Thursday, December 12, 2013

Xmas 2013 Gift Guide: Men

Mens

Men. They can be so hard to shop for. First of all, have you ever been shopping for men's clothes? There is no selection. You can buy pants or shirts or jackets or shoes. That's it. Where is the variety? And, it's unfortunate that women can borrow from men (watches, button-downs, jackets, t-shirts) but men can't borrow as easily from women.

But, I think that they key for most men (key word most) is that they prefer practical gifts. Which is totally fine; I like practical gifts as well. But, to make a gift truly outstanding, you want to add a touch of luxury to something practical.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Xmas 2013 Gift Guide: Fashion

fashion

I think it's foolish to buy someone clothes as a present, unless they've specifically told you what to buy. Honestly, in between sizing issues (yeah, I'd love to go exchange this present at the mall along with a million other people) and differences in taste, you're better off gifting straight cash yo.

That being said, if you absolutely have to buy fashion items, stick to a few basic rules: accessories are better than clothes, sweaters and other stretchy/loose items are better than structured items, chance on the side of too small if you're unsure of the recipient's size, and don't be offended if the person does return your gift (because she probably will).

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Xmas 2013 Gift Guide: Books

books

Okay, so your recipient doesn't need any more beauty products (really, though?) Or maybe you need to stock up on some host(ess) gifts that can please either gender. Or maybe you just want to get all of your shopping done on Amazon. Whatever, no judgment here.

A few rules on buying books as presents: hardcover only, buy new, unless it's a first edition (but first editions are pretty overrated), don't give a Kindle without loading it with a few books first, and don't follow up with the recipient--if they've read/liked the book, they'll let you know.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Xmas 2013 Gift Guide: Beauty

Xmas Beauty

I love presents. I love getting them and I love giving them. It's just another excuse to shop. I'm fairly picky when it comes to presents--the thought is nice, but it's even nicer to get exactly what you want. Unfortunately, it's hard to get exactly what you want and also be surprised, so most people have to decide which is more important--the surprise or the quality of the present.

The Weekly Gimme: Etsy Hoodie Sweatshirt Dress

Navy Blue Hoodie Sweatshirt Cotton Fleece Hoodie Top with Big Hood for Autumn and Spring - Custom made - NC449
£56.29, Etsy
Why is this model so bemused? Is it the fact that she's wearing jeans and a dress? Maybe she's just hungry. So, I recently purchased this lovely rag rug from Etsy and I have recovered from my TERRIBLE Etsy experience a few months ago (NB: If you're placing a custom order, don't pay until it's ready to ship!). 

For the past few years (ever since college, really . . . ), I've wanted a hoodie dress. It combines my favorite things of not wearing pants and wearing a hoodie. Unfortunately, most hoodie dresses (and I've tried on many) are not flattering. I guess they're not really meant to be flattering, because, come on, it's a hoodie dress. But this one looks okay. It's nipped at the waist, so it won't look like a sack, and the pockets in front incorporate an integral aspect of the hoodie.

I also like how the dress is longer and flares at the bottom. The hood is also nice and large, making it a wee bit costume-y, which I like (I did just buy a cape). I would NOT wear this with jeans--leggings or bare-legged and my Frye boots. Add a stack of rings and I'm set for the weekend.

Friday, November 29, 2013

Birfday

TA Cat is busy baking a cake.

My blog is one year old today! This the longest I've done anything. Ever.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

All the Small Things

I've been in London for more than six weeks now. Now, I love America (Amurrica!) but I am not the biggest fan of many things American (why do I have to drive eerrrywhere?) Why is there so much margarine in this cookie?

It's the small things that make me miss the States.

  • Tidy Cats litter--I bought this litter from Waitrose and the litter bits were so large that they don't go through the scoop. WTF?
  • Craft brews--I'm not a big beer fan, but I like looking at all of the indie brands. It's all crap here.
  • Trader Joe's/Target/Sephora--I feel like I could keep these companies in the black myself.
  • It's Advil, not Nurofen. It's Nyquil, not NightNurse.
  • Chipotle in adobo--not pickled chipotle (whatever that is).Oh I just googled it and they're kind of the same thing. 
  • Reese's Peanut Butter Cups/Peanut Butter Snickers--hey London, not everything has to be Nutella. Peanut butter is good for you, yo.
  • All of the Ben and Jerry's flavors--all sorts of weird ass flavors here too. 
  • Black Friday-because I WANT ALL THE DEALZ.
  • real bacon--why call it streaky? it reminds me of dirty underwear (yes London, it's called underwear)
  • quarters--these people have too many coins
  • brunch--although I did have a lovely one at Caravan in Exmouth Market last weekend

Things that I can't get in the States:
  • a VERY good selection of single-malts at affordable prices
  • Duck and Goose fat, ready to use
  • Liege Waffles--zomg so good.
  • Peri Peri chicken--so spicy and yummy and overpriced
  • the British Museum

Monday, November 25, 2013

The Weekly Gimme: The White Co. Cashmere Robe

£295, The White Company
You know what's dangerous? Working on top of a mall. Especially when the sales are on. And you have nothing to do at work. Fortunately, most of the stores in London right now are selling party stuff--sequins and fur and mini skirts, so I haven't been tempted much. (I am looking for a furry coat, but I can't find one that doesn't make me look like a disgruntled koala bear.)

The most successful stores in London (and any place, really), in my opinion, are the stores that sell you a lifestyle. I mean, who doesn't want to live an Anthropologie life? That shabby-chic, bohemian, Parisian-cum-Brooklyn way of being? I love going into the White Company because they sell me the lifestyle of an eternal lounger. Loungewear everywhere: robes, soft henleys, candles, pillows, the softest most plushest stuffed penguin . . . 

But the absolute best thing in the store is this cashmere robe (completely unaffordable and not sensible--how does one even wash a cashmere robe, especially in a goddamn London washing machine). But it is so soft and warm and comfy and I just want to be able to show up at work wearing no pants and just this robe. Livin' the dream.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Recent Developments

The title is kind of a securities lawyer joke . . .

I just bought my Xbox One (and Ryse) and got invited to the beta for Elder Scrolls Online (for PC, unfortunately). So . . . I'll be going on a mini hiatus for the next few weeks.

See ya when I see ya.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Review: Alterna Caviar Dry Shampoo

$22, Nordstrom
I got a teeny teeny bottle of this in one of my various boxes. (Reminder to self: sign up for Birchbox UK and Glossybox UK and see if there's anything else . . . )

This was just fine. It wasn't a spray can like most dry shampoos, you kinda of shook some powder into your hair and then you shake it out. I found it to be messier than other dry shampoos, and didn't absorb as much oil as my favorite brand (Batiste). 

The smell is neither bad nor good. I can't say too much about the bottle design, since I got such a tiny one. 

To be honest, at this point, I'm doubtful I'll find anything better than Batiste (it doesn't hurt that a can is only three quid at Boot's). This certainly isn't it. 

The Weekly Gimme: Cuyana Alpaca Long Classic Cape

$195, Cuyana
I'm so glad capes are back. I've always wanted to live in olden days, but you know, without all the disease and lice and treating women like chattel. Also, as the weather gets cooler in London and the days get shorter, all I want to do is shnuggle up in something cozy.

Also, my office is cold, which is good, because I get drowsy after lunch, but it's not so good when it's ten at night and I'm staring at my computer and my fingers get stiff from the cold and I'm waiting for catering to bring me my damn tea and cookies . . . 

Anyway, I'm also trying to build up my neutrals wardrobe. I have always and will always love bright colors (cobalts, emeralds, hot pinks) and have so many of those in my closet. But now, I've decided I need more neutrals (especially beige--why do I always shy away from beige?) and pastels. 

Maybe Cuyana will do a Black Friday sale? 

Settling In

go on you deserve it!

Man. I have really let things go. The blog, my exercise regimen, my hair . . . Being a working girl isn't as easy as Melanie Griffiths makes it seem. (Although I do switch into heels at my desk--unless I'm feeling too lazy for heels that day).

Sunday, October 20, 2013

The Weekly Gimme: Massimo Dutti Blue Leather Jacket

£225, Massimo Dutti

Sorry for the ghetto picture, I couldn't find a better one online. I saw this in store today when I was out shopping with a friend (King's Road is SO much better than Oxford Circus on the weekend, although nothing beats Canary Wharf). Anyway, the leather is buttery soft and a gorgeous true navy color. I've been in the market for a non-brown leather jacket (I have a super cute biker jacket in a rusty brown that I wear a lot and got for super cheap from Wilson's Leather). I had been looking at solely black jackets, but now I'm thinking that a navy or even a dark gray would be a wonderful choice (black leather frequently looks fake or cheap to me).

But, even though I actually got paid today (first real paycheck!) I exercised true self-control (but maybe not in the dessert department) and spent less than twenty quid. I got a comfy shirt from Brandy Melville and a bun-maker from Accessorize. 

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Being Lonely and Growing Up

The first week in a new country/city is always the worst. It is a fucking roller coaster of emotion. You have the peaks of excitement and newness and discovering Boot's has like a million scents in your favorite dry shampoo. Then, you have the valleys of crushing loneliness and creeping depressing, where you're not quite sad enough to stay in bed all day but you also go a little crazy when you can't find the exact floss you want (who uses tape?!) and the only American TV you can find is CSI: NY. (When I was in America, all I watched were BBC shows and now all I want is Amurrica).

On top of all this, it's time to grow up. Having a big girl job is also the worst. These two things added together just makes a person want to go back to grad school . . . But then I think about how I don't want to do that and that working is better than lying around all day watching syndicated episodes of Big Bang Theory.

Well, in times of need, the ENTJs turn to list-making. (Also, I just finished reading Mindy Kaling's book which is phenomenal by the way, and she really defrumps list-making).

Things in London which are better than things in America:

  • the prepared foods: the M&S Food Hall is fantastic. Right now, I'm eating some Persian duck dish with saffron rice, roasted butternut squash and some lemony-oniony ragout. This is way beyond a Stouffer's lasagna, guys.
  • the cell phone situation: my UNLIMITED data plan, with 1000 texts and 200 minutes costs only £12.80 per month. That's less than $20!! Craycray.
  • the shopping: so many good stores . . . And, they're opening more and more American stores every day. If they add an Ann Taylor, I would be completely satisfied.
  • the coffee choices: this is actually kind of funny, because London doesn't make great coffee. But, the choices are so varied. In the States, you get Starbucks, Dunkies, and maybe Caribou Coffee if you're in a weird part of town that still has a bookstore. Here, there's Caffe Nero, Starbucks, Pret, Paul, Costa, and all sorts of little patisseries. You don't have to be held hostage by Starbucks here.

Things in America which are better than things in London
  • television: what kind of flat that has heated floors (seriously amazing) only offers freeview television? Especially when freeview television is meh. Newsflash London, there are more shows than How I Met Your Mother and Scrubs.
  • prices: I guess this is kind of a lame category, but it's legit. Things in London are just outrageously expensive. It's basically taking Boston prices (argh) and switching out the dollar sign for a pound sign.
  • sandwiches: okay, look, this isn't elementary school anymore. You can't just put some butter and cheese on some Wonder Bread and call it a day. More meat! More cheese! More salt! 
  • Hulu: so, you get some weird version of Netflix in the UK where all the movies/shows available for streaming are different. There's actually a pretty decent selection. But you can't get access to Hulu without maybe doing something shady (I might get desperate enough for this very soon). I need my stories!!
  • football: the real kind. 

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Review: Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel

Ole Henriksen - Invigorating Night Gel
$45, Sephora
You guys, Sephora already has Christmas Secular Sparkly Holiday gift sets out. Already! It's not even Halloween yet! But anyway, you should get on it, because Sephora offers some really awesome gift sets--they're perfect for keeping and using, and not so much for gifting (because really, who wants to receive a dozen tubes of mascara for Christmas?)

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

The Weekly Gimme: lemlem Bathsheba Dress

$248, lemlem
This is a gorgeous dress, no? I don't know what's wrong with me. For the entirety of summer, I'm just shopping for cashmere and boots, but a week before October hits, I want to buy a white, pleated dress. 

I actually saw this dress in Harper's like months ago. Serious, I think I started Googling this dress in April. Well, it's finally hit the interwebs. It's beautiful. It's also made in Ethiopia (it definitely has a slightly African feel to it). 

I actually want a lot of things on lemlem's website . . . If only their prices didn't seem so outrageous . . . (Although Gwyneth Paltrow doesn't think the prices are too bad.)

Review: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad

$18 for 10, Sephora

I don't remember which subscription box I received these self-tanning wipes in (that's a bad sign, right?). I don't really use self-tanner, since I'm naturally pretty tan and if I really need a tan I can just sit outside for an hour. 

But, free is free and bored is bored so I used one of these. They really work! I only used one wipe and it was very subtle and natural looking. Not orange-y at all. I used it on my face, and I didn't find any streaks, even without using an exfoliate first. 

I didn't suffer any adverse effects. The tan washed off in about half a week. If I had wanted a deeper tan, I would have used a wipe every day until I reached the color I wanted. I would also suggest to make sure you wipe all over your chest, in case you want to wear a low-cut shirt.

tl;dr: Great tanning wipe, if you're into that kind of thing.

Review: Korres Quercetin & Oak Eye Cream

Korres - Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Antiwrinkle Eye Cream
$42, Sephora
Have you guys seen that new Kia commercial with the hamsters getting in shape? I love that commercial. It's unfortunate that the car is so ugly and stupid looking, because they really have some brilliant admen. 

Anyway, this Korres product could use some brilliant admen, because it sure as shit doesn't work. To be fair, I don't know why I keep trying these antiageing/antiwrinkle (although a shadow fell on my face the other day that made me panic because I thought I was getting a wrinkle).

This will be a short post, because this product did nothing for me. It didn't really smell like anything (I don't know what quercetin even is), and the consistency was just blah. 

Tieks: An Endorsement

$175, Tieks
I have been looking for comfortable black flats (that aren't Toms) ever since I realized that I was going to work in London. I needed some good, classic, COMFORTABLE flats for commuting. I have other flats (here and here) that I really like, and that are fairly comfortable, but they weren't plain enough to be good commuting shoes. 

Tieks are Oprah's favorite shoe, and even though I'm not a huge Oprah fan, she usually has okay taste. Not to mention, these shoes have been featured on a lot of blogs. So I ordered a pair. Shipping was easy and fast, and my shoes got here in excellent quality. 

The shoes themselves came in a little box, along with a fake flower elastic thing, a reusable bag that can be stuffed in a little sac, and a little pouch to store the Tieks. Honestly, I wish they would knock $10 off the hefty price tag and just do away with these little extras. 

The shoes are excellent quality. The leather is great, and the rubber soles are very sturdy. The insoles are cushioned and comfortable. The first time I tried them on, I felt it was too tight in the toe-box and too long as a shoe. (The only have whole sizes which can also be difficult for some people). There is a bit more toe cleavage than I like, but just a bit.

After wearing them around the apartment for a few days, they leather molded to my feet more, so that they're more comfortable. One thing that sold me on these shoes is the fact that the back of the shoes don't rub against my heels. I always, always have that problem with cheap flats and these did not give me any blisters at all. 

Although I haven't worn them out for an extended period yet, they feel very comfortable. I think they're just as comfortable as my Toms for walking for hours. I don't think I would really travel in these shoes though, since I wear my Rainbows in the spring/summer and my boots in the fall/winter. They will definitely serve their purpose in being commuting flats.

Finally, I was at first hesitant to buy these shoes because of the blue soles and the little blue stripe on the heel, but when I saw them in person, I liked it a lot. It was a lot more subtle than in the photos and it's hard to see much blue when you're actually wearing them and walking in them. I'm going to wear these shoes for a few months and see how they hold up. Meanwhile, I've got my eye on this shiny patent red crocodile pair and this hot pink pair. 

Thursday, September 19, 2013

The Weekly Gimme: Alexandra Grecco Tulle Skirt

The Gretta Tulle Skirt
$188, Alexandra Grecco
I really wish I had purchased this skirt last season from Anthro. I was just all "Where would I wear that?" even though that's hardly stopped me before. But now, thanks to Pinterest, I've seen all the ways to wear it! I could make it cazh with a graphic tee and booties, make it ladylike with a nice black sweater and pumps, or go full-on ballet with pearls, a cardi and ballet flats. 

The real question is whether I want it in ivory (ready to ship!) or peach (have to wait until December, which might not be a bad thing). 

Meanwhile, my shopping moratorium begins this Monday, September 23 and will extend until I get settled into a new flat in London!

Saturday, September 14, 2013

My Favorite Casual Pants (That Aren't Skinny Jeans)

$14.97-29.94, Old Navy
If you're new around here, you might not know this, but I'm not really a pants person. I am vehemently anti-pants. I'm not wearing pants right now. I even consider yoga pants as pants--and thus uncomfortable.

Review: Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser

$32.95, Birchbox
I have received at least three samples of this face wash. Even though I would never buy it, I think it is a good product and will continue to use any more samples I receive.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Everlane: An Endorsement

$60, Everlane

I understand I'm way late on the bandwagon, but better late than never. I've been meaning to try Everlane for over a year, but for some inexplicable reason I never did. Maybe I thought that $80 was too much to pay for a silk shirt, considering I was a law student and pretty much only wore jeans and t-shirts. Silk shirts are for people who have their shit together, like CEOs and princesses and Wall Street mistresses.

Review: Terry Creme de Rose

900x900
$99, Birchbox

I got two samples of this stuff: one in my Space NK bag and one in my Glossybox, I think. Anyway, I didn't realize it was quite so expensive, since both the samples were pretty deluxe. It just goes to show the mark up on beauty products--I probably got about $30 worth of samples, meaning that in reality, $30 of face cream cost a dollar or two to make. Which means that the nearly $100 jar costs a few bucks to make . . . 

I liked this face cream. It didn't seem to do much, but it was moisturizing and it smelled good. The rose smell wasn't too overpowering, like some rose scented products can be. It was a good consistency, in between too thick and too runny (it was like a nice sour cream consistency). It felt good going on (I don't think it would be a problem for sensitive skin) and it did seem to moisturize. 

Unfortunately, it wasn't great at controlling oil (but it doesn't advertise that it will do that), and didn't do much for dark spots or other blemishes. As always, I can't say much as to it's "lifting" properties, but the other reviews online aren't exactly glowing.

tl;dr: Pricey. Nice smell, great consistency, but ultimately nothing special. Spend your money on some Creme Ancienne instead, because that's what I'm going to do. 

The Weekly Gimme: Tammy Fender Epi-Peel

$80, Space NK

You know what I hate? When magazines feature a really cute dress or skirt, and you can't find it anywhere. I don't understand it. This has happened to me with a Kenneth Cole skirt, a Mango dress, and a LemLem dress. It's absolutely infuriating. In a similar vein, I hate it when stores (*cough* Ann Taylor *cough*) put up pictures of clothes that they don't have out yet. 

Anyway, I've been hearing about this peel in many magazines and I'm interested in trying it. Eighty bucks is a bit steep, but I might have to treat myself after pulling in a paycheck. I like how it's all natural, because I'm also wary of putting too many chemicals on my skin when I'm still young. Also, if you google Tammy Fender, she looks pretty damn good. Something she does must be working.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Gimmes Update: Gots and Nots

I thought it would be fun (and a bit ghastly) to see what Daily/Weekly Gimmes I eventually purchased. I probably should have waited for the one year anniversary of the blog, but I was bored. I wish I could say that I only bought these things . . . but that would be a baldfaced lie.

The Weekly Gimme: Rag & Bone Newbury Booties

$495, Shopbop

I don't know what I've been doing. Honestly. I keep meaning to post, but then I get sucked in by terrible television and cakes and napping. Unemployment makes the days seem longer and yet also shorter.

Anyway, I'm in Hotlanta right now and I just went shopping yesterday. Got a really cute tweed suit set from Banana Republic and some black jeans from Madewell. And my first pair of Loubies!! Just the Simple 100s in black, which is the perfect foundation for a designer shoe collection.

Speaking of classic shoes, I've got my eye on these Rag & Bone Newbury booties. They're classic and pretty much every who's who has a pair. The only question is whether I should get them in black leather or a dark suede. I might even go off the reservation and get some hunter green suede booties.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Target x Phillip Lim

You guys. September 15 cannot get here soon enough. I literally would buy everything in this collection, but I'll hold off until the prices are released. I think the Target collabs get better and better and is one of the things I'll really miss about the US. (Why won't you ship internationally, Target?)

Well, I see a lot of boxes in Scot's future if Target keeps churning out collabs as good as this one.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Review: EOS Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream

EOS Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream - Vanilla Bliss - 7 oz
$3.49, Target
I have A LOT of reviews to catch up on. I also have a lot of books to read (Cuckoo's Calling, American Gods, Infinite Jest, etc.). I also want to just buy stuff (since I haven't really purchased anything since the first week of July, because of my inability to stay in one location (peripatetic!), but I can't buy much because I'm very limited in terms of baggage space.

I know, I have it hard.

Anyway, this is the shave cream I've used for the past two years. (One bottle has lasted very long, but mostly because I take a lackadaisical approach to shaving--I also use Scot's razors when I am too lazy to replace mine). I tried this brand because I love their lip balms, and because its hard to find a non-foaming shaving cream for women. (I really hate the kind that puff up because I suspect those bottles are not great for the environment and the always dry out my skin even more than normal).

I never tried dry shaving, although the bottle says you can. It provides a nice slick shave, and did not dry my skin out. I would say it's a great value, and is probably the best drug store option. I like the mild, vanilla scent. I didn't find the cream moisturizing, because I still need to lotion-up pretty aggressively post-shower.

The bottle design is pretty good--it's non-slip with little hand grippies. Also, you don't need to pick up the bottle to dispense any cream, since it's a pump top. 

tl;dr: great choice for the price, nice smell.

The Weekly Gimme: H&M lace dress

$69.95, H&M
Argh. I'm so annoyed with myself for sitting on this dress and not purchasing it right away. Now, of course, it's unavailable in my size. My only option is to buy it at a 66% mark up on eBay or wait for it to come back in stock. Detroit, being Detroit, does not seem to carry any "fashion" items at their H&M's . . . 

It's a bit wedding-dressy, but I love the vintage look of it. I might not have anywhere to wear this dress, but that's never stopped me before. 

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Freedom!

As celebration of my completion of the New York Bar Exam, I decided to purchase the Army Green OG Bag for myself. Now, all I have left is to pack up my ridiculous amounts of clothing, shoes, and books onto a boat for London and then I'm back to Detroit.

Also, I ate at The Capital American Eatery in Albany yesterday night with friends, and it was pretty good. I only mention it because it's owned by Chris Pratt (yes, that Chris Pratt), which I thought was pretty cool. It has a really nice atmosphere, a great drinks list, and very reasonably priced food that is locally sourced. The service was great, considering it was their soft opening. If you're in Albany, you might as well check it out (since there's really nothing else there . . .)

Hopefully, once I'm done packing up, there will be time to post some product reviews.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

The Weekly Gimme: Madewell Transport Tote

The Transport Tote
$168, Madewell
I have never been more miserable in my life. Seriously. Why is the bar exam during the summer, when people are probably making moving arrangements? It's absolutely awful. 

I like the simplicity of this tote. It doesn't have a zipper, which makes me uncomfortable, but as a shopper, it is elegant and sleek. 

Monday, June 24, 2013

100 Posts!!


TA Cat agrees: blogging is hard work.

Review: Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair CC Cream

$39, Birchbox
I got a sample of this in my Birchbox several months ago and in my Pop Sugar Must Have last month. I used it while in St. Lucia, and I guess I neglected to review it afterward. I used it while on the island because it is SPF 30, which is hard to find in a make-up type product.

The Weekly Gimme: Loeffler Randall Rider Bag

$495, Loeffler Randall

This photo does not do the bag justice. This bag has like ten different compartments! Nothing could possibly get lost in this purse. 

It's a pretty pinky-peachy-beige color, made of real leather, and has sleek and clean, but still classic lines. 

Obviously, it's not large enough for a work bag, but it would be a great choice for a casual weekend day. That pretty much sums up all of Loeffler Randall's goods--classic, casual, clean. I love these shoes and these shoes.

Monday, June 17, 2013

The Weekly Gimme: Personalized Whiskey Book

$92, Gump's
This would be such a wonderful present for someone. Like me. Anyone who can appreciate a good scotch. It is leatherbound, with two-color illustrations (very old timey), can be personalized with gold initials at the bottom right corner, has recipes, and offers a survey of whiskey producing areas.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

The Weekly Gimme: Zara Asymmetric Leather Pointy Shoe

Image 2 of ASYMMETRIC LEATHER POINTY SHOE from Zara
$99.90, Zara
Red shoes. I can't get enough. There's nothing sexier than a red shoe. Seriously. These are the perfect height (3.75"), the perfect color, and they're real leather.

I also love the special touch of the asymmetrical top; the black version at Zara sold out quickly last season, so I might have to snatch these up.

However, I'm wavering. I would have to wear these 50 ish times for the price per wear to be worth it. Sigh. Decisions.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Review: Wen Fig Cleansing Conditioner

$32, Sephora
Apparently, this shit is on late-night infomercials all the time. I wouldn't know, because I don't have cable and our broadcast is spotty. But it's been fairly hot in the blogosphere lately and I was glad to get a large sample in my New Beaut TestTube. What a waste of shipping.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Review: Nume Finishing Serum

$29, Nume
I have subscription boxes coming out of my ears. Ipsy Glam Bag, Glossybox, Birchbox, and Blush Mystery Box. It's almost getting out of hand. Almost. I think I got this in my Ipsy Glam Bag, but it's hard to remember. 

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

The Weekly Gimme: Fresh Sugar Shine Lip Treatment

$18.50, Sephora

The Memorial Day sales are still on and my shopping needs have been (mostly) fulfilled. I got some great new metallic sandals, a cute vibrant green purse, and a DVF wrap dress that is the HG of wrap dresses. 

So, it's time to start squirreling away money for the deposit I'm going to need for a flat in London.  Thus, I'm going to declare a shopping hiatus (on everything besides food) for the next two weeks. I was reading on one of my blogs that it's good to try to compete with yourself (i.e., try to set a new record) for how long you can go without shopping.

That strikes me as a good idea and worth an effort, especially considering all the eating out I have been/will be doing.

But anyway, I love fresh products, especially their Sugar lip stuff. I have three different lip balms and their lip scrub. While I'm not a big fan of lip glosses, if anyone can do it right, it would be fresh. I have more than enough lippy for now, but I will definitely pick this up on one of those days where I have the blues and need something pretty from the mall.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Review: Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray

$5-25, Sephora
I am like Don Quixote with dry shampoos. I'm always looking for some impossible dream. This is what comes from having an oily scalp and dry ends (too many washes make my hair terrible, but not enough makes me look like a programmer). Also, it takes my hair FOREVER to dry, so it's nice to have some dry shampoo on a day where you're almost late for work/class.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Review: ColorProof CrazySmooth Anti-Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner

CrazySmooth group 1 02CrazySmooth group 1 02
I got these samples in the Mother's Day special edition Glossybox. Apparently, you have to buy them at salons, because I could only find one shady seller on Amazon. I always like trying new shampoos and conditioners, but these were just meh.

Review: Dr. Jart Premium BB

$39, Sephora
Oil City.

Review: Radical Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads

$95, Space NK

I got my first facial ever last week and apparently I have thin skin on my cheeks. Who knew? This means that I can't use physical exfoliants and need to stick with chemical exfoliants. Which is just fine with me, since I like the convenience of these exfoliating pads. 

Unfortunately, this brand is not that effective. I think, again, it's the age-defying properties, when really I need something for oiliness or acne. It didn't really do anything for my skin, but it also didn't make it any worse. In terms of controlling break-outs, I definitely think the Peter Thomas Roth exfoliating pads were more effective with the acne. 

I only got a sample of 14 pads, so perhaps you need more time to see any real results. I liked how the pads didn't smell like crap and they weren't too sticky. One of the first five ingredients is alcohol, which is kind of a no-no, so on that alone, I wouldn't purchase these again. Finally, in terms of just exfoliating, I don't think these work as well as a physical exfoliating wash.

tl;dr: Not that effective. Other (much cheaper) options are better.

The Weekly Gimme: Zara Chain Sandal

Image 1 of CHAIN SANDAL from Zara
$49.99, Zara
These would have been the perfect graduation shoes, had I jumped on them fast enough. However, in the six hours since I saw them while in BarBri and I went home and finished all of my chores, my size sold out. Alas.

I might buy them after graduation when they come back in stock, because I'm still looking for a metallic sandal. I recently bought a pair of pumps from Zara, and I was so pleased with their quality and fit, as well as the shipping speed. I rarely have any luck in-store at Zara, but their e-retail experience is excellent. 

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Things I Bought: May Edition

May purchases

This month, it's not "Things I Like" but rather "Things I Bought." The reason for this is that I had such a successful month of shopping and also lounging that I haven't had time to try out all of my new things yet. These are just a few of the new purchases I'm most excited about.

Review: Baby Foot

$24.99, Amazon
The picture I have makes this product seem more legit it is. Apparently, it is huge in Japan (surprise, surprise). I read about it on some fashion magazine/blog and decided to try it, since I have gross feet because I never wear socks and wear my Rainbows everywhere. I've had a crack on my foot for the past two years.

Anyway, I decided to fritter away twenty-five bucks and try this out. (I also went overboard and purchased ten cookbooks in the same purchase). Sometimes, when I'm driving, I still think about that twenty-five bucks.

The Weekly Gimme: State Pride Necklace

$42, Kris Nations

I've only been in BarBri for ten minutes and I already hate it. But that's a good excuse to do a little more blogging. Anyway, I don't remember where I originally saw this necklace (The Free People sale section I think, and the only state remaining was Florida--ha) but I love the idea of it.

The problem is I'm not sure which one to purchase. Illinois? Massachusetts? I settled on Georgia mostly because I think it's the cutest state. The closer my move to London looms, the more I want to gather all sorts of American reminders to bring with me. All Americans in London are always more patriotic than when they're back in the States.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Review: Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream

$42, Sephora

The Weekly Gimme: Lo and Sons O.M.G. Bag

$295/$275, Lo & Sons

I'm really susceptible to "in the know" items. These are pieces that aren't super famous (e.g., Longchamps) but a certain echelon of professionals are all aware of. The Lo and Sons O.G. and O.M.G. bags are popular among fashion bloggers for being roomy, sleek and pretty  much perfect.

Although I don't think I would carry this bag for day to day purposes, I would use it as a gym bag or as an overnight bag or as a larger carry-on for business trips (how profesh!). This is going to be a difficult decision though, should I go with the smaller O.M.G. or the larger O.G.? What color? (They have black, purple, and an army green). I recently purchased a new set of Tumi luggage, so I should probably choose a color that is complementary. 

Monday, May 6, 2013

The Weekly Gimme: Pim + Larkin Large Link Necklace

$58, Piperlime

Doesn't jewelry seem expensive? It's so much smaller than an article of clothing, and yet it's always more expensive. You can often find nice clothes for cheap, but it's extremely rare to find nice jewelry for cheap. I don't like to wear jewelry that pretends to be expensive, because even normal people can generally see through that. 

This necklace is not studded with diamonds or other gems, and it's so thick that it's obviously not made from gold. The not-found-in-nature bright blue adds a nice touch that makes it different from a normal chain necklace. 

Monday, April 29, 2013

The Weekly Gimme: Eva Franco Shangri-La Dress

Kora Dress- Shangri-La
$370, Eva Franco

Eva Franco shows up on the flash sale sites frequently, and I am always looking for this dress. It was featured on Modcloth a while ago, but I waited until there was a sale, and they were sold out in my size. (I also think this dress might run small.) Anyway, this dress is gorgeous. It's Asian, but not toooo Asian, amirite?

I'm also thinking of the skirt in the same fabric because the skirt might be more versatile, but I loves me a good dress. 

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Final Finals

Finals time is upon me. I got shit piled up everywhere (textbooks, cook books, clothes with tags still attached, products to try, shoes to photograph).

And, as if that wasn't distracting enough, I also got a new phone. The best part about the new phone is the case, which I picked up during Shopbop's F&F sale.

$48, Shopbop

Love it.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Oh how pertinent . . .

This was in my blogroll.

"Applied after cleansing to fully cleanse and hydrate skin, toners help restore the skin’s natural pH balance. Also, given how busy we all are these days, people tend to rush through the cleansing process and tonics can remove any impurities that may not have been washed away during cleansing."

Oh.

Review: Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Complexion Correction Pads

$36, Sephora
I like the idea of exfoliating pads. They're like a toner (I think, I"m not really sure what a toner is) and they are simple to use. I use these after I wash my face at night and before I put any products on. 

The Weekly Gimme: Smythson Slim Travel Wallet

$505, Smythson
This seems like something that someone who has her shit together would have. It's got little pockets for your documents and your boarding pass and your passport. Everything in one neat little place instead of drowning in a purse. I would also love this Oyster Card holder for everyday use.