What is Birchbox?

Don't worry...if you're not hip, neither was I until last week.  I was perusing through my YouTube subscriptions (because I love to watch makeup tutorials, hauls, and reviews) and came upon a video by AdoreDior0x titled, My First Birchbox!! February 2011 (view the video and Birchbox Website) for more details.

For just $10/month or $110/year, Birchbox will deliver 4-5 deluxe samples to you from your favorite brands each month.  Each month you will receive something different.  Some of the brands are NARS, benefit, Korres, Kiehl's, Laura Mercier, Stila, and bareMinerals.  For someone like me who has always wanted to try products from these brands but hasn't had the $$ to pay full price for an item, I thought this was ideal!  You're basically getting a sample from a luxury brand for only $2/month.  If you like it, you can purchase the product from their site; if not, you lost $10 at the most/month which isn't bad at all.

Visit their site and view the video if you want to learn more about Birchbox and what it has to offer.  There are no hidden fees and you can cancel your subscription at any time.  Also, they have a 90 day return policy on full-size product purchases.  Last, but certainly not least, if you review one of the products you received a sample for, you receive loyalty points which can go towards purchasing a full-size product.

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Nude Suede Platform Booties @ TJ Maxx for ONLY $15

My good friend, Portia, knows I love a great deal, so I was super siced when she told me about these Steve Madden nude suede booties she picked up from TJ Maxx...they were only $15!!!  *picks jaw up from floor*  That's right, I said it, and I'll say it again...ONLY $15!!!  If you have a TJ Maxx near you, I would check it out and see if they have any in your size.

FAB Mossimo Nude Pumps @ Target for only $29.99!!

When I came across these Mossimo nude platform pumps at Target, I almost sh*tted my pants.  Not only because of the height of the heel (as most avid Target shoppers know...it's hard to find anything higher than a 3" heel) but also THE PRICE!  These nude pumps are ONLY $29.99!!!  You can't beat that with a bat.  I couldn't pass up this STEAL...and I've been on the hunt for a pair of nude pumps for a while now, so I HAD to buy them.

The nude patent pumps are comparable to the Steve Madden Caryssa pump that runs around $89.  They have this style available in a gold glitter finish, as well.  This one is comparable to the Steve Madden CaryssaG pump that runs around $129 (see pic below).

I bought mine in the store but they are also available online!

Purchase/view nude patent pumps here.

Purchase/view glitter gold pumps here.

Lady Gaga & MAC Are Back at it AGAIN!

Lady Gaga and MAC have teamed up again to bring us VIVA Glam Gaga 2!

VIVA Glam Gaga 2 looks like it would be the perfect nude lip color.  What do you think?  I love the first VIVA Glam Gaga lip color and I'm sure I'll love this one just as much.

Click here to purchase the products on MAC's website.  Don't forget that every cent from the sale of MAC VIVA GLAM goes toward the MAC AIDS Fund.

Color Inspiration: Jennifer Lawrence in Hot Pink @ 2011 SAG Awards

When I saw Jennifer Lawrence's Oscar de la Renta dress at the 2011 SAG Awards, my jaw dropped.  This color is phenomenal and inspiring.  Hence, the need for me to do a color inspiration piece.  I've compiled 6 dresses, ALL under $100, inspired by Jennifer's vibrant gown.  HOT PINK KNOCKS MY SOCKS OFF!  Enjoy and leave a comment to let me know what you think.

Printed asymmetric dress
$80 - theoutnet.com

Silk Flounce Waist Dress at AKIRA | Pink Cocktail Dress |...
$84 - shopakira.com

The Deveraux Dress
$56 - modcloth.com

Poof Sleeve Satin Dress at AKIRA | Pink Wrap Bow Dress | shopAKIRA.com...
$60 - shopakira.com

Check Blake Dress by Motel**
$64 - topshop.com

Standout and Deliver Dress
$60 - modcloth.com

My NEW Favorite Color...

On the last page of the March 2011 Marie Claire Magazine, there's an article called "In the BAG" where they interviewed Jimmy Choo's founder, Tamara Mellon.  She stated, "I joke that my favorite color is leopard print.  Today I'm wearing leopard-print shoes, but if I didn't have these one, my bag or a scarf or my belt would be leopard print.  It's always a part of my accessories somewhere."

Well, if that's the case, then my NEW favorite color is *drum roll*...LEOPARD PRINT.

I too, wear at least one leopard print accessory almost EVERY day.  Most of the time it's usually my $5 leopard print shades that I got from H&M last year or my Express infinity scarf (see pics below).  Either way, I always feel extra confident when I'm wearing at least one item with leopard print on it.  Go figure!

Stay tuned for Part 2 of my homage to Leopard Print (Part 1 is in a previous blog post), this time I'll be showcasing my personal items.