August Birchbox ~ What I Got

I think by now, Birchbox is a well known service and everyone knows about it, right?  If not, sign up immediately!  $10 a month gets you 4-5 deluxe samples!

Everything comes in the most adorable pink packaging!  And the monthly boxes are sturdy and I actually use them to organize my craft stuff.

So here's my box, opened up, and notice there are still a few things wrapped up!  It's so fun!

So this is my August box. Now I've been subscribing to Birchbox since February, and sadly, this is my least favorite box.  I really was not impressed with anything.  However, there's always a caveat!  The Anastasia Lash Lifting Mascara is absolutely AMAZING!!!  My lashes look longer, curvier, and not clumpy even with 2.5 coats!!!  I'm going to be trying this layered over my Cargo mascara I purchased after using up the sample in my February box, see the video post here.

Now I also haven't yet tried the Earthen Instant Peel or the Anastasia Line Erasing Serum, but the Atelier Orange Sanguine Cologne Absolue is absolutely amazing, albeit tres tres expensive.  At $145 a bottle, I won't be buying it lol!

So for what I did not like.  The Amika Oil Treatment is supposed to be along the lines of the cult favorite Moroccan Oil, which I swear by.  Now this little bottle LEAKED in the packaging, thank goodness it was wrapped up in tissue paper, but still.  When I went to try it out in lieu of my Moroccan Oil, it would not come out of the little plastic spout.  At all.  So I took the plastic spout out and just poured it into my hands.  It's ok, it works, but given the hassle with the sample, I don't want to deal with the full sized if it's going to be a pain in the ass.  It's in the same price range as my Moroccan Oil, I'll stick with it. :)

Now there's also this adorable hair tie, called a twistband, which sells for $5 for three.  Hair ties.  Now here's the best part, it's simply a piece of elastic, folded in half and knotted.  My jaw seriously dropped.  Whatever genius invented these is a millionaire off of others' stupidity.  Whoever buys them is silly, in my book.  So I decided to at least give it a shot, right?  The twistband's knot isn't very sturdy, so it tightens and tightens and moves towards the ends more as it does so.  What does that do for your ponytail / top knot?  If you guessed makes it fall you're correct!  Sorry twistband, I'll stick with my Scunci ties that don't slip and that I can buy 50 of for the price of three of your lousy pieces of knotted elastic.

So there you have it, my highly opinionated opinion.  I know it's late, but I just got my box last week (don't even get me STARTED on that one!)  I look forward to September's box, I think anything is better than this box that I received.

xxooxoxo
Lia

Military Vest ~ Outfit Challenge Post

Remember this vest from my list of items I was going to make myself wear this week?  Well here's how I styled it!

I wanted to temper this tie dyed tiered skirt that I paired with a simple tank so on went the vest and it instantly dressed it up!  I wrapped a belt around my waist for definition, and added some neutral wedges and a vintage snakeskin print clutch!

Bella was my photographer, so the pics came out a bit blurry :)

Vest: Banana Republic
Tank: NY & Company
Skirt: Target
Belt: NY & Company
Wedges: Michael Kors via TJ Maxx
Pendant Necklace: Jewelmint Daphne Pendant
Wooden Beaded Necklace: Vintage, thrifted
Earrings: Jewelmint World's End Earrings
Ring: Jewelmint Moonbeam Ring
Bracelets: Vintage, thrifted
Snakeskin Embossed Clutch: Vintage, thrifted
Sunnies: Moschino
Kilt Pin (on lapel): Vintage, belonged to my grandmother

What do you think of this look?  How else would you style this vest?

Detailed shot of my accessories, listed out above.

Closer look of the vintage kilt pin on my lapel, cute huh?  Love it!!
What do you think of this look?

xxooxoxo
Lia

Blues ~ Outfit Challenge Post

Hello my lovelies!  Today I am wearing TWO of the items I challenged myself to wear this week, the blue men's shirt, and the cobalt Sole Society pumps.  I love this look.  I bought the shirt on a clearance rack at Walmart in the men's department. 

I belted the shirt, cuffed the sleeves and left the top buttons undone as well.  I paired it with my gray skinnies from NY and Company, and of course, what shoes would look best with this besides the cobalt Virginia's from Sole Society.  Now who would I be without my accessories??  Of course I'm rocking Jewelmint and BaubleBar!

Shirt: George, Walmart Men's Section

Jeggings: NY and Company

Belt: Forever 21

Shoes: Sole Society

Necklace: Jewelmint Bullet Necklace

Earrings: Jewelmint Rio Bravo Earrings

Bracelet: BaubleBar Starfish Cuff, seen here

Do you like how I styled the shirt and the shoes?  Would you have styled them differently?

xxooxoxo

Lia

Closet Challenge Week One Roundup

A few weeks ago, Alyson over at The Average Girl's Guide posted a tip, to challenge yourself to pick out three items in your wardrobe to wear throughout the week, see her post here.  So I (being the wicked overachiever that I am) picked seven pieces that I will be wearing.  I chose these items because they are things I've bought but haven't really worn; the skirt and men's shirt still have their tags on, and the shoes are all brand new!  I don't believe I've worn either vest, too!

Here's what I've picked!

• Black flats from Sole Society
• Banana Republic olive green vest
• White Adrienne Vittadini vest
• Blue men's button down shirt
• Silky patterned A-line skirt
• Red and silver pumps from Sole Society
• Cobalt and black Sole Society pumps

I'll post outfit pics showing what I've put together every day!  Do you have any suggestions of what I should pair the items with??

xxooxoxo

Lia

Obsessed ~ BaubleBar Starfish Cuff

When Grace, from Stripes and Sequins fame, tweeted a pic of herself wearing this bracelet, I died.  I'm in love with insanely unique pieces, and I'm in love with anything beachy so this was a no brainer.  It also reminded me of this Anthropologie starfish cuff I'd been coveting for some time, but was not about to drop $198 on.  So a few weeks later, Grace tweeted me and said that the cuff was now available for purchase at BaubleBar, and it was only $34, I think it was only a matter of seconds until it was purchased.  I love especially how its arms wrap around and you can adjust the cuff to better fit your wrist by lightly bending them.  It's such a statement piece, I get so many compliments on it from strangers!

Here's a pic of it with no flash on.  You can really see the detail and texture of this amazing piece.  I'd recommend getting it asap!  The price is perfect for such a quality statement piece.  Plus, if you've never ordered from BaubleBar before, you get a $10 credit on your first purchase!
I hope you love this bracelet as much as I do!

xoxoxo
Lia

I'm Guest Posting Today at Fashion by Alicia!

Hi lovelies!  Today I am guest posting over at the amazing Alicia's blog, Fashion by Alicia.  Be sure to check out some of my favorite things I'm talking about over there and let me know what you think!  While you're there, peruse Alicia's blog!  She gives some amazing tips on how to dress for your body type, how to mix colors, etc!  

xxooxoxo

Lia

New Vlog ~ Another Jewelmint Haul

Hiya lovelies!

Yes, I'm wicked addicted to Jewelmint as of late, so here's another haul of what I've gotten.  I'm super pleased with the pieces!

Also, check out my killer earrings made by Tara, of Haute Lunch.  She has an etsy shop, Tara Lane Designs, and I was shocked over how talented she is!!!  Stop by her blog and say hi, or buy some really unique and eye catching pieces from her shop!

Finally, if you aren't familiar with Jewelmint, click the link and sign up!  You definitely won't be disappointed, I swear :)



So what is your favorite Jewelmint piece?  Do I need to join a JM Anonymous support group?

xxooxoxo
Liajavascript:void(0)

How to Get Perfect Curls

Hello darlings!! Today I want to share my hair tips with you.  Now first I must say that I have incredibly thick, naturally wavy hair.  So while these tips may work for my hair, they may not work for yours.

So you may recognize my signature top-knot.  I'm always rockin it, like in these posts:

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That's a lot of top-knots!!!  Now would you believe the work that I put into the top-knot?  OMG, let me tell you :)  So here's the products:

1. Dove Nourishing Oil Care shampoo
2. Dove Nourishing Oil Care conditioner
3. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle deeeeeeeeep conditioner

I always use this shampoo, and I alternate (2) and (3) every other wash.  I wash my hair 3-4 times a week.

4. Aussie Hair Insurance leave-in conditioner

As soon as I'm out of the shower and toweled off, I spray this throughout my hair.

5. Conair wide toothed comb

This is the widest wide toothed comb I can find.  I swear by it.  After spraying in (4), I use this to gently detangle the bigger tangles and to distribute the product throughout my hair.  I never, repeat, NEVER use a brush on my hair.  Unless I'm getting a blowout.  But I'm not the one using the brush.

6. Moroccan Oil


After combing, I dispense two pumps of this into my hands and rub them together.  Then I run my hands through the bottom two-thirds of my hair, really concentrating on the ends.  I make sure to get everywhere, even the little tiny hairs in the back underneath.  Finally, I gently run my hands over the top of my hair before washing my hands.

7. Scunci hair ties


These are hands down the best things in the world.  You put them in, and your hair does. not. budge.  You don't need to readjust your ponytail or whatever at all.  Anyhow, I flip my head upside down, and gather all my hair on the top of my head.  Then I start twisting it, and then twist it and coil it around itself into a top knot.  I finally wrap (7) around the top knot and that's it!

I leave my hair in that for a day or so (use a shower cap when showering!!!) then take it down and get this:

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So there you have it.  That's how I do my hair.  While it works for me, it may not work for you, but it wouldn't hurt to try!

Tell me, what do you do to tame your hair?

xoxoxo
Lia

Polka Dotted and Spotted

Hello my lovelies!  Today's look is super retro inspired!  I only wish I had some high heeled saddle shoes, it would be perfect.  Somebody needs to make those, seems like something Tommy Hilfiger may do....

I am in love with the dress.  And this above pic, it's my fave.  The dress is the red version of Julia Roberts' Pretty Woman one, isn't it?  I got it at a thrift store a while back (post here) for $6.  Such a find, right?  It didn't come with the matching belt, which was fine by me since I'd rather use a different color to break it up.  I wore my black oxfords to complete the look.  Finally, I wore my hair curly in a very high ponytail to finish the 60s vibe.  I'm totally bringing back the curly bangs, I love how it looks!

I don't know what I'm doing with my right hand here.  

Here's a view of my vintage accessories.  I got the two wooden beaded necklaces at the thrift store for $3.

And my Fendi sunnies, which go so well with the look!

Here are the vintage bracelets I wore as an arm party, you may recognize them from my Bloggers Do It Better Arm Party post, here.

What do you think of my retro inspired look?

xxooxoxo
Lia

FBFF ~ DIY Manicure

Hello lovelies!!!  Happy Friday!  Today is FBFF and the lovely Miss Rockwell at Lifestyles of the Thrifty and Shameless chose this theme of our DIY manicures! Make sure to check out everyone's linked up on her site!

I've wanted to do a glitter ombre mani for some time, so I kinda half-assed my way through it, and am stoked on the results!

I did two coats of a pinkish nudish neutral, OPI's Dolce de Leche and let it dry for a few hours.  Then I used a purple-y blueish glitter, Pure Ice's Cheatin.  I free handed "french mani tips", since I wanted it to be messy and ombre.  I then wiped most of the glitter polish off the brush after dipping it in the bottle and brushed downward from the tips about two-thirds the way down to smear some pieces of glitter, giving the whole ombre look.  Check out how it came out!  What do you think?

This was so fun and such a fabulous idea!  I can't wait to check everyone's out.  Thanks to Miss Rockwell for coming up with such a terrific idea!

xoxo
Lia

Birchbox Haul: Boxes and Products I Love

Hello dolls!  I've wanted to do a post for like the past three months and have taken the pics and everything, but it seemed too borrrrinngggg.  So I did a vlog instead!  I'm sharing my Birchbox loves!  Below the video are the links I mention, peep em!



Here's the website for Birchbox.  If you sign up, make sure to put my name as your referral, I promise I'll love you forever if you do!!

Here are the three products I purchased after falling in love with their samples:

Cargo Lash Activator Mascara - best mascara everrrrrr!
Ahava Mineral Hand Cream - ships free this month!
Zhena's Gypsy Tea Italian Chamomile - if you like tea, this is a no brainer.....

Finally, here's the link for Biva.com, the flash sale site for fragrances, you will be addicted!!  Right now there's sales on Carolina Herrera, Salvatore Ferragamo, Lolita Lempicka, Narciso Rodriguez, Animale, and Versace fragrances!!

Let me know if you have any more questions, I'd be happy to give more info!  So, do you love Birchbox as much as I do??

xoxo
Lia

Everybody Everywear ~ Mixed Prints

This month, the Everybody, Everywear challenge was mixed prints.  EEEEEK!!  I was sooo scared, I thought I'd skip this month.  And I actually forgot about it, until this morning when I was about to get dressed.  I saw this skirt in my closet, which I'd bought for ridiculously cheap but have never worn because I'm still not super sure on the midi length, and then my eyes fell upon my lace top.  Hmmmm could it work?  The colors are the same, so maybe?

I hiked up the skirt so it just grazed the bottom of my knees, and then put on a cami with the lace top over.  I still wasn't so sure.  It needed a belt.  But I didn't want to tuck the top in (skirt is hiked wayyy the eff up!), and I didn't want to leave it hanging out.

So, I grabbed my widest elastic belt, bunched up the bottom of the shirt and cami, and clasped the belt about 2 inches above my belly button, and over the bunched up bottoms of the tops.  It actually looks like it's a dress now, doesn't it??

I thought it had a very retro, demure, Mad Men-esque vibe to it, so I decided to style the rest of the look with that in mind.  I put on my blush colored platform pumps, a nice neutral, yet a modern shape to keep the look current.  Of course, I had to wear a single strand of pearls.  Nuff said.  I also added my grandmother's vintage charm bracelet (better view in the first pic).  I love it because it's simple, it just has a charm with the letter L on it.  It was her first initial and it's mine too!  I'm also wearing a pair of her vintage clip on earrings (better view below, right).  Aren't they divine?  I think they play off the pearls well, keeping everything circular :)  For sunnies, of course I wore my Fendis.  The shape is so retro, I usually wear them with any vintage-inspired look.  Lastly, I put my hair up in a top knot, and swiped on some mauve lipstick.  Unfortunately, you can't see my super exaggerated cat-eye eyeliner, but it's there :)

Top: American Apparel; Cami: NY & Company; Belt: Forever 21; Skirt: Jaclyn Smith; Shoes: Qupid.  Vintage jewelry as mentioned above, Nixon watch (as always!), Fendi Sunglasses.

So what do you think of my print mixing?  I think I nailed it!!  Is this something you would try?



xoxoxo
Lia