You know this, I love free stuff.  As a blogger, anytime I can get anything to make me feel glam & happy, I go for it.  I kept seeing photos of Influenster boxes popping up on my blog feeds and on Twitter, I saw a few other bloggers were getting boxes of free stuff… really good free stuff  and I wanted in.

Influenster is a pretty cool review service site.  If you’re a blogger who uses social media, they send you products based on your lifestyle for review.  I filled a quick survey with my interests and stats, got a few badges and forgot about it for a few weeks..until they said they were sending me goodies.  Oh, and goodies they sent!

 

The Spring Beauty VoxBox included:

• Sheer Cover Duo Concealer (sample):  Full size $29.95
• AVEENO Daily Moisturizing Body Wash (sample):  Full size $6.99
• ChapStick Lip Shield 365 (full): Retail $1.89
• Sally Hansen Salon Effects (full): Retail $9.99
• Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist in Twilight Woods (full):  Retail $14.99
• SOYJOY Bar:  $1.29 each
• Dr. Scholl’s For Her- Ball of Foot Cushions:  $5.99

 

So what’d I think?  The concealer from Sheer Cover was a bit too cakey for me- I have under eye circles and am very picky on what product works and what doesn’t..it was fun to try, but not a win.

The AVEENO Daily Moisturizing Body Wash brought back memories of being at the beach as a kid-  great, light smell that didn’t clash with my perfume and lathered well.  I also used it for shaving and it didn’t dry out my legs.  The ChapStick was good, as it always is.  I survive on Chapstick in the winter, but for  the sun exposure I get in the summer at the lakeside, I need one with an SPF- this had SPF 50 and moisturization so no sun chapping for me!

If you haven’t tried SOYJOY, I can recommend them-  if you’re looking for something that tastes sorta-biscotti without the crunch and more of the health, this might be a good fit for you.  The flavors are generally good- especially paired with tea or juice.  This Strawberry Bar from SOYJOY was nom noms.

 

By far, the two favorite products in the box were the Dr. Scholl’s gel insoles, Sally Hansen Nail Effects and Bath & Body Works Twilight Woods Spray.  These are all brands I’ve enjoyed in the past but haven’t been evangelized.  Dr. Scholl’s has saved my life several times with their gel insoles…  As a sorority girl in undergrad, I spent many recruitment days in black stilettos, without these gellies I’d have died.  If you wear high heels- YOU NEED THESE..for $6 you can swap these out in any pair (no adhesive) so it’s worth it.

Sally Hansen has knocked my socks off with their Nail Effects nail polish strips.  I haven’t put on the pink tigers strips yet, but for Christmas I tried their print in Candy Cane…  If you wondering if Sally Hansen Nail Effects are worth it, I’d say yes.  For $10 your “polish” lasts twice as long (mine looked nice for 6 days) and no annoying dry time.  I am not a pro and they apply like a dream!

Finally, there was the Twilight Woods Spray from BBW how could this not be a winner?  This fine fragrance mistis a mix of floral and berry with a smidge of silk powder.  Not too fruity, not too “grandma” either- just a good smell that’s universal. I’d never tried it before, but the bottle is gorgeous and it smells fab!  I don’t think it can replace my fave fragrance by Kate Spade, but it was fun to try.

 

(Disclaimer: I received the products reviewed above as part of the InfluensterVoxBox testing program. The products were provided free in exchange for my reviews and opinions of said products. I was not otherwise compensated and the opinions expressed in said reviews are truthful and entirely my own.)

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 Dress Effie’s Heart / Striped Cardigan- Target  / Jewelry- thrifted /  Shoes- ModCloth

My personal style has been developing over time but the common thread is a love for vintage notions- a mix of old and new.

 

I adore the romantic notions of vintage finds – the classy coverage and sensibility with a bit of playful flair.  I have also loved playing with mixing old and new pieces, which is exactly what I did with this look.

I just received this gorgeous Jackie dress from Effie’s Heart and played up the vintage feel of the dress with my classic mary janes.

 

Beyond new and old- mixing a bit of vintage romance, a little school teacher class and a bit of punky flair is a playful but totally comfy look.

 

I’m in love with this mix…integrating all the aspects of style I love which is also why I’m in love with the styles at Effie’s Heart.  They also have adorable shoes, but the dresses are to die for!  I adore the ruching on the pink dress in the middle and the soft, flowy feel of all the dresses!

 

Effie’s Heart is going to be gifting one lucky reader a $50 gift card to snag a dress of their own!

Leave a comment first (it’s an entry!) then click through to BeautifulGiveaways.com to enter (ends 5/23)!

 

 

 

I recently bought a pair of Christian Louboutin nude pumps for over $600.

 As I admit I own a pair, I feel a sense of elation:  I finally bought the shoes I’ve been swooning over for nearly two years.

Simultaneously, I feel a sense of embarrassment:  I’m a frugality blogger and recent graduate and seriously spent over $600 on a pair of SHOES. WHAT?

Here’s the deal…the shame comes from the fact that I spent nearly 2 months’ rent on a pair of designer shoes.

Two months’ rent? Yep- that’s right, I live with two roomies in a less than ideal neighborhood in Chicago.  My room has a curtain (no door),  and I have to walk 4 blocks to do my laundry.  I also have to walk several blocks to get groceries without a car.   I got my school books from the library and when I started blogging, my “fun” budget was $80 a month.  I worked my arse off for the past two years and still sometimes barely scraped by.

I do NOT live a glamorous lifestyle-  how in the world could I justify such a rockstar purchase? 

One of the biggest mistakes newbie frugal people make is being cheap.  To be a truly frugal and savvy person is to pick and choose where you put your money- where to be “cheap,” and where to spend like a rockstar.

When I signed my lease last year, living cheap was a priority- the easiest way to cut costs was to have a low rent, no cable t.v. and lowered utility bills.   I knew that if I stayed put in this less than ideal location, I could save at least $250 a month.     That money would bring more joy and be better spent on beer, cute dresses, gifts for loved ones, and yes- to save up for shoes.

For the past two years, I chose to take out as little as possible in student loans, to work my butt off with side hustles & to put money aside for a frivolous pair of shoes.  Those were my choices, based on my priorities, I have no regrets.  If someone makes fun of my small apartment or mocks that I don’t have an elevator, I know that I designed my life around priorities and the situation is temporary.

I waffled on this purchase for months-  I knew the shoes would be over $600.  As a frugality blogger who also loved fashion, I felt like a fraud, a phony.  But again, I made choices that resonated with my values and propelled my goals and dreams.  I saved in certain areas to splurge in others.  I didn’t know when the opportunity to get the shoes would present itself, but I knew I wanted to be ready when it did.  

In April, I was invited to NYC for a book launch party and with some free time, I walked myself to the Christian Louboutin boutique in New York City, got buzzed in (yes, they have to buzz you in!)  and had made my decision within minutes after trying on several heel heights.  While the decision was quick, the process was more deliberate and steady minded- I was ready.

I had pictured wearing a pair of Christian Louboutins for graduation for months and months.  I imagined walking to receive my diploma, with the red heels peeking out with every step towards my acceptance handshake.

Let me reiterate- this fantasy of mine also involved the reality that I would just have finished my degree, meaning- I’d still probably be tight on money and preparing to pay off student loans.  I knew I’d have to make it happen since the money wouldn’t magically appear.  Even though I saved up for the shoes-  I thought of the times I’d felt the sting of embarrassment when people saw my less than glamourous digs or I had to lug groceries home in the snow.  

I transformed that shame, guilt and worry into hope for the future…Not only had I saved for these shoes- I know if I could achieve this goal (even with really hard work) I could achieve anything that mattered this much to me without fearing judgement or what  should matter to me.  I only will focus on what does matter to me.

 The shoes were not only a culmination of hard work and saving-  they were proof that if I could afford a pair of exorbitant designer shoes that were bought and paid for be ME (not a sugar daddy, magic windfall or Lottery Ticket)  I had the grit to do this again and scale it.  

 

Where To Get The Money:

• Examine any packages you’ve signed up for to see what you can opt-out of.  I saved $1200 a semester by opting out of a student health package most of us didn’t know was tacked on to our tuition.  See if any “bundles,” come with hidden costs- this applies to phone, cable, or housing packages.

 

• Be honest about your goal.  Whether you keep it quiet and save on your own, or simply tell family/friends about your  crazy purchase and ask for donations in lieu of gifts, your tactic is up to you.  If this purchase is what your heart yearns for, funnel all extra cash towards it.

 

• Go on a diet.  Challenge yourself one month to cut just one recurring expense- restaurants, movies, or trips to the salon.  This isn’t about deprivation, but challenge yourself to prove yourself that this major purchase is worth it, and if you have to drop $1500 on it, you won’t feel like a jackass and the guilt won’t matter.

 

• Sell or side hustle.  I sold what I could on Amazon to make money and free up the space for these shoes.  If you’re going to buy something amazing, make room for in your life.

How To Justify Your Rockstar Purchase:

• You’ve planned for this big purchase by recreating equilibrium in your spending-  to purchase a vacation package for next summer you’ve cancelled your cable or gym membership to curb the cost.

• You’ve put away 10-20% of each paycheck to make the silly purchase.

 

• Though it’s expensive, this item has been your obsession for more than 6 months & would make you insanely giddy for more than 5 minutes after purchasing it.

 

• You’re planning to maximize this purchase for everything it’s worth.  Either it will make you money, alleviate a problem, satisfy a long time yearning or you’re planning on caring for it like a heirloom piece.

 

• Do you want quality or quantity?  Are you willing to give up your nickle-and-dime impulse purchases for one big spend?  To buy a designer jacket it may mean no more impulse buys at Target, but is that worth it to you?

 

Rockstar purchases don’t have to be designer shoes-  but it really is anything we feel we’re not “worthy” of spending… saving up for your dream wedding when you’re feeling pressured to save for something else you’re not thrilled about,  new glasses that flatter when the ones you have “work just fine,” or a fancy dinner for date night when you know it’s cheaper to cook yourself.  

Being happily frugal  is your unique special sauce, make frugality work for you.  

Have you ever had a rockstar purchase?
How did you make it happen?

I <3 Chicago when the weather gets nice.  The neighborhoods just call to be explored, the cupcakes practically beg to be eaten, and retailers quietly call you inside to check out their colorful new springtime wares and dazzle you with their delicious new shoe designs- it’s a good time to be alive!

I’ve been experimenting with new restaurants, new walking paths and trying new styles and brands of clothes to mix things up a bit…here are some of my adventures and musings!

Just discovered the best wonton soup in Chicago & the fortune cookies are a win!  /  Margarita cupcakes on Cinco De Mayo? YES PLEASE!!  /  My dream is to own my own scooter…perhaps with a pug friendly sidecar? Or not.

You are the apple of my eye @ Urban Outfitters  /  Just discovered John Fluevog Shoes and am in love. These heels look like those faux granite composite countertops, gorgeous in person!  / Celebrating graduation with a cold one  /  Some of the sweet cards I got for graduation, thanks everyone, it meant so much!

Divinity is close by in Chicago / Trying on shades @ Urban w/ Carolina / My new Christian LouBoutins that I saved up for for practically eons to buy… I love them and yes, want to marry them.  haha!

My Outfit- Blazer & Top c/o ellelauri  / Dark Wash Trouser Jeans- Target  /  Taupe Flats & Wide Belt- Urban Outfitters

I was so excited to wear out my new outfit from ellelauri-  I got to try their awesome Whitney Blazer {$202}  &  Madeline Top {$62}.   I’ve had a hard time finding blazers that fit in the past, they’re either too bulky or look odd on busty figures- but this blazer fit like a dream!  The blazer is NOT lined and is made of a windbreaker-esque material, it’s your best bet if you want to wear a blazer on a humid summer day without feeling stuffy.

The Madeline Top also comes in a ton of colors-  coral, cobalt, cranberry, plum, buttercup.  It looked great under the blazer and is the perfect neutral piece.  I felt like a million bucks in this outfit that was classy enough for a day out, but not too dressy for a shopping break at our favorite pizza place!

You are going to LOVE the Whitney Blazer from ellelauri-  they’re graciously giving one lucky winner their very own!  

Click through to BeautifulGiveaways.com to enter!