Sunday, June 10, 2012
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.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
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!
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.
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!
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?
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.
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 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?
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Petite Fashion Challege #16: Summer Wedding
This month's challenge is being hosted by Lauren of Petite on a Penny. The challenge:
"Create an outfit for a summer wedding (the dress code is up to you). For bonus points (and this is what I'll be doing!) try to make your whole outfit, head to toe, come in under $100! (Or, exclude shoes and accessories to meet the $100 mark.)"
Dress from Willy Jay's Clothing ($35), Forever 21 earrings ($7), Silver bead bracelet (gift), Opal ring from Paris flea market ($23), Express beaded clutch (Black Friday freebie from years ago), Target black peep-toe pumps (on sale for $15)
Total for this outfit: $80
Banana Republic dress (on sale for $38...originally $150), Banana Republic earrings (Memorial Day sale find at $17), Anya Hindmarch for Target clutch (on sale for $15), Target gold peep-toe pumps (on sale for $15)
Total for this outfit: $85
"Create an outfit for a summer wedding (the dress code is up to you). For bonus points (and this is what I'll be doing!) try to make your whole outfit, head to toe, come in under $100! (Or, exclude shoes and accessories to meet the $100 mark.)"
For a full list of participants, click here.
Since I'm still relatively new to blogging, this is my first Petite Fashion Challenge! Luckily, this wasn't too difficult for me as I've had four weddings this month! I photographed the outfits that I wore to two events this past weekend and the outfit that I'm thinking of wearing to a wedding next weekend.
Being as indebted as I am, none of my outfits even come close to being over $100. You can definitely find treasures in the sales racks. Score one for penniless student!
My first outfit is what I wore to the Welcome Reception for my friend Carrie's wedding. The dress is from a small boutique in Charleston, South Carolina, and it's great for summer weddings as it's light and airy.
*Sorry for the super obvious watermarks...I'm still learning!*
*Sorry for the super obvious watermarks...I'm still learning!*
For the actual wedding, I chose a more formal looking dress. She had her ceremony outdoors, and the reception was in this beautiful country club. The theme of her wedding was "English Tea Garden", so I thought pink/mauve would be an appropriate color.
Banana Republic dress (on sale for $38...originally $150), Banana Republic earrings (Memorial Day sale find at $17), Anya Hindmarch for Target clutch (on sale for $15), Target gold peep-toe pumps (on sale for $15)
I am thinking of wearing this outfit for my old roommate Lauren's wedding this weekend. She'll be having a more traditional wedding, with the ceremony in a church and the reception in a grand ballroom. I decided on a slightly darker color for the dress to go along with the more dimly lit ambiance of the ballroom.
Banana Republic silk dress (winter clearance find at $30...originally $140), Gold heart necklace gifted from a friend, Anya Hindmarch clutch ($15), Target nude pumps (on sale for $20)
Total for this outfit: $65
I am really a minimalist when it comes to jewelry. I feel like the extra weight gets in the way of my dancing! But I'd be open to suggestions for ways to jazz up my look. Any ideas to better accessorize my final outfit?
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Sunday Style: Relaxed and Casual
*Sorry for the super obvious watermarks...I'm still learning!*
With funky pink shades
Or classic black sunglasses
Target Merona chambray shirt, vintage Ralph Lauren shorts in size 4P (feels like size 0!), thrifted gold chain necklace, Banana Republic gold bracelet (old), thrifted ring, sunglasses c/o Michelle, Target Mossimo Wakana Wedge Sandal
I found the Target Wakana wedges above on clearance for $7.48! They actually look pretty similar to these J.Crew Lila Leather Platform Wedges ($128) and these Ann Taylor Renee Cork Platform Wedges ($228).
I also tried on the Target Mossimo Pam Wedge, which comes in a black version and a gold version (no gold ones in my size...boo). These look extraordinarily similar to the Stuart Weitzman Alex Espadrille. Loved the overall look, but my feet felt loose in the shoe...perhaps due to the ankle straps not being attached to the heel. I generally like my feet to feel securely strapped in any shoe that I wear, especially ones where my heels are 4 inches off of the ground. For someone with lax joints, I felt that these shoes were just accidents waiting to happen. If you also like a more securely strapped shoe, JCPenney has a version here with a heel backing.
Stuart Weitzman Alex Espadrille
Target Mossimo Pam Wedge
Thursday, May 17, 2012
May 2012 Birchbox Review
I was so excited to open my second box, but my initial reaction was a little disappointment. Maybe my expectations were too high. After seeing other May boxes that look better than mine, I'm wondering if I just picked the wrong answers for my beauty profile. Once I took a closer look at what I received, I decided the samples were not too bad. These are all definitely products I have never bought.
The Color Club polish is fun and shimmery. No glitter in this polish, but the metallic sheen still makes it pop. I painted my toenails this color. Here is a close-up.
The special edition Gossip Girl Birchbox
Description card
Dr. Jart BB cream.
This was light and blended well with my skin. I don't normally wear foundation, so I might try this out for a wedding I have in the near future.
The contents of the wrapped package:
Color Club nail polish in "Disco Nap", Sugar Rose tinted lip treatment, Twistband Hair Tie
The Sugar Rose lip treatment looks more pigmented than it does once you actually use it. It glides on very smoothly and looks very natural, with only a slight pink tint. I love that it has SPF 15! This is pretty expensive, so I'm not sure if I'd actually spend the money to buy it. Sephora is also offering a free 2 lip treatment pack to Beauty Insiders on their birthday this year!
The Color Club polish is fun and shimmery. No glitter in this polish, but the metallic sheen still makes it pop. I painted my toenails this color. Here is a close-up.
XOXO greeting card and envelope. Not sure when I'll be using this one.
Atelier Cologne in Vanilla Insensee. Came with a postcard. The cologne smells warm and inviting.
Overall most excited about the lip balm and the nail polish. I could definitely go without fragrance samples in the future...I have way too many anyway. I also feel like BB cream and last month's tinted moisturizer are pretty similar. I guess I wanted to try out Birchbox to see if it would introduce me to really new and exciting beauty and skincare products that I would never pick up on my own. I think I'm going to give it 1-2 more months, but I'm just not sure it's worth it to me.
Overall most excited about the lip balm and the nail polish. I could definitely go without fragrance samples in the future...I have way too many anyway. I also feel like BB cream and last month's tinted moisturizer are pretty similar. I guess I wanted to try out Birchbox to see if it would introduce me to really new and exciting beauty and skincare products that I would never pick up on my own. I think I'm going to give it 1-2 more months, but I'm just not sure it's worth it to me.
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