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.)

 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 <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!

I’m a new graduate and my one objective over the summer is to get some sun.  My goal is to take lots of photos, catch up on my reading, and accomplish both at the lakeside all summer!   The weather is just warming up here in Chicago and the lake isn’t too far- I’m already unpacking my sandals and getting ready for sunshine.

I’ve also done some shopping…I’ve been in desperate need of brand new beach apparel and accessories since it’s been several summers since I’ve actually had time off.  Oh, the life of a graduate!

Getting Ready For The Sun:

I have been using my favorite sunless tanner on my legs for several weeks now- I use the Subtle Tanning Lotion from MK because the smell doesn’t annoy me and it’s never given me orange streaks, I love this stuff!   As I get more sun exposure, I use SPF 30 sunblock on my body, and MK’s Day Solution SPF 25 for my face, back of my hands, and chest area.

Shoes: Colin Stewart from Viccy’s Secret  Sunglasses:  Coach  Jewelry:  Dondalee’s  Suncare: Mary Kay

The Swimsuit That Stole My Heart:

Swimsuit:  Betsey Johnson c/o The Orchid Boutique

As a diehard Betsey Johnson fan, I was in love with this State Fair One Piece and had to have it!   What’s great about this piece is that it comes in both a one piece or as a bikini and it has a removable strap.   The suit gives full coverage without frumpiness, I adore the flirty frills and fanciful print.

I was planning on hitting the beach with this on, but we’re expecting rain in Chicago throughout the weekend and I could not wait to share it with you…seriously, it’s been a LONG time since I’ve been this obsessed over a swimsuit  (I think the last time I loved a suit this much was a Sesame Street one piece I wore when I was 4.)   I usually am pretty darn self conscious, especially in swimsuits, but I am stocked to hit the beach in this one piece!

My Tips For Finding A Swimsuit That Suits You

• If you’re not comfortable in a particular cut, don’t wear it!

• You may not be able to find the right fit at a local discount store-  if you have a hard time finding bra/undies, you may encounter the same sizing issues with a swimsuit, invest in a piece that fits.

• Play up your assets, play down what makes you feel unsexy.  This is why I’m proud to wear a one piece that does exactly that!  Patterns w/ a structured top are great for curvy girls, embellishments & metallics are great for slender types.  See more tips here.

• Find a classy coordinating cover-up  that can make transition from lounging to partying a seamless step.  The shop I got my suit at also offer some great cover-ups.

Do you do anything to prep for swimsuit season?

What are your fave summer accessories or swim fashion tips?

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