Modcloth Stylish Surprise Apparel and Shoes Review

Modcloth recently had several "Stylish Surprise" options for sale.  You could choose Apparel, Accessories, Shoes or Apartment, then select your size and they would send you a mystery item.

I purchased one apparel surprise, which was $10 and was supposed to have a value between $29.99 and $299.99.

BB Dakota Edgemont Dress: ($84)  This little dress fits like a dream.  Of course, I already have a thousand black dresses, but I love this one anyway.  I need to find some excuse to wear this now!

The back is amazing, too.  It kind of reminds me of Deathly Hallows for some reason.

I also purchased one shoe Surprise, which was $10 and had a promised potential value from $29.99 to $199.99.

Poetic License Afternoon Tea Bootie: ($159)  I was pleasantly surprised when I pulled these out - and again when I found out the value.  I was hoping that I would get something unlike anything I already owned and these certainly fit that criteria. 

 These booties have me rather torn, though.  They're insanely comfortable, unlike anything I own, and weirdly appealing to me.  However...they're partially leather.  I don't buy leather, but technically I didn't consciously buy leather...so, I don't know if I'm okay with wearing them or not.  I'm also not sure if I'll wear them enough to justify not selling them.  But...I like them.  But...yeah.  I can't make up my mind.

I paid $24 including shipping and received $233 worth of items!  I'm absolutely stoked with what I received - especially compared to what I've seen some of the other girls post.  Next time ModCloth has Stylish Surprises, I'm definitely buying multiples.

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Elizabeth & Clarke Spring 2014 Review

The Box: Elizabeth and Clarke

The Cost: $30-$60 a season, depending on the number of shirts you choose

The Goods: 1-3 high quality tops that you choose from their seasonal collection.

Spring's options were the White, the Hutton and the Arden.  The Liz Lemon and the Taylor are part of the "Forever Collection" so they're always available.  I chose to go with only one top, the Arden, for $30.

The Arden:  This was originally released in white in last summer's collection.  I don't hate it, but I don't love it.  The fabric isn't sheer, which is nice.  It's a good basic.

It is longer in the back than the front.  I have a bit of an issue with the fit though - it's snug through the hips bug looser around the top area.  (You can kind of tell in this picture, but it's more noticeable in real life.)  It's fine tucked in but looks a little wonky untucked.

 I'll probably wear this as work attire, but the fit doesn't really make me want to wear it as casual wear.  The summer collection is available now through May 1 on the E&C website.  If you're interested in one of the tops from previous seasons, try shooting them an email because I've heard that they occasionally have left overs and might be able to accommodate your request!

March Golden Tote Review

The Box: Golden Tote

The Price: $49 or $149 (plus shipping)

The Goods:  For the $49 tote, you select one item from their monthly curated clothing selection and they choose 1-2 additional pieces to send you for up to a $200 value.  For the $149 option, you select 2 and they choose 3-5 for you for up to a $600 value.  (I went for the $149 tote this month.)

Thread & Supply Julianne Denim Jacket: ($50) This is one of my picks.  It's basically a white denim vest with grey sweatshirt sleeves and detachable hood.  This jacket was actually the only reason I went for the $149 tote. I love it.  I'm actually mad that the weather has been so warm because I want to wear this!

Under Skies Aztec Print Midi Skirt: ($51.50) I couldn't decide on my second pick.  This midi skirt looked adorable on the model and I didn't have any midi skirts in my collection, so I opted for this.  However, I have no idea how to style it.  I'm probably wearing it lower than it's supposed to sit, but that's where it fit me.  It kind of just looks like a maxi skirt that's too short.  I tried everything to make this look right on me.  Heels, flats, flowy tops, tanks...nothing seemed to work.

When I say I tried everything, I mean it.  Pulling it up, belting it and wearing it like a strapless dress is the closest I came to flattering.

J told me to act flowy.  I still have no idea what that meant.

Under Skies Embroidered Tank: Errrr...I don't know about this either.  I don't hate it in this picture, but it sort of feels like a smock or something.  I might like it better with leggings, but I'm not loving it so far.  I'm 0/2 on Under Skies so far.

Porridge Tee: This tee was one of the teaser mystery items Golden Tote released and the first thousand totes got one.  It's super soft and surprisingly forgiving in the cut.

The teaser they posted had an orange back with ducks on it, which had me a little nervous.  Thankfully, I love the back print of the one I received.

Ellison Top: I pulled this out, saw the ruffle around the bottom and cringed.  I changed my mind as soon as I put it on, though.  I would never pick this up for myself in a store, but I love it now that I have it.  I was so happy with it that I HAD to wear it yesterday.

The back has lace down the center as well, which is super cute.  Even though the ruffle still reminds me of a tutu, I like pairing frilly things with my combat boots.

Priddy by Puella Dress: Oh. My. Gosh.  I can't even explain how much I love this dress.  It's so comfy and flattering and ughhh I love it.  I absolutely would have bought this for myself.

Guest Star: Stella, Fashion Editor at House of J/K

It also has this cool criss-cross detail and cut out on the back.  (You can't really see the cutout because of how I'm standing, but trust me when I say it's awesome.) I seriously can't wait to wear this dress.  I'm probably going to live in it this summer.

So...I liked 4 of the 6 items I received.  Admittedly, I knew the midi skirt would be a risk, so that's partially my fault.  After shipping and whatnot, I paid $157 for the tote.  I know the jacket is $50 retail, so even if I don't wear the other two pieces, it was probably worth it in terms of value.  I probably won't spring for the $149 tote again unless I am super into both pieces that I choose, though.

Oh, and I know I don't have a bright future as a fashion blogger since the lighting, angles, and/or poses are off in pretty much each photo.  Hopefully I'll get it figured out eventually.  Here are a couple pictures of Stella helping me unpack my tote to make up for it. :)

Thanks for stopping by! <3

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March LootCrate Review - Titan

The Box: Loot Crate

The Price: $13.37 plus shipping

The Goods: 6-8 items perfect for a geek or gamer.

This month's theme was "Titan."

The button for this month is a mashup of Titanfall and Attack on Titan.  They also included some green taffy in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

Titanfall Lanyard: (~$6)  J doesn't have much use for lanyards, but it's cool looking none the less.

Titanfall Tee: (~$20)  We got tees at a Titanfall launch event, but they were a different style - and a couple sizes too big.  This one is a LootCrate exclusive and J's (and my) size.  I'm sure all of his gamer friends will be jealous.

Titanfall Prima eGuide: ($9.99)  J and I were discussing Prima guides the other day.  With all that's available on the internet, do people still buy them?  I mean, J will download this since he has this code but there's no way he'd buy one.

Attack on Titanfall Magnet: (~$2)  I've never seen or read Attack on Titan but J assures me that this mashup magnet is pretty cool.

Attack on Titan Scouting Regiment Wristband: ($4.99)  I don't think I've ever seen J wear a sweatband, but he still called it "sweet." 

Attack on Titan 1: ($6.50)  J has recently been super into graphic novels and manga, plus he's seen the Attack on Titan show, so he's pretty stoked about this item.

Total Value: ~$49.48+ 

I love that this box had so many exclusive items (even if it did make it hard to estimate value.)  I think that this is the first theme that 100% fit into J's geekdom.  We've both been playing Titanfall nonstop, plus he says Attack on Titan is awesome.  I think this is the best box yet in terms of value for J.

Disclaimer: This post contains a referral link.

Spring 2014 Target Beauty Box Review

The Box: Target Beauty Box

The Price: $5 plus tax (no longer available)

The Goods: 5 deluxe-sample size beauty products

Target posted the contents of the box on the item page so I knew what I was getting into.  The box also contained a coupon for $3 off a $15 beauty purchase.

Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo: ($1.73)  This wasn't my favorite dry shampoo ever, but it's certainly not the worst.  It didn't leave any sort of powdery residue or color cast, so it'd be great for dark hair.  It did fine on my second-day hair but not so much on day-three hair.

Jergens BB Body: ($3.20)  This is the item I was most curious about.  It smells nice and hydrates well, but I haven't seen that it's much different from any other lotion.  Granted, I've only used it a couple times and they say you're supposed to see a difference after 5 days.

Toni&Guy Sea Salt Spray: ($4.99)  It smells great, but it didn't do much in boosting my waves on dry hair.  It did make my braid waves last much longer, though.  Alterna is still my favorite wave mist.

L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara - Black: ($7.99)  I've got no less than 4 tubes of mascara open right now, so I haven't tried this out yet.

Cover Girl Smoochies Sizzle Gloss - Tickled Pink: ($6.49)  A little goes a long way with this gloss. I probably would have loved this gloss in high school.  It's super shiny and a bit shimmery. I also noticed a slight numbing sensation, but I'm not sure if that's normal?

Total Value: $24.40 (not including the coupon)

Back in the day, Target Beauty Boxes came in reusable makeup bags and they were free.  If I remember correctly, they came with more samples but the samples were the smaller foil packet type.  Even though it sucks that the boxes are no longer free, I still feel like it was worth the $5 to try out these products.

March Wantable Intimates Review

The Box: Wantable Intimates

The Cost: $36

The Goods: Intimate essentials chosen based on your preferences.

In case you're curious, here are my preferences:

Wantable Soft Bra: (~$20)  This sports bra is super soft and has removable cup liners.  It's not something I could go running in, but it'll be great for lounging and yoga.

Betsey Johnson Luscious Lite Cami Tap Set: ($59)  Love, love, love this pajama set.  It's insanely soft, the shorts are the perfect length and the top is loose and flowy without being massive or baggy.  Even J said the set was cute while I was doing my unboxing.

Look Solid Cotton Leggings: ($22)  I pretty much live in leggings, but most of mine are black.  I'm excited to have another bold pair!  I tried them on and they seem pretty opaque, which is great.  I hate leggings you can see straight through.

Total Value: $101

I couldn't be happier with my box this month.  I know I'll wear everything I received and the value is amazing!

Disclaimer: This post contains a referral link.

March Ipsy Glam Bag Review - Desination Beauty

The Box: Ipsy

The Price: $10

The Goods: 4-5 full and deluxe-sample sized beauty products chosen based on your beauty profile.

This month's theme was "Desination Beauty" and had a Klari Reis inspired bag.

bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick - Get Ready: ($7.50)  I cringed when I saw that Ipsy was sending me a lipstick, but this is actually the first one that I like!  The color is much, much more wearable than all of the previous ones they've sent me.

Pixi Flawless Beauty Primer: ($9) I haven't tried this out yet but primer is one of my staples, so I was excited to see this in my bag.

Chella Eyeliner Pen - Indigo Blue: ($24)  Blue is just not my color when it comes to eye products.  When I was swatching this, I had a hard time making the line straight but it could be that I'm just out of practice with liner pens.

It is a pretty, rich blue but just not one I'd use.  I do have to commend the staying power for this - I swatched it before bed and it stayed put until I scrubbed it off the next morning.

NYX Love in Rio Eye Shadow Palette - Voodoo Love Spells: ($6)  A lot of Ipsy subscribers like to hate on NYX, but I'm usually a fan of their products.  I see myself getting a lot of use out of this palette.

NYX describes all three shadows as matte, but I feel like the taupe is more of a satin finish.  The top half of each stripe is without primer and the bottom half is over UD Primer Potion.

Total Value: $46.50

 This is the first time in a while that I received 4 items instead of 5.  The value is about the same as normal, but I won't be using the highest price item.  Even so, I certainly got my money's worth and I'm happy to see that all of the products are cruelty free.

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