11.21.2012
Sale Alert
I just got the email this morning, 25% off store-wide AND site-wide at J.Crew and Madewell.
11.19.2012
{See Alice Go} Wrap for the Holidays
I might have mentioned this before, but I LOVE Christmas because I love picking out and wrapping presents. What I don't like, is having to spend money on things to wrap the presents with.
Whenever I get a present that would fit well into the box available at the store, I ask for a box. And even if I can't get a free gift box, many other presents come in a package that can be easily wrap (And boy do I love it when the packaging is square/rectangular). I've refused to buy wrapping paper for the last two year and it's actually working out pretty well.
How do I wrap my presents, you ask? The secret is the brown paper bag you pack your groceries into at the store!
I cut the bottom out, use it like normal wrapping paper (with the printed side touching the present itself), tie it up with hemp string, and finish it off with a few personal touches. Last year, I made personalized tags from card stock, a glitter pen, and glue. This year, I've made more basic name tags and little origami ornaments. This way, I can get two uses of the bag and the paper can still be recycled.
You can see my creations from this year here (Yes, I start buy and wrapping mid-November so I can drag out this process for as long as possible):
Whenever I get a present that would fit well into the box available at the store, I ask for a box. And even if I can't get a free gift box, many other presents come in a package that can be easily wrap (And boy do I love it when the packaging is square/rectangular). I've refused to buy wrapping paper for the last two year and it's actually working out pretty well.
How do I wrap my presents, you ask? The secret is the brown paper bag you pack your groceries into at the store!
I cut the bottom out, use it like normal wrapping paper (with the printed side touching the present itself), tie it up with hemp string, and finish it off with a few personal touches. Last year, I made personalized tags from card stock, a glitter pen, and glue. This year, I've made more basic name tags and little origami ornaments. This way, I can get two uses of the bag and the paper can still be recycled.
You can see my creations from this year here (Yes, I start buy and wrapping mid-November so I can drag out this process for as long as possible):
A bit of patterned holly...
A cute little fox (He/she is sideways, see the nosey and the eyes?).
Have you started preparing for the holidays? Do you have any tips? I'd love to hear from you!
11.14.2012
{See Alice Go} Gift Guide... For the Guys
{See Alice Go} Gift Guide... For the Guys by abliuee
(1) Leather Driving Gloves (2) Terry Cotton Robe (3) Flannel Jammers
(4) Gingerbread Boxers (5) Fleece-lined Slippers (On sale AND 30% off) (6) Watch (30% off here)
(1) Leather Driving Gloves (2) Terry Cotton Robe (3) Flannel Jammers
(4) Gingerbread Boxers (5) Fleece-lined Slippers (On sale AND 30% off) (6) Watch (30% off here)
I actually got The Guy the Hydrocotton Cotton Robe from Restoration Hardware and it is UNBELIEVABLE. It's thick, plush, and so absorbent he doesn't even need a towel post shower. I tried it on and it's.... kind of like slipping a blanket of clouds over your shoulders. Seriously amazing!
What are you getting for the men in your life? Have you started holiday shopping?
11.13.2012
{See Alice Go} Review
I have combination skin where I'm really shiny (That and dry/flaky.) by mid-day. It's gotten noticeably worse in the last few weeks so I decided to look into a powder compact for touch-ups during the day. I wanted the compact to be travel-friendly, durable, good at absorbing oil, and as toxic-free as possible. After looking into reviews of powders from Guerlain, Givenchy, YSL, Dior, Physician's Formula, etc, I stop by my local Sephora and picked up Laura Mercier's Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder (I already have a pressed powder that I very much love, Tarte's Smooth Operator, but it only gets me through 8 hours or so of wear).
Without further ado, here are a few pictures:
$32 USD from Sephora.com
Hopefully you can see that the powder itself is a slightly green tint. This helps balance out any redness you might have (Which I do). Here are pictures of the product on my fingers, swatched on the back of my hand, and finally, blended in:
Verdict?
I found that this product does reduce shine. However, as mentioned in a few reviews, it is kind of chalky. I made sure to blend the product out well, otherwise, the chalky white/green powder would be noticeable (Well, to me at least). Unfortunately, the flat sponge doesn't that comes with the compact doesn't do a very good job. If I had to carry a brush with me, it would defeat the purpose of the compact... but do the brushes/sponges/puffs what come with the product ever work that well? I thought the packaging looked ok on the outside, but a little meh when you open it up. I don't know if you can see in this picture, but the plastic hinge is just unsightly and looks a bit cheap:
Overall, I think this is a decent product and it does the job it's supposed to do. I just wish Laura Mercier would give us a better applicator. Lastly, I thought the product could do with a little extra milling. That's not to say it's crudely milled, it's just not quite as nice and smooth as soon other powders I tested (Guerlain, YSL, I'm looking at you!). I wouldn't repurchase this product because it did not impress (Which actually works out ok because I love testing new products!).
Do you use a powder compact during the day? I'd love to know what you're using! (Yeah, I think I'm still in the market...)
11.12.2012
{See Alice Go} Review... Gap
I went to Gap as well today and wanted to share these pictures in a separate post.I feel that overall, J.Crew is (usually) better quality, but I've really been liking the offerings at Gap this season! Right now, they have 30% off store-wide (Shoot, just checked and it sends today apparently... Well, maybe our west coast friends will have some luck?). Check out my picks below!
Cable Boatneck Pullover in Navy
+
I tried this on in navy. I believe it was $40.99 (+30% off) and is almost 100% man-made materials. Still pretty cute though, maybe I'll pull the trigger when it's discounted any more... I liked the skirt but that doesn't mean it's NOT too short... for work. I can see myself wear this on the weekends but seeing as how I'm constantly moving around, I don't want to be inconvenienced by it's (lack-of) length.
Grey Sweater Dress with Zipper Detailing
I don't believe this item is available online, hence no link. It's 95% wool and 5% cashmere and wow, I really like this dress. It's warm and slightly loose on the frame. I can see myself wearing this any day of the week with any kind of black boot. It's also get this nice silver zipper detailing on the shoulders:
I bit. I took that sweater right home and tried it on again. Yep, still love it.
Sleeveless Shift in Navy
This was so bland, I thought. The hips were slightly too narrow for me and I almost couldn't pull it down. It's shapeless in an unattractive way and the snug hip-area makes it a bit worse. I think this would look lovely on someone with less hip and the price was quite attractive ('bout $30 or so without the extra 30%) for such a nice, basic staple.
What do you think about Gap's offering? I've love to hear from you!
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