Recent Purchases (J.Crew, Loft Outlet, and H&M)

This is only a partial compilation of my recent purchases from this past month.  I wanted to get a post out now while J.Crew is still having their extra 30% off sale items promotion.  I will be updating with a few more pictures of the rest of my haul in a few days.

J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Neon Tweed

 also wearing H&M sleeveless blouse (previous review), H&M locket, and Target Pearce Pumps

I was able to find this skirt in a size 00 for a whopping total of $24.49!! Now that's what I call a steal.  It's originally $128 and still $99 online.  My store had a million of these skirts in stock.  The fabric has a wonderful weight to it, and I really love the color. The skirt is fully-lined and the fit is really great.  It moves really well.

J.Crew Flowy Camisole in Polka Dot and H&M Orange/Red Pencil Skirt

Top: This camisole top was priced at $19.99 before the additional 30% off, which means I took it home for $14! I love the size of the dots and the fact that the strap is adjustable with a hidden button-loop system.  I'll post pictures of that later.

Bottom: I really like the stretch of this skirt.  The material feels less wrinkle-prone and more spandex-y than the blue pencil skirt from H&M from this post.  I was able to score this skirt with a coupon for $17.95.

H&M Leopard Print Scarf and Loft Outlet Tweed Mini Skirt

Accessory: This scarf is still in stores for $6.95.  I love the color scheme and the fact that the dots have a coral color to them.  It's really lightweight and pretty long.  I was able to use it as a wrap for a wedding.

Bottom:  I scored this baby for $10.49 at the outlet.  It's not my usual pencil shape, but I like the A-line look and that it has pockets.  Fully-lined.

June 2012 H&M Fitting Room Reviews

I will be doing another post on my recent purchases, so this one will be quick.  I rushed over to H&M on the last day their 35% off coupon for Facebook fans was valid.  I actually made two trips to two different stores that day, but I only took fitting room pictures from the second store.  Here's what I tried on:

Mint Green Blouse and Pink Tweed Mini Skirt

Blouse: size 4, price $29.95, item #970335
They only had a size 4, which is a little loose on me.  I think it works for this top, as I like it flowy and not too form-fitting.  100% polyester.  I like the gold button details.
Verdict: Purchased with coupon for $19.50

Tweed Mini: size 4, sale price $10
Fully lined. I liked the fabric and color.  Great price.  A little too short to be work appropriate.
Verdict: Passed

Gold Mini Skirt

Size XS, sale price $7 (originally $17.95), item #326465
Stretchy fabric.  100% polyester.  Just a fun, cheap skirt to wear going out.
Verdict: Purchased

Navy Long Sleeve Shirtdress 

Size 4, sale price $20.
The neckline was a little too hooch for work.  This dress fits small in the chest area.  I had to size up to a 4 in order to be able to button it up.
Verdict: Passed

Gold Sequin Mini Skirt

Size XS?, sale price $7 (originally $17.95)
Had a side zip.  Did not like the fit and I liked the color/muted sheen of the other gold mini better.
Verdict: Passed

A New Coat and a New Journey

Now that I've graduated from medical school and my "summer break" is over, I'm officially starting out on a new journey.  This week marks the beginning of my 3 year long residency in pediatrics, and I'm excited/nervous/scared to start this new adventure (and sad that my days of no responsibility are over).


My outfit for the first day of my two week long orientation to the hospital.

BR embellished tee (old), H&M cobalt skirt (from this post), Coach purse (old), BR necklace (may still be in stores), Michael Kors Jet Set Watch, Target Pearce pumps

I don't normally wear heels to work since I'm on my feet all day, but I thought it looked better with the outfit.  Here's what I actually looked like for orientation :)

BR flats

While I was a medical student, I could only wear a short white coat.  As a petite female and wearing a coat that looked "different" from the doctors, patients routinely referred to me as "the nurse".  Needless to say, I was super excited to start sporting my long coat, even though I've been told I will still probably be mistaken for a nurse from time to time.  It's funny how the stereotype of a doctor being male and the nurse being female is still so prevalent in our society.

I ordered the XS coat, but, of course, the smallest size we were given was a "small regular".  So silly considering a large portion of my residency class are petite females.  Here is how hilariously large the coat is on me.

A little better with the sleeves scrunched

Just for fun, this is how the coat fits on my just under 6 foot tall boyfriend!

I have 3 of the same size coat, and I really don't want to pay for all of them to be tailored.  Since they are not supposed to be tight or form fitting, I only need to slim them a smidgen. I'm planning on throwing 2 in the dryer to see if they will shrink.  Bad idea?

Book Recommendations

Updated my reading list section!  Check it out on the tab above or here!

June 2012 Birchbox

I haven't gotten a chance to try out any of these products yet, but I wanted to share what I received anyway.

My freshly opened box

This month's theme: Jet Set

Cynthia Rowley Dress Up Band-Aids

Apothederm Stretch Mark Cream (pretty nice sample size)

Contents of the wrapped package

Scalisi Anti-Aging Moisturizer with SPF 30

 Stainiac Lip and Cheek Stain

 Birchbox Man Sample: John Varvatos Cologne

Overall I am most excited for the Scalisi moisturizer.  I get all giddy about trying new skincare samples, especially if the packaging is pretty hehe.  I also needed some new band-aids, so the dressy Cynthia Rowley ones will definitely be put to good use.  The Stainiac sample and the Apothederm stretch mark cream are meh.  I'll try them out eventually, but I'm not quite as eager about it.  I'm sure my boyfriend will also be happy to try out a new cologne.

After this box, I ended up canceling my subscription to Birchbox.  I really just wanted to try it out and see what all of the hype was about.  It was definitely a fun experience, and I'm satisfied with most of the samples that I received.    

My Experience with the L'Oreal Consumer Panel (Free Beauty Products!)

I know there are a lot of survey companies out there, and I don't usually like to spend my time completing 30 minute surveys only to be reimbursed $2.00 for my efforts.  However, I decided to try out the L'Oreal Consumer Panel on a whim and joined back in November 2011.  To date, I've only really had positive experiences with the process.

The L'Oreal consumer panel is very low commitment-- you are not required to log in X number of times per week or month.  In fact, I go on the site only when I remember to or when I have a free minute.  All of the online surveys and questionnaires are very quick and easy (usually takes me 1-5 minutes).  For the most part, they do "at home" product testing, where they mail you beauty products to try out and you are required to complete an online survey about them after your trial period.  Alternatively, if you are from NJ, you can test their products at their testing center.

If you participate in the at home product testing, they mail you a full-size thank you gift (usually in the form of a high end beauty product) once the study is completed.  While it is not always easy to qualify for product tests, they often reward you for completing a certain number of qualification surveys for product testing.  So even if you are never able to qualify for the "at home" product testing, you can still receive some goodies! Additionally, they routinely send you a welcome gift for joining the consumer panel.  They occasionally offer monetary compensation, but for the most part it is beauty products.

To date, I have only qualified for one study on lipstick.  The picture below is the lipstick I had to try out for 1 week.  The online survey at the end of the study was very simple and only took me about 5 minutes to complete. I haven't yet received my thank you gift for completing the study, but I'll update on it once I receive it.

Below are all of the other gifts that I've received since joining.

From left to right: Lancome Artliner liquid liner, L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Smouldering Eyeliner with sharpener, Essie foam toe spacers for pedicures, and Essie Instant Dry Oil Protector for nail polish.

In addition to Lancome, I've also seen that other members have received Kiehl's and La Roche Posay products as gifts.

If you are interested in applying for the consumer panel, you can do so here.

Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation from L'Oreal for this blog entry.  The views and opinions expressed on this blog are my own.

Trina Turk for Banana Republic Launch Event and Fitting Room Reviews

I was so excited to head over to the Philly Banana Republic store this evening for the BR Trina Turk launch.  I couldn't wait to see the collection in person.  It also didn't hurt that they were offering free refreshments and hors d'oeuvres to all customers!

Wine bar

My glass of chardonnay and a chocolate covered strawberry and smoked salmon appetizer.  I didn't snap a pic of the white chocolate mousse on a chocolate shell with raspberry and mint garnish, but it was delish.

Crazy botanical twist-strap dress

 

The 0P fit me nicely.  I love that this dress is 100% silk.  The price ($130) is quite fair for the quality and material.  The botanical print is so whimsical and fun that it makes me want to throw this on for a garden party on a warm summer's day.  Too bad I don't have any of those in my future.  Ultimately I decided to hold off on this purchase...for now.

Silk bow top and botanical print shorts

I didn't love the way the top fit on me but I LOVED these shorts.  The botanical print is my favorite, and the material is so comfortable (I think it was 98% cotton and 2% spandex).  I thought the cut was also quite flattering.  The 0P fit me really well.  The only reason I held back from purchasing the shorts are that I won't be able to wear them often once residency starts.  So cute though!

Pisces strapless patio dress

Also 100% silk. I think this print is so beautiful, but I did not like the elastic strapless component of this dress.  It seemed to squeeze my chest and underarm area in an unflattering way.

I hope Banana Republic does more designer collaborations.  In the future, I would love to see these bright prints on pencil skirts, hint hint.

Did you like the BR Trina Turk collection?