Author: chelseawp

Urban Nomad Trend | Fall 2015

My favorite season is upon us… fall! There is something about fall that is so darn cozy. It’s the apple cider, the falling leaves, the crisp autumn air and of course the pumpkin spice lattes! This season packs such strong emotions and memories that lure me out into the wild. Well maybe not quite the wild, but it lures me out of my apartment. And I feel it’s appropriate to dress like I’m going camping anyways, that’s where the urban nomad trend comes in!

I’m not sure what you wear camping, but I feel like plaid is definitely in order. Also, some layering pieces like this fur vest and this reversible quilted vest to keep you warm by the fire. Footwear not only needs to be practical, but also warm! Don’t these timberland wedges scream warm and comfy?! I’m dying for a pair! Lastly, top it off with a floppy wool hat, plaid poncho for layering and some jewelry inspired by the wilderness itself. There you go, you have become an urban nomad.

urban nomad trend

shop the urban nomad trend:

faux fur vest ($40) / floppy wool hat ($32) / printed fox socks ($6) / plaid shirt dress ($25) / pom pom beanie ($28) / moon pendant necklace ($16) / reversible quilted vest ($50) / plaid poncho ($38) / burgundy bootie ($160) / patent leather boots ($30) / plaid shirt ($25) / suede platform boot ($125) / timberland wedges ($130) / suede fringe dress ($108)

August Birchbox Review | 2015

Birchbox was the first subscription service I ever signed up for and now it’s quite possibly my favorite! I just love receiving this adorable little box every month and seeing what’s inside. Some months are better than others, but I tend to get a ton of use out of the products. And even if it’s not my favorite product, it’s usually handy enough to use for my travels! Check out my August Birchbox Review below and share what you think in the comments!

If you aren’t familiar with birchbox, it’s a $10/month subscription to monthly deliveries of beauty and skincare samples. And don’t forget… they offer boxes for both men and women! It’s truly a mini treat to yourself once a month and it’s a fabulous, inexpensive way to get introduced to new brands and products. As an added bonus, birchbox has an amazing rewards program. You get points for each monthly sample you review and each dollar you spend in their shop. 100 points= $10, and those points add up fast!

Check out my August Birchbox Review:

August Birchbox Review

LAQA & Co. Charm School Kit
RUSK® Volumizing Mousse
Oribe Shampoo, Conditioner and Masque for Beautiful Color
dr. brandt® pores no more® cleanser
Air Repair Complexion Boosting Moisturizer

Ready to get cheeky? This LAQA & Co. Charm School Kit comes with three colors of creamy crayons that can be used for your cheeks, your lips, or even both! I received the pink, humble brag, color in my august birchbox. I tried it on both my lips and my cheeks and boy, that did not turn out well! While this crayon is just as easy to apply as doodling in my coloring books when I was little, the color is super bright, so proceed with caution! First, I tried it on my cheeks. After a lot of blending, it actually looked really pretty. On the other hand, it did not look so hot on my lips. Somehow, it feels a little waxy and was a bit chalk looking once applied. Although I will continue to use it on my cheeks, I do not suggest even trying it on your lips, unless you plan to ride around in a clown car.

If you remember from my July Birchbox Review, I tried RUSK out for the first time last month with the RUSK® Heatshift™ Re-Styling Cream. This month I received another RUSK product, the RUSK® Volumizing Mousse. I usually try to stay away from mousse since the alcohol in it’s ingredient list tends to dry hair out. But, I made an exception today to try this mousse! This rich, foamy product gave my hair texture and body without adding in crunch. I found my hair to hold it’s style much longer than usual as well. While I don’t often need my hair to be so poised and put together, this mousse will be a good go to for special nights out!

Next, I tried the Oribe Shampoo, Conditioner and Masque for Beautiful Color and I loved the whole set! My hair hasn’t looked this good in a long time. I feel like this miraculous formula somehow undid all the coloring, drying, curling, etc. that I’ve put my hair through over the years. It left my hair looking super shiny and feeling silky smooth… no to mention, it smells amazing! I think this shampoo, conditioner and masque set is definitely in the “splurge” price range for me, but it seems like it’s worth the money. Since I no longer color my hair, I don’t think I necessarily need this level of nourishment, but it would be great for someone trying to get their hair back on track! (Or someone who has a large hair budget $$!)

I’ve had a few dr. brandt products in my boxes before. I’ve even tried dr. brandt® pores no more® cleanser in the past. The main reason I like this cleanser is it was developed by an actual dermatologist. It gives me a lot of trust in this product. Not to mention it works! A little goes a long way with this lathering product. It left my skin feeling smooth, hydrated and looking refreshed! I don’t have a big issues with pores, but everyone says it helps dramatically in minimizing pores! If that’s your issue, be sure to check it out.

Air Repair Complexion Boosting Moisturizer was the final sample in my august birchbox. This moisturizer is the best face moisturizer I’ve tried in a long time. It smells amazing and is cool and refreshing when applied. It seriously rejuvenated my skin and left it immediately feeling hydrated. I tried it on one side of my face and found myself stroking that side of my face over and over! It was just so darn smooth! It will be great for my dry skin in the winter and I can’t wait to buy the full size!

And that’s a wrap for this month’s beauty samples! Have you heard of any of these brands or tried any of these products before? Tell me about them in the comments below!

Craving more beauty finds? Check out last month’s post, July Birchbox Review, or start getting your own birchbox delivered right to your door!

Fall Shoe Trends | Pom Pom Shoes

Happy first Friday of fall! What’s more appropriate to focus on today than my favorite fall shoe trend, pom pom shoes? They are fun, girly and playful and to be honest, I can’t get enough!

We’ve got sandals, slippers, heels, lace-ups and even sneakers! Basically a shoe for every girl and every personality. Depending on the mood I’m in, I could find an occasion to wear them all! I want the hot pink heels for a date, the snakeskin slippers for work and the pink sneakers for running errands. And the rest for everything else!

Are you loving the pom pom shoe trend as much as I am this fall? There are a ton of amazing pom pom shoes walking the runway that you can pay an arm and a leg for, but I pulled together some great, budget friendly options that you can prance around in for a fraction of the cost! Check the out below, and share your favorites!

FALL SHOE TREND- POM POM SHOES
shop the pom pom shoe trend:

pointed satin ballet flats ($33) / black pointed pom pom heels ($30) / snakeskin pom pom slippers ($40) / pom pom sandals ($63) / pointed toe ankle strap flats ($28) / pink satin lace up flats ($72) / pink pom pom sneakers ($40) / nude suede pom pom heels ($46) / silver and pink pointed flats ($63) / T-strap suede heels ($51) / hot pink peep toed heels ($126)

August Rocksbox Review| 2015

Would you love getting sparkly jewelry delivered to your doorstep? Yep, thought so! If you haven’t already, it’s time for you to check out Rocksbox! (Use the code chelseabff5 to get your first month free!!)

Returning a set of jewelry is always bittersweet, but I’m always excited to see what I get next from Rocksbox! Lately, I’ve been lucky enough to get a lot of new designers and styles in my boxes that I’ve never tried before and my august rocksbox was no exception! I’ve been getting a ton of use out of every piece. Before I dig into the details, here’s what Rocksbox is all about…

 How it works:

1. BECOME A SHINE INSIDER ($19/month)- Take the style survey and add items to your jewelry Wish List.

2. GET 3 PIECES TO WEAR ON LOAN- Each piece is hand-selected for you based on your style and specific requests. Wear your pieces as much as you want!

3. RETURN ANYTIME TO GET 3 NEW PIECES- Return your Rocksbox pieces anytime and as often as you like. Every set has 3 pieces of designer jewelry, worth an average of $200 per set.

Check out my August Rocksbox:

August Rocksbox Review


 Perry Street Abby Necklace in Black CrystalPerry Street Abby Necklace in Black Crystal (retails at $76, member price is $60)– This black and grey statement necklace is the perfect amount of edgy glam! It adds a sophisticated touch to any outfit and has been my go-to accessory for date night. The soft curves of the gems leave this necklace feeling romantic. And my favorite part is it’s black so it goes with almost every outfit in my closet!

 

House of Harlow 1960 Sunburst Bar Wrap Necklace in GoldHouse of Harlow 1960 Sunburst Bar Wrap Necklace in Gold (retails at $38, member price is $30)- I love this delicate House of Harlow necklace. The mixture of black and gold is perfect, I find myself layering it with all my work pieces. It’s great layered with any of my delicate gold necklaces and this one is a perfect length, which means it’s great to where as is wrap it and double it up!

 


Kendra Scott Dee Earrings in Black Opaque GlassKendra Scott Dee Earrings in Black Opaque Glass (retails at $45, member price is $36)- With my newer short hair, I am loving drop earrings! They are elegant and immediately dress up any look! These black and gold kendra scott beauty’s not only go great with my other rocksbox picks, but they also go with tons of other choices in my jewelry box and closet. They are simple and effortless adding interest to any look!

 

And that wraps it up for this month’s box! Are you like me and can’t get enough of Rocksbox? Try checking out last month’s set of jewelry, July RocksBox Review.

Still want more? Sounds like you are ready to get your own Rocksbox! Go to Rocksbox and use code chelseabff5 to get your first month FREE! Enjoy! And don’t forget to share your thoughts on my Rocksbox jewels in the comments below!

Back to School in The Varsity Trend

School is in session and back to school sales are in full swing! It’s time to channel your inner school girl! I love all the tartan, plaid and varsity trends that are sprinkled in the windows this fall! This adorable trend makes me feel youthful and ready to tackle fall.

There is so much to love about the varsity trend. The huge numbered graphic sweaters are preppy and laid back at the same time. Plaid miniskirts and knee-high socks are a classic must have for fall. These adorable versatile backpacks are perfect for toting around your essentials, go classic with leather and tassels or modern with black nylon! Ankle booties and tasseled loafers are the perfect accessories to polish off your head to toe look! And don’t forget fall 2015’s most popular layering piece, the bomber jacket! I particularly love this striped one from Forever 21 at only $21!

Go ahead and embrace the varsity trend this fall, I’ve pulled together all my favorites below! Happy shopping!

Varsity Trend

shop the varsity trend:

Mini Backpack ($45) / Black Ankle Boots ($36) /Knee-High Socks ($4) / Pom Pom Beanie ($58) / Nylon Backpack ($52) / Striped Tee ($9) / Tartan Flared Skirt ($13) / Plaid Miniskirt ($48) / Varsity Tee ($9) / “25” Graphic Sweater ($20) / Tasseled Loafers ($25) / Varsity Bomber ($23) / Layered Plaid Sweatshirt ($20) / “57” Graphic Sweatshirt ($20)

The Broke Girl’s Guide to Cute Storage

Just like spring is the time to clean, fall is the time to organize! I may not be packing up all my things to cram into a dorm room this fall, but that doesn’t mean I don’t get the urge to purge and organize this time of year! The best cute storage always comes out around back to school so it’s time to take advantage!!

I have personally been ooohing and awwwing over Target’s home decor lately. I love the rustic twist they put on all the necessities. I’ve always been an over organizer. I love when everything has it’s place, it makes life so much easier! Whether it’s my closet, my kitchen or my bathroom, I try to buy cute organizers that can function both as storage and decor! I pulled together some of my favorite rustic, useful pieces to help you whip your home into cute organization shape this fall, on any budget!

cute storage

shop my cute storage picks:

Bulletin Board ($30) / Tiered Baskets ($42) / Labeled Jars ($7-$10) / Labeled Pails- 4 count ($6) / Metal Mail Holder ($15) / Foldable Wire Basket ($20) / Decorative Round Basket ($9) / Accent Cabinet ($120) / Antique Metal Basket ($15) / Labeled Wooden Crates ($20-$25) / 3 Tier Metal Cart ($40)

Fall Forward | The Seventies Trend

I might not have been alive in the seventies, but I definitely know how to appreciate the fashion of that decade! There’s bell bottoms, fringe, suede and beautiful boho florals… what’s not to love? My summer outfits always tend to take a seventies boho vibe. For the summer, I love crochet, florals and fringe. But it’s time to start thinking fall forward and transitioning those boho pieces into perfect fall staples.

What really transitions the seventies trend into fall is texture and color. First of all, suede is essential! I am loving this Suede Lace Up Dress featured below and the Suede Fringe Statement Jacket. The color story is also very important. Think burgundy, mustard, browns and caramels. All of these colors will help you pull together the perfect seventies look. And last, but definitely not least…. Make sure you get some fabulous flares to go with these boho tops! You will get a ton of use out of the this fall! Check out some of my favorite seventies pieces below! My personal favorite is this Suede Sheath Dress… it’s amazing and genuine suede for only $50!

the seventies trend

shop the seventies trend:

Suede Fringe Jacket ($55) / Round Sunglasses ($12) / Fringe Sandal ($60) / Off the Shoulder Top ($38) / Chevron Pendant Necklace ($20) / Sleeveless Fringe Dress ($58) / Lace Up Long Sleeve ($33) / Suede Lace Up Dress ($58) / Chiffon Lace Up Top ($37) / Suede Sheath Dress ($50) / Tooled Crossbody ($58)

July Birchbox Review | 2015

Birchbox was the first subscription service I ever signed up for and now it’s quite possibly my favorite! I just love receiving this adorable little box every month and seeing what’s inside. Some months are better than others, but I tend to get a ton of use out of the products. And even if it’s not my favorite product, it’s usually handy enough to use for my travels! Check out my July Birchbox review below and share what you think in the comments!

If you aren’t familiar with birchbox, it’s a $10/month subscription to monthly deliveries of beauty and skincare samples. And don’t forget… they offer boxes for both men and women! It’s truly a mini treat to yourself once a month and it’s a fabulous, inexpensive way to get introduced to new brands and products. As an added bonus, birchbox has an amazing rewards program. You get points for each monthly sample you review and each dollar you spend in their shop. 100 points= $10, and those points add up fast!

Check out my July Birchbox Review:

July birchbox review

Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45+
COOLA® SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray
RUSK® Heatshift™ Re-Styling Cream
Harvey Prince Hello, Limited Edition
stila look at me liquid lipstick trio

I have gotten a ton of Dr. Jart+ products in my past birchboxes. Just last month, I got the Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear™ Micro Water that I love! This month I received the Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45+ and this product apparently does it all! It’s a primer, moisturizer, treatment serum and adds SPF 45+. At first glance I love the stuff. It goes on smooth and even without having to use too much. And the color is great! Unfortunately, I found it to leave my face a bit sticky and it never quite absorbed into my skin. Since I’m someone who wears very light coverage creams on a daily basis, I found it a bit heavy for everyday use.

Makeup setting spray is new to my box of beauty tools. I’ve used it a few times for big events, but I’ve never quite understood why I would need to add it to my beauty arsenal. Well now I do! Not only does this COOLA® SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray add a layer of SPF 30, it also makes my makeup smudge free! I have a 30 minute walk to work so the elements can be rough. Some days it’s windy and my eyes water, other days I’m just hot and sweaty! Somehow a simple spritz of this setting spray kept my eyeliner from running, it kept my eyeshadow in place and protected my skin from the intense sun rays! This product is a must for you girls on the go!

RUSK® Heatshift™ Re-Styling Cream is up next! This re-styling cream was basically made for me. I hate blow drying my hair and I always wait at least one day between shampoos. That’s where this dream cream comes in handy! For use on fresh hair, it’s great! It cut my blow drying time in half! And for one-day-old hair, I applied a little bit to my hair before curling and my hair lasted all day! I found it to hold much longer and better texture than my normal hairspray. Now I’m not sure how I’ve lived without it all these years!

Next up, I got a small sample of Harvey Prince Hello, Limited Edition . This perfume was inspired by the joy of waking up to a warm day with the sun shining and the flowers blooming. I mean that’s what summer is all about, right? The scent is an interesting mix of floral and citrus that literally perked me up when I sprayed it. There is something about smelling this fresh fragrance that energized me in the morning. It’s a great scent for a beautiful summer day.

Last, but not least, is the stila look at me liquid lipstick trio. I love getting lipsticks and lipglosses in my birchboxes, but this one is unlike any I’ve received in the past. This lipstick is on for the day, whether you like it or not! Good thing I like it!! I received the bright pink color, which is bold, matte and irresistible! The creamy texture glides on thick, but sets to a matte paint very quickly. And once it dries, this lipgloss won’t come off on your coffee cup or your man. And it’s easy to remove at the end of the night with makeup remover, no staining! I’m addicted to my sample and will be buying a few colors for backup!

And that’s a wrap for this month’s beauty samples! Have you heard of any of these brands or tried any of these products before? Tell me about them in the comments below!

Craving more beauty finds? Check out last month’s post, June Birchbox Review, or start getting your own birchbox delivered right to your door!

July Rocksbox Review | 2015

Would you love getting sparkly jewelry delivered to your doorstep? Yep, thought so! If you haven’t already, it’s time for you to check out Rocksbox! (Use the code chelseabff5 to get your first month free!!)

Returning a set of jewelry is always bittersweet, but I’m always excited to see what I get next from Rocksbox! Lately, I’ve been lucky enough to get a lot of new designers and styles in my boxes that I’ve never tried before and my July Rocksbox was no exception! I’ve been getting a ton of use out of every piece. Before I dig into the details, here’s what Rocksbox is all about…

 How it works:

1. BECOME A SHINE INSIDER ($19/month)- Take the style survey and add items to your jewelry Wish List.

2. GET 3 PIECES TO WEAR ON LOAN- Each piece is hand-selected for you based on your style and specific requests. Wear your pieces as much as you want!

3. RETURN ANYTIME TO GET 3 NEW PIECES- Return your Rocksbox pieces anytime and as often as you like. Every set has 3 pieces of designer jewelry, worth an average of $200 per set.

Check out my July Rocksbox:

July Rocksbox Review

Melinda Maria Cece Triange Stud Earrings
Melinda Maria Cece Triange Stud Earrings (retails at $68, member price is $54)– These three triangle spiked earrings are the perfect mix of edgy and dainty! I love the small sparkle that fills each triangle and the slight curve of the stacks that give an interesting spin to these long studs. These Melinda Maria studs are amazing quality and add an extra layer of sparkle to your everyday outfit.

Jules Smith Cage Arrow Bracelet in GoldJules Smith Cage Arrow Bracelet in Gold (retails at $38, member price is $30)- although the silver is pictured to the left, I received the gold bracelet in my rocksbox. You all know I love a good arm stack and this dainty gold cuff perfectly complimented almost all the bracelets in my jewelry box. The gold color is soft. I love mixing it with darker golds, my other arrow cuffs and more! The color and sparkle make this cuff super versatile and easy to where!

Urban Gem Paisley NecklaceUrban Gem Paisley Necklace (retails at $64, member price is $51)- Can a girl ever have too many statement necklaces? Never! This intricate, tonal necklace is unlike most in my collection. I tend to go for bright, multi-colored necklaces. So I found this soft, mint, beauty was a breath of fresh air! I tended to let it shine on it’s own by pairing it with a simple white or grey tee. It is a great way to dress up a casual outfit!

 

And that wraps it up for this month’s box! Are you like me and can’t get enough of Rocksbox? Try checking out last month’s set of jewelry, June RocksBox Review.

Still want more? Sounds like you are ready to get your own Rocksbox! Go to Rocksbox and use code chelseabff5 to get your first month FREE! Enjoy! And don’t forget to share your thoughts on my Rocksbox jewels in the comments below!

Cool Off in the Culotte Trend

Culottes seem to be sprinkling the outfits on my instagram feed and the pages of my favorite magazines lately. You know what that means right? The culotte trend has officially gone mainstream!

Culottes are quickly populating the racks of my favorite (affordable!) stores and I’m here to tell you… You need a pair for fall! Some of you might be thinking…. are they pants? is it a skirt? Well that’s my favorite thing about culottes, the versatility! They come in all sorts of fabrics, prints and colors.

Going casual? Perfect, they are loose, comfortable and can be paired with a tee and denim jacket. Or check out these Madewell culotte jeans. These were made for a fall day playing in the leaves.

Or maybe you have a wedding to go to? Instead of going the traditional dress route, try a culotte jumpsuit on for size. I picked out a few polished, strapless jumpsuits below that would look amazing with a statement necklace and heels. This is a sophisticated evening look that’s guaranteed to stand out at your next get together (in a good way)!

cool off in the culotte trend

shop the culotte trend:

black culotte bandeau jumpsuit ($19) / white culotte strapless jumpsuit ($37) / green pleated culottes ($34) / soft navy culottes ($70) / printed culotte jumpsuit ($180) / black strapless culotte jumpsuit ($73) / white spot jacquard culottes ($34) / tropical print culottes ($41) / black pleated culottes ($15) / metallic drawstring culottes ($56) / culotte jeans ($128) / solid white culottes ($58)