Twenty Something Plus

January 28, 2016

My December 2015 Birchbox

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

I just got the sample choice email for February, so I figured I should probably get my December Birchbox post up.

For December I went with a sample choice instead of the curated feature box. Not for any particular reason, other than wanting a certain two colors for the Coastal Scents eye shadow palette sample. I also got a sample of shadow/blush by The Balm Cosmetics. I’m not so sure how I feel about it as a shadow, but I’m willing to give it a try.

I’ve sampled a few Harvey Prince fragrances, and now they make a sea salt hair spray. I really like that way it smells. Like, I sprayed some on my hair, forgot I had and kept trying to figure out what that amazing smell was. It was me. Well, it was my hair. I mean it could be complete ineffective as a hair texturizing mist and I would still use it as a hair fragrance.

Not getting the feature box made me think I would be missing out on the Juara hand and nail balm, but nope. I ended up getting it anyways. Not that my purse really needed another hand cream, but who doesn’t like having options?

My last sample was Klorane Dry Shampoo. I never blogged about it, but I tried Ipsy one month a LONG time ago and this was one of the products I’d gotten in my bag. I will say that I started using dry shampoo more often recently, so I will happily take an extra can.

For February, I also added on an item. Which means two Birchbox posts next month too.

If you want a piece of this Birchbox action, sign up here between now and Valentine’s Day and we could both win a Beauty Blender!

January 25, 2016

2 Ways to Wear Something: J. Crew Stadium-Cloth Cocoon Coat

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

My little nook of New England finally got hit with some snow.

But not before I was able to put together a couple of outfit with wear with a winter coat.

This J. Crew Stadium-Cloth Cocoon Coat was my most recent wardrobe investment. I got it last winter and it was definitely worth it for how often I wear it.

You can also save big by getting it from J. Crew Factory!

I wanted to show you just how easy it is to wear it both casually and a little more formally. And if a pair of overalls and a tight little black dress don’t demonstrate that then I don’t know what else could.

Coat: J. Crew
Shirt: Old Navy
Overalls: Gap (similar)
Crossbody Bag: BAGGU via the Poshmark app
Hat: Silence + Noise (similar)
Boots: Forever 21
Necklace: Kate Spade

Dress: Asos
Purse: Forever 21
Hat: Forever 21 (similar)
Heels: Christian Louboutin

See…
I told you I’d make an effort to wear my So Kate heels more.

And given how cold out it is now, I’ll probably be doing the same thing with this coat.

A lot!

January 20, 2016

January 2016 Loves

Disclaimer: The numbers in this blog post are affiliate links.

I’ve been trying a lot more products lately, and I’m really glad that I have. Here’s some that I have found and love so much that I just had to share!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

I prefer body was to a bar of soap. But I hate how much body wash it takes to lather up. Not the case with this one. And it smells like it’s a super expensive luxury spa product! I first tried it when staying with family and, well, I dare you to find one that I’ll love more.

I’ve come across a ton of makeup brushes that I like to use, and after trying one from Real Techniques, I wanted to try more. I picked some up at Ulta Beauty and I’m hooked. I even snagged a pack of travel sized ones for an upcoming giveaway…

As someone that swore by makeup removing wipes, I didn’t think I’d ever use anything else. I was wrong. Going through so many was getting a bit ridiculous, so I decided to take advice from The Feminine Files and try using cotton pads instead. I really like using micellar water, but I need to find better quality cotton pads.

How many times have I said that I don’t like chocolate and then share about a chocolate candy bar? Probably too many to count. Here’s another one! If you haven’t seen the Snickers Crisper bars in stores, keep looking! SO GOOD.

Baking isn’t something I do every time I do my makeup, but I may do it a little bit more now that I’ve tried using a loose powder. I don’t know what I was thinking before.

Learn and do better.

January 19, 2016

Good Clean Saving

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

One of the gifts I wanted for Christmas was Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat. I was beyond ecstatic to get the Brush Cleaning Glove instead. Cleaning my makeup brushes is no longer something that I dread.

But while it makes cleaning my makeup brushes only about 1000 times easier, it doesn’t mean that I want to clean my makeup brushes every other day. Or even on a weekly basis.

So, in between washes, I use paper towels to help manage my mess.

To make sure that I’m saving and getting the most for my money, I get the SCOTT, Choose-a-Sheet Mega Roll 6 Pack at Dollar General.

They also carry SCOTT 1000 Bath Tissue, 16 pack and Extra Soft Bath Tissue, Double Roll 16 pack. All three special Bonus Packs are in-store through the end of February. Find the closest Dollar General to you, here.

Plus, you can use their new Digital Coupons to save even more. You just sign up, create an account and load the coupons you want to use. Then go to your local Dollar General to redeem your coupons at checkout. SO much saving!

Which, of course, for me, means that I have more money to spend on makeup…

January 18, 2016

2 Ways to Wear Something: Christian Louboutin So Kate Heels

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

I am far from rich, so I don’t have many investment pieces.

My Christian Louboutin So Kate heels are my among my utmost possessions. I saved, and I mean saved, up for these bad boys like you wouldn’t believe! I love wearing them, because they’re gorgeous little works of art. Plus, they make my legs look AMAZING.

However, they aren’t exactly the most comfortable shoes, so I don’t wear them very often.

My go to makeup look is a very subtle smokey eye and glossy nude lip.

This jacket was a wardrobe upgrade, after a sticker left a mark on my old moto jacket and the clutch I got pre-loved.

Jacket: American Eagle Outfitters
Shirt: Target
Jeans: Gap
Clutch: Clare V. via the Poshmark app
Hat: Target
Heels: Christian Louboutin

Shirt: Old Navy
Vest: Madewell via the Poshmark app
Tote: Madewell
Jeans: Aeropostle

I am going to make an effort to wear them more often.

This is a start.

Shop these looks:

January 15, 2016

What’s in My Bag: Road Trip

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When I lived in Vermont, a trip to the grocery store was a 20-30 minute drive.

Much of my shopping was done while hungry and resulted in a lot of snack foods. So to avoid this and getting hangry at the manfriend, I’ve learned to keep snacks in my bag. This especially comes in handy when we go on a road trip. Otherwise, we will inevitably end of in line at the nearest drive-thru.

It’s not that snacks are always that much better than fast food, but the cost adds up. We’ve been guilty of buying Taco Bell right before dinner.

The Vermont part of me, which cringes when there isn’t recycling options everywhere, was very happy to hear about Chomps Snack Sticks. They are made with grass-fed beef, so they taste phenomenal! The manfriend even said he wishes that they were in the checkout lines instead of Slim Jim’s. And they’re healthier.

I always like to have a magazine and a notebook on hand.

Reading in the car makes me motion sick, but this way, I can have something to read if I have to wait some where.

Or if I think of an idea, I can jot it down.

Then there’s the everyday things I keep in any bag.

At least one Lola tampon, because they’re 100% cotton and I don’t have to send the manfriend to the store for them. They’re delivered right to my door!

And a pair of Cheeki underwear, just in case…

What do you bring with you when you’re on the road?

January 14, 2016

Agnes & Dora Dolman Top

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

We’re back!

Each month myself and four other boss blogger babes will style the same piece of clothing and since we all look and think differently from each other (hair, religion, location, skin, size, height, style…all of the above), you’ll get five totally different looks. That means you’ll get to see what I style, on other body types so you can find something that is best for you!

This month we have another something from Agnes & Dora, so make sure you check out how Deidre, Kaylynn, Jacque, and Sarah styled this tunic too.

How adorbs is this Agnes & Dora Pocket To Me dolman top? It’s striped, which I love and has a super cute floral patterned pocket!

While there are tons of ways you can wear a dolman top, I’m rather partial to pairing this one with black skinny jeans or leggings.

Since the shirt has the stripes and floral thing going on, I kept my jewelry very minimal.

Just one piece.

A sentimental silver charm bracelet that both my younger sister and I got as Christmas presents from our older sister.

The younger one wanted matching tattoos, but I like matching bangles better…

As for shoes, I wanted to get as many wears out of these cutout booties as I can, before it starts to really snow.

And we’ll be back with another Styled by 5 next month, well sort of…

January 12, 2016

Notice the Lotus at Target

Even though there are plenty of times I’ve been mistaken for much younger, I am almost basically 30.

I haven’t spotted any major signs of aging, but have given a lot more thought to my skincare routine.

And like many other 20 (almost 30) something year olds, I spend a lot of time at Target.

So, I was very happy to notice the lotus on the the Target shelves. Hearing that derma e, a brand that I use frequently, is now at Target is huge! Not that I’m against online shopping, it’s just so much easier to pick up things while I’m already out.

Plus, it’s motivates me to try new products.

Like their Firming DMAE Eye Lift cream.

Since I don’t really have many to begin with, this was more preemptive on my part.

A little, but helpful, trick that also helps? Use your ring finger to pat on eye creams! The eye area is super sensitive, avoid tugging on it.

Wrinkles and fine lines? Not on my face!
If you need me, I’ll be at Target.

January 11, 2016

2 Ways to Wear Something: Michael Kors Jet Set Tote

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

Last week I shared the three pieces that you should invest in. One of which was a large tote and I really do stand by that.

Here’s two outfits I styled to wear with my Michael Kors Jet Set Tote.

Sweater: Forever 21 (similar)
Chambray Top: J. Crew via the Poshmark app (similar)
Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters
Tweed Blazer: Gap
Hat: H&M
Tote: Michael Kors

The manfriend said I looked like a hippie. I’m totally fine with that.

I have no idea how I did this bun, but I dig it!

Sweater: Old Navy (similar)
Tank Top: Mudd
Boots: Forever 21
Jeans: J Brand Jeans via the Poshmark app (similar)
Hat: Gap

If these looks don’t prove that you need a big tote bag, I don’t know how else to convince you.

Shop these looks:

January 7, 2016

3 Investment Pieces You Need for the New Year

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

I am far from rich, but having a few quality investment pieces is something I kind of pride myself on. Treat yourself, right?

Instead of new year, new me, why not same me, better stuff?

You’re probably getting sick of my obsession with totes, but a big sturdy one is a must-have. I cannot tell you how nice it is to travel and have your mind at ease knowing that everything you need is right there with you. Or even to go to work or an event with your laptop, planner, notebook, etc. all in one bag. I’ve also has a cheaper bag break under pressure. Not exactly my idea of fun.

At least in New England, the temperatures have dropped. If you live (or even plan on visiting) somewhere cold, you should have a warm coat. One with a hood is also probably a good idea, unless you have a winter hat. I like wool. I also prefer one that is just a little bit big, so I can wear a few layers underneath.

As someone obsessed with heels, I have tons of different pairs. But all you really need is at least one good black pump. I don’t care what brand they are as long as they make you feel good. Just make sure you can walk in them.

Now, I am not saying that you should go out and blow your whole paycheck on the most expensive things you can find.

What I mean is, if you want something nice, you don’t always have to settle. Save!

Shop these pieces: