Goldilocks Wallet

Hopefully it will hold up just as well as my polka dot suitcase!  

Kate Spade wristlet wallet is super adorbs and super functional!  It took awhile to find a perfect wallet... and here she is!  It has a bunch of compartments and is actually large enough to be a clutch.  The extra zipper compartment on the outside can carry a lipstick and compact with ease. The strap is key.  I forget things if I set them down for a split second.  I've lost two wallets in my lifetime and that's two times too many.  Oh and the bow... all wallets should have such a bow:).

I ended up replacing my leopard print nylon wallet for this red beauty.  Two things bothered me about the previous one: it was nylon and the inside lining was a light ivory color.  I'm really hard on my wallets and hope they will last a long time.  At least a couple years.  This new one is leather and the inside lining is black with small white polka dots.  It's also a wristlet which the other one was not.  It's just perfect.  KS makes such fun pocketbooks and accessories.  My last one was a Vera Bradley.  I used the heck out of it but it frayed too soon because it's made of fabric.  I love Vera but the fabric doesn't last very long.  KS nylon bags are super lightweight and many of her leather bags are lightweight as well.  The material seems more durable.  It's also super nice to live close to the KS outlet - I never have to pay full price again:). 

I really wanted a red wallet for some reason.  It's still dark enough to not show too many dirt marks... but maybe I should have purchased black!  Too late now... I removed all the tags already:)

Xo

Slip these on and conquer the world...

TB Caroline Wedges

Some days you wake up and all the world is upside down.  You know those days.  And my weapon?  Oh a new favorite pair of shoes:). Only Tory Burch can make me feel this way.  From the first time I tried them on I knew I would eventually have to have them. 

There was a slight complication.  The price tag scared me.  Even the outlet price freaked me out.  $265 marked down to $199 plus an additional 25% off.  Little did I realize later that $149 was an amazing deal.  I'm one of those girls that gets her shoes for uber cheap at Tj Maxx!    So this was a new playground.  But I bit the bullet.  I had to have them!

Although my first pair of TB, it won't be my last.  So comfortable!  Gonna wait for the F&F at Bloomie's and then use my discount to score another pair.  B already said he would get me another pair for Xmas too!!!!  Now I just need to pick out which styles I like!  Get a pair if you haven't already... you will see what I mean;)

Xo

I Can't Wrap to Save My Life

I know, even Potato has that look of what the????  

Are you seriously giving something wrapped like this as a present?!?!

But will anyone remember the ugly wrap job if they find this inside?

Bridal shower.  What to give????  Day of.  No time.  Just picked what I would want off the registry.  I was tempted to keep it and just buy the monogram towels.  Sigh.  Did the right thing for a dear friend.  Now I'm broke again!  I just came from a wedding last month.  Sigh again.

 And I had no time to wrap.  The girl said the bag would look nice.  Uhhhhh, yeah no.  I showed up at the shower and all these  beautiful packages with fabric flowers and glitter, etc... there was mine... looking like I wrapped it in a trash bag and slapped a red bow on it.  A behemoth of a nightmare... a sore thumb, no doubt.  Embarrassing again.  Next time will not wait until last minute to buy said wedding gift and wrap it on the way out the door. Note to self... on a mental sticky that I will forget about the next time  I'm suppose to remember...

All I can say is I did try.  And I made it there only 20 minutes late.  Not the last one this time either.  Phew!  It was such a lovely shower.  The restaurant was elegant but laid back.  Oh the cake... I even had a second piece.  What a fun weekend to see some old friends!  So many things are different now...but it made my heart smile a thousand times feeling as though they had never changed at all:)

Xo

Pumpkin Please!

DD's does it again... last year it was the Turtle and now this year I'm all about the Pumpkin Mocha over ice, please...with an extra shot of cream.  Yes, I promise to go to the gym later... please don't deny me my fix.  This is what a crack addict must feel like without her hit... useless.  But that sip... that very first creamy, sweet, chocolate-y, pumpkin-esque sip... I smile an unforced smile...and life is all rainbows and butterflies.  Yes, go ahead foreign person who I nearly bumped into... please swear at me in your native tongue as I walk by you in a haze... obliviously happy from that sip... I don't even care because all I want is to enjoy this glorious moment... and so much better than Starbucks on my taste buds. 

I've never been a huge Buckie's fan.  I think the coffee is too strong or something.  Lines are insane.  I had a $5 gift certificate so decided to share with a friend thinking it was enough for the two of us.  Ummmm... her drink alone was almost 5 bucks.  I ended up just getting a small iced coffee with a flavor shot and it was like 7 bucks.  Omg.  It would have been worth it if I enjoyed it.  But I didn't.  Not terrible.  Not the best.  Not anything really.  It's middle of the road.  A solid C+.  Passing.  Decent.   I know, tons of people I know are obsessed with it.  I just don't get it.  No doubt Im a Dunkin Donuts kinda girl:)

Oh Dunkie's I'll always love you so and you really do make me a better person... one sip at a time:)

XoX

New Pocketbook!

The unboxing!!!! Look at that tissue paper!

Unwrapping to find the list of must-haves for any Kate Spade Girl!

The great reveal!

Close-up of the wallet... bows, gold, leather, and leopard!

Oh my gawwwwwgeousness!  It arrived on an unassuming Columbus Day Monday.  My new Kate Spade for the season.  Nothing puts a smile on my face like a brand new KS pocketbook and matching wallet will do:)  I planned my plan of attack:  waited for said online sale; then waited for B to be in a super good mood; then asked ever so very nicely if it could be added to my little collection of handbags.  It worked like a charm (this time... it doesn't always work!  Muahahaha!)  

I love animal print!  I love bows!  It was handbag HEAVEN!  The only thing I was a bit hesitant about was that it was made of nylon.  I'm use to leather handbags.  But quickly remembered that I never use my leather bags because they end up being so heavy with all their hardware as well.  It gets so uncomfortable and I have been using a lot of my Vera Bradley bags because they are made of a quilted material which is so light and soft.  

Trust me this decision did not come lightly.  It really was a toss up between this or a Tory Burch coated canvas ocelot animal.  It looked a lot more solid with the leather bottom reinforcement with feet as well.  But then the dimensions were a lot larger, it looked a lot bulkier, and with all the hardware, I'm sure my shoulder and back would feel it way too soon.  And I remembered the only bags I liked to carry were my Vera Bradley's.   Lately I've been carrying lightweight totes I have gotten for free from work... which is really kinda weird.  OMG B is right - I just like free stuff!

Anyways, I decided to take a chance on this KS bag because she is known for her durable nylon bags that are super lightweight.  I love how the bow, gold hardware, and leather dress up an otherwise casual material.  Oh, and the leopard print.  This is so quintessential KS.  I love how the embossing is on the hardware as opposed to many of her bags being embossed on the leather.  I always fear it will rub off over time (totally on my label whoring kick lately!). Also, I heard nylon is super easy to care for - just water and some mild soap like Ivory or some Woolite.  I'm definitely gonna use the heck out of this handbag.  I just love the bow design!!!! I wish she would make that her signature stamp on all bags.  If not, I'm gonna have to get into the handbag business and make it mine for sure:).  I hope she makes another one in a coated canvas with a little bow in the future.  I'd be all over it.  If only I could have an unlimited expense account for all things Kate Spade... I can always dream:)

Xo

Banish the Winter Flakes!

My skin is combo/sensitive and can get super dry in the winter.  Scary dry.  Here are some of my favs from Lancôme!  The Creme Mousse Confort is a foamy dream.  Of course the highly rated "pink toner" is the best in class for dry/sensitive skin.  No alcohol just a comforting serum-like toner unlike any other:). It's a good idea to change up your skin routine during the cold months!  

Xo

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

How did that happen?!?!  Wasn't it just summer yesterday?  Well, it is October, afterall.  Time to find some fleece in some fun colors this year.  Went to Bloomie's Outlet the other day (that place is dangerous!) and originally picked up a black North Face Osito jacket in black.  It was 50 bucks and some change but I like my fleece uber loose (like I borrowed it from B loose!) and I already have a black one so I exchanged it for a pretty pink Columbia and it was only 20 bucks! Score!  I got a large so it's super loose and almost feels like a robe.  Covers my bum when I'm wearing leggings and great for those fat days when I had too much Chinese takeout.  Besides, I was pretty disappointed in my last Osito jacket I had that ripped at the seems and the zipper busted after only a year.  But I must say I do like the super soft NF material better than the standard fleece feel of the Columbia.  It's okay, when it's cold, I just want something warm and clean (I'm lazy about laundry!) and at these prices I got a second one:).   I have one other Columbia and it has held up so well... based on quality and value, it appears that I'm a convert!  More cash left over for a new Kate or Tory... Tee-hee!

Xo

Lancôme Genifique!

More than just a pretty bottle!

Imagine my excitement when a little brown box came addressed to moi... with a return adress from Luxury Product Division!  As I was running around the house looking for a pair of scissors, I kept trying to rack my brain figuring out what I had ordered online and forgotten about this time.  B was standing there staring at me with that look... you know the one... where they are thinking, 'What did you order this time?!  Aren't we on a budget for our wedding and...well future?'  Omg.  Putain (Fuck sounds so much better in French!)  I'm in trouble again.  I'm not gonna lie.  I sometimes forget my priorities when I see a Tory Burch Satchel in all her leopard print glory.  Okay, anyways...

"Omg I didn't order anything!"  He kept standing there.  "I really didn't!"  Ummmm, I really couldn't remember, actually.  And I was really hoping and praying I really didn't.  So I found the scissors.  Carefully and slowly cutting through the tape at the top of the box... deliberately slowly now.  My excitement now replaced with that sinking feeling I very well may be getting caught red handed.  Trying to come up with excuses explanations of why I have yet another brown box delivered when I promised no more until after grad school.  Now, I'm pretending the scissors are dull and getting caught on the tape...ever so very slowly... hoping B would walk away.  Okay, he's not walking away this time.  So with that, like a Pandora's Box, I couldn't wait anymore and ripped off the tape like I was a savage.

As I flipped the box flaps towards me, I shuffled the the inner protective packaging around to see what the hell was getting me in trouble this time.  There it was... housed in her shiny black box.  A full-size 1.69 oz bottle of Genifique worth $104 plus tax.  And gratis, thank you very much.  My very first piece!  I removed her from the box... a gorgeous gradient black shiny glass bottle emerged.  "Why does it look expensive?" he demanded to know. I told B it was free!!!! From Lancôme!  "They really do send their Beauty Ambassadors free stuff as a gift!"  And with that he said, "Oh, that is a very nice company."  And walked away... off the hook... for now... muahahahahaha.  Note to self:  must order things and make sure he will not be home when they are delivered.  OMG.  I should not be thinking like this... another problem for another day... 

So I stood there holding this black bottle and the box... reading every word like it was a Maxwell's (by the way, where is my Maxwell's?!) ... down to the Made in France.  Wow.  It has been several weeks since I received this generous gift.  I think I must have received it sometime in late August.  So I have been using it for over a month.  And now to the results...

I would buy this again... and again... and again.  From the very first time I used it, it just felt so amazing.  So cool on the skin.  When I woke up the next morning, my skin did look more plump and fresh.  No, my skin is not perfect.  Far from it.  I have been battling acne scars since my teen years (sad face) and now fine lines (oh the joys of a girl being in her 30's!)  But my skin looks vastly improved.  So soft too.  The acne marks seem more faded and the fine lines are blurred.  What I also noticed is that I use to get dry patches around my nose... those are gone!  This helps fight the 10 signs of aging:  texture, resiliency, elasticity, firmness, sagginess, fine lines, wrinkles, radiance, clarity, and even skin tone.  Phew.  Quite a list that I just recited it off Lancome's website.  All I know is my skin is in better condition than when I had started using it.  I love, love, love it.  If you are unsure about purchasing a full size, the counters often times have samples you can try.  Put some on your face and neck.  You will feel it sink right in.  Like your skin is drinking it up.  Sometimes they have samples you may take home.  Usually, they have it in the GWP's too.  As much as I am a fan, everyone's skin will react differently.  So I do highly suggest getting a sample before purchasing a full bottle:)

So yes, my first gratis!  And actually, I just received my second box from them last week or so.  I wonder if we get something every month?  If so, that would be awesome!  It was another full size bottle but this time of the Visionnaire.  The do-everything serum.  I just started using it, so I don't know what to think just yet.  I didn't like it as much from the get-go as I did the Genifique.  Some people swear by the Visionnaire.  Again, everyone's skin is so different.  You just have to sample them to see what works best.    

Xo 

Botox in a Jar... Spanx for your Face?

Lancôme Renergie Lift

Oooooh aren't these cute little purple jars adorbs?  After working with Lancôme a hair over two months, I've collected some amazing samples either through purchasing products on my own and receiving a GWP (the only time I can justify a $45 foundation!), at ecole (inserting French words whenever possible), or generous gratis sent to my home.  I have always loved all things French and I don't think I've had this much fun at a part-time job like ... well ever.  How can you not when you're surrounded by such beautiful jars and products that make you feel so elegant and pampered?  Every morning and evening my beauty ritual is something I look so forward to doing.  I'll never tire of it... cleansing, toning, serums, eye cream, moisturizers, makeup, and spritzing on my favorite French Parfum!  Oh life's little pleasures... 

Well these cute little jars house the most luxurious pale pink creams I've ever used.  I usually do not appreciate fragrance in my skincare.  This line is the exception.  The scent is not overpowering just very mild... and just smells faintly of roses - very expensive ones at that!  It's like aromatherapy.  And my face looks and feels so smooth after putting this on!  I didn't get any weird reaction either.  Just softness.  I like the beeswax (like Egyptian Magic - but this doesn't feel as greasy!), black tea ferment (which is a huge antioxidant), hyaluronic acid, linseed extract and soy protein - to name a few of the crucial ingredients.  They formulated all these goodies into the most elegant cream I have ever used.

I did started out using the Bienfait line - which has a stronger and more clean type of scent.  but now that winter is coming, I wanted something that is more emollient and has some anti-aging benefits.  Although I'm suppose to be using the High Resolution line - which is the entry level for anti-aging skincare at Lancôme, I'm skipping it and going for the big guns - Renergie Lift!  You can never start too early:).   Depending on what I feel like targeting, I'll switch off between the Renergie Lift or Bienfait lines, as they both are my favorite... of which I think I have too many favorites...

Besides, I've been seeing some stress lines forming, and it really frightened me.  It's been a hectic year.  I've never been particular about the things I used on my face.  Pretty much whatever they sell that's a good deal at the grocery store!  Well, I've changed my tune after getting my mitts on these luxurious creams.  I'm addicted!  My face just feels soooo much smoother than before.  As one husband exclaimed adoringly of his wife, "Her face is smooth... smooth like glass!" and will continue to buy her these items as she appears younger than all his friends wives... he bragged!  

All the jars above are deluxe samples.  If I could, I would buy all the full size jars at once right now. Since the samples are so big and will last a long time (0.5 will last a month or more ... I can stretch it to a month and a half!) - just a dab will truly do ya.  With that said, I did decided to just order the day cream anyways.  A 1.7 oz jar will run you $95.  The 2.6 oz is $115.  I just ordered the smaller size today because Bloomingdales.com just started a GWP this week - and it's a really nice one!  I wanted it because it has the Cedar Rose blush, a deluxe sample of the Renergie Lift day cream, and the step up has the Tonique Confort!  And I can use my discount on bloomingdales.com - so score!  I was going to get the larger size, but to stretch my budget, I'm going to alternate using the Renergie Lift with my Bienfait creams.  Bienfait is an amazing line that is suitable for all ages.  Vitamin rich for hydration and protection and actually a good value.  A 1.7 oz jar is $46 for the day cream (spf 30!) and $51 for the night cream.  My next purchase will definitely be the night cream and that only comes in the 2.6 oz and will also run you $115.  I know it's a lot!  I know I'm fortunate to get samples and discounts, but now that I'm hooked, I would pay retail in an eye blink.  Although, it would always be retail with a GWP:)  Why not?

Anyways, after working at the counter on the weekends for the last two months, I can understand why this is a best seller.  I've noticed the most creams I've sold have actually been Bienfait or the Renergie Lift line.  I infrequently have anyone purchase the Absolue...but that is our top of the line, ultra premium skincare line with the gold caps.  I tried it, and it's very emollient and a bit too strong for my skin right now.  I'll save that for a few decades down the road... and when I'm super rich  done with grad school (hopefully this will be before I reach my 50's or 60's!)  Renergie Lift is the line right before the Absolue line... and it is just soooooo damn luxurious.  I feel expensive each time my fingers dip into the jar.  Now that's not a bad way to start your day or end one either!:)  I started paying more attention to the Renergie Lift line when a girl I thought was in her late 20s to very early 30s at most, bought a day and a night cream (and a bottle of Genifique as well, of course!) looked so very youthful. After we chit chatted for a bit, she disclosed to me she was in her 40's.  With two kids.  My jaw dropped.  She swore by Lancôme face creams (but still stuck to drugstore cleansers and toners!) and said she would never be without her Lancôme moisturizers.  Ever. Since that conversation when I first started working with Lancome, I knew I had to try this cream.  And it is glorious!  Speaking of which, gonna save a sample jar for my beautiful Mom:). 

Sometimes when I'm in my Lancôme uniform, women will stop me and smile and tell me they only use Lancôme.  And for decades.  Some even carry their jars around in their handbags, and say "See, I have been using this for 25 years!"  I would say the demographics is definitely more mature.  Mostly 30's and above.  Sometimes 20 something's come to the counter, but I think they usually swarm MAC and Clinique.  It might be changing soon.  Now that Emma Watson (early 20's) is one of the new faces of Lancôme.  Oh I adore her.  She's unusual.  So young with so much elegance and wisdom.  She actually has substance.  She's smart, confident, talented.  Her inner beauty radiates... and she is simply stunning.  

Anyways, if you are looking for a new moisturizer, don't forget to check out the Renergie Lift line!  It's a splurge (for most of us!) I know, but pretty much all of the GWPs come with deluxe samples!  You can try before you commit:).  And if you are looking for value but still want the Lancôme experience, there is a holiday set with both a day and night cream in the Bienfait line for only $66 available now. These are full sizes as well.  Comes with a mini Genifique and a cleanser too.  It's the best value set I have seen for someone interested in starting a skincare regimen with Lancome.   It's so true... when you feel good, you look good... and your day unfolds beautifully:)

Well, that's it for today.  I will do a run down of the different skincare lines in one of my subsequent posts -- as I know it can be confusing.  On a kinda funny note, when I decided to retire for the evening, B said, "Who sprays their French parfum on every single night? You're just going to bed.  Wow...you really are a Lancôme Girl."  What a beautiful compliment.  He doesn't really get the whole beauty routine thing.  He's as a guy's guy as one can get.  When we first started dating, I know he would get really mad when it took me forever to get ready... and why I always had a million beauty products laying around.  Although he doesn't really get it still... at least he accepts it.  Besides, I never feel fully dressed and ready for anything... until I have parfum on... even if that's the only thing I have on;)  

Xo