confessions of a lushie: part II

For the past few weeks, my skin has just been feeling and looking blah. I often watch and research "nighttime skin routines" of beauty bloggers/vloggers, and mine pales in comparison. Keeping this in mind, I decided to purchase a face mask to help brighten and even out my complexion. Since I have recently become interested in making my beauty routine more natural and paraben-free, I decided to hit up my local Lush store.

The sales associates are very helpful (but sometimes pushy), so I asked one of the girls working if she could recommend a fresh face mask for my dull skin. She recommended The Sacred Truth, because it contains papaya to brighten the skin. She hit the nail on the head, because this face mask truly works! On the website, it is shown as an anti-aging mask, but I think anyone could use this mask for its hydrating and toning abilities.

This looks gross... But I actually enjoy the smell. It's clean and lingers after you use it.

The associate actually tried two different masks on my face, so that I could see which one I liked more. The masks must always be refrigerated due to their fresh ingredients, which provides a nice cooling sensation when applied. I loved The Sacred Truth mask because I could really tell it was brightening and moisturizing my skin. She then proceeded to use the Breath of Fresh Air toner after wiping off the mask, and gave me a nice little hand massage with the new Charity Pot lotion (loved both - possibly my next purchase). It was fun having a mini pampering session, and what seemed like a personal consultation. The lotion smelled amazing. It is a new formula that is self-preserving, with a slight floral scent. The best part is that 100% of Charity Pot purchase price is donated to small grassroots organizations specializing in conservation, animal rights, and human rights.

I also bought a Tea Tree Toner Tab, per the associates recommendation to clean out my skin. This tab is meant to be dropped into hot water, then you hover your face over the water with a towel to receive the "steam cleaning" benefits. I haven't tried it yet, but I'll let you know if it's worth purchasing!

Overall, I felt as though this mask was well worth it at $6.95, because it costs less than most other face masks, and has ingredients that are actually recognizable. I can tell that it is working, which is one more thing I love about Lush's products.

lush tips! | Lush fresh face masks only last about 28 days, and their expiration date will be listed on the product with a sticker. Fresh face masks are only available in store to purchase, and not in their online store.

Have you tried any Lush products since my last Confessions of a Lushie post? Do you have any other brands or recipes to keep your beauty routine more natural? Let me know by leaving a comment!

stay bright,
G

home is wherever I am with you

By the time this blog post goes live, I will be on my way to Saint Vincent College, my alma mater (that is weird to say). This weekend is Homecoming, and I am beyond excited for a weekend of fun with some great friends.

In the meantime, I thought I would share something I created to remind me of where I came from. I still haven't found a perfect spot to hang this in my apartment, but I'm thinking of incorporating it into a gallery wall somewhere in the living room.

After being inspired by Carly from The College Prepster's framed college pennant, I decided to create my own. The first one I created about a year and a half ago for my boyfriend on his graduation. It's slightly different than mine (his has the yellow striped paper as a background), but I liked that one so much that I had to make one for myself too!

Mine is the second one pictured above. You can't tell from the photo, but the paper background has thin green stripes on it, to complement the green in the pennant. I love this, because I will have it for years to come, and it will always remind me of the wonderful years I spent at Saint Vincent College. It is a preppy and home-y addition to my apartment. This also makes a great, inexpensive graduation gift for a friend! Most college bookstores sell the smaller flag pennants.

pennant | around $6 from the Saint Vincent College bookstore
frame | $5 from Joann Fabrics
paper | around 50 cents from Joann Fabrics

see you soon, bearcats!
G

mid-week pick-me-up

Truth be told, Ellen DeGeneres might be one of my favorite people that I've never met. I try to watch her show as much as I can, because she is undoubtedly hilarious, but her message is simple. Yesterday morning was one of my favorite episodes from the new season, solely for Jesse Tyler Ferguson's appearance. He. Was. Hysterical. I was literally crying tears of laughter watching him "audition" for Dancing with the Stars. Without further adieu, here is your hump day pick-me-up.


have a happy Wednesday,
G

commodity goods: fitting kit review

One of my best friends always has great products and companies to tell me about. She is completing her Master's degree, and was asked to choose a company to focus on for an IMC (integrated marketing communications) campaign. She chose a company that is so effortlessly cool - Commodity Goods.

Commodity Goods is a premium fragrance company with gorgeous branding and a neat business model. They basically do a fragrance "try on program," similar to what Warby Parker offers for eyeglasses. All you do is pay $9 for either the masculine or feminine fitting kit, they are shipped to your door, and you sample all ten fragrances. From the day your kit is shipped, you have 30 days to use a promo code that Commodity emails to you. This code is good for $9 off a full-sized fragrance purchase of $50 or more, so your fitting kit ends up being free!

The fragrance names themselves are simple but perfect. The women's fitting kit includes the scents Tea, Moss, Mimosa, Gold, Paper, Ivy, Rain, Dew, Magnolia, and Pinot. Commodity emphasizes layering scents, which allows you to create your own unique fragrance. Right now they are featuring the "Woolymosa." So clever!

Let me tell you, this was such a treat for me. Because fragrance is such a personal preference, I ended up liking about four of the fragrances - Tea, Paper, Gold, and Moss. I say about four, because Magnolia was a favorite from the floral scents, but I can't picture myself wearing it on a regular basis. Moss was an unlikely contender. After a whole day's wear, I realized that although it is stronger than what I normally wear, it was a great scent for fall. I had a feeling I would like Tea and Gold, and I didn't know what to expect with Paper, but I was anxious to try it. The rest of the fragrances were not for me, but I didn't expect to like all ten. I think this was the one instance where I wasn't a fan of something with the words Pinot or Mimosa in it. Pinot was a bit granny for me, but some of you may love it!

[my favorites]

[photo via a Commodity Goods email]

After receiving this guide in a Commodity Goods email, I realized that I mainly like fresh and warm scents.

Personally, I think the whole "fitting kit" idea is genius! No other fragrance company allows you to sample that many samples from their fragrance collection at once, not to mention ships them to your door. The company also sends you a little worksheet, to write down notes about the fragrances that you do and don't like. Adorable!

As I mentioned in a previous post, I also got my boyfriend the masculine fitting kit. He has only tried the Book fragrance so far, but I really liked that one on him! I have seen on Instagram that women will also order the masculine fitting kit, which is something I would consider doing after smelling Book!

Commodity's Fitting Kit is a great way to sample fragrances and find the one that you love. For only $9 and free shipping, what do you have to lose? Even if you don't order a kit, be sure to follow them on instagram @commoditygoods. They have a great social media presence that captures their brand nicely.

A huge thank you to Alexandra for a great recommendation.

xoxo,

G

home-y

Guess what? I moved this week! I'm starting a new job that I couldn't be more excited for, and I moved into an apartment closer to work. This week has been a whirlwind, but I am very happy and excited to start a new chapter.

I have unpacked and started to get to know the area I'm in, but even after (way) too many Target trips, I have yet to fully complete my apartment decor. I know this will be a process, but it's one that I welcome. The wanna-be interior decorator in me is giddy! For now, I want to share some tips I've come up with on how to make your apartment, townhouse, or house feel more comfy, cozy, and home-y.

1] throw pillows, throw pillows, throw pillows

top pillow | IKEA
middle pillow | Tahari, found at TJ Maxx
bottom pillow | IKEA

What can I say... I love me a good throw pillow. Right now, I have five on my couch and plan to add more. I've gone for a more neutral palate, because my couch is a navy color. I like to think that our interior decor emulates our own personal style. Styling a couch is much like styling an outfit, and my couch certainly has no shortage of pattern mixing. The Tahari pillow adds some glamour to an otherwise neutral assembly of pillows. I also placed two cozy blankets on the couch for some added texture, comfort, and to have in close reach if guests get cold. I'd like to say I'm going for a classic but glamorous look for this apartment, but we will see how it turns out once I'm all done!

2] candles

pumpkin cheesecake candle | Target

A sweet smelling candle always adds a bit of warmth to your home. I've been wanting a seasonal candle for the apartment, and this one definitely fits my pumpkin addiction. Notice that it is not lit in this picture... Matches are just one of those random things that you forget to buy until you need it. Oops!

3] glass carafe

Is it weird to be obsessed with a water carafe? Because I might be. One of my favorite restaurants in Lawrenceville gives each table a water jug similar to this one. When I saw these at TJ Maxx this past week, I had to buy one for my apartment. Especially since this one was only $1.99! I think it will be a great addition to my kitchen, especially when guests are over. I'm thinking of adding sliced lemon in the water, too. Let's be real though, I'll probably be ordering pizza for said guests (#notagoodcook).

Do you have any tips for making your space feel more like home? I would love to hear any tips or tricks you have to share. I'll be sure to give updates on how my decorating is coming along!

xoxo,
G

my first ipsy: first impressions

Recently, I've subscribed to Ipsy to receive a "glam bag" every month. Basically, you pay $10 a month, or one payment of $110 for a year's subscription, and Ipsy sends you five products per month based on a beauty quiz that you take when you sign up. This isn't my first time at the beauty subscription box rodeo, as my two best friends gifted me a Birchbox subscription a few years ago for my birthday!

I subscribed to Ipsy to try something new, and I have heard that the samples are bigger in size. However, I did love my Birchbox subscription. The samples were relatively small, some full sized, but they were all luxury brands that I probably wouldn't have tried had I not received them in my box! They were great for use while traveling, too. However, I love Birchbox's branding slightly more than Ipsy's. It is a lot cleaner and modern. (Sorry, it's the Comm major in me.)

How Ipsy compares to Birchbox

Cost | Both boxes $10 per month, shipping included.

Items | With both boxes, you receive 5 samples a month. Ipsy also gives you a makeup bag every month.

Trading | Ipsy has an open forum for subscribers to trade products that they don't want. To my knowledge, Birchbox does not offer that service.

Points system | Birchbox has a better points system - if you review the products you receive, you earn Birchbox points and can put those points towards your purchase in their online Birchbox store. Ipsy implements the same points system, but you must share your feedback on Facebook. Personally, I don't like to clutter up my friend's timelines, so I have skipped the sharing part.

Buying products | Ipsy allows you to receive discounts on the brand's website. Birchbox has their own online store and offers discounts along with your Birchbox points.

my september Ipsy glam bag

makeup bag | I'm not one for studs, but oh well. Beggars can't be choosers. This might be given to a friend who will like it.

pacifica natural waterproof eye pencil | I don't wear eyeliner, but the formula and the color on this one seems nice! It is a silver/gunmetal color, so I might save it for a special occasion.

be a bombshell smooth criminal powder | This sample is really nice, and not something I would typically purchase. It is definitely a premium sample that will last many uses. This powder helps smooth fine lines and imperfections while also keeping your your skin matte. I would liken it to the BareMinerals mineral veil.

briogeo don't despair, repair! deep conditioning mask | I really like this! I've been into deep conditioners lately, because I have been highlighting my hair for a few years, and I know I have some damage. This one smells lovely, and makes my hair feel stronger after one use. It didn't really help with detangling my hair, but otherwise it did its job!

cailyn art touch tinted lip gloss | I love the formula of this lipgloss because it is not sticky or tacky at all. The color is a bit orange for my skin tone, but if I layer it over chap stick the color becomes more muted. Also, the "sample" is a full size, so I feel like I'm getting my money's worth!

harvey prince hello fragrance | I saved the best for last. Just when I thought I found my signature scent... this sample came along. Let me point out that the sample is a very nice size, not like the small 3-4 use spray containers that you can get for free at department stores. This is a small rollerball that will last me many uses, and is the perfect size to slip in my purse. The fragrance is heavenly. Lightweight, sweet smelling, long lasting, and warm. I was hesitant to try this, as I received a sample of the Harvey Prince "Skinny Chic" fragrance in a Birchbox and did not like it. However, with "Hello," Harvey Prince has redeemed themselves! Love. I'm considering buying another rollerball once I'm done with the sample.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with my Ipsy glam bag this month! I will definitely keep you posted on future bags and fun beauty finds.

cheap thrills

Have you been coveting the BaubleBar custom monogram necklace as much as I have? Welcome, this blog post is for you.

There is something so fun and polished about a good monogrammed item, whether it be jewelry, a tote bag, pajamas, or a classic sweater. Monograms signify that the item is yours, and no one else's. I have been eyeing up monogram necklaces for quite some time now, but I couldn't justify spending $145 on a necklace that I won't be wearing every day. However, I knew there were less expensive alternatives out there. When I want to find something at a decent price that is still unique, I turn to Etsy. The vendors on this site are always a joy to work with, and create one-of-a-kind pieces that are of good quality.

Although I was a little apprehensive to order a custom piece of jewelry for a mere $18.99 + shipping... I did it anyway. The result was surprisingly amazing!

I ordered the 1.25 inch gold plated monogrammed necklace with an 18 inch chain. I have to say, I was quite impressed with the craftsmanship and quick shipping! I received the item in about a week from the seller, which is impressive considering that it was a custom order. The necklace seems like it is very high quality for the price. My only reservation is that I wish the chain was a little bit thinner, and the monogram slightly smaller. But, I am happy with it for now, until I can afford the BaubleBar version. Notable: the chain is not adjustable, but simply has a lobster clasp and one loop.

For days when I don't feel like wearing a statement necklace, and I want something a little more polished, I throw on this item.

xoxo,
G

walking on the wild side

If you're like me, Friday is not just a day to kick off your shoes, enjoy a glass of vino, and meet friends for dinner. Friday is a day for spending that paycheck that you've worked so hard for all week! Yesterday, I went out to buy some fall wardrobe pieces for my new job. I stopped into TJ Maxx to check out their home goods and browse the shoe section (standard).

I have been eyeing these nude & snakeskin block heels for awhile now, and to my surprise, they were marked down to $20 on Friday! I knew I had to get them. I'm not sure yet if they're office appropriate, but I can't wait to pair them with a chunky sweater, skinny jeans, or pixie pants. Snakeskin is not normally in my repertoire of outfits, but I feel like these are neutral enough and not too edgy. Stepping out of your style comfort zone can be fun sometimes!

The pillow they are laying on is also from TJ Maxx, and was $24.99. I knew it would pair perfectly with either my navy couch or white bedding, plus it will help add some texture and glamour (I'll do a post on how I styled it in the future). TJ Maxx does it again! I would definitely recommend looking at TJ Maxx or Marshall's on your next shopping trip. I can always find something unique and at a great price - what more could a girl ask for? One time I saw a Kate Spade Saturday skirt at TJ Maxx for $10. It was like seeing a dog walk on its hind legs.

Enjoy your weekend, and happy shopping!

xoxo,
G

weekend uniform & a sneak peek!

On Sunday it was my boyfriend's birthday, so we had a night of eating good food and celebrating with his family! It was a slightly busy weekend, so by Sunday I wanted to wear a more relaxed look. 

chic sweatshirt | outfit from Sunday

sweatshirt | LOFT

jean shorts | J.Crew Factory

sandals | Sam Edelman

necklace | Walmart

scent | Commodity

This season, LOFT has been really into feminine sweatshirts, and I do not hate it one bit. I like the jacquard detail of this one, because it can be dressed up or down (a must for many items in my closet). LOFT pairs their sweatshirts with pencil skirts or dress pants, which is a combination I can't wait to wear for work. However, this weekend I decided to keep it casual with cut off shorts and a statement necklace (surprise, surprise).

I promised another fragrance review in my signature scent post, and it is coming! However, to hold you over in the mean time, I want to share the scent I was wearing on Sunday - Commodity Tea. Very light and fresh, perfect for the final days of summer.

I can't wait to share my thoughts on the Commodity Goods Fitting Kit. I haven't tried all ten of the scents just yet, but once I do, I'll be sure to share with you! Along with the Tea scent, I am also a huge fan of Gold. As of now, these two are my front runners. Stay tuned for more! I also bought the Fitting Kit for men for my boyfriend on his birthday. I'll pick his brain for his thoughts on the masculine scents and report back to you.

xoxo,
G

confessions of a lushie

Sometimes in life, you find companies and products that are just too good NOT to share. For me, Lush is one of them. Lush is a beauty company with excellent moral values and practices. I can't help but admire their cruelty-free products, fresh ingredients, and all-around awesome (natural!) products.

Today, I want to share with you two of my favorite Lush products.

1] ocean salt | face and body scrub

This product is kind of like a margarita for your face and body. That sounds weird, but it feels amazing. When you first purchase it, the moisturizer and salt are separated (it creates a beautiful blue color), and the sales associate will mix it for you. The smell is fresh, clean, and reminds me of the beach. I use this only about once a week on my face, because it's slightly harsh, and twice a week on the rest of my body. It definitely does its job at removing dead skin and moisturizing. I also love how the scent of the scrub lingers long after you use it. Although this product is one of the more expensive at Lush, I find that it is definitely worth it. I think that you get what you pay for with Lush. Their products are natural and also do what they say!

2] d'fluff | strawberry shaving soap

I bought this product without much research beforehand, because I was at a Lush store and remembered that it was a new release. The formula actually has a "fluffy" consistency to it, and smells just like strawberries and cream. This shave cream does not lather like a normal gel, but that doesn't bother me because it moisturizes so well. The smell also lingers long after you use it. When I went in to re-purchase last week, the associate told me that d'fluff is sold out company wide, and that Lush hadn't anticipated such a great reaction to it. Whoa. Talk about a good product!

lush tips! | always be mindful of the expiration date on your products. Because of the fresh ingredients, all of the products expire within a certain time period. The chart below explains the life span of most of their product categories. Also, when you save 5 of your lush product containers and bring them back to the store, you get a fresh face mask for free!

Do you have any Lush products that worked well for you? Share them with me!

xoxo,
G

the best season

While I would certainly never wish summer away, and the season technically isn't over until September 22, I am definitely getting excited for fall. As soon as September hits, I anxious await colder temperatures, eating & drinking pumpkin flavored anything, the best month ever (October), and fall fashion. I'll probably regret this in about 6 months when the winter season feels endless in the northeast, but right now I cannot wait to layer up and break out the cozy fall clothing.

I have compiled a list of fall favorites that I cannot wait to wear this season. Shall we begin?!

1] plaid

[image via Loft.com]

I recently bought this plaid henley blouse from LOFT, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't itching to wear it. I love it because it buttons down, but the fabric also has a blouse feel to it, which makes it easy to dress up for the workplace.

what I'll pair it with: navy pixie pants & riding boots | black pencil skirt & heels | denim | leopard flats | peep-toe booties

2] leopard print

[image via Steve Madden]

I'm not sure why, but up until recently I would associate leopard print with Snookie and the whole Jersey Shore cast. However, I have a new found love for leopard print this fall. I have my eye on a new pair of leopard flats, and will definitely be throwing a leopard belt into my outfits here and there. Also, LOFT has some very cute leopard print sweaters in navy and grey, which is a departure from the classic brown color.

what I'll pair it with: chambray tops | plaid tops | denim | a chunky cream or navy sweater

3] booties

[image via Target.com]

I scooped up these booties in the cognac and black colors at the end of spring (on mega sale!) and I just love them. They were a great price, the chunky heel is sturdy, they're comfortable, and they go with just about everything. Once the weather gets colder in November, I'll have to switch over to my closed-toe booties, but these are a perfect option for those in-between months!

what I'll pair it with: slouchy denim | black pixie pants | long sweaters

4] skirts with tights

[image via Jcrew.com]

I saw this skirt in the J.Crew store this summer, and I believe that was where my fall fever started. This skirt reminds me of the 1920's. I love the feminine details and dusty rose color. I have not purchased it yet, but it's definitely on the top of my wish list. With a pair of polka dot black tights?! I can picture it now.

what I'll pair it with: black polka dot tights | navy tights | black tights | black flats | a black blouse | a polka-dot blouse

I hope this list gets you as excited about the upcoming fall season as I am. Next on my fall wish list? A pumpkin sugared doughnut candle from Bath & Body Works.

Follow my blog on Instagram to check out my my fall style!

xoxo,
G

gallery wall wishes

Lately, I have been seriously lusting over gallery walls. There is something so cozy about a bunch of mis-matched frames, photos and prints placed together on a bedroom or living room wall. In an effort to add on to my growing collection of gallery wall pieces (that I have yet to hang up), I have been eyeing up some cute prints.

Anna Rifle Bond creates feminine and vintage-looking prints, and I certainly have a few of hers on my wish list.

[photo via Rifle Paper Co.]

This bobby pin print would look so adorable in a powder room. It's definitely simple, but I love it. It could really go with any other color scheme you have going on in your home!

[photo via Hello Danielle Kroll]

This "Girly Type" alphabet print by the incredibly talented Danielle Kroll is probably meant to be for a little girl's room, but that doesn't stop me from feeling like I need to buy it. My favorite letters of the print include: the bobby pin A, the change purse D, the umbrella J, and the pearl U.

[photo via Society 6, Leslie Martin Design Shop]

I think the saying "yes way, rose" is adorable, and even more so in print form. I would put this one in a detailed gold or silver frame.

If I had an unlimited budget, I would definitely purchase these three prints along with multiple others. However, always remember to balance out prints with other hanging items of different sizes, such as frames, favorite photos, or mirrors. Maybe if I finally get around to creating my own gallery wall, I will post pictures. But for now, a girl can dream!

P.S. - if you're into free, and adorable, prints (duh, who isn't) I have something for you! Just head on over to Jones Design Company's archive, sign up with your email, and access some of their free downloadable designs. Their most recent is the "autumn essentials" print, pictured below. I use it as the desktop background on my laptop, and it makes me so excited for fall!

[photo via Jones Design Company]

xoxo,
G

weekend attire

Just popping in to show you two of my outfits from this weekend!

feminine denim | outfit from Sunday

blouse [LOFT]

jeans [LOFT, similar]

watch [Michael Kors]

pearls [target, old]

flats [Bakers - old, similar]

As a sales associate at LOFT, I get to process the boxes of new clothing. Last week, this shirt was one of the new arrivals, and I immediately knew it was my style - feminine peter pan collar, dusty tan/rose color, and gold button detail at the back of the neck and the wrist. I was sold. I wanted to dress it down with denim, but also keep the look feminine with pearl bracelets, earrings, and some leopard-print flats (they remind me of pointe ballet shoes with the flat front!).

honorable mention | outfit from Saturday

button-down shirt [LOFT]

sunglasses [free people]

On the hanger, this button-down doesn't look like much, and you can hardly see the pattern from afar. But once you put it on, you'll love it! It is one of LOFT's softened shirts, so it's very comfortable while still looking polished. I also love the rounded collar on it, which is different from my other collared shirts. I purchased these sunglasses earlier this summer from Free People, at a pretty reasonable price of $18. (Sorry, they are no longer online!)

I hope you enjoyed some of my weekend outfits! Follow along on my blog's instagram for sneak peeks of my latest style.

xoxo,

G