Fabletics

I will be honest and admit that I'm one of those people who wears workout gear more than I actually work out.  But they're just so comfortable when I'm working around the house!  I mean, cleaning and yard work counts as a workout, right?  Although I've been trying to resist the idea of ordering from Fabletics for a long time, I finally gave in to all those Kate Hudson commercials on tv.  Here's hoping it'll motivate me to actually workout more.  You don't have to join the membership program to order from the website, but you will have a higher price tag than members.  If you become a Fabletics VIP Member, you get 50% off your first outfit which is a very enticing discount on a quality workout ensemble, plus discounted VIP prices on future items.  The one negative of taking this deal and becoming a member is the recurring monthly-order program.  At the beginning of each month they email you outfits that they've picked out for you to consider based on your profile preferences and you can choose to order one or indicate that you want to skip ordering that month.   If you don't "skip" by the 5th of the month, you will automatically be charged, whether you pick an outfit or not.  If not, then the money will remain on your Fabletics account as a credit for future orders.  So having to remember to pick your outfit or skip a month before the deadline so you don't have to deal with an unwanted charge could be a little annoying for some people. 

 

I ordered the Blossom 2-Piece Oufit - Oula Tank & Salar Capri for my intro outfit which cost me $24.97 (Reg. $49.95) with free shipping.  And if you've ever bought pieces from Lululemon, or the like before, you know that you would not get an entire outfit for that price, even on the luckiest of sale days!  I picked this one because I prefer racerback tanks and capri length pants. 

They had many different outfits and color/pattern combos to choose from but I'm a simple, neutrals kind of girl.  And when it comes to clothing this fitted, I think black pants and tops are a little more flattering on me than multi-colored patterned pants and neon tanks!  Maybe I'll try something a little more adventurous in the future. 

I'm 5'5", 135 lbs, rectangular body shape, and I ordered the tank and the capris both in size Small but you have the option to mix sizes.  The outfit fits well and the material doesn't stretch thin and see-through when you bend over, etc.  The pants have just the right amount of compression and the tank is made of breathable lightweight fabric.  I did a 40-minute strength and weight-loss yoga workout wearing this outfit and didn't have a problem with riding up, slipping down, bunching, chaffing or anything like that.  However, I can't speak yet for performance during more aggressive exercise like running.  There was no stretching, shrinking or pilling of the fabric after the initial washing.  I also want to point out that the tank and pants are not made of the same fabric and they're not the exact same shade of black.  The tank is a truer black while the pants are more of a greyish-black.  So even though these were advertised as a outfit, they are more mix and match type pieces rather than matchy-matchy pieces.  Overall, I'm very pleased with the fit and quality for the price so I'll likely order more in the future. 

Flawless Skin or Healthy Skin?

Flawless skin... does such a thing even exist?  I've certainly never had it.  Commercials and ads say I can fake it with the right concealer or foundation, but what if I don't like makeup?  I avoid it like the plague actually.  I probably always will.  I'm just weird like that.  To me, achieving healthy skin was always a more important goal than developing a flawless looking makeup regimen.  I feel that if my skin is healthy and vibrant, I don't need makeup.  I actually feel more beautiful being able to go out with a healthy natural face than wearing makeup.  For me, makeup was associated with masking imperfections that made me feel self-conscious.  It wasn't something I associated with feeling beautiful or confident.  But to each their own.  If makeup makes you feel more beautiful... wear it and wear it proud! 

My biggest skin problems have been acne (light to moderate), dryness, and large pores.  For years and years I used the typical cleansers, scrubs, astringents, acne creams, and moisturizers filled with God-knows-what that you find at your local drugstores but to no avail.  Nothing proved consistently effective or improved the overall health of my skin.  In February of 2015, I decided to start transitioning to more natural skincare products.  And low and behold... I started getting the results I wanted!  Of course, everyone's skin is different and not all products and routines will yield the same results for everyone.  This is just a record of what has been working for me lately.  Not everything I currently use on my face is purely natural or organic but I hope to get to that point one day.

Olay PROx Advanced Cleansing System - Facial Cleansing Brush ($25, Amazon)
Probably the greatest investment in my skincare regimen ever.  I should have gotten one of these years ago.  I'm currently 32 years old.  And of course, as you get older, your skin cell turnover rate slows down along with reduced collagen, elasticity, etc.  So, if there is nothing else you take from this post... please buy some kind of facial brush to help gently exfoliate and buff your skin, you will be so glad you did.  My hands and face scrubs were never able to achieve in years what this brush has managed to do in a matter of weeks.  And you don't have to invest in one of those fancy $200+ brushes either, I paid $17 (with discount) for this basic Olay brush on Amazon and it has worked miracles for my skin.

Shea Moisture Organic African Black Soap ($5 for 8oz bar, sheamoisture.com or Target)
I use this as my cleanser and a mild natural treatment for acne.  It has been very effective for me.  And it hasn't been overly drying on my skin like some acne cleansers I've tried over the years.

Dickinson's Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner ($6 for 16 oz, Walgreens)
I did away with using astringents and started using toners with very little or no alcohol.  And I've noticed that my face doesn't feel as tight and dry after cleansing as it did when I used astringents.

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant ($26 for 4 oz, Birchbox)
I had never heard of liquid exfoliants before I received a sample of this product from Birchbox, but this one has done a great job in clearing my pores, making them smaller and the salicylic acid has helped to treat and reduce breakouts.  It's a little pricey but a little goes a long way so it will last a long time.  I've been using the 1 oz sample pictured for several weeks and I still have about a third left.  I liked it so much, I used my Birchbox points to purchase a full size.

NOW Solutions Sweet Almond Oil ($10 for 16 oz) & NOW Solutions Jojoba Oil ($10 for 4 oz) (iherb.com)
I starting using sweet almond oil or jojoba oil as my face and body moisturizer.  It may look like it would be too heavy and greasy but it absorbs quickly and does such a good job providing all day moisture on my dry skin.  You only need a little, plus it's very affordable for the volume of product you get so these bottles will last a long time.

Biotin Vitamins (varies, not pictured)
Biotin supports skin health, as well as nail and hair growth.  I've been using 1000 or 5000 mcg capsules for the past few weeks.  I'm not sure if or how essential it has been in the change I've seen in my skin.  But my hair seems to be starting to grow a little faster which has been a plus! 

Ignore the puffy morning face :)

After about 6 weeks of using this skincare regimen, I have almost no pimples/breakouts now.  My skin is smoother, softer, much more supple and moisturized, and my pores are smaller.  If I wore makeup, I'd now have a better surface to apply on than I had before.  And it would be more for enhancing my face than for concealing.  I'm extremely pleased with the change in my skin's health (unfortunately I never thought to take a before picture).  And I really like that this regimen was simple and not very expensive.  I will continue to be on the look out to try more natural skin care products because I realize this is definitely the way to go for my skin.  I can't do anything about all the tiny moles I inherited from my mother and grandmother but my next focus will be on finding products to reduce the hyper pigmentation in a couple of spots where I had bad breakouts in the past.

DermStore Mystery Bag

Lately I've really gotten in to trying subscription box services and mystery grab bags.  Of course there is a risk that you could get a whole lot of stuff you don't like or have no use for, but you can also get lucky with a whole lot of great stuff you love for significantly less than the retail value.  I learn about a lot the these types of subscription boxes and mystery bags through the My Subscription Addiction website.  The most recent one I ordered was from DermStore, a skincare and beauty product web store.  Apparently, they have different versions (for body, hair, makeup, etc.) of mystery grab bags that they sell on occasion.  I ordered the Body Beautifiers Grab Bag (9 piece) which cost $35 but I paid $29.75 with a 15% discount.  The order included a free 2-yr subscription to Martha Stewart Living magazine and free shipping.

Here's what I got:

Patterned Dermstore Cosmetic Bag (9.5" x 7.5") ($10)

 

Zents Attar Oil Concentrate - Pear (5 ml, full size) ($38)

Skylark Memoir Fragrance Collection (3 scents, 0.18 oz each, full size) ($20)

 

Pevonia Botanica Dry Oil Body Moisturizer (1.7 oz deluxe sample - $10.38 value)) ($41.50 for 6.8 oz)

 

Burt's Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion (1 oz, size discontinued) ($1.99)

 

AHAVA Deadsea Water Mineral Body Lotion (1.3 oz deluxe sample ($3.98 value)) ($26 for 8.5 oz)

 

Bliss Lemon & Sage Body Butter (1 oz deluxe sample ($4.33 value)) ($29 for 6.7 oz)

 

Juara Candlenut Body Creme (1.5 oz deluxe sample ($7 value)) ($35 for 7.5 oz)

 

Dr Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant (0.25 oz deluxe sample ($9.75 value)) ($78 for 2 oz)

 

Atopalm Moisturizing Cleansing Wipes (25 wipes, full size) ($13)

 

Medicell Labs Advanced Moisture Eye Mask Duo (1 pair, deluxe sample ($15 value)) ($60 for 4 pairs)

 

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil and Velvet Skin Coat (free foil samples)

 

Dr. Hauschka Firming Mask (free foil sample)

 

Some of the items came stuffed inside a clear plastic makeup bag with handles.  It doesn't zip or unzip very well because it's a cheap quality plastic bag so I doubt I'll be using it for anything.

 

I'm crazy about skincare and body items so I was excited about these products.  Although they aren't natural, I can still use almost all of these products because this mystery bag was geared more for the body than the face so it was a good value for me.  For the $30 I paid, I received products with a value of about $133.  I've been in need of a toiletries bag for my purse and travel so the patterned cosmetic bag is welcomed!  I prefer bags like these over the typical see-through plastic cosmetic bags.  I probably will not use the microdermabrasion exfoliant because products like this are usually too abrasive for my face.  I don't wear makeup but I'm sure the cleansing wipes will still come in handy for those nights when I'm just too tired to do a thorough face cleansing before bed.  I like that they are Paraben free and contain Vitamin E, olive, grape and jojoba seed oils.  I also really liked the smell of all the lotions, creams and perfumed oils.  I prefer subtle, fresh fragrances when it comes to perfumes but I didn't find these to be too overwhelming.  The perfumed oils have rollerball applicators which I really like, plus they're small and perfect for carrying in my purse.  Most of the lotions are small, convenient tubes perfect for keeping in my purse too.  The bag also included a $10 off coupon but it didn’t mention a minimum order requirement or restrictions; hopefully I can use it on another grab bag!  My only complaint about this bag is that one of the three Skylark perfume vials had about a third less volume than the other two.  But overall, I’m pleased and would be willing to buy another mystery grab bag from DermStore in the future.



Kloverbox - March 2015

Received my first Kloverbox and I'm excited because it's a monthly subscription box service that features natural and eco-friendly beauty and skincare products!  I'm currently subscribed on a month by month basis which costs $25 per month (includes free shipping).  I got this box for $22.50 with a discount.

IMPORTANT NOTICE (3/20/15):  Kloverbox has contacted all of it's March 2015 subscribers to inform them to discontinue use of the Urban Oreganics Rosewater Toner.  There was a manufacturing issue with some of the plastic bottles Urban Oreganics purchased for their toner which caused the toner to have a cloudy appearance and floating particles.  Apparently not all bottles were a problem but they recommended everyone discontinue use.  Kloverbox and Urban Oreganics both apologized for the issue and will be replacing the toner with another product to be shipped out in April 2015.  I appreciate them both openly communicating this issue in a timely fashion and resolving the problem in a professional manner.

Here are this month's goodies:

BAGGU Small 3D Zip Bag in Mint Stripe - Value: $8

Marley's Monsters Reusable 3"Facial Rounds (4 total) - Value: $2.40

Pelle Beauty Luxe Beauty Balm (4 oz) - Value: $9

Jillian Wright Skincare Double Surface Exfoliator (3.7 oz) - Value: $8

White & Elm Pomegranate Renewing Eye Serum (0.37 oz) - Value: $18

Urban Oreganics Rosewater Toner (4 oz) - Value: $14 (Discontinue Use)

Cost of Box:  $22.50
Total Box Value:  $59.40
Impressions:  Overall, I love it!  It's simple, natural, organic skincare... so I'm sold!  I'm most excited about the toner and eye serum (which are full size).   I like having small moisturizers to carry around in my purse so the balm will be nice for that.  I find most exfoliators to be too rough on my face but the bamboo stem powder in the Jillian Wright exfoliator doesn't feel like it would be too harsh so I'll give it a try.  I also like that it has a liquid exfoliator component (lactic acid) which is a concept I recently fell in love with when I discovered Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant in a Birchbox sample box.  Not sure how likely I am to use the Baggu bag because I don't have much use for this size/type bag and it's mint striped, but I completely understand why they chose the color (March... St. Patrick's Day... green clovers).  I think the reusable face rounds are a neat, eco-friendly idea but realistically, I'm not so sure they will become a regular part of my cleansing routine... if I can manage to mysteriously lose socks doing laundry, then I'm pretty sure I'll manage to lose these.  And that's even if I can remember to keep fresh ones washed and ready to use every couple of days.

I think the curation of this box was well thought out... not a bunch of random unrelated items that you can get in some boxes.  I also like that they support and promote small, independent Etsy sellers.  The info card also includes coupon codes that can be used at the different featured brand website stores.  I'm pleased with the products included, and the toner and eye serum should last a long time for me.  This box contains products with ingredients I can use on my sensitive skin and that are actually good for my skin. 

I'm already looking forward to the April box!

Updates:   I tried the Jillian Wright exfoliator and it was definitely effective but a bit to rough for my skin to use alone.  I will still use it but probably only once a week or whenever my skin starts to look a little dull.  To make exfoliators less abrasive, I usually mix a tiny bit with a natural oil like Sweet Almond oil or a creamy facial cleanser.  Using it this way just means the sample with last even longer!  I don't really like the smell of the balm.  And because it's solid and in a small pot, it's not the most convenient way to apply moisturizer all over your hands (especially if you're used to just simply squeezing something out of tube).  I'll probably just use it as a cuticle moisturizer or back up lip balm.  The toner and serum work great.  Not sure if the eye serum is suppose to reduce puffiness but my under-eye area seemed less puffy than usual in the morning after I first used it even though I got less sleep than usual the night before.  I sure hope that it wasn't just a fluke or a coincidence!  Either way, it's still a great eye moisturizer.  The oils absorb into the skin quickly without leaving a greasy shine or sticky residue.  And a little goes a long way, so this vial will last me a very long time.  The nice roller ball application and the different natural seed oils makes the serum the MVP of this box for me.

A maxi skirt...and a dress...in one!

Don't you just love it when you find a single item that is multipurpose?  Today's post is about an inexpensive maxi skirt I bought recently from one of my frequent shopping stops:  Ross Dress for Less.  Discount stores like Ross and TJMaxx are great places to find bargains but some shopping trips can be a "hit" while others can be total "miss".  Talk to the sales associates to find out what days and times the new weekly deliveries come in and when the new items will be put out on the floor to get the best selection at your local stores.

I spent a whole, whopping $10 on this black and white striped maxi skirt a few weeks ago at Ross! 

 

I bought this skirt thinking that I would just wear it as a casual, everyday kind of skirt but I later figured out a way to style it as a dress for more dressy occasions as well.  I like it when my money spent does double duty!



OUTFIT #1:  Maxi Skirt, Casual

 

Skirt:  Ross ($10)

Cami:  Target ($6)

Cardigan:  Forever 21 ($18)

Belt:  Ross ($6)

Sandals:  Anne Klein via Ross (old, < $20)

OUTFIT #2:  Skirt as Dress, Casual

 

Skirt: Ross ($10)

Cardigan: Forever 21 ($18)

Belt: Ross ($6)

Wedges: Aerosoles via Ross (old, < $25)

 



OUTFIT #3:  Skirt as Dress, Special Occasion

 

Skirt: Ross, $10

Cardigan:  TJMaxx, (old, < $15)

Belt: Ross, $6

Wedges: Aerosoles via Ross (old, < $25)

I know its nothing new, but I really like the idea of remixing or repurposing items in your wardrobe.  You save money because you're not shopping for new items as much, and what money you do spend is well spent because you get more wear out of the item.  However, shopping for items that can be repurposed and styled multiple ways is key!  Don't get me wrong, I definitely believe that you should have some unique, stand-out items in your wardrobe but don't forget the basics.  This used to be a major problem for me:  a closet full of nothing to wear!  I would have the hardest time trying to put outfits together because I never thought about how I could integrate an item into my existing wardrobe before I bought it.  I just bought it because I thought it was cute.  And because nothing in my closet went well together, I would often have to go out shopping again, spending more money, to put an outfit together!  My closet was a frustrating, money pit.  NO MORE!  I'm older, wiser, and a much better steward of my money.  Now when I'm shopping and I see something I really like, I force myself to STOP and THINK: 

1. Do I need this item for a particular purpose (ie. job interview, work, special occasion, good foundation wardrobe item like blazer or pencil skirt, etc) or do I just want it because it's cute or trendy? 
2. How can I style this item with pieces in my current wardrobe to create multiple outfits?  How much "wear" will I get out of this item?
3. Is the item really worth the price or can I find the same item or something similar for a better price elsewhere?  Does the price match the quality of the material and craftsmanship of the item?

If I don't have a good argument for these questions, then I have to leave the item in the store.  It's not always easy but with time it becomes easier to walk away.  The money I save makes me feel better!  Not to mention the time I save when getting dressed in the morning because my closet is more cohesive now, not a bunch of random, hodge-podge.  Along with having the closet organized and color coded, it's much easier to pull an outfit together.

 

Well, that's all I have for today.  Thanks for stopping by!

Ikat Maxi Dress

Quick post today to show-n-tell one of my many recent purchases that I mentioned in my last post.

I wanted this blue and white print maxi dress from Banana Republic the moment I saw but I could not bring myself to spend $98 for it.

Banana Republic Hailey printed, halter maxi dress

($98, but currently sold out online)

 



A few days a came across a ikat print, blue and white maxi dress in Ross Dress for Less at a fifth of the price of the BR maxi but achieves the same look and feel in my opinion.

Pink Rose Ikat print maxi dress via Ross ($20)



Thanks for stopping by!

Yes, I'm Still Alive!

Yes, I am still alive!  I apologize for being MIA for the past 3 months but I've been busy with grad school.

There have been lots of good sales and cheap (but cute) clothing finds that I've come across since my last post.  I'll do my best to "show-n-tell" as many of my favorite, recently acquired items as I can in my next few posts.  Yesterday I went to shop LOFT's 50% off clearance racks because I had a birthday reward voucher that would have allowed me an additional 15% off of my purchase!  Unfortunately, I was very disappointed with my store's selection and found nothing that I wanted to buy.  However I did spy a few newly arrived items that I will be keeping a close watch on for sale-clearance price... which I'm sure will not be for long.  I've learned to NEVER pay full price for anything at the LOFT.  Exercise a little patience and you can usually get the items you want for 30-50% off within a few weeks, either by a sale promotion or clearance mark-down.

I didn't have any luck at the LOFT but I did find a few cute and affordable things in Forever 21 to brighten up my wardrobe:

 Colorful Stripes top (Oatmeal/Taupe, Medium, $14.80)

 Summer Fun shorts (light blue, 27, $14.80)

Eyelet Adorned Woven top (Cream, Medium, $19.80)

Embellished Knit tank (rust, Small, $17.80)

Here are a couple of outfit ideas I came up with:

Outfit #1:  Colorful and Casual

 Top: Forever 21

Shorts: Forever 21

Sandals (pictured below):  Merona via Target

Belt (pictured below):  Kensie via TJMaxx

Merona Emeline Sandals (pewter, $15)

(currently out of stock on line but may still be available in local stores)

Kensie Skinny belt ($4 on clearance from TJMaxx)



Outfit #2:  Dressing Up Bright Stripes

 

Top:  Forever 21

Wide Leg Trouser Jeans:  Gap (link here)

Belt (pictured below):  Forever 21

Wedges (pictured below):  Guess via Ross Dress for Less

Forever 21 Wide belt

(bought a few months ago but may still be available in some stores; $4.80)

Guess Tavish Wedges via Ross Dress for Less

(bought a few months ago; mostly likely no longer available; don't remember price)

Outfit #3:  Dinner with Friends

Top:  Forever 21

Wide Leg Trouser Jeans:  Gap

Wedges:  Guess

Outfit #4:  Celebrate with Friends

Tank (detail pictured below):  Forever 21

Wide Leg Trouser Jeans:  Gap

Wedges:  Guess

Sequin/Bead Detail

It's surprising to see such beautiful detailing like this on a piece of Forever 21 clothing!

Well that's all I have for now.  Thanks for stopping by!