My Thoughts On...the VMAs.

Because you know we've just got to talk about it.

I am a huge fan of the VMAs and have been watching them since before I was even allowed to watch MTV. Seriously, I used to watch it on the lowest volume setting possible then change the channel every time I thought I heard my parents walk past my room. That was when I was like 8 or something. In fact, I remember watching quiet a few VMAs before my parents actually allowed me to watch them in the living room for my first official Video Music Awards viewing back in 2001, but we'll get back to that in a minute. 

Let's start by having a look at some of my favorite (and least favorite) fashion moments from last night's festivities.

Best Dressed

I'm giving Best Dressed to my Ultimate Girl Crush...I-G-G-Y!

Among a red carpet full of "eh" looks, Iggy Azalea brought glamour and pushed the bar just far enough with this Versace gown. She also scored points with me by being the realest (yea, I know) when it came to who she was wearing when she told Sway on the red carpet that Versace had contacted her and asked her to wear one of their pieces so they flew it out to her then had to rip the dress apart and sew her into it. That's how it happens people! She didn't wake up like this and she's not afraid to admit it.

Worst Dressed

What the hell,  Taylor?! 

First of all, I was not impressed by this year's red carpet looks. There was a lot more bad than good. Maybe even some worse than this but I picked this look for one reason. She could have done so much better! Look at those legs. I understand, you've gotta show those suckers off but no one is focused on your gorgeous gams when you look like you're wearing a diaper. 

Not everyone can pull of the bodysuit look quiet like Bey-once so don't feel bad, T-Swift but just remember this. If your shorts are so short that the inseam can't be measured then you should probably make them into a leotard or get a new outfit. Taylor should have done the latter but hey, shake it off, right?

Now for the main event.

Kicking the show off with a bang was Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, and Jessie J with their melody of hits including Break Free, Anaconda, and Bang Bang. Here's my thoughts on the performance...

Ariana has an AH-MAY-ZING voice. It's that plain and simple. 

I don't care, I love Anaconda and Nicki Minaj. 

I have always been on the fence about Jessie J but this performance may have pushed me over to her side. 

Nicki Minaj may have had a wardrobe malfunction but girlfriend proved that the show must go on by coming out on stage holding the front of her dress together the whole time. There are not words to

describe how great that is. 

Gwen Stefani and Snoop Dogg (Snoop Lion??) presented the first award of the night and sent us all back to California My love for Gwen Stefani is immeasurable. I just do not see a point when I will not love her and it's not because we share a birthday...even though we do. October 3rd, in case y'all were wondering.

T-Swizzle redeemed herself, a bit, with her performance of Shake It Off...which is actually a really great song if you don't watch the video while listening to it. However she proved herself to be, as one of my friends said during the show, "Taylor Swift, patron saint of awkward white girls everywhere" when she paused during the performance, muttered something about not wanted to jump from the stage into a crowd full of hot guys in suits, then ran down the stairs and started signing again. She did mention something about that snake biting one of Nicki Minaj's dancers though, so that was funny but mostly I could have done without that little skit.

If you haven't heard about my love for Ed Sheeran than you must be new here.
If you get it by now then you'll completely understand that I may have gotten a bit emotional when Ed Sheeran won Best Male Video. Like what?! OMG! I felt like a proud momma...or mumma since he's British. Turns out it was Ed's first American award and I have to say he completely deserves it. Congrats, Ed!!! xx

Was it just me or was the crowd just super loud this year? I couldn't even hear Kim Kardashian-West (because that's her official title now)introduce Sam Smith. However, the Kardashian/West/Jenner Clan was absolutely adorable during the performance. The camera like panned to them 5 times in 3 minutes.

Can we just talk about how Common was sweet enough to ask for a moment of Silence in honor of both Michael Brown and his wish for peace (which I wish could have been longer but was well respected) yet the first video nominated for Best Hip Hop Video was Kanye West's Black Skinhead. I don't even want to go there. Kanye just leaves a bad taste in my mouth sometimes.

Was Jay Pharaoh the host or nah? I'm thinking nah and MTV just got him out there to make people laugh and keep voting going for Artist to Watch.

Last but certainly not least.

I can't even begin to talk about Beyonce's performance.
Oh lawd, Queen Bey's done done it again. I can't. I just can't. She's amazing. Her family is amazing and freaking adorable. Let's just say I want to be Beyonce more than ever now. #Flawless

Well that's it lovelies, leave a comment below letting me know your favorite part of the 2014 Video Music Awards! xo

For now I'll leave you with this precious picture...when you realize your mom is God so that means you're low-key Jesus.

Does that make Jay-Z Joseph or Mary?

until next time, 

xo

That One Time Fashion Made Me Cry

This is a true story.

I'm not proud of it but it is what it is.

As mentioned in my last post, I am currently watching Season 12 of Project Runway because I was looking for something to watch that was creative and inspiring so it was an obvious choice. However, I did not expect to react the way I did.

Let's start with Justin LeBlanc. Oh lord, I just love him!

I just connected with him right from the get go, even before I knew he was deaf. When he was eliminated in episode 6 I started crying even before he did. When he went back to the lounge and everyone else started crying I just lost it. It wasn't until Tim Gunn appeared, said he had something to say, then proceeded to take his glasses off so that he could wipe his eyes that I fully became aware that he was preparing to use his Tim Gunn Save on Justin. Praise be to you, Fashion Gods and you too, Mr. Tim Gunn! Oh sweet baby Jesus, I just can't. I can't.

I spent every episode after that crossing my fingers and praying that Justin would make it through to Fashion Week. I love his designs and I love his emotion. I just feel like he has a really unique view of the world that comes through in his designs and I just love the bravery and emotion he was able to display while on the show.

But that's not even the worst of it...

There I was just binge watching Tim Gunn encouraging the contestants to "make it work" when I realized I was on episode 12...aka the one where they decide who makes it to Fashion Week. Oh no, I had not prepared myself. It just snuck up on me. 

Throughout the entire season (otherwise known as the day and a half it took me to watch 12 episodes) I kept thinking "This has got to be the kindest, most talented season ever!" Seriously, this season had it's fair share of nut cases and whackadoos but other than the occasional verbal tussle and Sandro punching that camera, things seemed pretty calm. 

Everyone being so nice and sportsman like toward each other, complimenting competing designs as they walked the runway, made me feel emotionally attached to so many contestants it was unreal. 

I am in no way, shape, or form the type of girl that gets emotional over movies or tv shows. I can't stand The Notebook, I did not cry when Bambi's mom died, and I can watch Dobby die without screaming in agony...it's a gift. However, I have been an over emotional wreck this week and this particular episode just did not help. 

The episode starts out with the final 5 contestants tasked with the challenge of creating an avant garde design inspired by butterflies. Great, I just so happen to have an emotional attachment to butterflies (a story which is far to deep to insert here but maybe at another date), just perfect.

Everything seems fine until the designers are given another challenge for the first time ever in which they have to take the designs of previously eliminated contestants and rework them. The designers all pick their designs fairly quickly then it's Justin's turn. Oh lord. 

In case you haven't caught on, Justin has the deliciously unique chance to rework the very design that garnered his own elimination. I see what you did there, Project Runway Producers, and I applaud you! Bravo! The emotion and bravery that spawned from Justin slowly rolling the mannequin holding his own losing design was television gold! 

Something unique about this episode was that the designs and the actual process was not the highlight of the show as it normally is...so by the time it was time for the runway portion of the show to start I realized that I didn't actually know what any of the designs fully looked like and I love a good surprise, or so I thought.

The first design on the runway was Dom's. 

I was floored!

Alternate Universe Merisa would kill to wear this outfit. Hell, this-universe Merisa would kill to wear this outfit! I loved the shape, the colors, the patterns. Anything and everything about the design was fantastic and suddenly I was rooting for everyone to win. I couldn't make up my mind.

Then came the judges. 

This gives it way more justice

When Emmy Rossum tried it on I started crying uncontrollably! Why? Because I wanted to wear that jacket. I may have been crying from jealously or just from coveting an avant garde jacket but either way I was crying while watching a television show about insane fashion designs.

Zac Posen said that Dom's designs were "emotional clothing" and I agree...for obvious reasons.

And as if that wasn't enough of an emotional roller coaster Heidi went on to tell Dom and Bradon that they had guaranteed spots at Fashion Week but EVERYONE was getting to put together a collection!

That's right, folks. Everyone. As in all 5 contestants with only 2 more joining Dom and Bradon at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. 

Oh lord, I hope I can make it through this finale. 

Oh lord, everyone looks so fabulous! And look, it's freaking Kerry Washington! Love her

If you totally understand where I'm coming from then you probably already watched this season...most likely a year ago when it was on tv, or you might just think I'm crazy but either way you should definitely check out Season 13 of Project Runway when it premieres on Lifetime on July 24th!

I'll probably have some very interesting thoughts about this season too so prepare yourself in advance.

until next time

xo

Merisa  

PS: I just saw that Episode 12 actually premiered on my birthday last year! Maybe that has something to do with my extreme emotional response...probs not.

June 2014 Favorites

It is officially July, people, and that means a couple of things...the first being, "Holy crap! We're halfway through summer" and the second is that it is time for June favorites!!!

I am too excited about showing y'all my favorites for the past month and I'm not so sure why because to be perfectly honest I haven't really found anything new this month and really didn't buy all that much (something  I'm kinda proud of actually) but I've managed to keep tabs on some of my most loved products this month so let's get to it!

Beauty

Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

This stuff has been an absolute dream against this summer heat. I actually mentioned picking this foundation up when I wrote my Beauty Breakdown post on primers back in March when that pesky polar vortex was still hanging about and I still think Rimmel made a mistake with their timing of the release of this product. Back when the snow was flying I was totally unimpressed but now that the sun is beating down I am in love. 

Definitely worth a try if you're looking for a foundation that will work with you through the heat.

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
Sticking with the theme of summertime sweat-proof makeup, I have been hitting the setting spray hard this month. I love that I can just spray this stuff all over my face before heading out the door and have my makeup stay put until I want it to come off. Is that what we all want in the first place?

Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray
So when it comes to beach/sea salt sprays I'm a total non-believer...that is until this little guy showed up in my June Ipsy Glam Bag! I figured I would give it a shot so I sprayed it in my damp hair before pulling it up in a bun and hopping in the pool one day. Now, I have naturally wavy hair but its mostly crappy, frizzy little waves that are anything but VS Fashion Show worthy but when I took my hair down that evening it was a whole other story. I had volume and waves Alessandra Ambrosio would have killed for, possibly. Also, this is the first beach spray I've tried that actually smells summery and beachy rather than eau de Dead Sea. A huge thumbs up for me, so much that I am seriously considering picking up the full size from Ulta.

Secret Scent Expressions Pasion de Tango
Is it weird to talk about a deodorant in your monthly favorites? I'm gonna say no.
I have used the Secret Scent Expressions for years, like I'm pretty sure it's the only deodorant I've ever used but I usually stick to my comfort zone of vanilla or cocoa butter. That is until I decided to give this mango scented one a try. Let's just say I've been sweating up a storm and this sucker is definitely doing its job.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
I have been battling some serious breakouts this summer which I think is caused by a moisturizer, which I have since quite using, that was for dry skin (which I definitely deal with). Everything would be fine when I put it on after taking my makeup off at night but by the time I would wake up in the morning my face would feel like a oil slick only to go back to desert sands once I washed my face.
Well, I can say goodbye to all that struggle now that I have this stuff. It says oil free at the very top but this wash feels like a great oily balm, which I really like. My face doesn't feel dry after using it and it takes my makeup off and keeps my skin clear. A win-win if you ask me.

Fashion

AE Wild Heart and Love Thy Selfie Graphic Ts

I have lived in these American Eagle Graphic Ts this month. They are super soft and I just love the graphics plus the Wild Heart one is a boyfriend fit which makes it the perfect T to throw on over a swim suit or to just lounge around in. Both shirts are currently on Clearance over at ae.com so be sure to check them out along with all of the other awesome graphic Ts on the site.

Everything Else 

Music - Ed Sheeran "X"

Ohmygod if you haven't heard this album (pronounced "Multiply") then I don't know how you've managed to keep it together this summer because it is AHMAYZING! I got a Spotify notification sent to my phone the day the album was released and I have been listening to it on repeat ever since. No lie.

I'm a HUGE Ed Sheeran fan, in case you couldn't tell already, and I have to say that he in no way, shape, or form disappointed with his second album. I love that every song is so signature Ed and I just can't stop listening. Some of my favorites from the album are "Don't" (which is also my most listened to song on Spotify, which is quiet a feat), "Afire Love", "Nina", and "Thinking Out Loud."

I highly recommend you give the whole thing a listen because it is simply a work of art.

Netflix Must-See - Orange is the New Black

I did it! I hopped on the bandwagon and binge watched the first season of Orange is the New Black just days before the second season was released and I haven't looked back. I regret nothing.

This show is unlike anything else out there and while it is intended for mature audiences I highly recommend you hop on too. The series takes an in depth look into the lives of several (diverse) women in this countries prison system. That description is exactly what kept me from watching at first because I didn't really feel like the next "Locked Up" or "Scared Straight" was what I wanted out of my Netflix subscription but this show is so much more. I say the show is unlike any other because of the diversity of the actors and emotional drive that derives from a a female driven story line that centers around the experiences of these women with little male intervention.
Definitely a Must-See. Bravo, Netflix...now I'm just counting down the days until House of Cards returns.

Movie - The Fault in Our Stars
If you didn't see this one coming then I don't know if we can still be friends...just kidding, sort of. This movie is probably going to be on everyone's favorites this month but I couldn't just not feature it.

So, my sister came into town the weekend TFiOS was released and we decided to make a day of it and go shopping and catch a matinee showing of the movie before she headed back home early in the week. I did not realize what I had gotten myself into, I mean I read the book...in 5 hours...on Valentine's Day, which resulted in me bawling my eyes out at 5 in the morning so I was totally prepared for the story line. I was not, however, prepared for the mess my sister was going to be in. Not only did she freak out at the theater manager for opening late but she started crying before the opening scene had even ended. Our friend Ashley joined us which resulted in me laughing through out the whole movie because she decided to bring a half pint of  Ben & Jerry's ice cream with her so that ultimately ended with my sister freaking out in the middle of her tear-driven hysteria and yelling at us both.
So aside from the mega meltdown, I have to say that this movie exceeded my expectations and had me walking out of the theater begging for Looking for Alaska to be made into a movie...a wish that, in case you didn't know, is totally coming true. John Green, you genius, you.

YouTube - ViviannaDoesMakeup
Oh my god, guys. Let me tell you about this adorable little nugget I found on YouTube this past month.

Her name is Anna (short for Vivianna, I'm guessing) and she is absolutely precious! I discovered her channel through one of the little side bars on another channel and decided to give her May Favorites a view. I was hooked before she even said "Hello." I've went through all of her most recent videos since and just relate so well to her. I love when some of our favorite products match up and love it even more when I find a recommendation on her channel that I just have to have (I may have picked up Mindy Kaling's book immediately after watching her June Favorites video). 

I hope you've enjoyed this look into my favorites from the month of June, I already can't wait for what July might have in store.

until next time, darlings.
xo
Merisa

What We Love Wednesday!

Ahhhh! I feel like it has been forever since I did a proper What We Love Wednesday...

probably because it kinda has been but I've had so many great things come into my life lately that I just had to share so here we go!

- Essie On a Silver Platter-
You've probably heard this before but I am obsessed with nail polish...Essie nail polish to be more specific and I honestly believe I have found my favorite glitter polish ever, which as you will know is quiet a feat. Wanna know how I know this polish is really great? Of course you do, that's why you're ready this. Duh! Well, On A Sliver Platter is one of those glitter polishes that is so pretty it distracts me when I'm writing. Seriously, I actually stopped in the middle of my Modern History exam just to admire my own nail polish...a little vain but whatever, it made me really happy! haha
I don't know what it is exactly but this polish is really great because it has a shiny base that's almost opaque shimmery gold with blue glitter in varying sizes that's just really eye catching. This also makes a really great top coat for School Boy Blazer, which might actually be my favorite polish ever...which is really saying something.

-NYX lip butters-
I have heard so much about these things over the years and really just brushed them off until I spotted them in Ulta and decided to give 'em a try. I regret nothing.
These suckers are awesome! I have two, in Apple Strudel and Cupcake, and need more desperately (by need I mean want, of course). I swear they smell like vanilla or just sweetness in general (I'm awful with describing scents, you'll hear more about that in a second.) Apple Strudel is this really fun peachy color while Cupcake is a hot pink that leans more on the red side, both really great for spring and summer.
They're really opaque for glosses but they're also good for layering over other lip products like my Revlon Color Burst Matte Balms. I'm currently stalking Ulta's site trying to decide what colors I want next...I'm leaning toward Maple Blondie and Red Velvet at the moment. ;)
Keep a look out for these products in my upcoming post about my favorite lip colors for Spring!

- Gucci Guilty Black-
For my birthday back in October, I was determined to treat myself to a new perfume during my girls' birthday weekend-away. So, I waltzed into Sephora and spent a ridiculous amount of time scouring the bright display of crazy insanity that is the fragrance section. After exhausting my nose and using up every sense I had (and probably testing the sales girl's patience too) I decided to be a bit of a badass and go for the sleek black and red bottle of Gucci Guilty Black.

I'm really bad at describing scents (if you couldn't tell from above) so I checked out Sephora's site to see what they had to say about it,
 "The Guilty Black lovers bring out the most scandalous sides of each other: alone they are magnificent, together irrepressible. Fearless in their passion, they are brazen, shameless, unpredictable—ready for each and every explosive encounter. Their attraction is instinctive: they go where they sense danger and each other. 
Too much is never enough for young hedonists, who drive each other to stray ever darker. Life is thrilling and meant to be lived to the fullest. Again and again, they give in to pleasure and the excitement of breaking the rules. 
Gucci Guilty Black is a sensual oriental floral, inviting you to indulge in your burning desires."

 Can I just say that reading that automatically brings the word "badass" to my mind...exactly what I was thinking when I made this purchase and I love that! 
To be perfectly honest, I'm not a badass...in case you couldn't tell from, well, any of my previous posts. I started to feel like the scent didn't really fit my personality very well. (Sidenote: scents are supposed to fit your personality, right?) I left the fragrance alone for a little while, just letting it chill on my dresser until one day I decided to get some use out of it. Spraying it reminded me of the fun and determined time I was having during that period in my life and I'm loving that now. I truly believe that scents connect deep in our memories so I highly suggest going out and finding a fragrance to connect with a great memory...it's definitely worth it.

-My Kate Spade Bag-
If you saw my last post then you've probably already heard about my new Kate Spade bag so I won't bore you with too much droning on about it but I will say that I absolutely, positively adore it!
It seriously might just be the cutest thing I've ever owned (aside from my puppy) and I treat it like a child. Seriously, I knocked it into the corner of the Bridge on campus the other day and almost had a heart attack. It's that serious, people. I've officially become that girl!
It will most likely be my forever favorite but I will spare you by just posting it this one last time.

My sister was an absolute gem last weekend and picked me up a kick-butt iHome (it spins!) from her work last weekend and I have been playing music like crazy in the room so I've got quiet a few favorites this week.

-Iggy Azalea "Fancy"-
If you haven't seen this video then I highly suggest you click the link above and prepare yourself for the ultimate throwback!
In the video, my ultimate hairspiration and Aussie girl crush brings back Cher and the gang in her version of Clueless. It's seriously amazing, check it out below and get ready to dance around your dorm room.

You can also check out the song and a lot more on my Spotify playlist below or by checking out my Spotify profile by clicking THIS LINK :)

-5 Seconds of Summer-
Now for something a little toward the other end of the spectrum...a pop-punk band that toured with One Direction. They're from Australia, I discovered them on YouTube, and they are absolutely adorable. There's really not much more I can say than that but you've got to check them out. I've linked some of my favorite songs below (including their latest video)...

"She Looks So Perfect" - 5 Seconds of Summer

-House of Cards-
TGFN!!! That's short for Thank God for Netflix because without it I would never have been introduced to this amazing show. As you probably already know, I'm a history/political science nerd so of course a show that chronicles the internal affairs of both the Capitol and the White House are right up my alley!
Also, it's a serious nail biter (that season 2 premiere tho!) and, as is custom with Netflix. you have the opportunity to binge watch as each season is released collectively instead of by episode.

I'm not proud of this fact but I may have watched the entire first season and most of the second in like 2 days...but I've managed to convince myself to slow down as this is a show that is meant to be savored not devoured. What makes it even better is that the two main characters are Southerners who rose to the top (they even take a trip to South Carolina in a few eps) and aren't afraid to put up a fight. Claire Underwood looks like she has some Monogrammed Magnolia spirit deep in her if you ask me.
Consider it the West Wing with a lot more spice. Now go head over to Netflix and check it out if you're not already hooked.

I hope y'all liked this look into my favorites this week! Comment below with your favorites or let me know your thoughts on some of the things I mentioned above.

until next time, darlings.
xo
Merisa


PS: confession...I actually made this post last week but forgot to schedule it for last Wednesday so sorry if some of this stuff is a little played...it's only been a week though! xo

The Essentials

With the semester finally underway we are yet again faced with the ultimate struggle...early mornings with nothing to wear! It's a girl's worst nightmare and it happens quite often, surprisingly enough.

However, I've got the end to all that pain and agony! 

I would like to present to you my no-fail formula for the perfect outfit, featuring elements that can be mixed and matched to fit every mood or hectic morning. 

Here are The Essentials!

(PS: You can check out all of the items featured in each look on my Polyvore page!)

A Classic Pop of Color

The ingredients for the perfect outfit are pretty much well explained by the picture above but let me break it down further for you.

1. Start with a basic white cami. When you find these bad boys on sell I suggest you stock up because you can literally wear them with anything!

2. A colorful cardi is both comfortable and stylish without being trendy.

3. A good pair of jeans. Whether you love a dark wash boyfriend jean like those featured above or skinny jeans that feel like a second skin, find your perfect match and add them to your Essentials.

4. A great pair of flats will never lead you wrong. I'm in love with this nude pair from Tory Burch because they can go with anything and a little birdie told me once that nude shoes make your legs look longer and we all want that!

5. A great bag can take you from school, work, and every event in between.

6. Adding a trendy element is the statement necklace. Most of these are classically understated like this pearl ribbon above.

Comfy Classy Cool

How comfy would this outfit be? A waffle knit card and boyfriend jeans, you just can't go wrong.

Ivy League Comfort

I love how classic and cool this style looks. Are you heading to class or your summer home in Rhode Island? No one will ever know!

Leave me comments letting me know what your go-to pieces are when you're getting ready in the morning!

until next time, darlings.

xo

Merisa

Freaky Friday: DIY Halloween!

We are officially less than a week away from Halloween.

I repeat, there is less than one week before Halloween, people!

I am a huge believer in DIY costumes. It just seems like that's Halloween at it's greatest and reminds me of when my mom would put a costume together for me when I was little. It doesn't take a craft fanatic to create a DIY costume, sometimes you can even throw one together from things you already have in your closet!

Here are a few costume ideas I pulled from my "Halloweentown" Pinterest board, so if you want to see any of these costumes or find their original pinners just head to my Pinterest!
(click the follow button while you're at it.)

Pan Am Stewardess

I loved the show Pan Am, however short lived it was, so of course I love this idea of throwing on a blazer, skirt, and little white gloves to go as one of the it girls of the 60s. Super easy and super cute!

Minnie Mouse

Classic and super easy, what could be better than Minnie Mouse! Add some cute little ears to a red skirt and black shirt and you've turned yourself into everyone's favorite mouse's girlfriend. 

Get some girls together this Halloween and go with some of these fantastic group looks.

Flo and the Orbit Girl

We've all seen the commercials and we've all fallen in love with these icons so who wouldn't want to step into their shoes for a night. It's all white for these looks, just add a few touches and don't forget your insurance and chewing gum!

Pocahontas

These girls look so put together and like they are having a blast. Whether you're going with a whole tribe or just putting your own spin on a favorite Disney princess this is a go to look for sure.

The Great Gatsby Flapper Girl

These costumes are about as easy as throwing cat ears on with a LBD (see Karen from Mean Girls!). Grab some pears and a head piece and you've got yourself a Roaring Twenties look that would tear Gatsby's eyes away from Daisy in a flash!

I hope you've enjoyed these super easy DIY looks and maybe found some inspiration for any last minute costumes for those Halloweekend parties!

till next time

xo

aFm

Follow Friday!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

We've finally made it to another fun filled weekend and to celebrate we're doing a Follow Friday featuring a fellow blogger from our own university!

Trend. Style. Josh.

A new blog with a new perspective, this fashion forward fella has got everything you need to be in "the know." From his own opinions of seasonal trends to his adorable and classy Outfit-of-the-Day posts you can't go wrong with this blog. Also, we share a common love of Lauren Conrad (see this LC inspired Cat Eye Tutorial) and have hopes of doing public relations as a career someday so what's not to love?

Be sure to check out Josh's blog over at trendstylejosh.blogspot.com, you won't regret it!

xo

Merisa & Danielle

Little Black Bag

So, thanks to the lovely Sarah Belle and her May Favorites video over on youtube.com/sarahbelle93x (you should really check her out if you haven't already, seriously open another tab...it's worth it!) I was introduced to a little site known as littleblackbag.com. After hearing Sarah explain the concept of the site, seeing showing off her fun goodies from them, and the offer of a free gift link (check out the May Favorites video to get the link) I was hooked and had to check out the site for myself. 

Upon signing up you're asked to take a quick & simple style quiz, which was actually pretty fun if I do say so myself. From there you'll be stylistically (did I make up a new word?) matched up with a gallery of products from handbags to cosmetics and everything in between, even shoes and sunglasses! I don't think I got to pick my free gift but to start your little black bag experience you pick one key piece to put in your bag and that item is matched up with 2-3 other items that are picked by the stylists and placed into your bag at a discounted bundled price. However, since I was getting a free gift via Sarah's link they kinda made it seem like I was just getting two bonus gifts in my bundle. Well, anyway, once you get the stylist picked bundle in your bag you're able to see the mystery gifts and choose to either go ahead and ship your items or, and here's the fun part, trade your items with other site members for something that's more to your liking! 

My key gift was a First Aid Beauty Repair Eye Cream that I wanted to try out because I'd seen the brand on Sephora and have been looking for something to ease the rough patches I get around my eyes from my allergies. My bonus gifts turned out to be a really antiquey gold looking eye shadow from Pixi that I was really excited about when I saw it in the gallery and a kinda gross looking brown shade from the same brand. I was totally prepared to keep the first two and trade the brown shadow but it seemed like no one wanted it, I couldn't really blame them the picture made it look quite unattractive for an eyeshadow. However, I got tons of offers to trade my gold shadow and my eye cream. All of which I denied (sorry!) even when it came down to a dangly seahorse ring that was super cute, but come on when am I going to sport a seahorse dangling from my finger?

I ended up just letting the trading period slip by without actually trading anything but I must say the experience was quite fun and I enjoyed seeing what the stylists picked for a few different members and trying to barter away my murky brown shadow. 

Once my items shipped I was asked if I wanted to become a VIP Member of the site for $9.95 a month and I figured I pay that much for my Birchbox subscription that I'm not too happy with at the moment (more to come on that subject) so I thought I'd give it a try. After setting up my subscription I was given a new gallery tailored to me personally based on my answers from the style quiz and they were pretty spot on. 

I wanted to buy everything I saw (I've circled some of my favorites) and the discounted prices and promise of mystery bundled deals didn't help. 

I ended up falling for this navy patent leather tote

and even really adored this polka dotted number for some odd reason

It was like half off retail and had two other items in the bundle at that price so I was very tempted but decided that I should probably get through my first Little black Bag experience before I started another.

Then this came in the mail

How precious, "every girl needs a little black bag." They definitely get an A for packaging, the products were even wrapped up in black tissue paper. However, that's about the highlight of the experience. Yes, that's right folks, the Little Black Bag ending up being a Little Black Bomb from the moment I tore open that tissue paper and discovered this...

Yes, glitter gals, that is a cracked eye cream! Gasp! Now, I understand the rough journey that is the postal route of such a tiny package but this little bottle was double bubble wrapped! I repeat, double bubble wrapped! There's no way this little guy could have received such a battle wound while incased in the wonder that is bubble wrap. No friends, this was a pre-transit attack and with the accompaniment of a few other scars I noticed from the labels of the products and a chipped eyeshadow I came to the conclusion that these "free gifts" might very well be damaged or returned goods and I don't know whether to be appalled or remain appreciative. Eh, they all still worked so we'll go with the latter.

Now on to the eyeshadows, turns out I was wrong about them and shouldn't have judged them from what now appears to be poor quality photography.

I was right about the gold being antiquey as it's even in its name, "Antique Gold" even though the actual color was completely off and I was surprisingly wrong about the "Bronze Beam" that has nothing murky brown about it. However, while that's great and all these are absolutely terrible shadows. They are so dusty and lack luster that I'm glad I didn't pay for them! Infact, I had more shadow dust on my cheekbones after applying these shades that I wished I hadn't already applied highlighter/bronzed because once I brushed it away the remains on my cheeks was a bit of an overload.

Overall, I wasn't happy with the products. The eye cream is really thick and creamy which is what I look for in an eye cream but I really don't feel like it's doing much other than making my eyelids a little shiny and the shadows were definitely not worth it which was rather disappointing.

I do, however, really like the site and think that if you play around with it enough you might be able to score some really great deals. I'm still thinking about snatching up that navy tote.

If you decide you wanna give it a go and see for yourself you can get started by clicking this link

http://littleblackbag.com/v/InviteFriendsGet50

Thanks to SarahBelle93x for recommending the site and for the free gift, we'll see what we can do with them.

xo

aFm