perfume. I would wear this perfume, it has a very sweet scent.




These LA Fresh nail polish remover pads are pretty great. They smell like heaven and I think I believe their claims that it conditions your nail. My fingernails were really smooth after I used it. It also doesn't smear the old polish all over your nail/fingers as you are taking it off, which is a plus. I would definitely use these, but a box of 20 is $9.99. A little more than I plan to spend on Nail polish remover.


I do have to admit that I have my own crazy 3-tube mascara routine every morning to help out my poor, tiny lashes. However, I do like this Fibre Lashxtend mascara and it's an entire tube. This is $24 in stores. I'd have to say this is my favorite item in the box this month!


How convenient is it to have a mirror for application on the back of the tube? Pretty cool feature.

I really liked this shampoo, it has a very thick consistency. It felt like I was putting a mask on my hair. It smells GREAT (very floral and I'm ok with floral on the hair) AND it was large considering it was a sample.



I liked the skin care collection also, but full price these go up to $175, I think I'll stick with my samples!



Finally, a $50 rent the runway gift card. This is a website you can use to rent designer dresses and accessories for a week. Since I won't be gracing the red carpet anytime soon, this isn't of much use to me. BUT, when I went to the website to check it out, I was surprised. $50 bucks will cover some very pretty dresses. This might be practical for a New Year's Eve party, wedding, etc.


 If you have $10 extra a month, I would suggest getting in on one of these. It's just something exciting, who doesn't like a package every month?

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Cheetah, Gray, and Black

Every now and then, I have to break out the monochromatic look. I have always LOVED black, but I try to be conscious of that and stay away from it. A wardrobe isn't very interesting if it consists of only black pieces!

I love this sweater and for the longest time, I had no idea what color to wear under it. Then, it hit me one day, DUH! Black.

I got the infinity scarf for Christmas and I would like to wear it with everything. Since that isn't feasible, I put it with this outfit.

UNFORTUNATELY, my favorite part of the outfit was the grey booties I wore with my skinny jeans. But, when your husband is your photographer sometimes key pieces get cut from the photo. He doesn't understand the crucial importance of my booties. (oh well better luck next time).





Sweater: Old Navy (old)
Black tank: Old Navy here
Black Infinity Scarf: J Crew Factory
Denim Leggings: Target (old)

My bracelets are from A Tad Monroe. You can't see them well in these pics, so I added a close-up. I love this site, you should check them out here


These booties are very similar to the ones I was wearing that you can't see :(


How are you wearing black these days?