Saturday, January 29, 2011
A Giveaway Alert and Reminder About the New Blog!
Just a reminder to come over to my new blog, I Try Stuff On (So You Don't Have To) -- I am also planning to run a giveaway on my new blog in the next week or two so become a follower so you know about the giveaway first!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
I've MOVED! Check out "I Try Stuff On (So You Don't Have To)"!
This blog obviously hasn't been updated in a while. I have started a new blog, I Try Stuff On (So You Don't Have To), and would be very appreciative if you could wander over there, follow/subscribe/what have you! This new blog is literally one whole day old.
I am still in the process of setting up a few things on the new blog itself, so come over and check out my work in progress!
I am still in the process of setting up a few things on the new blog itself, so come over and check out my work in progress!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Cover FX Mineral Powder Review
Let me start off this review with a story.
There I was, back in June of 2010, having finished with a doctor's appointment and on my way to meet my husband for lunch and then some friends for the afternoon, when I stopped in at a midtown Sephora to pick up some random skincare product. I glanced at my face in a mirror on the way out and grimaced at the shine that had managed to develop in just the 4 short hours since I had spackled my face that morning.
On my way out of the store, I passed the Cover FX display and decided on a whim to test out a powder. I randomly chose the Powder FX Mineral Powder. I grabbed one of Sephora's free sponges and put some powder across my greasy t-zone, and was instantly happy with the results. But would my happiness last throughout the humid afternoon, or would shine return?
You can probably guess where this story is going. No grease. No shine. I went back a few days later and purchased my own Cover FX Powder FX Mineral Powder. I decided not to use the flimsy powder applicator-thing that comes with this product, and instead apply it with a square foundation sponge.
This product has bumped Bare Minerals from my makeup bag. I apply it after my cover-up and just need some blush/bronzer on top. The product feels light yet the coverage is great for me (if you have more serious skin problems or discoloration, which I don't, you might need something like this Cover FX Total Coverage Cream). It also layers nicely, just in case I need to go out after work. Lastly, the $35 price tag may seem steep to some but I am still on the same compact I bought about three months ago, and I easily have several more weeks of powder left (and that is with daily use!).
Any Cover FX fans out there? I would love to hear about your experiences!
There I was, back in June of 2010, having finished with a doctor's appointment and on my way to meet my husband for lunch and then some friends for the afternoon, when I stopped in at a midtown Sephora to pick up some random skincare product. I glanced at my face in a mirror on the way out and grimaced at the shine that had managed to develop in just the 4 short hours since I had spackled my face that morning.
On my way out of the store, I passed the Cover FX display and decided on a whim to test out a powder. I randomly chose the Powder FX Mineral Powder. I grabbed one of Sephora's free sponges and put some powder across my greasy t-zone, and was instantly happy with the results. But would my happiness last throughout the humid afternoon, or would shine return?
You can probably guess where this story is going. No grease. No shine. I went back a few days later and purchased my own Cover FX Powder FX Mineral Powder. I decided not to use the flimsy powder applicator-thing that comes with this product, and instead apply it with a square foundation sponge.
This product has bumped Bare Minerals from my makeup bag. I apply it after my cover-up and just need some blush/bronzer on top. The product feels light yet the coverage is great for me (if you have more serious skin problems or discoloration, which I don't, you might need something like this Cover FX Total Coverage Cream). It also layers nicely, just in case I need to go out after work. Lastly, the $35 price tag may seem steep to some but I am still on the same compact I bought about three months ago, and I easily have several more weeks of powder left (and that is with daily use!).
Any Cover FX fans out there? I would love to hear about your experiences!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Photoshop, Photoshop of Horrors (and a New Anthropologie Dress!)
I have several major fashion pet peeves, and photoshopping is near the top of that list. I cannot stand how it seems that everything these days is photoshopped, but I especially cannot stand truly horrible photoshopping. Think along the lines of misplaced limbs, oddly shaped and twisted bodies, and floating heads.
Earlier this evening I was browsing the dresses at Rent the Runway, and wandered across these two photos (each from the Rent the Runway site). I understand that one may want to make a model seem a touch thinner. Or have the clothing drape differently. Or eliminate a shadow. I understand these things, even though I still don't really condone it. But I have a hard time believing that these two below photos accurately represent the models' bodies.
It's like playing "Where's Waldo?" in trying to spot all of the inaccuracies...
I also recently purchased a heavily discounted dress from Anthropologie (more than 50% off). I tried on so many dresses (the Foremost Dress, the Ruffled Plaid Dress, the Amethyst Medley Shirtdress, the Vapor Rise Dress, the Brassica Dress, and the Evening Enchantment Dress).
Earlier this evening I was browsing the dresses at Rent the Runway, and wandered across these two photos (each from the Rent the Runway site). I understand that one may want to make a model seem a touch thinner. Or have the clothing drape differently. Or eliminate a shadow. I understand these things, even though I still don't really condone it. But I have a hard time believing that these two below photos accurately represent the models' bodies.
It's like playing "Where's Waldo?" in trying to spot all of the inaccuracies...
Luckily I settled on one that was on sale!
Introducing my new dress...
The Violet Gloaming Dress, by Moulinette Souers!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Jimmy Choo Corset Booties (Eye Candy)
Every so often, I stumble across something beautiful, be it a dress, a handbag, or a pair of shoes. Not just a functional item, mind you, but rather something that would be just as wonderful to put on a shelf and admire as opposed to actually wearing to an event.
I found one of these items on the Footwear News facebook page earlier this week (Footwear News is a Condé Nast publication and a leader in the footwear industry). Presenting...
The Jimmy Choo Corset Booties!
These shose come with a steep pricetag ($1,095) an even steeper heel, and are made of suede and snakeskin. I adore the Victorian look in the front and the modern twist (a zipper) in the back.
What do you think?
I found one of these items on the Footwear News facebook page earlier this week (Footwear News is a Condé Nast publication and a leader in the footwear industry). Presenting...
The Jimmy Choo Corset Booties!
(Both photos from the Jimmy Choo website)
These shose come with a steep pricetag ($1,095) an even steeper heel, and are made of suede and snakeskin. I adore the Victorian look in the front and the modern twist (a zipper) in the back.
What do you think?
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Forever 21 Pop-Up Store to Open on Fifth Ave.
I read on Crain's New York Business website today (link here) that Forever 21 will be opening a pop-up store in the old Takashimaya space on Fifth Avenue in Midtown.
I was an ardent advocate of Takashimaya, the upscale and sophisticated Japanese department store with a Fifth Avenue outpost. They closed this past year (read my blog post about Takashimaya) and the last thing I expected was for Forever 21 to utilize this space. Although should I really be surprised? Fifth Avenue is turning into a mini-mall for teenagers... Abercrombie, Hollister on it's way, and a flashy Juicy Couture outpost are just a few of the Fifth Avenue stores scattered between Prada, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Jimmy Choo (which technically is just off of Fifth Avenue).
Forever 21's lease of the space is only for six months and no one seems sure yet how much space Forever 21 is using out of Takashimaya's former eight floors. The pop-up store is to be open by the holiday season, just in time for plenty of teenagers to swarm to the east side of Fifth Avenue, cash in hand, to buy disposable clothing and necklaces for $5.
Right about now I am really missing the refined Tea Box Cafe and the artful floral arrangements!
I don't intend to mock or knock Forever 21. I know many people of all ages love to shop there. However, despite entering Forever 21 on numerous occasions, in multiple locations, I have never purchased anything there other than I think a trendy necklace for a photo shoot. I work mere blocks from the Times Square five-floor flagship and I haven't found the willpower to enter it. I curiously walked into a Forever 21 in a mall this past weekend, and immediately left after looking at a few racks of painfully trendy clothing being carelessly pawed by girls half my age.
I therefore decided to test myself... could i find three items on the Forever 21 website that I might want to wear?
I was an ardent advocate of Takashimaya, the upscale and sophisticated Japanese department store with a Fifth Avenue outpost. They closed this past year (read my blog post about Takashimaya) and the last thing I expected was for Forever 21 to utilize this space. Although should I really be surprised? Fifth Avenue is turning into a mini-mall for teenagers... Abercrombie, Hollister on it's way, and a flashy Juicy Couture outpost are just a few of the Fifth Avenue stores scattered between Prada, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Jimmy Choo (which technically is just off of Fifth Avenue).
Forever 21's lease of the space is only for six months and no one seems sure yet how much space Forever 21 is using out of Takashimaya's former eight floors. The pop-up store is to be open by the holiday season, just in time for plenty of teenagers to swarm to the east side of Fifth Avenue, cash in hand, to buy disposable clothing and necklaces for $5.
Right about now I am really missing the refined Tea Box Cafe and the artful floral arrangements!
I don't intend to mock or knock Forever 21. I know many people of all ages love to shop there. However, despite entering Forever 21 on numerous occasions, in multiple locations, I have never purchased anything there other than I think a trendy necklace for a photo shoot. I work mere blocks from the Times Square five-floor flagship and I haven't found the willpower to enter it. I curiously walked into a Forever 21 in a mall this past weekend, and immediately left after looking at a few racks of painfully trendy clothing being carelessly pawed by girls half my age.
I therefore decided to test myself... could i find three items on the Forever 21 website that I might want to wear?
The winners:
Suedette Patch Dress - $27.80. This could be a decent party dress, although it seems just too short for work. It also includes the ever-so-80's shoulder pads, but they don't seem too massive.
Hello Kitty Foil Tee - $14.80. I cannot turn down a good Hello Kitty tee... although I already own one (confession!!!).
Heritage 1981 Lace Overlay Cardigan -$22.90. It's cute and vintage-looking.
Readers: How do you feel about Forever 21?
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Modcloth + Payless = Infinite Cuteness
I often scour the internet for adorable dresses, preferably those that ring of a more vintage/retro style. Modcloth is one of my favorite sites for this never-ending hunt. New clothing is added daily and buyers add honest reviews. I like to think of Modcloth as the "poor man's" Anthropologie (and I don't mean that in a derogatory way), because you can score plenty of cute dresses and cardigans for under $50.
I was on Modcloth about two weeks ago when I spotted the above adorable dress (the Style Legacy Dress, which costs under $50). It was sold out in my size, so I set up a notification alert just in case my size came back in stock. Lo and behold, it did! That is, of course, until someone else beat me to it. I really thought this dress was lost forever.
Then, just a few days ago, I was aimlessly wandering around modcloth and decided, on a whim, to check the "back in stock" section. And my beloved dress was back in stock. I did not hesitate to purchase it.
Obviously I cannot review what I have not yet received, but going by the other reviews for this dress (not necessarily all positive by the way) I have a feeling I am going to love it. Remember, not every negative review you read means it will be a negative for you -- for example, someone who is 6 inches taller than me complained that the dress was too short, but that probably means that the length of the dress will be exactly as I want.
I also found myself browsing in a Payless this weekend (which often happens when the bank is directly across the street from Payless). My shoe collection is an interesting one; Manolos and Diors are stored right next to bargain basement discounts from Marshalls. I care more about fit and use than brand name. Every so often I will check out the Payless offerings. I left empty-handed a few months ago, but not this time! I found two cute pairs of mary janes and opted for the pair with the slightly lower three-inch heel. At only $19.99, I think they were quite a steal.
I love the plaid pattern, the rounded toe, and the slightly chunky heel of this shoe. They actually remind me of a designer pair from Bergdorf Goodman I bought a few years ago and wore to the point of collapse.
Do you have any stores (whether online or not) that you love for cheap finds?
Find modcloth clothing here:
I was on Modcloth about two weeks ago when I spotted the above adorable dress (the Style Legacy Dress, which costs under $50). It was sold out in my size, so I set up a notification alert just in case my size came back in stock. Lo and behold, it did! That is, of course, until someone else beat me to it. I really thought this dress was lost forever.
Then, just a few days ago, I was aimlessly wandering around modcloth and decided, on a whim, to check the "back in stock" section. And my beloved dress was back in stock. I did not hesitate to purchase it.
Obviously I cannot review what I have not yet received, but going by the other reviews for this dress (not necessarily all positive by the way) I have a feeling I am going to love it. Remember, not every negative review you read means it will be a negative for you -- for example, someone who is 6 inches taller than me complained that the dress was too short, but that probably means that the length of the dress will be exactly as I want.
Hint for online dress shopping: Not sure if a dress will be too short or long? Go into your closet and take out your two or three favorite dresses, and measure the entire length. Your favorite dresses probably fall within a few inch range, and therefore you now know what length you should look for in dresses online. My favorite dresses fall from 35-39 inches without fail. If I see a dress I think is cute but it is 33 inches, I do not purchase it. Modcloth always gives dress lengths in the sizing section for each dress.
I also found myself browsing in a Payless this weekend (which often happens when the bank is directly across the street from Payless). My shoe collection is an interesting one; Manolos and Diors are stored right next to bargain basement discounts from Marshalls. I care more about fit and use than brand name. Every so often I will check out the Payless offerings. I left empty-handed a few months ago, but not this time! I found two cute pairs of mary janes and opted for the pair with the slightly lower three-inch heel. At only $19.99, I think they were quite a steal.
I love the plaid pattern, the rounded toe, and the slightly chunky heel of this shoe. They actually remind me of a designer pair from Bergdorf Goodman I bought a few years ago and wore to the point of collapse.
Do you have any stores (whether online or not) that you love for cheap finds?
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Gap Flash Sale - Noon to 3pm Today Only
If you are a fan of Gap jeans, or if you ever wanted an excuse to try them, take advantage of today's in-store only flash sale!
I confess, I have never worn a pair of Gap jeans in my life (call me a jean snob if you must) but I am digging these Perfect Boot Jeans. I also have my Groupon coupon for $50 worth of Gap merchandise (seriously, if you haven't joined Groupon yet, do it already), and I conveniently happen to be brunching two blocks away from a very large Gap store.
3 HOURS ONLY!
Get 50% off all jeans for men, women, kids, and baby. 12-3pm, Saturday, September 25, in stores only. To redeem, say "Flash" to cashier upon checkout.
I confess, I have never worn a pair of Gap jeans in my life (call me a jean snob if you must) but I am digging these Perfect Boot Jeans. I also have my Groupon coupon for $50 worth of Gap merchandise (seriously, if you haven't joined Groupon yet, do it already), and I conveniently happen to be brunching two blocks away from a very large Gap store.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Free Buxom Mascara - a Tiny Friday Post
Bare Escentuals makes the "Buxom Lash" mascara. I have used this mascara before, and while it won't replace my current favorites, a freebie is a freebie is a freebie.
Follow this link to print out your own coupon to receive a free Buxom mascara. The caveat? You can only redeem this coupon at a Sephora inside a JCPenney. The offer is valid until October 22, 2010 (or while supplies last). I will actually be near a JCPenney tomorrow that I know has a Sephora inside, and my printout of this coupon is already tucked inside my purse. If I encounter any problems using the coupon, I will definitely let my readers know about it!
Follow this link to print out your own coupon to receive a free Buxom mascara. The caveat? You can only redeem this coupon at a Sephora inside a JCPenney. The offer is valid until October 22, 2010 (or while supplies last). I will actually be near a JCPenney tomorrow that I know has a Sephora inside, and my printout of this coupon is already tucked inside my purse. If I encounter any problems using the coupon, I will definitely let my readers know about it!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Grand Return!
I have been on hiatus. A rather long one, I admit. Over the past few days I have been mulling over whether or not to start blogging again, and today decided that I would definitely do so!
There will be a few -- just a few -- changes. Blog posts will be published at a rate of about two or three a week. I have also decided to focus more on the frugality aspect as well. I have done a terrific job this summer scounting and taking advantage of deals left and right, up and down, and I think we could all benefit from some of my experience in this regard.
Therefore, welcome back to all of my readers!
Now for a tiny piece of information -- GROUPON is one of my favorite money-saving sites. Combine it with Ebates to add more power to your punch. Today features an online deal, which means that you can be in any geographic location and still take advantage of this deal. "And what is this amazing deal?" you all shout. Well, not as amazing as that Gap deal from about a month ago, but still quite nice -- log on to Groupon (or join by clicking here) and go to the Queens, NY page, and you will see a Groupon that gets you $20 worth of drugstore-type products for only $10 at soap.com (free shipping to boot). This site carries boring items, such as mouthwash and paper towels, but it also carries makeup, hair care products, even Chi flat irons! Go forth and purchase... for only a few more hours, as this deal expires at the end of the day.
There will be a few -- just a few -- changes. Blog posts will be published at a rate of about two or three a week. I have also decided to focus more on the frugality aspect as well. I have done a terrific job this summer scounting and taking advantage of deals left and right, up and down, and I think we could all benefit from some of my experience in this regard.
Therefore, welcome back to all of my readers!
Now for a tiny piece of information -- GROUPON is one of my favorite money-saving sites. Combine it with Ebates to add more power to your punch. Today features an online deal, which means that you can be in any geographic location and still take advantage of this deal. "And what is this amazing deal?" you all shout. Well, not as amazing as that Gap deal from about a month ago, but still quite nice -- log on to Groupon (or join by clicking here) and go to the Queens, NY page, and you will see a Groupon that gets you $20 worth of drugstore-type products for only $10 at soap.com (free shipping to boot). This site carries boring items, such as mouthwash and paper towels, but it also carries makeup, hair care products, even Chi flat irons! Go forth and purchase... for only a few more hours, as this deal expires at the end of the day.
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