LASHXTEND, French Scents, & More -Birchbox Review- Nov. 2012

 Birchbox Review - November 2012

ModelCo FIBRE LASHXTEND Lengthening Mascara

Birchbox Says:

We’ve tested many a volumizing mascara, but we’ve never found one that mimics the effect (in a good way) of falsies quite like this one. ModelCo’s innovative formula is made with tiny fibers that attach to your lashes to elongate and thicken them. You’ll be shocked at how much richness and length you can get with a single coat— apply two for serious drama. Plus, each tube features a handy built-in mirror for easy on-the-go application.

The water-resistant formula uses tiny fibers to beef up your fringe without any irritation. Nourishing beeswax and carnauba wax keep lashes plush.

Holding horizontally, wiggle the wand from base of lashes through tip. Apply two coats for extra volume. At the end of the day, use warm water and makeup remover to rinse away.

I Say:

The length this mascara creates is great, they really do look like falsies! BUT.. the brand also claims to thicken your lashes, which I did not find to be true even after putting on the recommended three coats total. They also claim to be water-resistant, and they are just that - water resistant. If you have watery eyes, are planning on sweating alot, or have contacts that get irritated easily, I'd go for something more water proof.
I'd recommend this if you're looking for long length, but not for volume. I'd use this for work, or a dinner date, but I would not recommend this for a night out dancing, you'll have raccoon eyes fairly fast! 

Feeling Smitten Bath Bomb

Birchbox Says:

The holidays can be stressful—there’s no doubt about it. Tame the tension with a relaxing bath, courtesy of Feeling Smitten’s fizzy bath bombs. Shaped and scented like mini-cupcakes, these indulgences will melt away any hint of a Grinch-like mood in no time.

These fizzy handmade treats infuse your bath with bubbles, moisturize your skin, and smell delicious. There are three serene-smelling scents: Wonderland, delectable Ribbon Candy, and spicy Rum Cake. Plus, every Feeling Smitten product is gentle enough for sensitive skin and free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, so sink back, relax, and enjoy.

Fill your tub about one-third full. With the water still running, add the bath bomb of your choice. 

I Say: 

Although part of it was crumbled in the package making me wonder how many people got theirs in tiny pieces, the scent was yummy, and my skin was left moisturized and smooth. It definitely looked cute too, almost like the real thing! I would recommend keeping it out of the reach of small children though, since it looks like a real cupcake.
This is a pretty fragile product, and they should ship it with better care. But overall, I enjoyed the scent and effects on my skin and would enjoy giving or receiving these as small holiday gifts among girlfriends. 

Oscar Blandi Pronto Texture & Volume Spray

Birchbox Says:

We love the sexy bedhead look, but our hair rarely looks hot right after we roll out of bed in the morning. That’s why we’re totally obsessed with this volumizing spray from celebrity stylist Oscar Blandi. All we have to do is lift sections of hair while spraying it from ends to roots, and voila! We’ve got sultry, tousled strands in less time than it takes to get a vanilla soymilk latte en route to the office.

There is some serious science behind this sleek spray: Zeolite, a natural volcanic mineral, actually removes toxins to keep your hair from losing volume throughout the day. Keratin proteins strengthen hair, and UV absorbers keep your color looking gorgeous.

Spray on dry hair, starting with the ends and working your way up toward the roots. Lift your hair as you spray for added volume and increased sexiness.

I Say:

 Honestly, this works more as a dry shampoo than anything. Using it on a second day blowout with get rid of access oil and give you a little lift. The volume you get is about the equivalent of the results you get from flipping your head upside down and spraying hairspray to the roots. Point is, your paying more for the name than anything. There are lots of other great (and much cheaper!) dry shampoos out there with the same, if not better results. Leave the volume and texture to a product that isn't just hairspray meets baby powder in a pretty can.

SOYJOY Cranberry Snack Packs 

Birchbox Says:

If bad memories of bland tofu turned you off soy, we don’t blame you. Erase them forever with these sweet and tart snack bars, which are a tasty way to get soy’s health benefits. They’re packed with non-GMO soy, the ingredient nutritionists love because it’s the only plant source of complete protein. Each flavor is free of artificial flavors, refined carbs, and high fructose corn syrup. At just 140 calories, these bars are a guilt-free morning, afternoon, or anytime snack. (Not that you’re counting, of course.)

Made with real dried cranberries and ground whole soy nuts, SOYJOY bars are gluten-free and completely vegetarian. They’re natural sources of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and zinc. Each pack includes five bars.

Store these bars in your pantry, or keep one in your purse to ward off hunger between meals.

I Say:

They sure will ward off hunger! Just tasting one will make you lose your appetite. The texture is hard and extremely chewy, and the flavor is just plain bland. I'm not a big fan of soy to begin with, it didn't surprise me that i disliked this product. But what made me even more less of a fan, is the fact that although they are a vegetarian snack, they still contain butter - which some vegans and vegetarians won't eat. Why make this a  'vegetarian' snack, but add butter to it?

Stella Cadente Miss Me Eau de Parfum

 

Birchbox Says:

This best-selling fragrance by French designer Stella Cadente makes us feel European chic. It blends soft, floral notes with a warm, cozy musk for a scent that is both sexy and feminine. Spritz it on and practice your best ‘Oui, oui.’

A blend of peony, orange, and silkwood blossom provides blossomy floral notes, while Siamese benzoin, tolu and peru balm add muted vanilla tones.

Spray a small amount on wrists or behind neck. One spritz should do the trick.

I Say:

With a scent that was part baby powder, part floral, this exotic scent will transport you right into the streets of Paris.  I was a huge fan of the packaging as well, very pretty and feminine. I would definitely recommend!

 

Why Ameicans Should Act More Like Anne Frank

Most people know the story of Anne Frank, the little Jewish girl who went into hiding with her family during the reign of Hitler, keeping her hopes and dreams alive through a simple plaid diary she wrote in often.

I came across this quote when re-reading her book, and I found that we could relate with today's political and economic issues. We are struggling to make ends meet, worrying about healthcare and jobs. The dreams of "making it big" seem to be put on the back burner as life and responsibilities take their toll.

“It's difficult in times like these: ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us, only to be crushed by grim reality. It's a wonder I haven't abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.”

Anne said it right. It might be difficult to hold onto our ideals, our dreams. But if Anne could hold onto hers through 25 months of being completely shut out from the rest of the world and her people being extremely discriminated, then don't you think you can hold on to your goals too?

Channel Anne and always hold onto what you believe in- no matter what life throws your way! 

XOXO

<3

 

 

African Fashion Week London - 2012

After the launch of Africa Fashion Week in London in August 2011, I was really looking forward to seeing what would be shown this year!


Here are just a few of my favorites this year.

 Enjoy! 

Kiki Clothing 

(Images by
Simon Klyne/Catwalk Capture)

 

Love the fun patterns and bright colors! 

 ________________________________________________________________

AFWL 2012 DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Ozora 

(Images by  

Simon Klyne/Catwalk Capture)

Love the clean lines, and the deep rich blue.

 _______________________________________________________________

 

Adebayo Jones

(Images by
David Mbiyu)

Sleek and Classy, both these ensembles are  great for the 

 9-5's

and the

 5 - ???'s ;)

And my #1 look for Africa Fashion Week in London is...

 This AMAZING piece from the Adebayo Jones collection!!! The color is just bold enough to catch anyone's eye, and the flirty cut shows skin, but just enough to leave plenty to the imagination. Pair with tights and pumps on a cool night for the perfect holiday look for all those festive parties I predict in your future. <3

 

This camouflage trend? You bet!

The Military Trend is still in full-swing, and even celebrities like Rhianna and Miley Cyrus and designers like Y-3, Kinder Aggugini,  Kenzo, and Michael Kors are on board!

 From bags to cargos, jackets and even shoes, this camo trend is everywhere!

You've gotta love a versatile trend, and this trend is certainly versatile!

How to make it fit you?

Well, Remember the White Belted Dresses I raved about in my "Fall Trends on A Real Woman's Budget" post? On a cooler day, throw a camo jacket over it for a surprise twist of edge to a classy look.

A Classy Collaboration - Zara

Miley Rocks A More Edgy Look with Biker Boots and Classic Cutoffs

A Bright/ Fun Look

Some More Of My Fave Camo Looks <3

Quick Tips from Shannon Fitzgerald

Keeping Up With The Kardashians, The Simple Life, Nanny 911

If you have been in the US for more than a minute, you are almost certain to be familiar with the titles above.

But what you might not realize, is the amount of work and effort it takes from many people to pull together just one episode of a television show, or how much creativity it takes to come up with a television show that the American Public with really enjoy.

 

Meet Shannon Fitzgerald, who works as Senior Vice President of Series Development at MTV in New York. Basically, in Layman's Terms, she creates new shows for the MTV network, both reality and scripted genres. 

And with a few feature film projects, speeches to young students, and more also in progress, it seems the self-proclaimed "Accidental Executive" has got a great work ethic. 

Today, I asked her a few questions about helping young woman find balance in work and play.

Her Tip?
 
"Don't be afraid to work hard. Don't waste time on short cuts.Worth it" 

We live in an age where people look for shortcuts or quick solutions quite often. We'd rather finish something timely, than take our time to make sure everything is perfect. When we take shortcuts, we uusually end up having to back track and fix something anyways. Be productive and make a good impression on your employers, friends, and co-workers on giving it your full 100% the first time around. 

Her other Piece of Advice? 

You are in your building years, so throw yourself into it while u have the energy/desire.
Important to play too - good for the soul!   

Basically, as a young person trying to build your career, it does take lost of hard work and consistency. BUT it also takes a few breaks here and there. If you work too hard, you'll feel burnt out. It is very important to find the right balance of work and play now. 

Trust me, you'll thank us later :)






**A special thanks to Shannon Fitzgerald for passing on her advice, so young women like us everywhere have an opportunity to grow for ourselves and one another.**  

Do's & Dont's of Business Wear

Do's & Dont's of Business Wear

 1. Marc Jacobs was once quoted as saying -

"Unless your job involves sitting at a lifeguard station, this is a no."

This doesn't necessarily mean you  have to wear heels every day, but with the wide variety of shoe choices these days like booties and flats, keep the flip flops for the beach or the pool.

Great for the Club..but the Office?

2. DON'T show too much skin. When in doubt, don't go without. Dressing like you're going to the club is never office appropriate. 

Having to Adjust Constantly Is NOT flattering..or fun!

3. Don't wear a brand new ensemble to work, Make sure you're confident in it and that you're not constantly having to adjust. Which comes to my next don't...

4. DON'T show bra straps. If It even comes close, go strapless. Or, if you're good at sewing, or have a few extra dollars.. Nicole Miller suggests you have a tailor add snaps under your straps to keep your bra in place. 

5. DON'T wear a hat unless it's part of your uniform. 

5. Do add personality with a bright bag or accessories, but ...

6. Don't go overboard with loud pieces. The idea is to add a bit of you to the outfit, but you definitely don't want to distract anybody. Dainty, delicate jewelry looks best on smaller girls, and bigger boned women look better with jewelry on the chunkier side.

7. Do invest in a nice blazer. They are timeless, and tailored to your size, a blazer flatters any shape well. And don't be afraid of patterns! Just keep the blouse simple, like a crisp white dress top.

fellt.com

8. Do wear a watch if you'd like. But stay away from digital, if you wear one - keep it analog.

JUICY COUTURE

9. NEVER expose midriff. Period.

10. Tube tops are a no-no for the office!!

Cute Outfit!!! But.... not for the Office!

http://howdo-i-wearthis.com/tag/platform/

 

11. Do keep your makeup fairly natural at the office. Keep the sparkly stuff for the weekend.

Natural Flatters, but Doesn't Overpower For Work

Fall Trends on A Real Woman's Budget

Go For The Gold!

As i mentioned previously.. It will be a gilded fall! This comes complete with sequins and glittered sheen! Elie Saab pulled the look off for the runway, (left), but I found this Karen Sequin Dress (right) for only $29.00 on Alloy.com! Nude Heels go great with this trend <3

 

 

Get a Clutch on Daytime Clutches

Stella McCartney & Diane von Furstenberg (above) were just two of the many well known names that featured clutches on the Fall 2012 runways. Below, I found a beautiful white daytime clutch at sears.com for only 14$.

Relic Women's Clutch at Sears.com for 14$.

 

 Back from Black.. To Red

 Red is the new black this season, and The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection 2012 Fashion Show (see photo, above) really kicked it off with a bang! What started as a nod to heart heath turned into the start of a bold trend for Fall, and I'm loving it!!I found a beautiful dress, (left) from http://www.dhgate.com for around only 20 dollars! Those nude shoes you got for the gold dress, they work here too!

 

Contrasting Collars

 

A contrasting collar can be anything from edgy to cute, depending on how you pull it together. But one thing that is for certain, is that this trend is awesome <3 Derek Lam (above) went edgy with his, adding a leather skirt and done, but not overdone hair. Below, I found a similar piece for only $14.57 at http://www.bonanza.com.

White Belted Dresses

L-R: Chadwick Bell, Jenny Packham, Tory Burch

 White after Labor Day is WAY ok! A slew of designers featured belted tops and dresses of white and off-white shades for Fall. This is an especially great trend if you are petite or a bigger waist. Belting off your dress with give you a fake hourglass shape, flattering your figure. I found a similar belted dress, (below) for only $18.49 at http://www.charlotterusse.com.