Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Reivew: Personal Microderm Kit!
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.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
OOTD/Review: Gap Wide Leg trousers
Review: While they are wide leg, they are not super wide leg. They are mostly straight leg with a little wideness. Which is okay, even though I was hoping they would fit slightly wider. Overall I do like them a lot. I chose pavement as a color because I thought khaki was too prep for me and white was not an option when I purchased. They sit low on the waist (8 or so inch rise) and are a pretty great inseam for me. They also come in short and tall. I bought a size 2, which was initially too big but after a wash and dry they're great. The 0 was a little to snug, pulling at the front too much. Therefore, I'd say they're pretty TTS.
Hope that helps anyone who was thinking about buying. Also, stay tuned tomorrow for a little blog sale for the new year. I've got some Anthro pieces for sale, a pair of wonderful jeans and some other goodies. :)
Friday, December 3, 2010
Review: ROSEGOLD Sandra convertible boots
The Good:
-They fit great. I have a hard time with shoes because my size seems to fluctuate anywhere between an 8 and a 9. This makes online shoe shopping hell. But, these are 8.5s and are perfect. I believe that to be my true size; therefore, I'll call these TTS.
-They are comfortable! I bet I could walk through the mall with minimal discomfort.
The Bad:
- They are really tough to get on and off. The zipper is stiff and doesn't like to move around. Which is good in one sense, because it means it won't move around when I have them zipped up or down. But to get these on, you MUST roll them all the way up, unzip, zip half way, then roll back down. Sheesh.
-There is some weird black crap that gets all over my hands when I touch the zipper. Its not the leather-- it's something that is obviously coating the zipper to make it the dark metallic color it is. I could have done without that, thanks.
The Inbetween:
-I like platform for ultimate comfort, and these are not platform. Therefore, while comfy, I do expect a little arch and ankle discomfort as the day wears on. Que sera sera.
-They look pretty bad uncuffed (on me). The calf width is too much for my small calf and they hit at a weird place at the bottom of my knee. This isn't too much of a problem for me since I bought them with the intention of wearing them mainly cuffed. That was the style I was going for.
OVERALL: I recommend, as long as you're looking for a cuffed, wedge boot that is sleek and classic. Buy on sale, since I think there might be at least comparable cuffed wedge boots in the full price range ($275). I'm sure with wear, these will just get better. Yippee!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Product review: Shop The Look!
Friday, August 20, 2010
The Cargo pant: my pick...
I got a size 27, which promptly sold out hours after I purchased (I kinda love when that happens!). One weird little annoyance: they smelled funky when I opened the package. It's probably the fact that they sat in the heat for days whilst being shipped, but still... a strange, sour smell. They're currently in the wash and I'm sure the odd odor will go away, so no biggie.
The detailing is super cute. The pockets are on the side rather than the front, which is my preference. The zippers near the calf go up to the knee, which would make it difficult to hem if you're a shortie. These are just the right length on my 5'6 frame, if not just a teense too long. So that's a consideration. There are some tabs and non-functional zippers placed horizontally at the back of the knee (the knee-pit?). Overall, just really cute and comfortable! The material is super stretchy, which is a plus in my books, and really soft. I can't wait to wear these when the weather cools a little.
Also in the mail today was my BB Dakota Branson sweater. Ladies, fear not the kinda-poor product shots and baggy look of this sweater. It is adorable in person, really soft and chunky and right on trend for this fall. Way more expensive looking/feeling than the $40 I paid. Get one while you can! Its sure to be a staple in my closet, I just know it.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Review: J Brand Lovestory jeans
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
OOTD: A color encore...
1. I finally found out about my financial aid, and looks like we're getting more than I thought, which is great. Especially with the whole house thing looming... no one wants a mortgage + a lack of funding. So, crisis averted!
2. As I mentioned yesterday, my new closet has shoe cubbies. That fact alone will probably put a smile on my face for some time to come. I'm definitely planning on being really organized and creative with my new closet and will make sure to do closet photos when we move in. (side note: for those of you asking for pics, I'll be sure and do those... eventually. I'm a little embarrassed by my poor decorating skillz, so although I'm exercising my design-bone, I'm a novice. And you have to bare with me. Merci.)
3. I was quite productive shopping yesterday! I got two new cardigans (here and here) and a fantastic new pair of pants. As you may know, I've been in the market for non-jean pants and finally found them. They are the Hinge silk pants, and as a quick review: they run TTS and are made of the softest and prettiest silk. Fabulous... I recommend for anyone in the market for the "soft/easy pant" look. (Outfits with them to come.) I've been so bad about getting staple-pieces recently, so these new additions will maximize my closet and hopefully even save me some moolah in the future.
4. I, like many of you, realized how underwhelming the Anthropologie sale really is, and saved myself some serious dough. :)
Anyway, on to an outfit. With PINK. MORE PINK.
(By the way, still not sure this all works together-- something about the blazer and shorts combo? I think I'm worried about the proportions. I think it's ok, but still not 100% positive... this is what these photos are for, lovies!)
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Review: E&J Mason pumps + Intermix CS
I wanted to quickly review my Elizabeth and James Mason pumps, which I snagged off Intermix.com on super-sale-- from $350 to $118! Not too shabby. I got them in the hot pink... mostly because that's all that was left. I took a major gamble because it was a final sale and I've never tried E&J's shoes, but fortunately they seem to run rather TTS and my normal 8.5 worked.
A few comments about this whole process are in order:
1. When I bought these, it was looking like there was no way they'd come before my trip. I ordered them on Thursday afternoon (last week) and decided against the upgraded shipping. After some thought, I started worrying... what if I really do want them for Vegas? I mean, they're freekin' Barbie doll heels. Perfect, right? So I call their online support line and a woman named Meryl answers. Apparently, she's their online support girl so you may have had contact with her if you've ever shopped Intermix and called customer service. She was fantastic... although she didn't promise me she could rush the shipping for free, she was super helpful and even plotted where she could ship them from so that they may get here faster. A day later, I check the UPS status, and it was originally scheduled for the 29th (would've been too late to make it with me on the trip) and was moved to the 28th (just in time!) No charges! So great.
2. They arrive on time today. I open the box and pull out the shoes to find what every girl dreads... an obvious floor model shoe. Scuffs on the heel, some dirt stains, and wear in the suede (some pilling). Ugh. These are final sale, and the damage wasn't enough to make me super mad or want to return them, but let's be honest... it's not what I expected. So I again call our friend Meryl. She was sweet and friendly as ever. She acknowledged it was their fault and searched for ways to help me out. After some time, she said 10% extra discount is all they could do and they would refund that money to my card immediately. Although 10% was only a little over $10, she was accomodating and acknowledged that because it's final sale, there isn't much she could do. But, they did something, and to me that counts. I've definitely been in spots before where they won't do anything and treat you like an ingrate for asking.
Overall, I am pleased with the purchase. Let's face it-- they would've been slightly scuffed the first hour on my feet anyway, so it's not a big deal. And they're pretty. And I plan on shopping Intermix again. All in all, a success, I'd say. :)
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Review Spotlight on: Aldo
Here's my one beef: Sizing. I am an 8.5 usually (and on the small side of it at that), with the exception of some shoes and brands (hey Jeffrey Campbell, WTF? Why am I a 9?!). But I have a lot of trouble getting a reliable size out of my shoes. I don't know when it happened, but I remember back in the day always trying on 8s and always walking out a happy customer. Then, suddenly, it was like my feet got all janked up and weird and now are fickle about their size. Dunno (wonder if it's all the hell I put them through in 5 inch heels? Naaaahhh!). So the weird, European whole sizes at Aldo had me in a tizzy-- the 8s? the 9s? (or, rather: the 38s? the 39s?) Unfortunately, the sizing just didn't work for me. I bought the 39s and they are gaping around my narrow ankles... I went to the store to try the 38s and still no bueno, folks. I even tried on a whole buncha different styles with mostly the same results: way too big around the ankles. (interesting note, too: every shoe seemed really different; I was better in 8s in some and 9s in others) I'd show pictures but I'm just too sad to rehash the whole thing. Sigh. :-P
Here are some of my other picks, i.e. what I'd buy if my feet were not so narrow and more normal and I had lots of money (two of which are big trends for spring: Ghillie ties and clogs, get 'em while they're hot!):
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Rain, rain, come back!
I think I found my answer.
dav's rainboots are so cute! They carry not just a ton of color/pattern options, they also carry tons of styles (I had a hard time not getting some of the rain flats). And not only that, but you can get rain-proofed purses, umbrellas and luggage, too. It's a one-stop shop for rain gear. Yay! They were awesome enough to let me pick out a pair of boots and my fave accessory, so here's what I got:
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The F21 Bow Belt: answered!
Here's the scoop: The S/M measures 31 inches long. The prong to closest hole is 26 inches, and the farthest away hole is about 30 inches (each 1 inch apart). Soooo the S/M fits a wide variety of sizes, and fits me perfectly around the 2nd hole. For reference, I'm about a size 27 inch waist. Overall review: I love this thing and it fits wonderfully. But would not work on my low waist/hip. This is definitely a waist-er.
So all of you wanting to buy it SHOULD. DO IT. BUY IT. :)
(I'm totally getting the red one, too. I just love it. And everyone needs a red belt, right?)
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Some updates
A few notes about eshakti: The code I listed was confirmed by their Marketing director as 5 i i k o r (I put the spaces to make it more readable, but the spaces are not needed for the code). If this is not working, I suggest you calling Customer Service to see if they can help you out. I apologize to those of you who were having difficulty using this!! :(
Also, reader Katie (thanks, Katie!) let me know that she received her non-customed order of the Wavelet blouse look-a-like. She said that while the quality was fantastic, she ordered her normal size, and the shirt was very long (like, tunic long). I hope those of you who may have ordered their standard sizing didn't run into this problem, but my thought is that if you can, do the custom tailoring option. I can only speak to my experience (which was great!) and hope that you're as satisfied as I am. :)
Back to a normal post later-- I spotted some pretties on shopbop that I must write an ode to. Stay tuned. Also, I'm wearing one of my favorite dresses today and might just have to show you. Yay!
Monday, January 11, 2010
eShakti order arrived!
On another (even exciting-er) note, my eShakti order arrived! The lovely ladies at http://www.eshakti.com/ let me pick which item I loved the most (a difficult feat) and sent me a free sample. How fun! Thank you, eShakti! Here are a few pics I snapped of this pretty lil' jacket. (PLEASE ignore the blotchy face, ugh... long day at work and makeup has officially melted off ma face.)
Thanks, Rosa, for reminding me I need to tell ya'll about the site... hehe. The site is cool-- they have samples of their designs online and you have two options: buy standard sizing (0 to like 26 or something), or get a custom fit. Yes, it does cost a bit more but I don't think it's unreasonable (not sure of the exact fee). And I think it's worth it, because this thing fits like a charm. It's pretty simple-- fill out their custom measurements form and voila-- your perfectly tailored item comes to you in the mail, like, supahfast. (I've heard about a week after you order-- mine took slightly longer because of the holiday season and vacations) You can even have the dress length custom to what you want-- short or long, or if you want V neck instead of boatneck, they'll do it. Basically what nips/tucks you envision, they'll custom it to you.
My overall review: I love this thing. It's made of a very heavy wool, so I know it will be nice and warm for these next few months. The embroidered sequins are darling and not too flashy, so the jacket maintains a level of elegance. That peplum? So cute. I took that pic with my arms out to show you how much it gives me a waist and flares out at the right spot. It needs a little steaming, but that's easy. One thing I kicked myself for (bad Justine) was not being more careful about my measurements-- the arms are a tad too short, but not so much that it's unwearable by any means. That was totally my fault; I was hasty in my measuring.
I can't speak to their sizing otherwise (i.e. without custom tailoring, as I chose to custom mine), but they have a sizing chart on their site listing deets. Overall, I think I will for sure shop there again. Oh, and maybe sooner than later: Use code 5liKOr to get $20 off a $30 purchase! Nice! (and I've said it before, I'll say it again for any new readers... SRSLY check out their necklaces. Total Anthro inspired, 1/2 the price!) Happy custom shopping. :)
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Oh how I love a new find...


The best part is that the prices are pretty dern good. For example, our little Anthro look-a-like goes for $49. Oh! and the jewelry is super-fun, too. I'm thinking about ordering this aaaaaand this...


I'll let you know when the jacket comes in how it measures up (heh, more puns, sorry), but if you're already sold on the idea, Jennifer told me they're doing 20% off site-wide just until tomorrow. Check it out!
(OK, and just one more 50's-inspired frock, for all you Mad Men lovers out there):

(Drool.)
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Sale? How's about full price!
(Yeah, kay, I'm kidding here. Just so you know. I'm no ballah. I'm more square, if anything.)
But I have to say, today's Anthro sale wasn't my cup of tea. Nothing was marked down low enough for me to really think twice about. HOWEVER. Their new Spring arrivals (!!) were definitely more my speed. Here are three things I spotted in the store, not yet online...
Maybe a 2 could have worked as well. I believe this also retails around $128.
But seriously, that skirt?
Too many decisions... this, this or that skirt?!
On another note, these came in the mail today: