Author: chelseawp

January Rocksbox Review | 2015

Once again, I have been dying to share my latest Rocksbox with you! This month’s box had three beautiful items in it that I got a TON of use out of. I’ve been wearing at least one of the three pieces everyday! Another win for Rocksbox, want one month free? Skip to the bottom for the promo code!

How it works- It’s a monthly subscription costing $19.99/month. First you create a style profile, which basically consists of a quick survey of what jewelry types, metals, etc. you prefer and a gallery of pictures where you can pick your favorite items. From that profile, three styles are picked just for you and delivered in cute little boxes wrapped up with a ribbon. Now for the fun part, you can wear the jewelry as much as you want and just as easily send them back whenever you want! There’s no timeline, you can get as many or as little boxes as you want a month. As soon as you’re ready to send them back, you drop them in the mail and three more will be sent your way, almost immediately! Fall in love with one (or all) of the items? No prob, keep it! You get 20% off the retail price of any piece in your box to add to your personal collection.

Below is this month’s collection:

January Rocksbox 2015

 


Perry Street Selina Crystal Necklace

Perry Street Selina Crystal Necklace (retails at $56, member price is $44)– This necklace is amazing! There’s a few things I love about this necklace. 1- It’s actually pretty light for a statement necklace. I know that seems silly, but a heavy necklace tends to rub my neck raw by the end of the day. 2- It’s neutral so it goes with everything, but still has an amazing bling factor! And for only $44, you are guaranteed to get your money’s worth!

 

Jules Smith Open Double Pearl Ring

Jules Smith Open Double Pearl Ring (retails at $50, member price is $40)– This delicate ring has been a conversation piece. It’s so simple, but every time I wear it at least one person comes up to me asking where I bought it… that’s saying a lot for such a tiny ring! The pearl trend is huge right now and this is such a modern take on it. I don’t know if I’ll be able to part with this one!

 

Vanessa Mooney The Starlight Duff in Silver

 

Vanessa Mooney The Starlight Cuff in Silver (retails at $120, member price is $96)– This starlight cuff has the best of both worlds, gold and silver! I love the flexibility it gives me with the mixed metals, I found myself wearing it much more than I thought I would. The arrows are a fun twist and the cuff is actually a good size so it serves as a statement cuff.

Loving this month’s collection as much as I am? Check out my last set of jewelry at December 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 tell me what you think of Rocksbox in the comments below!

Valentine’s Day Home Must Haves

Valentine’s Day is one of the cheeriest holidays. When I was younger, Valentine’s Day was all about sending “warm fuzzies” to your classmates. What’s a warm fuzzy? It’s just that, a note that makes you feel warm and fuzzy when you read it! What’s better than that?

Valentine’s Day is a day all about love and letting people know how much they mean to you. I mean… candy, hearts, cupid, what’s not to love? Want to make this Valentine’s Day special? I have an amazing collection of Valentine’s Day home must haves below! My dream? Making Valentine’s Day treats in my heart apron using my heart measuring spoons and spatulas! Check them out below!

Valentine's Day Decor

Valentine’s Day Heart Garland ($10) / Sur la Table Heart Measuring Spoons ($5) / Sur la Table Spatulas ($11) / Kohl’s Heart Chalkboard ($12) / Sur la Table Valentine’s Crackers ($15) / Pier 1 Ombre Heart Pillow ($30) / Kohl’s ‘to the moon and back’ Pillow ($18) / Pier 1 Cupid Owl ($13) / Sur la Table ‘Love Bugs’ Baking Liners ($5) / Kohl’s Hearts Apron ($16) / boldLoft His & Hers Mugs ($27) / Kohl’s Nesting Baskets ($12) / Kohl’s ‘I woof you’ Kitchen Towels ($7) / Heart Pancake Rings ($7) / Valentine’s Day Vase ($11)

Trees, Sun and Waterfalls in Big Sur

This past weekend, my husband and I decided to take an impromptu trip down to Big Sur. It was so refreshing to take a break from the city and spend our long weekend exploring the outdoors in the sunshine!

As we made our way down Highway 1, the views only got more amazing. We stopped at almost EVERY vista point to take in the sights, hike down to the beach and we even spotted some whales in the sea and condors in the sky! The journey down to Big Sur was so almost as amazing as the actual hike we were headed to… almost!

When we finally made it to our trail, we were amazed by the humongous redwoods towering above us and the panoramic ocean views. The water was so blue and clear, nothing beats a west coast beach! It was truly breathtaking! But don’t take my word for it, see for yourself!- below are some pictures from our hike.

Lastly, for any of you planning a trip to Northern California, I definitely recommend adding Big Sur to your itinerary! The sights are beautiful and the journey is almost as good as the destination!

a peek into our day at Big Sur:

Notice my geo print compression pants? Those are not only great for hiking, but I got an amazing deal on them. You can still find those at Old Navy or shop my favorite affordable activewear finds. No more boring black yoga pants! There are too many fun, bright active prints out there to resist!

MLK Day Sale | Up to 60% Off

I don’t know about you, but I am certainly ready for this upcoming three day weekend! MLK day means extra fun, extra sleep and great sales!

This weekend, many retailers will be focused on getting rid of their clearance so there are plenty of deals to be had! Brands like Forever 21 and Old Navy are offering an extra 30% off clearance, that’s huge! But since clearance sells out quicker than I can write about it, today I’m focusing on H&M’s amazing up to 60% off sale!

H&M already has great prices, but this weekend only they are offering select amazing styles up to 60% off! I compiled my favorites below, all $20 and under. I live in graphic tees and I love the fun oops lipstick tee below, it can be dressed down with jeans or dressed up with this sequined skirt or faux leather pants. At these price points you can’t pass this stuff up! Have fun shopping and share the amazing deals you find this weekend in the comments below!

H&M up to 60% off Sale

Textured Sweater ($10) / Sequined Skirt ($12) / “Oops” Lipstick Tee ($10) / Heart Tee ($10) / Two-Tone Handbag ($17) / Crêpe Jacket ($17) / “Fantastic” Tee ($10) / Draped Blouse ($17) / Faux Leather Pants ($20) / Sleeveless Blouse ($10)

Valentino Rockstud | Look for Less

There’s one pair of heels that will always be on my wishlist, that’s the Valentino Rockstud Pumps! There’s two reasons for that… 1- these pumps are amazing and will always be in style and 2- they will stay on my wishlist because they are WAY out of my price range!

Valentino makes several variations of the Rockstud- kitten heels, T-strap, flats and many more! Each is amazing in it’s own way, but they run almost $1,000 each! Since I’m not going to be able to afford these anytime soon, I’ve been scouring the internet for a Rockstud look for less. Luckily I’ve found a few great alternatives!

The options below range from $18 to the REAL Valentino’s at $995. Can you spot the real Valentino Rockstuds? If not, each style (and price) is listed right below the collage. I’m personally partial to LuLu’s $34 version. Share your favorite in the comments below!

Valentino Rockstud Look for Less

{ordered as they appear above}

DSW BCBGeneration Darron Pump ($70) / Ci Ci Hot Black Heels ($36) / Akira Hot Pink Studded Heels ($35) / Jessica Buurman CARA Studded Heels ($129) / THE Valentino Rockstud Pump ($995) / SheInside White Studded Flats ($77) / THE Valentino Rockstud T-Strap Pump ($995) / Light in the Box Nude Studded Heels ($18) / LuLu’s Red Studded Heels ($34) / GoJane Black Studded Sparkle Heels ($24) / John Lewis Leopard Dune Daveney Heels ($85)

SALE ALERT! | J.Crew 40% Off Sale

Get your wallets out girls! Today is the last day for J.Crew’s extra 40% off all sale items!

I LOVE a good J.Crew sale and an extra 40% off is almost unheard of. That’s why I had to share this amazing deal with all of you today! I compiled some of my favorites below (and calculated the 40% off for you!), but they have a ton of other great deals on their site today too! This sale only lasts until midnight tonight, so get shopping and share your favorites in the comments below! (promo code SALENEWS)

JCrew Extra 40% Off Sale

Pixie Pants ($54) / Lace Trim Tee ($33) / Cambridge Cable Turtleneck ($59) / Stripe Silk Tank ($53) / Chunky Ribbed Scarf ($39) / Blue Turner Pant ($59) / Embellished Cable Sweater ($59) / Broken-In Boyfriend Jean ($100) / Striped Tissue Turtleneck Tee ($27) / Floppy Hat ($39) / Mohair Stripe Sweater ($59) / Ribbed Beanie ($24) / Downing Tote ($100)

Peek-a-boo! | Sheer Panels

Ready to start showing some skin, but still working on that tan? That’s not going to be an issue this spring. Instead of baring it all, try out the sheer panel trend!

I collected a fabulous collection of sheer paneled tops, skirts and dresses below. The sheer panel trend gives these otherwise ordinary pieces a playful edge without becoming trashy. Some pieces, like the white paneled blouse and the ponte midi skirt, are a little more conservative and others, like the pencil skirt and the stripe crop top, are more flirty… but my absolute favorite is the blue piperlime midi skirt! You can dress it up with a blazer or dress it down with a tee. It makes a statement, but is still super versatile! Shop the trend below and share your absolute favorite in the comments!

the sheer trend

ASOS Sheer Panel Pencil Skirt (Reduced to $19) / Forever 21 Lace Paneled Tulle Skirt ($25) / Forever 21 Mesh Panel Top ($17) / Forever 21 Matelasse Panel Blouse ($23) / ASOS Sheer Stripe Crop Top ($30) / ASOS Mint Sheer Skater Skirt ($18) / ASOS Ponte Paneled Midi Skirt ($45) / Nordstrom Rack Sheer Overlay Skirt ($35) / Windsor Window Panel Midi Skirt ($37) / Piperlime Sheer Midi Skirt ($89) / Dailylook Striped Sheer Maxi ($75) / Nastygal Lace Midi Skirt (Reduced to $39) / Forever 21 Mesh Paneled Dress ($30)

Lilly Pulitzer for Target- Ticket to Sunshine

Feeling down about those chilly winter temps? I’ve got just what you need to brighten your day and put a smile on your face!

Target just announced their newest collaboration, Lilly Pulitzer for Target!

Target is never one to disappoint with their collaboration partners and their latest choice, Lilly Pulitzer, is no exception. This limited edition collection launches April 19th and includes 250 pieces, ranging from clothing, accessories and shoes for both women (including plus size!) and girls, as well as home decor, outdoor accessories and beach travel essentials! What more could a girl want? The 15 exclusive collaboration prints are bright, playful and true to the Lilly Pulitzer brand esthetic.

This collaboration is already creating a ton of buzz! Click through the slideshow below to check out pictures of yesterday’s announcement party and do some pre-shopping! Share your favorite prints and products in the comments below!

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December Birchbox | 2014

Happy 2015 everyone! I hope you all had an amazing holiday, spent time with family and friends, and got the most out of the last few moments of 2014. Somehow this amazing year has come to a close and it’s time for me to share my final birchbox of 2014!

If you aren’t familiar with Birchbox, it’s a company offering a subscription to receive monthly samples of beauty products (They offer boxes for both men and women!). I love it because it’s a mini treat to myself once a month and it’s a great, inexpensive way to get introduced to new brands and products. As an added bonus- it makes a great gift for the girl (or boy) who has everything!

Below is my extra festive holiday birchbox. The boxes are getting more and more decorative with the samples being just as exciting! Check out December’s samples below!

December Birchbox 2014


Let’s begin with the Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel. My skin is usually pretty low maintenance, so I am all about what is quick and easy. This peel not only fits the bill, but also works great!  It leaves my skin feeling refreshed and glowing. My only complaint is it leaves my skin a little dry, so make sure you have some moisturizer handy! I don’t normally use peels, but if you rely on them for skin issues, I recommend trying this 3 minute peel!

Next up is the SeaRX Anti-Wrinkle Facial Lift Treatment Serum. I’m not sure how I feel about a serum for my face, the texture is a little sticky and gel-like. I prefer a smoother, thinner lotion moisturizer. But for a serum, it did go on light and smooth. Unfortunately, I didn’t really notice a difference in my skin. To be fair, it’s a little hard to know with such a small sample if there’s actually any anti-wrinkle benefits in it.

Time for the Mirenesse iCurl Secret Weapon 24 Hour Mascara! I should start with saying I am very particular about my lashes. I have a several step process I use in the mornings when I apply my mascara and I thought this product could be a great lengthening agent to use as a base. Although this mascara does a good job lengthening, I don’t find it any more impressive than the other, less expensive mascaras I use. I did find it to hold throughout the day and to come off easily at night. But again, this is nothing overly impressive to me for the price.

Now onto Catherine Malandrino Style de Paris. This perfume smells like a dream! It has an elegant, fruity fragrance to it that lasts all day! It’s a little pricey and strong to be my go-to everyday scent, but I would love to have it for special occasions!

Lastly, I’m wrapping it up with Davines Replumping Shampoo, Conditioner and Superactive! This trio is supposed to add volume to your hair. Although it left my hair smelling amazing and feeling super soft, I didn’t think it ended up adding much volume to my look. For me, this was a great set to mix up my normal hair routine, but I don’t see the value in switching to them completely.

And that’s it for this month’s Birchbox samples. Have you heard of any of these brands or tried any of these products before? Tell me about them in the comments below! Maybe you’re just craving more beauty buys? Check out last month’s post, November Birchbox | 2014.

New Year’s Eve Party Dresses Under $100 | 2015

Now that I have all my Christmas shopping wrapped up, It’s time for me to focus on New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve is a magical holiday where we spend the night sipping champagne and contemplating new year’s resolutions. Every year it’s a great opportunity to hit the reset button and start the next year off fresh with some new goals.

Even if you haven’t decided what your new year’s resolutions are yet, you need to pick a dress. There are so many fun trends floating around this season that it’s hard to pick just one, but I’ve pulled together some of my favorite party dresses for 2015. A few of my favorites include the sequin ombre dressthe glitter jumpsuit and feather hem dress. Check out my picks below and share your favorites with me in the comments.

New Year's Eve Party Dresses 2015

Nasty Gal Fringe Dress ($68) / Sequin Hearts Embellished Sweetheart Dress ($66) / Topshop Feather Hem Dress ($75) / Nasty Gal Sequin Ombre Dress ($88) / ASOS TFNC Embellished Neck Dress ($91) / H&M Blue Ruffle Dress ($60) / Nasty Gal Red Fit and Flare Dress ($88) / Topshop Tuxedo Dress ($82) / Hommage Lace Sleeve Romper ($52) / Topshop Pleated Foil Romper ($38) / H&M Glitter Jumpsuit ($50) / Glamorous Sequin Mini Dress ($98) / Nasty Gal Sequin Dress ($78) / Forever 21 Red Sequin Dress ($30) / Topshop Lace Hem Cut Out Dress ($75) / Forever 21 Sequin and Fringe Dress ($30) / Nasty Gal Icy Sequin Dress ($98)