What I Bought - July 2014

Not much this month, but more than last months $0!

Here's what I bought:

1. Bolle tennis skirt (similar) - $7.19 (thrifted)

2. LOFT shorts (similar) - $10.79 (thrifted)

3. Maybelline Color Whisper in Go Nude - $2.98 (on clearance in store at Target)

4. Gap ballet flats (not pictured - similar, similar, similar) - $11.69

Total spent out of pocket - $32.65

Go forth and shop responsibly!

I'm linking up with Budgeting Bloggers over at Franish!

My Take - Louise Roe

1. Tinley Road top / 2. Nanette Lepore pants / 3. ASOS leather clutch / 

4. DKNY pumps

1. Alfani top / 2. Banana Republic pants / 3. Derek Lam crossbody / 

4. Cole Haan shoes

Top picture via kurtgeiger.com

Look For Less - Victoria Beckham Tote

I'm a huge fan of Victoria Beckham and her designs, but us mere mortals can't really justify dropping $2000+ on a handbag.  So it's nice when you can find a similar look at a much lower price!  This tote from Boden is just chic for a whole lot less.

Victoria Beckham totes - left and right

Having A Moment - Star Wars

This trend is so up my alley, it's not even funny.  Fall 2014 saw not one, but two designers (Rodarte and Preen) sending Star Wars themed looks down the runway.  Is it going to appeal to everyone?  No. But it's a great way to get ready for next year's new movie!

1. Vans sneakers / 2. Star Wars tee / 3. Star Wars galaxy tee / 4. Star Wars vintage logo tee / 5. Vans sneakers / 6. Star Wars tee / 7. Star Wars swag tee / 8. Star Wars tee / 9. Star Wars shams

Having A Moment - SpongeBob SquarePants

Unless your name is Patrick and you live under a rock under the sea, you have to have noticed that SpongeBob SquarePants is having a bit of a moment.  Jeremy Scott sent a whole bunch of SpongeBob items down the runway for his debut at Moschino for Fall 2014.  The band AJR samples SpongeBob for their song "I'm Ready".  Here are some fun fashion picks if nautical nonsense be something you wish...

1. Moschino sweater / 2. Moschino backpack / 3. F21 tank / 4. Moschino bag /

5. Loudmouth golf skort  / 6. Moschino bag

Now try not to sing the SpongeBob theme all day. 

FabFitFun Summer Box Review

It's a happy day when my seasonal FabFitFun box arrives, as always this box is chock full of goodies.  Let's dig in!

1. FabFitFun water infuser BPA-free water bottle - $15 - using this as I type.  I've been wanting to get one of these bottles and I was thrilled one was in the box.  I'm loving it!

2. Always Xtra protection long daily liners - $1.50 - Included as a sponsor, I use these so I was happy to have them included.

3. POPchips - $1.29 - So yummy!

4. Thursday Friday Away Mini Clutch/Makeup bag - $35 (similar yet cheaper) - I have a Thursday Friday tote (I have the pink version that I can't find online) that I love so this will go nicely with it. They also included a $30 gift card to use at the online store too!

5.  Skintimate Shave Gel - $1.99 - also a sponsor - but who can't use shave gel?

6. Sonya Dakar Flash Facial - $95 - This. This was the product I couldn't wait to get my hands on.  It's nice, really nice.  I've used it one time and it really does make your skin feel nice. I want to give it time before I do a full review.

7. Zoya Nail Polish - $9 - Love their polishes and this is a perfect coral color for Summer.

8. Slimfast Have Your Cake... meal bar - $1 - another sponsored item, but I love trying different bars and this one is pretty darn good.

9. Balanced Guru No Frizz Oil - $25 - I haven't tried this out yet, but I'm always on the hunt for a good frizz fighter, so we'll see.

10. KISSTIXX lip balm - $5.99 - interesting concept you and your partner each try one flavor and when you kiss the flavors should mix nicely.  Not sure about all that, but I love a good lip balm.  I got the strawberry and chocolate flavors. 

11. pur-lisse pur-protect SPF 30 - $55 - Totally jazzed about getting this, I love a good moisturizer with SPF.  This won is very lightweight and I like it so far.

For a grand total value of $245.77!

Again, just like the Spring Box, I'm really happy with the variety, value and introducing items to me that I might not have sought out on my own.  

There are still some Summer boxes available (but they will go quickly) just head over to vip.fabfitfun.com an enter code 5081804 for $15 off your first box (while supplies last)!

Book Review - "Homemade Nail Polish: Create Unique Colors and Designs for Stunning Nails" by Allison Rose Spiekermann

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of the book for purposes of review. All opinions are my own.

I'm a color junkie, and my color preferences change rather frequently depending on my mood, the season, trends I see, etc.  And we all know that nail polish is a quick and easy way to hop on a trend without spending buckets of money.  But sometimes it's super hard to find just that right color that you are looking for.  Or maybe you are looking for one-of-a-kind nail art.  Have you ever just thought "I wish I could just make my own polish."?  If so, then this is the book you have been looking for.

"Homemade Nail Polish: Create Unique Colors and Designs for Stunning Nails" by Allison Rose Spiekermann

To be honest, when I first scanned the book, I was a little intimidated, there's a lot of information and recipes with ingredients I'd never heard of.  But, when I started from the beginning and actually read the text, I relaxed.  The goldmine in this book is the first chapter, she really breaks down what ingredients are in polish and what you will need in order to create the looks you want.  Allison really takes something that seems super complicated and makes it simple.

While I didn't have time to tackle any recipes right now, I will in the near future (I didn't even want to go there with my 6 year old home with me for the Summer, this will be a project best attempted when she is out of the house).  I'm going to dip my toes in with the polishes made with eye shadow and then the holographic top coat.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is remotely interested in creating custom nail colors or just wants to be able to get a unique look that they can't find.  So much fun!