I loves me some samples

I must first start by giving a huge shout out to a wonderful person who deserves so much more than a shout out. This woman has, from the moment I told her about my blog, pushed me to keep writing and posting. So much so that I was worried she might scold me if I hadn't written in awhile. That's really all it takes for me, a stern look and I'm on it! This wonderful person is named Thao, we call her Thao like Wow, and this post is dedicated to her.

This post is her idea and I love it already because it actually makes it easier on me to come up with a topic. Thao has been bugging me to review Birchbox products on my blog and it's not a bad idea! I haven't subscribed yet, but she has and has been so gracious enough to lend me this months products. She is also subscribed to another similar service called Ipsy and I shall be reviewing both.

First off, if you are not familiar with either of these online companies they are online sample providers. You subscribe to each for $10 a month to receive sample sizes of different products ranging from beauty and skincare to food and small gifts. Ipsy is exclusive to beauty products but the goal of each website is to send you different brands that you might not be familiar with. Maybe you've been thinking about trying a brand but don't want to invest in it without knowing about the product. The idea is genius and the price is great.

I checked out both websites to learn more about them and how they worked and the type of products they might send my way. I started with Ipsy and was pleasantly surprised when it took me through a quiz to create a more personalized monthly package. I don't really want a ton of foundation samples for the wrong skin color or a bunch of brightly colored eyeshadows that I will never use. I took the quiz which asks questions about your personal style, products you like and would like to know more about and basic things like eye, hair and skin color. I'm really excited to try this service out because I'm such a sucker for samples and new beauty products. In this months 'Glam Bag' as they call it are five different products. Each month Ipsy also includes a cute little bag that is different every time to carry all your new treasures in.

In this bag we have Pacifica body butter in Hawaiian Ruby Guava. The smell is sweet and fruity and it didn't leave my hands feeling greasy. Next, we have Be Matte Blush by City Color in Fresh Melon. The color is nice and bright and similar to my blush color I use right now. Then there is an eyeshadow tint by 'Tini Beauty in Ambrosia, a warm and kind of bronzy taupe color. Next included is a lip plump by Pop in peony petal. It has a little bit of shimmer and is supposed to have the lasting stay of a stain but leaves a glossy finish. Lastly, we have Zoya nail polish in Odette this pretty purple color that almost could be a nice neutral color. It look like a nice fall nail color or even spring time.

Moving on to Birchbox we have more beauty products! I will say while taking a look at the products they are a bit nicer compared to Ipsy, but I'm also familiar with the brand names included. We have Benefit Fake Up an undereye concealer that promises to make you look more alive in the morning, something I definitely need. Then we have and OPI topcoat that has a subtle tint to it and creates a high shine finish on your nail color. Next is Dr. Brandt Pores No More pore refiner that creates a matte finish and reduces oil, again something I really need in my life. Also, I know Dr. Brandt products are super nice so to even get a sample seems really special. Lastly, there is Agave Healing Oil Treatment for your tired tresses. I've never used an oil treatment on my hair because 1) it sounds weird and kind of gross and 2) I think my hair gets oily enough on it's own. I think this would work best for curly or frizzy hair types. Birchbox also includes a beauty extra and in this months box there is a small sample of Benefit primer called Big Easy that you apply after your moisturizer to even out and balance your skin.

Both websites deliver a pretty nice package and the miniature size of the products makes everything better in my humble opinion. I am now highly considering subscribing to both websites, because I can't resist a good sample package! Go check each of them out and style on!

Wintertime Blues

It's 2014 warriors and I haven't blogged nearly enough. It's a new year and society dictates we start new things or form new habits or get a gym membership. I, for one, find youtube videos very effective in place of gym memberships and I don't have to worry about judgmental stares.
Really, I haven't been blogging because I've been a sartorial slump lately and I'm going to first blame the weather. It has snowed almost everyday here in Colorado and the cold really doesn't lend itself to creative wardrobe choices. My biggest decision in the morning is whether or not I want to wear leggings for the fourth time this week. They're starting to show wear and can't take it anymore!

I would love to wear a skirt or dress and then I remember my legs haven't seen the sun in months. Vampire chic isn't sounding so bad these days. I really don't feel like blinding my friends and coworkers with my glistening paleness. Actually, they might start to worry about my blood flow and whether or not I'm getting enough nutrients or oxygen for that matter. (This is really turning into a Stephanie Meyer novel, no more vampire references)!

Work has also been a wardrobe stressor on me. I work with clothes all day and they are mostly trendy and new and you'd think I'd be inspired everyday, but no. I worry about dressing cool and fashionably every morning and trying to stay true to myself and end up falling flat. I need to be comfortable at work because I'm usually running around lugging ladders and huge hand fulls of clothes and pushing and pulling giant rolling racks. I have to be able to move around is what I'm saying and my personal style really doesn't allow for that so now I feel as if I've lost a bit of who I am. I don't know how to style myself and I think that is the most depressing part...on top of the weather. I know there's such thing as SAD, but can someone have FAD, fashionable affective disorder?

My goal is to keep blogging to hopefully raise my spirits and maybe find some inspiration. I also need to keep up with my mounting pile of magazines. They are starting to look a little precarious sitting on my bookshelf.

I've decided to scour style.com and post some pictures that are sure to get some creative juices flowing and I hope you enjoy them. Also, I hope I didn't depress anybody else with my fashion sadness.

Beautiful picture time! 

ooooh! pretty

Awww, color!

"show me your best moody model face. That's it!"

Metallic shorts!...and a weird shirt-tail-thing

Skirt= want

sooo kewl, you guys

Okay, so minus the face, i.e. hair and makeup, I really liked the print on this dress

Skirt= also want

jacket, jacket, jacket!

Picasso

Now this I could definitely wear to work, minus the sock tights goin' on here

love, love the shorts

Ahhhh, I feel much better now. Although, now I'm a little more excited for spring to start. This will just have to tie me over for the next two or three months.

Style on little warriors!