Tory Burch Amalie Adjustable Mini Bag in Nutmeg Photos & Review

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Brooke

I’m so excited to share with you my first Tory Burch purchase! I’ve been stalking her designs for awhile now, looking to invest in the perfect piece to fit into my every day lifestyle. Finally, on ShopBop, I struck gold with the Amalie Adjustable Mini Bag.

After that, it took about two more days to decide between Black and Nutmeg. In the end, Nutmeg won out because I feel like if I just want a plain black bag then the purse itself should be a little flashier in terms of hardware.

What ShopBop says about the Tory Burch Amalie Bag:

Designed with 3 compartments and accented with a topstitched T, this Tory Burch bag is a chic way to carry the essentials. Antiqued hardware and adjustable cross-body strap. Lined.

Leather: Cowhide.
Weight: 20oz / 0.56kg.
Imported, China.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: 5.5in / 14cm
Length: 8in / 20.5cm
Depth: 3in / 7.5cm
Strap drop: 24in / 61cm

In terms of being exactly what I was looking for, this bag is a win. I love the color, texture and overall look and design. Three zippered pockets mean I can keep organized and the box shape is actually quite roomy.

My biggest gripe, is the adjustable strap is simply “stick this rivet through the hole and pray it doesn’t come undone”. Which it did. In the middle of the mall. My whole deal with wanting a cross body was so that I was hands and worry free so I could keep tabs on my kids. I really don’t want to have to stress out about a bag too. I was definitely disappointed because other than that, it’s exactly perfect. I am hoping that this one just had a dud for a strap and an exchange will fix it!

The Tory Burch Amalie Adjustable Mini Bag retails for $350 and this particular design can be purchased at ShopBop.

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May 2013 RocksBox Photos & Review

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Brooke

Press Sample/Referral Links

For yet another month, RocksBox has blown my mind. This service has seriously been a blast to try out. I’ve been posting teaser pics of this month’s box all over Instagram, so follow me on there and check em out!

For more information on how RocksBox works, check out my first post! On to the goodies in this shipment!

First, by Urban Gem, the Pave Bow Stud Earrings in Gold. It’s like RocksBox is reading my mind. It’s slightly creepy. I have been wanting Bow Earrings forever. I just can’t seem to find ones I love. This pair is so blingy and gorgeous, I just love the look of them. While this item is my favorite one in this shipment, I personally would love to get a pair of bow earrings that are a bit smaller and maybe not so flashy, since I want them to be more of an every day piece. Wouldn’t they be fabulous in Rose Gold?! The retail price of this item is $38.00 and the member price is $30.40.

Next up we have the Charlene K Amethyst Slice Necklace. I love Amethyst and I love the length of this piece, it’s definitely shorter than what you’d expect from a bigger accent and the chain is very delicate. The retail price of this item is $78.00 and the member price is $62.40.

Finally, the CC Skye Feather Bangle in Gold. I’ve pretty much determined that CC Skye is in the top 5 of my favorite jewelry brands. Maybe even top 3. I love the look of this bangle and it so perfectly fits my style. It’s only not staying home with me because it was very hard to slip over my hand (and my hands aren’t large) and I was worried I’d eventually break it. It doesn’t snugly hug my wrist at all, it’s perfect there… so I’m sad. The retail price of this item is $60.00 and the member price is $48.00.

My style is constantly changing and evolving. I love the idea of getting new jewelry any time I want it and not keeping pieces I’ve grown away from. We all have those pieces that just sit in our jewelry box… forgotten. =(

Here is the best part! Yes, there is more! You can get purchase credits for referrals! Let me explain. For every person you refer that signs up for RocksBox you get a $25 referral credit! You also get a $5 credit when you post a pic on Social Media (#rocksbox) wearing your RocksBox jewels!

Wanna sign up? How about 50% off a 3 month membership! Click here and enter code FABB when you check out. After that, memberships can be purchased in intervals of 3, 6 or 12 months.

What do you think of RocksBox? Are you going to check it out?

*** Products provided by iFabbo through their SHOP program. All opinions on this product are my own and 100% honest. For more information, please see my disclosure policy. This post also contains a referral link for RocksBox.

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April 2013 Little Black Bag Photos & Review

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Brooke

Referral Links

Hmmmmm… isn’t it adorable how every month I say I am taking a break from Little Black Bag and then I appear with another bag the very next month. This month they got me because if you opened a Little Black Bag with a pair of shoes you got an extra entry into a giveaway where you could win some Christian Louboutin heels. I wants me some Loobs, ya’ll. Of course, I didn’t win… but at least I got a great LBB out of the process!

Because of a referral credit I ended up with 4 items in this bag. I wasn’t super excited to get any of the jewelry pieces, but I did end up liking two of them, but one broke (more on that later). Trading, again, was just not happening this month. Early on with this program trading was constant, which made the whole process so much fun… but now everyone wants something for nothing so it’s hard to actually trade for the nicer items, especially when 50 people all want the same thing and there are only 10 to go around. You’ve gotta make those trades look good!

This LBB was my first bag where their new system was implemented… meaning the bags were no longer a steady rate, but rather the opening cost depended on what item you opened your bag with. Because my first item was a pair of shoes from Chinese Laundry, I ended up paying $50.90 (including shipping) for all of the items shown below.

First I’ll show you the item I opened up the bag with, the Chinese Laundry Doubleclick Strappy Wedge (also on the site in Black). The shoes fit well and look awesome, I’m ridiculously happy that they’re even more cute in person than they were on the site. I went up half a size from what I normally wear and I’m really glad I erred on the side of caution there.. my usual size wouldn’t have fit.

Next, from Lydell NYC, Hexagon Drop Earrings. These are stunning in person. The website pic does them no justice. They have a nice weight to them but not so much that it would hurt your ears. They will be so perfect and on trend for Summer.

Third, from 1928, the Shell Circle Earrings. I actually thought I’d like these better than the ones from Lydell but they’re very light and don’t look or feel as nice as I imagined. They’re cute, but really not my style.

The fourth piece is a necklace from Jardin and is the Parisian Enamel Disc Necklace. Unfortunately, this arrived to me with the disc detached from the necklace. It seems like it would snap on but after further inspection my hubby told me that a small piece had broken off and that’s why we couldn’t get the snap to fit. Also, after I wrote to LBB about the damaged piece the enamel decor front fell off the disc. It was a shame, because in person I really liked this necklace =(

Finally, those sock looking things you see in the pic way above are shoe liners from Lemon. They were just an extra thrown in from LBB and I can always use extras!

So, the broken necklace… what happened.

How about I emailed them, sent them a pic and no questions asked they let me pick a jewelry item of the same value and are shipping it to me as we speak. No opening a new bag to get it, no paying shipping… I don’t even have to send the broken item back to them! Correspondence was lightning fast, super helpful and polite. Bravo, Little Black Bag! You make me want to buy things from you all day, all my life.

For the replacement I chose this necklace by Carol Dauplaise:

(photo from the LBB site)

How do you think I did this month? Considering their Customer Service is so on point I’d say I did pretty darn good

For information on Little Black Bag please refer to this post.

If you’re interested in opening your own Little Black Bag here is a referral link for you! You know you want to use it! haha

Disclaimer: I purchase my own LBB, but there is a referral link(s) in this post, which gives me credit once you open and bag and it ships. Every member of LBB gets the referral link option.

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April 2013 RocksBox Photos & Review

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Brooke

Press SampleReferral Links

I must say. RocksBox has been completely on point when they send items suited to my style. Not once have I had a “WTF moment”. Even items I was kind of meh about I loved when I put them on. This is truly a dangerous (in a good way!) service.

For more information on how RocksBox works, check out my first post! On to the goodies in this shipment!

First up, from Urban Gem, the Chevron Studs in Green. Perfect for matching up your ears to Emerald, the Pantone Color of the Year! Studs pair perfectly with a statement necklace and these are gorgeous. I didn’t like how much they swiveled around, though. My OCD was all =O The retail price of this item is $38.00 and the member price is $30.40.

Next, my faveeeee piece, the David Aubrey Double Layer Turquoise and Gold Necklace. It’s bold and heavy without being TOO over done. I got more compliments on this necklace (both online and IRL) than I ever would have imagined. The quality and style is just fabulous. The retail price of this item is $86.00 and the member price is $68.80. This is staying home with me =)

Finally, the CC Skye Mercy Spike Bracelet in Gold. It’s heavy, luxe and such a rough-glam piece. I adore it for layering. The retail price of this item is $185.00 and the member price is $148.00. I reallyyyyy want this one to stay home with me, so click the links for referrals lol (love you!)

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve likely seen this photo of the bracelet (and probably several pics of the necklace because I’ve been wearing it a lot).

Wanna sign up? How about 50% off a 3 month membership! Click here and enter code FABB when you check out. After that, memberships can be purchased in intervals of 3, 6 or 12 months.

What do you think of RocksBox? Are you going to check it out?

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Jergen’s Helps the Perfect Spring Outfit Become Even More Perfect! Plus a $250 Giveaway!

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Brooke

i-Ella The List – March 2013 Soho Bag Photos & Review

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Brooke

Press Sample

Introducing – The List… and if you’re not on it… well, you should be. Here is how to make that happen: The List is provided through i-ella.com, which is a site that encourages you to “share your closet”. If you have some designer items to unload, this is the place to do it. For information on how that works, go here.

Before I go into what the List is and how you can join up, let me show you what I got in the March 2013 Soho Bag.

As you open the box there is a pretty teal satchel full of beauty items as well as a couple of cards and a letter giving you the run-down of the items in your box (shown below):

First up I’m going to show you all of the beauty stuff before we jump into the fashion portion of this program:

In addition to the items listed below there are also two note cards (yes, with envelopes) with quotes by Winston Churchill and F. Scott Fitzgerald from Quoteable Cards.

Herban Essentials Towelettes in Lavender and Lemon. Seriously, these couldn’t have come at a better time. How perfect are these going to be to keep in my purse for my trip to NYC next week?
S.W. Basics of Brooklyn Lip Balm and Makeup Remover. The Lip Balm is made with cocoa butter and coconut oil and is organic. It’s moisturizing, but not thick so it makes the lips look supple but understated. The Makeup Remover is made with organic sweet almond oil, organic olive oil and organic jojoba oil and can also be used as a light moisturizer.
Armour Beauty Lip Gloss in the shade Nina. This is a vibrant coral shade that applies easily with a doe-foot applicator. During application the gloss feels like it’s going to be very sticky but after you’re done the stick factor is very minute.
Pureology Hair Oil is included in a small 1.0 fl oz size and is packed with oils… perfect for soft, shiny locks. Use sparingly! A little goes a long way!

Above wearing Nina Lip Gloss by Armour Beauty.

Now, on to the Fashion! AHhhhhhhh!

First, the sweater. From A + Ro (known for their uniquely designed knitwear) the Adele Sweater. Look familiar? You’ve seen this EXACT sweater on Leighton Meester of Gossip Girl! Now. This type sweater was never anything I thought I could wear. I never even tried. This service gave me the opportunity to try and fall in LOVE. Seriously. I love this. It’s already packed for my NY trip. (Retail: $150.00)

The shoes. *sigh*. Love them so much. Anyway, these are from Donald Pliner (DMX, not the rapper) Ivy Leather Bootie. They fit like a dream and look amazing with jeans. They are slick on the bottom, so if you run out to buy be aware you’ll have to scuff them up at the sole so you don’t fall while you’re traipsing through the city. (Retail: $168.00)

Other items worn are all just from my closet. The jeans and top are Gap, the jewelry is my wedding/engagement band as well as earrings my Grandpa brought back from Europe for my Great Aunt that were given to me, the bangles were from Little Black Bag and I believe the necklace is just something from Premier Designs. The purse is an LE Louis Vuitton Vernis Fleur that I bought back in 2003 =O

The total value of all of the items sent in the Soho Bag is $379.00! The Soho bag can be purchased for $129.00 – so that is a 66% savings!

What is The List? The List is a monthly subscription service geared towards fashion (though a drop of beauty is involved as well!) available in three levels – St Barth’s Bag ($398.00), Soho Bag ($129.00) and the Starter Bag ($59.00). All you do is fill out your style profile and your bag will curated for you and shipped. Simple! If you don’t like what you receive you can sell or swap the items on i-Ella.com!

More questions? Check out the FAQ! And, YES, they do ship internationally!

Other bloggers who are on the List – LoveMaegan (St. Barth’s Bag), Glamorable (Soho Bag), I Have a Degree in This (Starter Bag). i-Ella also gives a sneak peek of items here.

Personally, I’m loving every single item I received and I’m drooling over the items the other girls received. So far, The List can do no wrong! What are your thoughts on this Fashion platform? Will you be signing up?

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March 2013 RocksBox Photos & Review

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Brooke

Press SampleReferral Links

It’s safe to say that I am 100% completely addicted to RocksBox.

For more information on how RocksBox works, check out my first post! On to the goodies in this shipment!

(Lucas Jack Goldfinger Ring, Tzen Multi-Color Smokey Quartz Layered Bracelet and Urban Glam The Point Necklace in White.)

Starting off, the Lucas Jack Goldfinger Ring. Normally, the only rings I wear are a wedding band and engagement ring. Rarely will I wear anything on the other hand and never on the same hand. However, this is a really nice ring. I loved the muted gold and it felt like great quality. I actually liked it on myself. It came to me in a size 7, which is my size, though I don’t remember telling them. (Isn’t 7 the standard size?) There is a part in the signup for notes, so you could probably note your size there. The retail price of this item is $64.00 and the member price is $51.20.

(the nail polish is Estee Lauder Hot Spell)

Next is the Tzen Multi-Color Smokey Quartz Layered Bracelet. This piece is delicate and beautiful to look at. I rarely wear bracelets, but this is one I could definitely wear if I had somewhere fanciful to be. The retail price of this item is $290.00 and the member price is $232.00.

Third, my favorite item from this box, is the Urban Glam The Point Necklace in White. This piece I just might need to keep. At first I looked and was like “totally not me” but then I wore it… and I’m liking it. The one thing I’m NOT liking is those little triangles at the top tend to flip over, which bugs the OCD gal in me. Should I keep it? The retail price of this item is $45.00 and the member price is $36.00. (Can also be seen worn here).

(also wearing the Lucas Jack earrings I bought from my last RocksBox in this photo!)

Wanna sign up? How about 50% off a 3 month membership! Click here and enter code FABB when you check out. After that, memberships can be purchased in intervals of 3, 6 or 12 months.

What do you think of RocksBox? Are you going to check it out?

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An Introduction to RocksBox & Discount Code!

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Brooke

Have you heard of RocksBox? Now you have So, let me tell you what it’s all about. RocksBox gives you the opportunity to experiment with adornments for a mere $19 a month.

Here is a peek at what I got in my first shipment:

First, how you get started. To set up your account, you first go to the website and explore the jewelry. At the beginning of your profile simply click all of the pieces that suit your style. After you finish setting up your profile, RocksBox curates three pieces of jewelry (from $50-$150 retail on each piece) that will be sent to you FAST. And when I say fast, I mean it. I think it took three days from sign up to delivery. AMAZING.

You can keep the jewelry that you’re sent for 60 days. Of course you don’t HAVE to keep it that long. You can exchange your set as often as you like and cancel the subscription at any time or purchase any item from your set at 20% off of the retail price!

Don’t worry, you don’t pay shipping to send the items back. RocksBox includes a bubble mailer with postage already attached so you can return the items that you don’t want to keep.

On the website, under your account, you can rate each piece and it will also give you the date that your items need to be returned by.

On the paperwork you receive with your shipment you’ll also find the return by date as well as info about the designers that were chosen for you and the retail price of their pieces. Next to the retail price is the Member Price, which is what you’ll pay if you decide to keep any of the pieces sent to you.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the three pieces I received in my first RocksBox!

(From top to bottom: Lucas Jack Gold Rose Studs, David Aubrey Multi-Strand Resin Pearl Bracelet and Charlene K Silver and Gold Circle Chain Necklace.)

Starting off at the top, the Lucas Jack Gold Rose Studs. These are lovely and just large enough to make a statement without being too much. They can be worn dressed up and dressed down and weren’t heavy on my ear lobes. I think these babies will be staying home with me! The retail price of this item is $38.00 and the member price is $30.40.

Next, the David Aubrey Multi-Strand Resin Pearl Bracelet. This is a beautiful piece. Lots of gold and silvered purple strands of pearls. Yeah I wore it with a flannel #MakeYourOwnRules! The retail on this piece is $80.00 and the member price is $64.00.

Third is the Charlene K Silver and Gold Circle Chain Necklace. This necklace is actually quite long, below I have it wrapped twice around my neck for a layered look. It’s a beautiful and very delicate piece of mixed metals. The retail on this piece is $140.00 and the member price is $112.00.

Wanna sign up? How about 50% off a 3 month membership! Click here and enter code FABB when you check out. After that, memberships can be purchased in intervals of 3, 6 or 12 months.

What do you think of RocksBox? Are you going to check it out?

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Save Our Sweaters! LILLY BRUSH Photos & Review

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Brooke

The groundhog didn’t see his shadow and still it snows. Still we must wear sweaters. That stinking groundhog has no clue. Lies, Phil…lies.

Luckily, we can get a lot of wear out of our sweaters by keeping them looking new with the Lilly Brush.

The Lilly Brush is your alternative to using the cumbersome sticky lint roller, and will last much longer. It’s perfect for use on all natural fibers (such as cotton, wool, cashmere).

From the FAQ:

How do I de-pill my sweater using Lilly Brush.

Simple! Hold the affected garment on a firm surface. Applying moderate pressure, sweep Lilly Brush across pilled areas in any direction. For best results, occasionally pinch and discard the collected pills from the surface of the brush throughout the de-pilling operation.

How do I clean my Lilly Brush?

Wash Lilly Brush with water and light soap, then tap briskly to disengage any remaining sweater or lint fibers with the excess water. Allow Lilly Brush to dry thoroughly before placing the cover over the brush.

How do I use Lilly Brush as a lint remover?

Lilly Brush works well as an on-the-go lint and pet hair remover. Using moderate pressure, briskly sweep Lilly Brush over clothing or even upholstery fabrics. For washable fabrics, dampen Lilly Brush to eliminate static electricity which will in turn prevent more lint and pet hair from being attracted to your garment.

How often should I replace my Lilly Brush?

Lilly Brush is made to last for years. The next one you buy will most likely be a gift for someone else.

Sounds good! Let’s try it!

Below you’ll see my husbands shirt, which he washed with something of mine that was faux fur lined…. this is why men shouldn’t do the laundry *smh*….

It works and it works quickly and efficiently. I’m not going to lie, I truly didn’t think it would come out this well. I’m amazed and excited because I’m going to save so much money not having to buy lint rollers lol In the pic below you can actually see where I brushed versus where I didn’t (you can click photos to enlarge):

The Lilly Brush retails for $12.95 and is available for purchase (in red and grey) on Amazon and at the website.

*** Products provided by iFabbo through their SHOP program. All opinions on this product are my own and 100% honest. For more information, please see my disclosure policy.

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Rebecca Minkoff Jellybean Crossbody Bag Photos & Review

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Brooke

Lately I’ve been going off about crossbody bags. For months I’ve been looking at them, thinking some are too big, some are too small… do I really want another basic brown or black shade, or something that will pop.. Basically I was indecisive, and the little (okay, very little) logical voice in me said, “if you don’t see one you love then you just don’t need it”.

Then, during one of my random looks on the Bloomingdales website, I saw a new addition from Rebecca Minkoff – the Jellybean Crossbody Bag.

The details, courtesy of Bloomingdales:

Leather
Imported
Shoulder strap
Zip closure; lined
2 front zip pockets, 6 credit card slots, 1 slip pocket
8” L x 1.5” W x 5” H; 22” strap drop
Web ID: 679473

The material is a soft, pebbled leather. I chose the bag in the shade of Jungle Green with gold hardware, mostly because the Pantone Color of the Year is Emerald. The leather is pliable, and you can actually get quite a bit in there.

The main thing that drew me towards this bag is the three different sized zippered pockets to keep your items organized. Since, usually with small pouches things can get disorganized very quickly, this was a huge selling point for me.

While you may be used to the blue with black polka dot lining in your Rebecca Minkoff bag, this one comes lined with a black and white pattern (the dust bag also matches the lining).

Purchase your own Rebecca Minkoff Jellybean Crossbody at Bloomingdale’s in the Jungle Green or in Purple. Zappos also has this bag available in Almond, Black, Cream and Sunny.