Review: Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses

Nov 23, 2013 | Fashion

sunglasswarehousereview_1Pictured above: Oversized Round Style #1985 Sunglasses c/o Sunglass Warehouse, random vase, Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in #245 Audacious, Giles & Brother Railroad Spike Cuff in Brass, Heather Hawkins Tiny Gemstone Necklace

At LuckyFABB I ran into a representative from Sunglass Warehouse, who later sent me a lovely pair of Oversized Round Style #1985 sunglasses to review. Since then I have been wearing them nonstop! I noticed that their prices were extremely affordable (under $12 for the above pair!), which made me think that the sunglasses themselves would be pretty cheap-feeling.

When I received them in the box I was a little disappointed to find that there was no case or pouch for them and that they were just wrapped in bubble wrap for shipping. However, when I peeled off the wrap I was pleasantly surprised to feel how thick and sturdy the frames were. I’m pretty used to the sunglasses put out by Forever 21 and their ilk, so the thickness and the quality came as a nice change from the flimsy and cheap sunglasses I’m used to.sunglasswarehousereview_2

I’ve been wearing them constantly for driving and being outside- and one of the nice things about them is that they’re slightly curved so hug my face, and don’t cause any weird reflections on the insides like flat sunglasses do. Plus, after 3 weeks of daily use, they show not ONE scratch despite how much abuse I’ve heaped upon them. (And an extra pouch I had from another pair of sunglasses that broke long ago work for housing these, making up for the lack of a case.) If you’re looking for quality sunglasses, at an affordable price, I’d really recommend Sunglass Warehouse for them (and don’t forget to use their Face Shape Widget to help choose which ones would be perfect for you!)

Check out the Great Sunglasses at Sunglass Warehouse!

I’ll be doing a fabulous sunglasses DIY with a pair from Sunglass Warehouse soon, so stay tuned!

xo
Carly

FTC Disclosure: I was sent one pair of sunglasses for review purposes from SunglassWarehouse. The above opinions are my own. I have received no other compensation. For my full Disclosure Policy, click here.

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Chic Steal: Emilie M. Handbags and Cyber Monday Deal

Nov 20, 2013 | Fashion

Emilie M. is an online handbag brand featuring beautifully-designed vegan leather handbags for an affordable price. Offering a number of different colorways for each design, pieces retail for an average of $50-$150, and are referred to as “an investment piece without the investment.”emiliemhandbag3I was sent the Shelia Satchel with Double Shoulder Strap in Ivory/Black ($85), and the Natalie Shopper ($80) in Blue to review. When I received both, I was quite surprised at how light they both were (usually handbags tend to be fairly heavy, even ones using manmade leathers.) But regardless of their weight, both handbags were constructed strongly, with the edges properly coated and sealed, the handles strongly-attached, and the stitching impeccable. Each piece also comes with a large metal M bag charm that adds to the high-end look (though I wish you could actually choose your own initial rather than it being the Emilie M. branding!).  emiliemhandbag2I love that the Sheila Satchel is in trendy black-and-white colorblocking with gold accents, and the detachable (and adjustable) shoulder strap has a sliding protector for your shoulder on it. (See the bag in action here in my latest outfit!) Both bags are fairly roomy and structured, so can definitely protect all my essentials easily. Given that they are constructed of man-made leather, I will still have to see how they stand up to daily wear and tear, though so far they seem to be doing well.emiliemhandbag1

For the woman in your life one of these handbags could be a wonderful holiday gift – especially if your favorite lady prefers eco-friendly materials but still wants a high-end look.

Plus, the brand is offering a great deal next week: for a week beginning Black Friday (Friday, Nov 29), you can get 40% off site-wide and 60% off clearance items sitewide!Also, if you want to round out any handbag purchase with a 5-piece “Essentials Box” (pictured above: a kit including a cross-body wallet, umbrella, scarf, cosmetic bag, and key chain), it’s only $25 additional (normally $155). (A wonderful way to add to your handbag gift – or the items could be split up for stocking stuffers! That folding umbrella is super-cute with a little ruffle – check it out here.) Definitely check out all their handbag styles (14 different styles, not including faux ostrich or crocodile versions as well) below:

Check out Emilie M. Handbags Here

xo
Carly

FTC Disclosure: I received both the Sheila Satchel and the Natalie Shopper from Emilie M. for review purposes. I have not been compensated otherwise for this post. The above are my honest opinions. For my full Disclosure Policy, click here.

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Shabby Apple Dress Review and Giveaway – Win the Guinea a Minute Dress in Your Favorite Color!

Nov 15, 2013 | Score!

shabbyappledress_5Hello lovely readers! Today I am partnering with the Vintage Clothing boutique Shabby Apple to bring you a great giveaway: for this super-cute Guinea a Minute Dress!

shabbyapplecolorsIt comes in three colors: Black & White Striped Top with Teal Skirt, Black & White Striped Top with Mustard Skirt [the one I’m wearing!], and Black & Green Striped Top with Black Skirt. shabbyappledress_1 Made of a stretchy medium-weight cotton, it really enhances your curves and is super-cute! (I plan to wear under a longer, poufier skirt too when I just want the striped top showing, or under a swingy sweater to play off the mustard skirt). shabbyappledress_3This dress has two functional pockets in the skirt waist adorned with two little buttons on each side – and there are 2 buttons on each of the sleeves near the cuffs. I love the longer length of this dress – it’s totally appropriate for work, but can be dressed up for some nautical-inspired style or a vintage pinup look. One thing to keep in mind with this dress is that the skirt is much more clingy than the top – so if you’d rather keep everything under wraps I’d advise shapewear underneath!;-) Based on the reviews of the dress I sized 1 size up from my usual size 6…and upon wearing it without shapewear underneath I wished I had gone yet another size larger! If you are pear-shaped, hippy, or have full thighs definitely size for your bottom half:-)shabbyappledress_2

So, who would like to win her choice of color of the Guinea a Minute Dress? Complete the steps below!!

Edit 11/23: Giveaway is now closed and winner has been chosen. Thanks for entering!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

shabbyappledress_4Good luck!!

And come back tomorrow for full outfit details and more photos! 😉

xo
Carly

 

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Review: Maruti Beads Straight from India, Gorgeous, Handmade Beads for the Jewelry-Lover in Your Life

Oct 4, 2013 | Fashion

marutibeads4 First of all: What are Maruti Beads? you may ask.marutibeads1Answer: They are amazingly-detailed, handmade beads in the rich tradition of Indian beadmaking. The clay beads are often adorned with metallic paillettes, braided wire, and tiny rings to bring a textured, glamorous finish to each bead. And each is made by hand!marutibeads3marutibeads2

A little more info about these three types of beads, straight from the MarutiBeads.com website:

Kashmiri beads are made from a mix of marble powder and manufactured resin (polymer clay) while the resin used in Lac beads is from a natural source.Also known as “Bollywood” beads, Kashmiri beads are hand decorated and use a variety of materials for embellishment such as mirror chips, seed beads, silver plating and rhinestones.

Maruti Beads artistically blends the beauty of Kashmiri beads with silver plated side caps to culminate in a one of a kind creation exclusive to Maruti International.

Lac beads are made from a mixture of Lac and marble powder, ornamented with silver plating, seed beads and rhinestones: detailed with metal elements, mirror chips and various embellishments…In short, Lac beads are highly valued individual works of art…Lac is a substance secreted by a tiny insect called Kerria lacca. The Lac insect is so small that a magnifying glass is needed to see it. This little bug dwells in the twigs of host trees and lives off the sap from which they secrete the hard Lac resin. When first harvested Lac resin is brittle and tough however, through a process of slow heating the resin softens into a workable material.

marutibeads1

Lac beads to the back, Kashmiri beads to the right, and Maruti beads to the left.

To be honest, I had never heard of Maruti beads before (nor Kashmiri, nor Lac beads), not until a rep from Maruti Beads International contacted me to see if I wanted to review their beads.

They sent me a multi-pack that included Maruti, Lac, and Kashmiri beads to review.

marutibeads5
As you can see, each bead is beautifully unique. The attention to detail is just marvelous – and the rhinestones are top quality that really sparkle. Due to their ornate nature, the beads are a bit heavy but each exquisite one stands out. Thrown together into a piece of jewelry they may compete with one another – so probably the best use of them is to carefully choose where to place each one in designs for maximum impact.

marutibeads_braceletI made this pretty beaded bracelet in a flash, using imitation leather cording and a fish-hook closure. The beads would also be perfect as a single focal of a bracelet in an arm party stack (or many bracelets!!), or linked up together Shamballah-style. (You can also see Shamballah bracelets designed with Maruti beads here, and regular bracelets using Maruti beads here.) They can also be linked together into necklaces, or used in drop-style earrings. I love how each tiny bead tells a little story – and in some (not all) the hole is large enough to accommodate Pandora or Dione bead systems.

MarutiBeads.com also sells beautiful copper, glass, and gemstone beads, besides finished jewelry, on their website.

For any bead-lover or jewelry enthusiast I’d definitely recommend trying out these beads in your designs – and with the holiday season coming up they may make a wonderful present for the proverbial woman who has everything.

Wholesale Beads at MarutiBeads.com

Which is your favorite style of bead? (I just love that big black barrel one in the center of my bracelet!!) Or what would you make with these? Let me know in the comments section!

xo
Carly

FTC Disclosure: I was sent a Bead Mix Pack from Maruti Beads containing Lac, Kashmiri, and Maruti Beads for review purposes (ARV=$60). I have not been compensated for this post. The opinions above are my own. My full Disclosure Policy is here.

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Rock Your Music World with Monster Headphones and Enter to Win Your Own Pair!

Oct 2, 2013 | Score!

 

monsterheadphones1Really, really love listening to music? Want to feel the music all the way down in your toes and immerse yourself in its world? Need to upgrade over the tiny and flimsy earbuds that came with your phone? Monster N-Tune Headphones may be just what you’re looking for! monsterheadphones2

I was recently sent a pair of Monster N-Tune HD Headphones to review, and was pleasantly surprised at the sheer durability of the product, and the quality of the sound through them. The headphones come packaged in this very slick case, with a soft microfiber pouch to house them in while you’re on the go. Just cinch the drawstring, and you can throw them in your bag without any worries over them being crushed or tangled. These headphones are practically indestructible – and no matter how much junk you’re carrying around in your bag (guilty! 😉 they still emerge intact. The band that goes over your head can be twisted, yanked, or even crushed – and it withstands everything that you can throw at it no matter what. monsterheadphones3

Since the headphones are available in 5 different candy-bright colors, you can personalize your ‘phones with your choice of color (and I was especially thrilled that the pair I received was in my favorite blue hue!). Giving a nod to the fact that many people use their phones for listening to their tunes, the tangle-free cord also includes a universal in-line remote that can answer phone calls (as well as play and pause the music).monsterheadphones4

The sound quality is fantastic, and the compact on-ear style allows you to become completely immersed in the music (and doesn’t mess with your ear adornments 😉 They block out the surrounding environment completely so you can focus. Plus they work double-duty: not just for music, I’ve also been using them for all my video sound-editing lately, and they’re a lot more comfortable and light than my old outdated “cans” [those huge ear-covering headphones used by sound editors]. monsterheadphones6

And with the holiday season coming up, a pair of headphones in the recipient’s favorite color would add a dose of awesome to their music – and thrill any young music-lover with your great taste. Just sayin’!

Enter to Win a Pair of Monster Headphones (ARV $150)!!

How to Enter:

1. Visit the Monster Headphones page on Walmart.com.

2. Leave a comment on this post telling me which is your favorite N-Tune color for a chance to win!

Sweepstakes Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post.
For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

BlogHer will pool entries from participating blogs and select a sweepstakes winner at random and will contact the winner with details about fulfilling the prize.

The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 10/2/13 – 11/1/13.Please let me know if you have any questions.
monsterheadphones5

Good luck!

xo Carly

To win your very own pair of N-Tune headphones (valued at $150), read all about the Monster headphones here and let me know in the comments of this post which color you prefer. The comments on this post will be aggregated with the comments on the posts from the other bloggers participating in this review, and 25 pairs will be given away. This giveaway will close on Nov 1.

FTC Disclosure: I was provided a pair of Monster NTunes headphones for review purposes as part of a paid campaign with BlogHer and Monster Headphones. The above opinions are my own. Monster Headphones is also providing 25 winners in their giveaway with a pair of headphones each. My full Disclosure Policy is here.

 

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