Fashion Gone Wrong: Double Flower Headband

This Forever 21 headband is now on sale for only $2.99, and I'm not surprised. Halloween isn't for a few more months, and honestly, who goes as a goth-garden version of Princess Leia?

If you disagree, buy them here.

Clarisonic: A Review

Have you heard of the Clarisonic? If you haven't, consider yourself warned; it might just revolutionize your daily routine. That's what happened to me!

The Clarisonic is a facial cleanser similar to the Neutrogena Wave. In a way, it's like an electronic toothbrush for your face. The Clarisonic's brush oscillates 300 times per second for intense and complete cleansing. And don't worry about taking off your makeup; it removes makeup and cleanses all in 60 seconds.

Pros: The Clarisonic delivers quick, efficient cleaning every time.
It's a medium size - not too big to keep on the counter.
It charges in its own stand, so don't worry about changing batteries.
The Clarisonic removes makeup better than anything I've ever tried.
For those of us with skin conditions such as acne or rosacea, the Clarisonic helps prevent breakouts, reduces redness, etc. and is safe to share with others who do not have the same conditions.

Cons: The Clarisonic does have to charge every once in a while; however, this is not a big problem, as the battery life lasts 30 minutes before it needs re-charging.
The brush heads, like toothbrushes, eventually wear down and need replacing. These replacements are not too tricky, and the brushes last anywhere from a few months to a year or so, depending on how often it is used.
When first recieving the Clarisonic, you must configure the cycle you want to use. It's a bit confusing; the directions are only slightly helpful. However, you'll only have to do this once.
The initial investment is substantial (The basic system is $195).

Recommended by several doctors and dermatologists (see NY Times article here), the Clarisonic delivers what's promised. After months of use, I could not be happier with the way it leaves my skin soft and clean every time. Despite the initial investment, it definitely pays off.

Many dermatologists carry the Clarisonic at their offices; if yours does not, find it here.

Fashion Gone Wrong: Open-Toe Socks

While shifting through the Forever 21 website, I came upon this interesting pair of socks.
Readers, I really have no idea - what in the world are these for? So you can wear flip-flops with them? Please enlighten me with the possible uses for these.

Fashion Gone Wrong: Cropped Chino Pant

Where do I start? These Brilliant Colours By Velour Twill Chino Pants ($58 @Urban Outfitters) are way too mom-ish - in a bad way. Don't get me wrong; I totally appreciate all styles of clothing, but when you're marketing cropped, high-waisted, pleated chinos to teens and twenty-somethings, I have to step in. How would you wear these? With a tucked-in shirt? Like the model, you could wear neutral heels to elongate the legs that the pants chop off. Or - and maybe this is just me - don't even wear them in the first place?
If you disagree, get them here.

Bargain Hunting: Guiseppe Zanotti T-strap

When I saw the shoes on the left at zappos.com, I knew they would be a great summer addition to my wardrobe - until I looked at the price. Those Guiseppe Zanotti sandals were $598.95. A tad expensive for such a slim sandal, no? To compensate my desire for the shoes, yet dislike for designer label price hikes, I went to - where else? - the internet to begin my search. I came upon these Gap t-straps, and I think I actually like them better. The picture does them little justice. The scratched metallic gives a little edge to an otherwise girly shoe. And they're only $39.50? Into my shopping cart they go.

Statement Bag

The Statement Bag - once a new trend, now a fashionista's necessity. With the warm weather, I'm on the lookout for a great spring/summer bag. Here's a few of the best options:

Nordstroms Longchamp 'Le Pliage - Mini' Tote $98
It's such a fun color combo; I love the polished style.

Topshop Corsage Grab Cross Body Bag - $44

The thing I love about this Topshop bag is that it's definitely a statement bag, but it still goes with everything. For those who are a little more daring, it also comes in red and pink.

Anthropologie Nearly Needlepoint Satchel - $90

This bag looks hand-made - the cross-stitch print is traditional and trendy.

Fredala.com Miso Pretty Eco Shopper - $11.50

If you're looking to help the environment, this is a great eco-friendly choice. Even if that's not your main goal, it's still cute, fun, and a bargain!

The Duffel MimsMaine - $110

This Etsy bag can be customized many different ways. Plus, it's from Etsy - support independent designers!

I don't know which one I'm getting (yet...), but hopefully you've found one you like too. Comments?

Fashion Gone Wrong: Bebaroque Fringe Thigh High

Please, someone tell me - what would posess anyone to buy these Urban Outfitter tights? To me, it gives off the full "I'm a pony" effect. And unless I'm mistaken, looking like a pony (or any other maned creature, for that matter) isn't in style right now. Or ever.

The description says, "Sheer thigh highs trimmed with super fun and swingy fringe down the length". I just think it would make me feel like my legs had tails. But, then again, it's always fun to wear fabric trim down the backs of the legs - then you can feel like a pillow!



If you'd like to disagree, it's an easy DIY, or you can purchase them here.

My search for the Perfect Skirt

With spring comes again my motivation to wear skirts and dresses more often. Therefore, I embarked on a mission: to find the perfect skirt.

My goals: high waist, medium length, rather full, wide waistband.

Here's what I found.

Option #1: Pleat Hem Linen Mix Skirt, topshop.com

When I stumbled upon this little number, I was immediately overjoyed; I thought I found it! However, upon further review, I realized that the fullness factor was rather lacking. Also, the length is too short for the look I wanted. On the other side, I love the waistband, color, and style.
Option #2: Embroidered Casual Skirt, direct.asda.com/george Waistband? Check. High waist? Check. Length? Check. Full? Wait, no - I can even see through it on the picture! Next.

Option #3: Fenced Garden Skirt, Anthropologie

By this point, I was getting a little discouraged. Only two had even been considered out of over 100. So, I relied on good old Anthropologie - and they delivered. Cute pattern, wide waistband, high waist, medium length, and it's full! Perfect!
The only problem? It's $158. I guess that's the bad thing about Anthro; I'll have to wait a month or two before I can finally buy my skirt. Oh, well.

Corinne Dress

On sale right now: Delia's Corinne Dress, marked down to only $9.99! (Was $49.50) It's a fun wintery dress, but if you like stocking up for next year, it's a great buy!

Springtime

As my final projects are drawing to a close, I can finally focus in on some other things - namely, this blog, and actually starting it up.
I just love that it's spring; when winter finally falls away, spring emerges so sunny and welcoming. It's what makes me want to live in skirts and dresses for the next 4 months. As I've been contemplating this option, I've come to the conclusion it's time for a few bits of shopping. I'd love to travel somewhere else, namely a bigger city, and forage through racks for hours. I've never quite tried the vintage scene, but I'm becoming more and more interested in it. Hopefully, soon I can pick up a dress or two in a vintage shop somewhere! Then, it can officially be spring.

Thanks to Emily Wong for the lovely watercolor at the head of my post. Check out her artwork here.

I'm back....

Sorry for the hiatus. I've been stressed with the end of school and all. But, pictures and new posts are soon to come...