stamp it with love

Growing up, there weren't very many kids in my neighborhood.  However, one of my very first and best friends was one of the girls, Amy, on our street.  And one of the very few friends from home that I still keep in touch with.  I was in her wedding, she helped out with mine.  Then we didn't see each other for almost 7 years.  

During that time, we have kept in touch, and I have loved watching her grow her blog and her personal business: That Winsome Girl.  This chick is constantly figuring out new ways to evolve her vintage inspired jewelry line and is an inspiration with party planning and baking.  In her business, she only uses quality, beautiful materials and crafts each piece personally.  She really loves custom orders, but usually has an abundance of designs in stock at the numerous craft shows she frequents in the Lexington KY area.  

I had the major joy of getting to see her when we went back to Kentucky last month.  She and her husband just happened to be in town on their way to pick up their new puppy and we were able to visit for about 30 minutes one morning.  And man, she surprised me!  I had totally forgotten that I had mentioned eventually wanting some stamped rings by her if she ever got to doing them.  Well she didn't forget!  She had the most amazing mix of her stacking rings ready for me, with incredibly thoughtful stamped designs.  I LOVE these rings!

Here is the really awesome part... when I told her that I was wanting to talk about the rings on the blog, she was total game to offer my readers a discount in her online store.  You have to go look at the beautiful things she has there.  And then buy a bunch of stuff; at checkout just enter in the code "HOMEGROWN10" during Etsy checkout for 10% off of your total order.  No minimum purchase and no expiration.  I know you will love whatever you choose.  If the stamped look isn't for you, don't pass up the beautiful stacked sets!  

Please excuse the scuffs on them.  I have worn them every day since she gave them to me.  These rings really are some of my favorite jewelry, and I have the tan line to prove it.

get your fix!

In my birthday list, I made the random request for Stitch Fix gift cards.  I never really expected to get any... but I ended up with 2!  So I broke my Pinterest hiatus and got busy pinning things that I think represent my style.  The Stitch Fix stylists use Pin Boards and your beginning style profile quiz to get an idea of how to best choose pieces for you.  Each shipment comes with 5 items of some sort for you to choose from.

Once I felt like my board had become a decent look into my typical style (or what I wish my style was...), I did my style profile, linked my board, and let them know what sort of things I did or did not want.  In my case, I told them I was ok with always having one 'date night' dressy item in my shipment, was somewhat adventurous with new styles but mostly liked classic items, and did not want any jewelry or other accessories as any of my 5 items.  I also specifically asked for white skinny jeans and a maxi skirt.  Then I was given available dates to receive my "fix" and chose the last Saturday of May.

Once your box arrives, You have 3 business days to make a decision on what you want to keep.  What you don't want goes in a pre-paid shipping bag, and mailed back to the company.  You only are charged for what you keep.  If you keep nothing, you are charged a $20 styling fee.  If you keep something, that $20 initial fee goes toward your purchase.  If you keep everything, you get a 25% discount.

You guys, I was waiting by the mailbox for this thing to come.  I could not contain my excitement!  I couldn't get Myles down for his nap fast enough so I could rip into this thing!  Inside, were 5 items of clothing, style guides with 2 ways to wear each item, a note from my stylist "Kerry", instructions on what to do next, and the bag to return things in.  My items:

The first item is a dot print fit&flare dress by 41Hawthorn.  This thing fit like a glove.  I was a little surprised at how heavy the fabric was and how dark the colors were in person for this to be in a summer box.  If I had something to dress up for, I would have kept this in a heartbeat.  You can't beat $48 for something that great.  I just really, really didn't need this right now.

Next was the Sam Hi-Lo Tee by Market&Spuce.  This was a major flop.  The fabric was screaming "I'm going to snag on everything", I was not excited by the cut, and it was majorly overpriced at $44.  It looked just like something I would not grab at forever21 for $10.

The Remmie Ikat Maxi skirt by Papermoon.  This was the biggest "almost" in the box.  It just barely was too big in the waist.  People I sent photos to really liked it, but it was just too busy of a print for me.  And the $58 price tag finalized the "no".

These are printed shorts by Skies are Blue.  These were the things I was pleasantly surprised by because I never would have even tried them on in a store, but they weren't too bad.  Just not good enough to keep.  I told my stylist that if that print had been on a normal pair of shorts I would have seriously considered them.  Not too bad at $38 either.

Last but not least, the V-Neck Heathered Dolman sleeve shirt by Market&Spruce.  I knew I would love this thing.  It fit great, I loved the neckline and the weight of the fabric.  The color is that perfect hue for summer or winter.  I can see myself wearing this year round.  The price would normally have thrown me off at $48, but I know I will get a lot of wear out of this, and well... gift cards!  Definitely the item I chose to keep.

Overall, the prices are enough for me to stop the automatic monthly subscription.  But if you hate shopping for yourself but don't mind paying around $50 or more for any item of clothing, then this is definitely the service for you.  I absolutely loved my experience.  My package arrived earlier than expected and returning unwanted items could not have been easier.  I may have opted out of automatic shipments, but I am definitely considering making this a seasonal treat for myself (actually there is an automatic 3 month subscription option available; I just want to be more mindful with my Pin Board to get the best 'fix', where I wouldn't be if it is automated)!  

I firmly recommend this service.  I was hoping to be pushed a little outside my normal choices but hoped to have a chance at adding a great staple item to my wardrobe.  I feel like they really did hit the mark and considered my desires.  There was even a note from the stylist that she just couldn't make the white jeans happen this time but to try again next month.  Sorry Kerry... I found some at the mall.  If you want to give it a try, please use my referral link; if you do then I get a credit towards future fixes!

This is not a sponsored post.  I did not receive any benefit from this review... it really is just because I wanted to share.  All opinions are my own.

Ipsy review: Feb 2013

If you missed the explanation of what Ipsy is, you can check it out here. This month's bag was a "red carpet ready" theme.  The bag was shiny black lined in bright red with the Ipsy logo sewn inside.  Inside were these goodies:

This month, subscribers received a shadow palette sample from Coastal Scents with four handpicked shades by Ipsy.  There were two different options that could have been put in a bag.  The one I received was gold tones.  While the other was black and silvers. While I am not entirely thrilled with the colors in my bag (though they are growing on me), I have used Coastal Scents from a previous bag and LOVE the quality of these highly pigmented shadows so was nonetheless pleased to see a recurrence of this product.
Next was the MicaBeauty gel eyeliner in black.  It looks like from the Ipsy site that there were 6 color options that might have been received this month: black, brown, bronze, green, blue, and purple. I was extremely excited to get this in my bag.  I have tried it out using my angled liner brush from a past Ipsy bag and I was very pleased with the results.  This was my first experience with a gel liner and I liked the amount of control I had with it and its staying power.
Third in line was the Lash Card, meant to aid in the application of mascara.  The trial pack came with 4 cards.  They are meant to be placed behind the lash line to keep smudging from occurring on the lid. This was the product I was least excited about.  And by least, I mean not at all. While I am sure for some it is handy, I feel like this is a waste of money, and so, would never consider purchasing them in the future.
Fourth was Smokey Lash Kapow Mascara by POP Beauty.  It is a trial size sample that would probably last a decent amount of time for me.  I will eventually use this when I run out of what I have.  So while not super exciting, it is useful.
Last, I had the Pixi Flawless and Poreless primer.  This primer is unlike others I have tried.  It is a creamier consistency than the gel like primers I own and is meant to help control shine and clear pores.  I do enjoy this product and was glad to get to try a Pixi product for the first time.

Each company offered 20-30% off an order within a month or two of the Feb glam bag receipt.

While not the most exciting of bags, I definitely feel like it has provided me with some good staple products that I would not ordinarily purchased for myself at the store, all in much higher quality brands than I ever spend money on.  Well done Ipsy.

subscription service review: Ipsy

For a little over a year now I have been subscribed to a makeup subscription service called Ipsy.  I was first introduced to the concept by my good friend Amy over at That Winsome Girl.  Amy and I grew up two houses from each other and became best friends in middle school.  We haven't seen each other since my wedding but have kept in touch online over the past 5 years.  She has in the meanwhile become quite the domestic queen, serving up amazingly elaborate homemade treats at every get-together she and her husband host, and whipping up some pretty amazing jewelry in her spare time (her Etsy shop is here).  Definitely check out what she has to offer on her blog or in her shop.  You will not be disappointed.

The neighborhood trio (Gracie, Amy, and Me) Photo from Amy

When Amy turned me on to the concept, she was subscribed to Birchbox and had just gotten in on the ground floor of MyGlam glambags in Dec.2011.  I subscribed to MyGlam shortly after her, but after a few months of service issues, she cancelled her subscription and I stuck with it.  A few months ago, MyGlam made the brand name switch to Ipsy.  And about the same time, Amy came back.  Ipsy has really gotten their act together and is really beginning to deliver great products.

What is Ipsy?

image source

Ipsy is a beauty product subscription service that was started by Michelle Phan, a youtube beauty guru.  For $10/month (this amount includes shipping), you receive a makeup bag, and generally 4-5 deluxe size samples, one+ of which is usually full size.  Bags ship around the 10th of the month and can be a fun little surprise in the mail if you don't pay attention to all the product hints on their Facebook page.  The Ipsy website has many interactive features to allow you to rate the products you receive, and interact with others in the Ipsy network. Each month a few of the assorted makeup stylists on staff produce how-to videos of recommended uses for each of the products in the bag. They also host several competitions for larger samples or complete sets of products through the website or Facebook page. Most companies that provide the products also give discount codes for full size purchases made within a few months of trial. 

Currently, Ipsy is only available at the $10/month price in the USA.  For an additional $4.95 S&H fee, they will now ship to Canada.

Subscriptions are limited, so if interested, join their waitlist to be informed when subscriptions are opened.  They usually open it up each month as customers come and go. 

To me, it is an opportunity to try something new each month.  Usually there is a product in there that I have never been bold enough to try (lipstain) or not seen the use of before (gel eye liner).  Whether I am in love with what I receive or just happy to receive some snail mail, I truly enjoy this service.

What if I don't like something I receive?

This is where it can be fun.   Remember my Valentine's post that mentioned generosity?  Make someone's day.  Hand over the goods to someone that could use it, or would enjoy that color of eye shadow or lipgloss that just isn't you.  Another option, switch with someone that got a product you would rather have.  Or take it to the extreme with your friends who also subscribe to similar services and host a swap party for a fun girl's night.

Each month I plan to have a review of what I receive in the mail from this service.  Feel free to ask any questions you might have in the comments below.