Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Reivew: Personal Microderm Kit!

Hi all! I'm back from my temporary hiatus that has been due to the end of the semester (almost 1 year DOWN in my doctoral program! My how time flies...). I wanted to bring you a special review that I promised you several weeks back but am just getting some time to write up.

The lovely folks at Skincarerx (a sponsor of mine!) were kind enough to send me their Personal Microderm Kit (PMD). It's just like it sounds-- a microdermabrasion at home. For my honest opinion, they sent me one free of charge. So without further ado, here's my two cents.

1. I have used this nifty little product a few times now. I would have used it more, but as some might recall I have been seeing a dermatologist to get facial peels and laser treatments (more on that another time). Since that takes a week or so to heal, I can't use this until I'm totally back to normal. But, the times I have used it have been a good experience.


2. Before using, I watched a little video on how to operate the device. It comes with a small hand-held thinga-ma-jig (I use scientific terminology) and several coarse heads that do the dirty work of micro-derming. The heads vary in intensity of coarseness (I started with green, which is moderate, and will work up to blue, which is heavy-coarse). The head sizes are different, too-- small for face and large for larger areas, like hands or arms. I only used it for my face, as that's my area of most concern. Once I got a feel for how to do it, I jumped right in!

3. Using it is pretty simple. The trick is to get the head as tightly suctioned to your skin as possible so that the dermabrasion head can do it's job. That part is a little tough only because you have to pull your skin tightly with your hands to get it to work. Also, it's a little difficult getting certain parts of your face (like the bridge of your nose, for me at least).In terms of discomfort level, it's just slightly irritating. And once you get used to it, it's no big deal at all. Sort of just like someone is scratching your face slightly, which is completely bearable and no biggie.

4. Results: I wish I could show pictures but unfortunately with my peels and laser treatments, there's no way to show what just this PMD has done. But I can tell you the results were good... not great, but good. In terms of appearance, I didn't notice much difference. Maybe my face was slightly more radiant. In terms of skin texture, a big difference was noted. It really did feel like all the gross, dead skin was sloughed away... which is exactly what it's supposed to do! So, I would recommend using it for that purpose more so than for the appearance of your skin to drastically improve. Then again, others have had better results in appearance, so it probably depends.

Also, I really think that with regular use, appearance of the skin will get better. It's one of those things that I think will help maintain the youth of the skin rather than give immediate, amazing results. So because of that, I'm totally going to keep using it.

**OVERALL RATING OF PMD**: With everything considered, I rate this product a B+: relatively easy to use, not painful, decent results.... hoped improvement with long-term results.

That's all! Hope it's helpful to some of you considering purchasing a personal at home microderm kit. If you are, I would say this is a great one to buy.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Giveaway Congrats goes to...

Finally, I've tallied the results of my $150-valued Perricone M.D. product giveaway! Sorry for the delay, but without further ado...

... the winner is....

Erin une! Erin, I've emailed you, so please respond as soon as you can so I can have that sent to you promptly.

Also, thanks to all who entered! I wish I could give all my readers something special... but remember, try again next time if you didn't win this time! (Good things come to those who wait, hmmm?)

I'll be back later with some other goodies... and an update on my recent derma-laser-peel procedures!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Checking in...

Hi bloggies! It has been quite a busy time of the month for me, so I just want to check in on a few things:

1. The Perricone MD giveaway is officially closed. I will calculate winners ASAP, I promise. I'll announce the winner no later than the end of this week. Thanks to ALL who participated!

2. I have a great review for y'all coming up. SkincareRX sent me their Personal Microderm System to review and share with my readers. I have used it and can't wait to tell y'all about what I think... that's coming up soon, too.

3. Tomorrow, I'm going in for my first of three Dema Laser Peels. I'm pretty excited about doing this because I've been wanting to take care of my skin in a serious way for a long, long time. From what I've heard, they're not the most fun to undergo, but they give results. I will for sure share how it goes, my recovery time and experience. (Wish me luck!)

This is a long to do list. And I promise it will get done! Bare with me, folks. Maintaining my 4.0 is currently calling. :)

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

What I've been Shopping: Spring 2011

Yeeesh. It's been a while since I've actually posted a shopping post, let alone much of a post at all. It's cool that I've got some great GIVEAWAYS happening (well, one, and you can click here for it!), but I really should tell y'all about my world a little more often, hmmm? OK. Point taken. :)

It's been pretty warm in the Big D recently and it's seeming like this is a theme that will continue until... you know, like October. I've been on a big hunt for shorts. A few years ago, F21 carried the most amazing, best fitting, cutest cuffed twill shorts. I still have two pairs (white and black) but they're starting to wear out. Unfortunately for me, it doesn't seem F21 is wanting to sell these anymore (boo!), so I'm scouring the interwebs to find good replacements.

I tried these Pleated Linen shorts from ON, but I don't think I'm keeping them. The material is somewhat stiff and itchy. I really like soft, moveable shorts, and since these aren't that I'm sure they'd just sit in the closet. (But just in case otehrs are interested, they actually fit really well! Really cute, it's just too bad they're not softer.)


I just ordered these Plot Twist Shorts from Anthro, and while they're much dressier, I can see myself wearing them a lot. Let's just hope the silk doesn't become too much of a problem....


These shorts from AE (Favorite Shortie shorts) are also in the running, but the inseam looks dangerously small. 2.5" doesn't sound that bad, but you just never know. And I'm not in the business of showing my "Britney" off.


In other shopping news, here are some other pretty scores of the non-shorts-nature from the past month or so--

Anthropologie Night Moves Chemise (I'm loving the asymmetric hemlines this season! This was a must-have for me.)


Anthropologie Floral Rendering Cardi (Zebra meets floral. Swoon!)


Rebecca Taylor Rose Print Cami & Rebecca Taylor Punched Cami (I couldn't help myself, I'm loving her spring line!)



Old Navy Maxi dress (the hot pink is so vibrant... love it.)




Soooo.... what are your shopping loves of Spring '11??

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Giveaway: Get Perricone's best wrinkle cream!

Morning, lovies! This giveaway is actually a little belated, so I apologize, but I have some seriously fun news.

Perricone M.D., an international leader in the best wrinkle creams around, would love to offer you, one of my beloved readers, a chance to win a Perricone product valued at $150 or less! Personally, I recommend the Cold Plasma, and I seriously love love love it. It's an anti-aging face cream that delivers serious results. The texture is smooth and cool and I have actually noticed a difference in the texture of my skin. It helps with my redness, too, which is a huge plus.


Want one, too (or something simliar)?? Well, entering is simple.

* Please comment on this post with your name and email address, mentioning what you'd get if you win amd why you need that product.

It's that simple, lovies. We're keeping it easy over here. :) Note, this giveaway ends Friday, April 8th, which gives you a whole week and a day to enter.

Happy entering!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

OOTD: H&M score

I've gotta thank the lovely Rosa for this top, since she scoured her local H&M to find it for me! Even though Dallas has an "H&M Preview Store" (the first and only of it's kind, ever!), we still don't get much stuff in. I saw the dress-version of this top in this month's InStyle and just had to get it... the mint green color is sooooo pretty and the cutouts add a fun detail. Isn't it cute? Kinda reminds me of Catherine Malandrino, with the floral print. I totally recommend if you can find it in your local H&M....


Top: H&M
Shorts: F21
Necklace: Nordstrom BP

I didn't really do much in the way of accessorizing, but that's mostly because it can stand well on its own. I did, however, add a cute pair of leopard flats because... well, why the hell not. Every outfit could use a little leopard, IMHO.

(Also, blurry iPhone photos apparently continue. Argh.)

Friday, March 18, 2011

Loving-- snake jewelry!

While I'm not usually one for lots of jewelry (I typically wear a neclace and that's about it), I found myself totally falling head over heels for Rachel Rachel Roy's amazing snake jewelry. I love how edgy the concept is, yet she keeps the pieces simple and understated. Totally cool, no? Here are my 3 fave pieces....








Snake transformer (this little baby can be worn as a necklace, bracelet, OR belt! I might snag this one for myself...)



PLUS, the site is doing a 30% off at checkout on all of them! Yippee, hooray! Go get you some, now. :)

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Interview with Smashion!

Hi ladies and gents (?), just a little FYI this morning--

I was interviewed over at Smashion, a really neat fashion website that is also a market for buying and selling items. Here's what their Marketing Director, Vanessa, had to say about the company:

"Smashion enables members to buy or sell lightly-worn or NWT (new with tag) apparel and accessories on a no-fees marketplace. The site is our eco-friendly response to the growing trend in wearing second-hand clothing and the lack of a community-based, fashion-focused online marketplace. We want to show closet recyclers that they don't have to go to consignment stores to sell their merchandise -- where they'll lose a huge chunk of their profits."

There's also a fun Smashion Lounge with blog updates and fashion info, which is where my interview is posted. So, go check them out, and don't forget to read my interview! :)

http://www.smashion.com/lounge/interview/950-justine-fetching-fashions

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

And the winner is....

Sorry I've taken so long to announce the winner of my $25 gift card to Apothica.com, but I finally got around tonight to pushing aside my mounds of homework to attend to FF!

Using Excel's very sophisticated RANDBETWEEN formula (yep, I'm cool like that), the winner of my giveaway is....

....Drumroll (merci)....


Lola and Bean!! (lolaandbean.blogspot.com)

I will email you with the notification, but you will receive another email from Apothica directly for your gift card.

Thanks to all who played, and I will actually have another amazing giveaway next week! The gods above are shining on FF, yes'siree....

Friday, March 11, 2011

Thanks for participating!

Hi all!

Just a note that my giveaway is now closed. I will tally up the results and announce a winner soon.... thanks to all who participated!  :)

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

OOTD... ?

So I know I've been totally bad lately re: outfit photos. This blog started with me wanting to show my outfits, and while I still do, it's just not a feasible goal anymore. I mean, the occasional outfit will get blogged, but it's just so dern time consuming! For any of you who blog or do outfit pictures, I think you'll agree-- getting the outfit just right, setting up the tripod, getting the camera settings just right, running back and forth 100 times to get 3 decent photos, then editing them and posting them? Whew. With my schedule, I just don't have the motivation. But sometimes an iPhone picture or two will make its way since its so much less high maintenance. Therefore, I have a sort-of-hard-to-see-cuz-lighting-sux photo for ya! Wahoo!

(Dear Apple, please let the iPhone 5 come out sooner than this summer, and please make the camera super-awesome and amaaazzzzing. Thanks.)

Top: Anthropologie Linnea Blouse
Jeans: Level 99 Wide Leg jeans (in khaki here!)
Bracelet: BCBGeneration leather Slang bracelet (so cute, check 'em out here)

No, but really. The reason I'm even posting these horrible pictures is because I heart these jeans. I just bought them at Nordstrom in Dallas this past weekend, and they are the most perfect wide legged, bellbottomed light washed jeans ever. While they're not on the website yet, it seems the same pair in the khaki are. Super comfortable and super adorable. Plus, they're only $99, which is 1/2 the price of most designer denim (I also love my shoes, which you can see here... also pretty comfy!). I may even convert from a Hudson fan to a Level 99 fan (woah). 

...and here comes the shameless plug to ENTER MY GIVEAWAY! Woot. :)

Monday, March 7, 2011

FFF: 3.7.11

Afternoon, lovies! I know I'm a broken record, but please enter my giveaway. The contest ends soon (3.11), so get your booties over and enter! :)

Today's pick is a new favorite of mine. I was in the Gap just this weekend and spotted these pretty flats on the racks. They are prettier in person than they are online and super comfortable. Gap's flats rarely seem to disappoint, so this is another great pair. The best part is they are sturdier than the City Flats but still manage to feel like slippers on. Bonus! When I bought them I was expecting to pay full price, but somehow they were 30% off in stores. A real steal, especially since my Tory Burch Caroline flats did NOT work out (I have the worst luck with that brand, seriously).

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Shopping Reflections

Don't forget to enter my contest with Apothica! You've got plenty of time left to enter. Please spread the word about this great company and enter my giveaway at the same time! Visit my post here for more deets.
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Over the years, I have morphed in terms of my shopping-style. Once an impulse-shopper only, I've shifted into a more strategic buyer. Honestly, I credit the internet for these changes. I mean, without online browsing, catalogs were my only means of keeping up. Especially when living in small-town America for lots of my life. So I'd go to the mall (the sad, pathetic excuse for a mall we had in Podunk, IL) and head straight for the Express, picking out new items when they'd reach the racks. We even had a personal shopper (yes, Express did this... even though it wasn't official. She knew us by name. Kinda embarrassing, really.).

But now that I'm on my own as a shopper/fashionista-in-training, much more interested in the trends, and running rampant in a shopping mecca (seriously... Northpark has it all!), I do find myself really researching before buying. Sure, there are still the "OMG I need that, yoink!" moments, but I really (really!) do try and make sure I know I want it when I buy it.

Take the blouse, for instance.

I know you've all heard me talking about buying an Equipment blouse for ages now. Classic piece! But definitely pricey for something so simple and replicable. Madewell did a great job of creating one, and even my tried and true Express did a fine job. And for the past many, many months, I've amassed lots of 'em. I love them all dearly and wear them to death-- a blouse is sort of my go-to outfit these days, my uniform of sorts. But something about the Equipment ones said quality to me the others haven't quite matched. Well, readers... I finally pulled the trigger! And this long, self-indulgent post regarding pining for a blouse ends with this.


*Swoon.* (and a pair of Michael Jackson-inspired glittery loafers to boot!!)

Friday, February 25, 2011

Apothica GIVEAWAY!

Great news! It's time for another giveaway! This time, we have an awesome offer from the folks at Apothica.com. They would love to offer one of my lucky readers a $25 gift certificate to purchase some new products. How you spend it is up to you, but I recommend Lippmann Collection nail polishes--I love her colors, and the formula is nice and longlasting. Plus, they're very natural and formaldehyde free! What's better than that for a nail polish, hmm?? My pick is Ruby Red Slippers-- I've been totally into red lately, and the added sparkle is super fun.


Want to know how to win? Well, there's lots of ways...

Option 1: Facebook it!

Visit Apothica.com
Write on Apothica’s Facebook wall about what you think of Apothica

Option 2: Twitter (Tweet, tweet!)

Visit Apothica.com
Tweet about Apothica on your own Twitter Account

Option 3: Blog it, dog'gone it!

Visit Apothica.com
Write something on your blog about what you think of Apothica

Please COMMENT ON THIS POST to let me know what you did and leave your email address! Each option counts as one entry for a total of 3 entries possible per participant. This contest will end on Friday, MARCH 11TH, 2011. Once the winner has been chosen, you will be contacted by Apothica directly. Happy contesting, readers!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

FFF: 2.22.11

Here I go, broken record... so sorry for the MIA-ness lately! I'm learing that a part of being a student + having a blog = certain periods of radio silence. But, like I said, I have a giveaway very soon! So surely pay attention for that. And here's a little pre-order pretty that caught my eye on Nordie's site yesterday... I love this blush pink color! Definitely a nice little spring flat, and hey. Gotta love the Tory Burch emblem! Just sucks that I have to wait until late March before they arrive. Grumble.  :)

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Beauty Talk!

Hi ladies! Next week, I'll be hosting a giveaway with one of my sponsors, Apothica.com  I can't wait to give you the deets soon, but just stay tuned, k??

So here's the scoop. I've always said I have no beauty IQ and that it's just not my forte. This is pretty true. However, I've always had issues with my skin. I break out with cystic acne much more than I would like (um, not that anyone would ever want to, but you get it) and it's been practically untreatable most of my life. Every doctor I've seen has put me on antibiotics and topicals, which just don't cut it. I finally went to see a doctor (dermo) last week for the first time in ages. I was so pleased that I did! Finally a doctor that seems to understand my skincare needs and doesn't think drying me out even more is the way to go. So, here's a quick little update on my new beauty/skincare regimen. (Consider this a new-year's resolution, of sorts...)

-- I'm using an antibacterial face wash in the mornings called RE-10 wash. It's also helping with my redness!
-- I'm using a topical antibiotic (doesn't dry me!) called Clindamycin at night.
-- I'm taking Sprionolactone to work at the hormonal level, since my acne isn't really due to bacteria as much as it is stress/hormonal imbalance.

And I've definitely stocked up on nice, new products. Ones not from the drug store (which are not a problem, but honestly, I just could never find any facial cream/wash that ever worked for me):


Ladies? This was a miracle on my dry skin. Literally, I went from flaking and scaly to moisturized practically overnight. Not only does this work at the surface level to help with flakiness, it gets into the skin to moisturize and heal at a deeper level. I love it and totally recommend it-- good for all over the body.

This has been nice and gentle on my face. My only hesitation on buying it again is that it doesn't do the best job in taking off my makeup-- I still need an eye makeup remover to get the excess mascara off. Otherwise, I do like it!

And finally, I'm waiting to receive two products that seem to be highly lauded: Peter Thomas Roth's Unwrinkle Peel Pads and his Mega Rich Intensive Anti-Aging Cellular Creme (mouthful.). I'm excited to report back on how those work when I receive them.

So, anyone agree with me on those products? Disagree? Recommendations?

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Springing Forward: Coral Hues

I am officially on day 5 of snow-day-Dallas. Last week, school was closed 4 days, and this week, it's been closed at least once. I don't know about you, but I am ready for Spring to spring!!

In honor of the warm, mild and sunny dreams I'm having, I thought I'd post a little inspiration board featuring my fave spring hue: Coral. I love this tone because, while orange, bright pink and yellow always seem to be problematic for certain skin tones, coral has enough brown tones to it that lots of people can pull it off (bonus when you're super-tan!). I picked all the items from Shopbop... because, well, I'm a bit obsessed, and also because they seem to have a great array of the tone. While some of these pieces will never see my closet, I'm definitely loving the inspiration they provide to get me thinking about bright skies and warmer months. (For the items, click on the list below!)


Monday, February 7, 2011

Reader Perk! 15% Off!!

Hi readers! Sorry I've been relatively MIA-- the snowstorm we had in Dallas caused some drama around these parts and kicked my lazy-bone into HIGH gear. Ooops. But I'm back to the regular schedule now and back on the wagon.


I have some fun news, too! I was contacted by RicketyRack.com, a new online retailer of very fun, feminine frocks. They have a great offer for all FF readers: 15% off all merch with code FETCHINGFASHIONS. Here are some of my picks and things I'm shopping... (click the links below to be taken to the item!)





Dangling Fan Top (ummm, Hi cute, cheaper Anthro-dupe!)



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Happy Shopping, lovies!!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Not-OOTD: Snow day!

So, just like about 40% of the nation, I'm having my second snow-day today in good ole' Texas. Yep. Snow day, in Texas. Poor Superbowl guests, hoping for sun and fun and getting sheets of ice and snow instead. It's pretty horrific around here, but I can't complain. I haven't had school yet this week!

And since I've not been able to leave the house, you'll understand why no current outfits are to be had. However, I realized I had one old outfit to share with you. It makes me pine for the days of 55 degree weather we should be having right now. *Le sigh.* I think the reason it was never posted is because I'm not that crazy about it. It's a little casual and the cord leggings just never did me right. I bought them waaaay back when Nordies did their fall pre-sale and thought they would rock. Instead, they just look like too-tight pants. Win some, lose some, eh?




 Top: F21 sequin sweatshirt 
Pants: HUE cord leggings
Necklace: Francesca's boutique
Bracelet: Tom Binns x Disney Couture 
Boots: ROSEGOLD Sandra Convertible boots


Also, I have some great news to share. Over the past few weeks, I've become more and more committed to skin care and beauty products. I know, I know-- I am a confessed beauty idiot, but my changing and aging skin is starting to push me towards paying more attention to it. I've changed up my skin care regimen and have been really pleased with the results so far (less flakiness and redness! Wahoo!) So, it was crazy-timely when Skincarerx.com and Apothica.com contacted me this week about sponsorship. While the details are still being worked out, it does mean one thing for Fetching Fashions: more beauty/skincare reviews and discussions worked in with my love of fashion! I'm pretty excited to get more involved in the beauty-blogging world and hope you're as excited as me.

Here's to new adventures (and taking better care of my skin!).

Friday, January 28, 2011

Nail-time!

As I've previously confessed, my beauty skillz = nill. But, I make up for it in nail-knowledge. This weekend I have some fun plans and decided I needed fun nails to go with. I painted them with Lincoln Park After Midnight (a slightly purple-er shade of LPAD) and then... drumroll please... used Sally Hansen's Salon Effects nail strips on my ring fingers (looks like you can buy them online at ebay, here). I really wanted to try them after reading some reviews and seeing some ads but wasn't wanting to commit to a full set of nails with designs. My solution was to just do one on each hand for a little surprise. I think it's fun, and definitely a special-occasion-only look. What do you think? Tacky or trendy???




As for the product itself, I really like it! I am excited to see how long it lasts, since I've read reviews that say they can last as long as 2 weeks. I'm sure it will long outlive my manicure, which usually has a lifespan of 4-5 days on my hands. Ugh. If you look close at the last photo, you'll notice I messed up a bit at the cuticle by messing with it too much, but it's still not too noticeable. While it's a pretty easy process, I will say a steady hand is helpful.

Have you tried Salon Effects? Will you??

Monday, January 24, 2011

OOTD: Furry business.

I rarely wear this faux-fur vest from The Limited because it just sort of overtakes the outfit. However, I've seen it on other bloggers (so cute here on Krystal!) and decided to wear it despite its largeness. Honestly, I think it looks ok, now that I'm seeing it in photos. Maybe I've changed my mind on it, after all.

Also. The semester has begun in full force! Which means more of Justine trying her hardest-and-darndest to keep up with FF. But I'm committed, so no worries. Just be nice when I'm a sporadic-blogger again. I know, I can't stand it either. But my degree (and mounting debt) calls. :)



 Vest: The Limited faux fur vest
Top: Parker cinched waist top (here, in gray!)
Jeans: AE Super Skinnies
Shoes: Nine West
Necklace: Forever 21

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

OOTD: Green lace.

I'm really really happy that lace is on-trend for spring. I'll say it once, I'll say it again: I heart lace. I know I'm becoming a broken record so I apologize. When I saw how Shopbop styled this Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent dress I just had to have it for myself (plus a little sale price never hurts!).

 Cute, right?!

While I didn't style it nearly as well as Shopbop did, I did try the tights/boots pairing. I should pull out my fur vest and try it on with this, though!

Dress: Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent lace dress (here, on sale!)
Jacket: Express biker jacket
Tights: Hue
Boots: Steve Madden
Necklace: Express

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

OOTD: All anthropologie, all the time.

Every once in a while, I'll find myself grabbing pieces for an outfit and realizing, "Hey. This is all anthropologie stuff." Sometimes I feel a little geeky and will change so I'm not wearing 100% one brand, but sometimes I'll say the heck with it and wear it proudly. Today was the latter.



Top: Pyrus Linnea Blouse (here)
Jacket: Idra Edited Suede Jacket (find on ebay!)
Jeans: Level 99 Lily Straight Leg (LOVE these, here!!)
Necklace: Frozen Globes Necklace (here)
Shoes: Vera Wang flats (the only non-anthro item on me now!)

Re: the blouse. I know a lot of reviewers thought it was way too boxy, and it's true. It's quite boxy. However, I really like my silk blouses to be light, airy and loose, so it's perfect. Plus I'm a layering whoooor, so again, it works. Re: the jeans. These things are like a glorified jegging and are ahhhhmazing! I totally recommend, especially at under $100. They are just as nice, if not nicer, than my expensive designer jeans. Just what I was looking for. 

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IN addition... I have another blog sale offering I found whilst rummaging through the closet. It's an Anthropologie Guinevere cardigan, ca. 2007 or so, worn once. Size S. I'm selling it for $55 shipped (or best offer). It's actually gorgeous but a little too big on me. I never seem to reach for it. It's so very anthropologie, too, isn't it?? Any interest??? :)