Chloe + Isabel Review: Jewelry Essentials and New Pieces for Summer 2016

In case you hadn't noticed, I really love subscription boxes. I love fashion, but can't always find the time to shop. Stitch Fix has really helped fill in the gaps, and opened my mind to new styles I would have never tried before. My closet is bursting with new tops and jeans to wear this summer.

While subscription boxes are a ton of fun, they do have their limitations. I realized recently that I rarely keep or wear accessories others pick out for me. Perhaps it's because they send so few?

So, I began the search for a new way to shop for jewelry essentials. Many of my old favorites are tarnished or broken. Others just seem out of style.

I stumbled upon Chloe + Isabel and I think I'm in love! As a brand new affiliate blogging partner, they were kind enough to send me a few complimentary pieces and I can't wait to show them to you. If something catches your eye along the way, my affiliate links will take you straight to the item online.

First, a little about Chloe + Isabel, or C+I, for short. C+I is a New York based company specializing in high quality jewelry. While you can shop for pieces online, the latest styles come to life in pop-up shops hosted by spirited entrepreneurs. They offer a variety of both trendsetting styles (Chloe) and classic essentials (Isabel).

When I first saw the Crystal Square Pendant Necklace ($28) I just knew it would be a new favorite of mine. It's timeless style perfectly represents the classic side of C + I, Isabel.

This piece pairs perfectly with my antique wedding ring. Adorned with clear crystal pave, the simple square on a 16 inch chain with a 2 inch extender is just what I'm looking for in an everyday necklace. You can dress up a tee or wear it with a henley neckline for a bit of glam sparkle.

I also picked out these gorgeous Alpenglow Stackable Rings ($42) with semiprecious cloud quartz and blue and white mother-of-pearl. These will go with a lot of what I already have and flatter my cool, winter skin tone.

I wore these last Sunday to dress up a printed tee and jeans for a poolside party. It was the first time I noticed the different way each stone was cut and how they catch the light. I've got my eye on a beaded bracelet and a long station necklace to match.

Last, I picked the Sand + Sky Convertible Pendant Necklace ($52), which has probably received more compliments than the other 2 pieces combined. Looking through my jewelry, I noticed I have a lot of longer chain and layering type necklaces, but few short styles. I am really happy with the length; the 16/18 inch chain (with a 2 inch extender) is so functional.

The necklace is pictured here with the "treasure chest" #2 painted and gave to me for Mother's Day. Isn't he sweet?

The shape of the semi-precious amazonite pendant with pave accents reminds me of a Kendra Scott necklace I've been eye-balling. Honestly, I almost purchased one a dozen times but changed my mind because I wasn't sure of the quality. That's probably one of my favorite things about C + I, the lifetime guarantee.

Not only that, but for less than the price of a Kendra Scott, I got 2 necklaces in 1! I'm loving these convertible style. I can wear them together or split them up, and don't have to stand at the mirror wondering if they work together.

I was pleasantly surprised that the Sand + Sky Necklace perfectly matched the top I bought at Marshall's last weekend and wore them for Mother's Day!

Here's a picture of the convertible chain detail. Love! I thought I'd also mention that the chains are super comfortable, and don't slide around while you are wearing them.

The icing on the cake was this free Jardins du Midi Travel Candle ($28) and free shipping as part of a Mother's Day promotion.

I was absolutely shocked when my order showed up just 3 days after ordering. Each item was wrapped in a cute little drawstring bag, perfect for gifting or storage.

I was also very impressed by my local, lovely C + I representative. Candice contacted me shortly after I checked out and after my package was delivered to make sure everything was in order. I have to admit, her C + I story has me thinking about becoming a merchandiser myself. She loves the jewelry, was drawn to the C + I commitment to empower women, and joined to make a little extra money to travel (in style!). If you're interested in becoming a merchandiser yourself, you can read more about it here.

As I was writing up this blog post, an email popped-up about the new Summer 2016 pieces. I've already added a few accessories to my wish list, including the tortoise shell classic sunglasses on this gorgeous model.

She's also wearing the Lunette Open Cuff Set, Bead + Chain Multi-Wrap Bracelet, and Positano Convertible Layered Necklace

And I can't stop thinking about the Capri Statement Cuff below. This look is so very Racquel Welch, don't you think? You can find the rest of this collection, as well as the new summer styles here.

I'm meeting up with Candice tomorrow to get the new summer 2016 Chloe + Isabel catalog. The spring catalog is my new favorite desk accessory. The theme is "From Rome, with Love." She wants to show me a little stock, too. I'll try and snap a picture or 2 and share them on Instagram and Pinterest.

Which piece is on your Chloe + Isabel wishlist? I'd love to see what C + I pieces you're wearing so I can add them to mine!

Happy shopping!

Evereve Trendsend Review: A Subscription Box for Moms

I'm always on the lookout for new subscription boxes and was really excited to find an online personal styling service dedicated to moms, Trendsend by Evereve. If you are anything like me, time is limited when it comes to shopping for clothes, and things don't fit like they used to. Even if they do, they went out of style years ago. My clothing needs have changed, too. Trendend's response? "Take care of your family, we'll take care of your fashion." Brilliant.

In browsing the Evereve website, I was very impressed by the brands, fit and style of the clothes. It took me about 10 minutes to fill out a very detailed style profile and fill out my special requests. I pinned several of my favorite Evereve pieces and linked my Pinterest style board to my profile and requested a box!

Trendsend promised a 14 day turnaround and they delivered! My box arrived 11 days later via UPS. The service is free, no styling fees or shipping charges. What more could a mom ask for?

I have to admit I peeked at what I would be getting when I received my shipping email. If you are wondering how to do that, just click on the "leave feedback" link. I was intrigued by the pieces they'd chosen! I don't normally peek, but I knew I'd be busy when the box arrived (as it came on the same day as half a dozen other things) so I wanted to wrap my head around it.

When the box came, I quickly unwrapped it to find all of the clothes neatly wrapped in tissue paper, held together by stickers with cute little sayings. The box also included an invoice, a letter from my personal shopper with styling tips, a shipping envelope and a prepaid USPS sticker.

I was so excited to see some items for fall! Now if the weather would just cooperate. It was around 100 degrees when I tried these on, but I didn't care. I felt like fall Barbie playing fashion show!

This was my favorite outfit out of the box, both off and on. Trendsend calls this top Under Skies Tab Sleeve Plaid Top or Plaid Button Down Top in red/navy.

The tag read Skies are Blue, one of my favorite brands! $58 seems reasonable, but I do occasionally have time to shop and just picked up a similar shirt at Costco for $12. This one definitely has more finesse, but I decided I can only do so much plaid. Here the Costco version, which came in several colors. It has more of a western feel, snap buttons and such.

The jeans are Kut from the Kloth and were described as straight leg jeans on the invoice, but in reality they are the Dianna Skinnies and are just that. Therefore they are the exact opposite of what I asked for. Does any retailer (besides Stitch Fix) carry anything but skinnies anymore? I may have tolerated them, as they look great with boots under long tops, however I looked (and felt) like I'd just finished baking in the oven. I'm wearing them in most of these pictures.

This next top is the Braeve Charcoal Tunic or Washed Ashore Tunic for $58. It is really thick, and the hem has a raw edge which I like.

I love everything about this top, but it just doesn't love me back. The scoop neck and oversized fit didn't work well with my shape.

The next top had similar issues, and was even more unflattering because the fabric was very thin and unforgiving.

I genuinely dislike this hi lo trend. I don't need mud flaps. The color was beautiful though on this Free People Ventura Thermal. But $68? No.

This trench had great potential. It's the Ellison Oversize Trench or Holden in pebble for $78. Turns out pebble isn't my color, and I JUST bought another trench. The one size fits all didn't work out too well for me on this one anyway.

The sleeve looked much better tabbed, but were tight (and I have narrow arms).

I didn't think the drape was very flattering either. But this must be working out for everyone else, because Evereve called it a Best Seller.

I thought these Lysse Center Seam Ponte Leggings for $78 and the Peyton Jensen Cambridge Boyfriend Cardy for $48 were the last 2 items in the box. Did I mention I was really hot and received half a dozen other things that needed photographed? I was getting a bit delirious and threw these on haphazardly with this less than desirable surprise top from Golden Tote. I'm sorry.

I genuinely loved the space dye and coziness of the fabric on the sweater, but it felt shapeless. Still, I actually kind of regret sending it back. It's very on trend and would probably go with everything.

I desperately wanted to keep the leggings but just couldn't justify another pair - so similar to what I already have - for that price. Besides, Stitch Fix just started carrying these <3

Turns out I missed a shirt in the bottom of the box. Another plaid shirt, from Lovestitch, the vintage wash plaid shirt for $39.99 on sale. It was really warm. And a tad tight. Love the material and pattern though! Wish they'd had the size up to swap.

So I didn't keep anything, which is weird because everything pretty much fit. I think it was just bad timing with the hot weather, half dozen other things, and new job stress. I am REALLY impressed with what they picked out for me on the very first go round. I would definitely do this again in the future! At the very least, I'll shop the sale section of the Evereve store.

For your knowledge, no discounts were offered toward multiple purchases. And as far as I can tell, there is no referral system in place at this time. I hope they offer both in the near future!

If you'd like to try Trendsend, or just shop Evereve, I'd love it if you used my affiliate link:

Free Shipping on orders $50+

While I will receive a small commission for referrals, clearly my opinions are all my own. If you do try, be sure to let me know what you think!

Happy Trendsending!

Honizukle Review and Giveaway

It's been WAY too long since I did an Etsy giveaway, and lucky you, it's time again!

My friend Kimberly over at Honizukle is sending some sweet letterpress goodness our way.

The timing couldn't be better for stationary, right?

Summer is the perfect time to catch up on letter writing. I just used a cute little card from Kimberly to send a "thinking of you" note to my cousin who is a missionary in Guatemala. Nothing says thoughtful like a crisp, clean, handmade, letterpressed card from Honizukle's collection. One lucky winner is taking home a set of these beauties!

Fun fact about me, I used to work in a Hallmark store! Recently I was in the grocery store and needed a card for something and picked one up and was SHOCKED at the prices! Goodness me, I will think twice before buying a commercially made card again. Why spend $7 on a Father's Day card with an ugly mallard on it (I'm seriously not joking about the price or the duck) when there are pretties like this out there?

I am also delighted to see a ton of new giftables from Honizukle, too! Snazzy calendars, cute little notebooks, personalized notecards, and this lovely print, which speaks for itself.

Long, long ago I did an interview with Kimberly, but it feels like ages so I thought

we'd give it another go! Come along with me as we get reacquainted. 

Q: What's new with you? 
A: I've had quite an interesting few weeks. I meant to have some time to work on a few projects I haven't had a chance to work on, specially a big one I'm very excited about and my computer crashed on me and left me quite disappointed. Good news is, I have a new computer and I'm ready to get started on all those projects.

I've been completely into pattern making lately and that has given way to new products like notebooks and wrapping paper! I hope to dive into other areas as well. I just can’t create fast enough to keep up with my head.

Q: I love the new notebooks, what gave you the idea?
A: My latest one specifically is a pattern I’m obsessed with, my OWLS! I sort of stumbled upon these sketches because I was doodling one night on a new tool I recently acquired, a Cintiq Hybrid. It’s an amazing tool and the best part is that I can doodle right onto it without being tethered to anything. So I was doodling and owls just kept coming out and I loved each one. Once the sketching was over I cleaned them up and meant to just make them into a cute greeting card and it snowballed into a notebook and now a new notepad and wrapping paper!

Q: Your color palette and patterns are just perfect for this time of year! What inspires your choice of colors and designs?
A: I think about color a lot. When I created many of these I think I'd been longing for spring. I find a lot of inspiration in my sons. Their clothes, their toys, things like that but I also like working with color unexpectedly even though I find myself gravitating to the same types of colors. Right now I'm really into NEONS!

Q: When we spoke years ago, our shops were relatively new. I see many other shops go through drastic changes, even giving up. What do you think has kept you going?
A: I don't really think about that stuff. I have an inherent need to create, it’s not something I struggle with or have to work on, it’s just there. It’s part of me and it drives what I do. I’m glad that I'm like that because I think that’s what keeps my business going creatively. What gets in the way are silly things like the business aspects, marketing and that kind of stuff. I know it’s necessary and all but it’s not where my heart goes. I like to design and illustrate and make. However, I know that in order for people to know I'm here I have to do that stuff, so I do my best with that, too. One of the great things about having a million things I'd like to do and make all the time is that I never run out of plans for my business and I hope it always stays that way. 

Q: If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What would you do differently, if anything?
A: One of the major things I don't like doing is the financial side of my business. I just don't care about that. I like seeing that there’s a profit of course, but all that tedious work behind it makes me dizzy. I did my best saving receipts and keeping spreadsheets for a few years and one day I had it and I looked for a service that synched all my accounts, cards, sales channels, all of it into one area. It shows reports and categorizes my spending and I can quickly see where I'm making money and how much I'm spending on supplies. If I could go back, I'd do that RIGHT AWAY! It’s so much more pleasant now come tax time to print out a few reports to send to my accountant than to have to run around printing receipts and spreadsheets and checking to make sure everything is right, because it never is. Hindsight being 20/20, I'd definitely spend the money on getting the financial side of business taken care of right from the beginning.

Q: Where do you see yourself in the future? Any new projects?
A: This question is so great right now because I have a big, secret project in the works. I'm really excited about it and I hope that it does well. I will definitely tell you more about it once it’s ready to make it’s debut.

In the future, I'd like to have a more diversified company. I love what I do but I keep adding to it. I struggle with making sure that each thing I add on makes sense because I like to do everything. I used to think I wanted a large company and I'm not sure about that anymore. I think I’d like my company to grow but I'm not sure how big anymore. I like the idea of it staying intimate. We'll see what happens and how it happens as it all unfolds. One thing I would like for my future is to be able to have my husband join me, that would be wonderful!


Q: Anything on your Etsy wish list you've just got to have, or made any recent handmade purchases?
A: I do have something on my Etsy wish list! These darling serving bowls from a shop called Marinski Handmades. I specifically like the mint serving bowl. I haven't had the chance to sit and really see what I’d like to order because since they're overseas, I want to make my shipping worthwhile. :)

Well now you've got me thinking about finances Kimberly! I can't wait to pick your brain about the service you use. There is always so much knowledge to glean from other Etsy sellers!

On to the goods! I know you are anxious to enter to win that amazing little set of notecards so

let's do this! Kimberly and I are keeping it simple. Here's what you need to do to enter to win:

Visit Honizukle and share your favorite item on the social media of your choice!

Be sure to tag @Honizukle on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or PinterestAND leave a message below with your email address and social media handleso we can contact you if you win!

Thanks for reading, and good luck!

Be sure to follow me by email for future giveaways & product reviews.

Visit the giveaway tab at the top of the page for more chances to win.

Giveaway winner will be chosen on Friday, July 10th at noon PST.

Must be 18 years of age and a US/Canada resident to win.

Winner will be chosen with random.org and have 3 days to respond to this post or email.

Dailylook Elite Box Review April 2015

When I heard about the Dailylook Elite Box 3 month free trial membership, I was really excited to try something new. So I headed over and started to create a style profile. If I didn't know better, I'd say they stole the profile straight from Stitch Fix. Anyhow, when I was finished and had scheduled a date for my first box, I wandered around the site and added items to "my closet." This is a fun place on the site to create a collection of things you like. 

I was a little worried about what I'd get for a few different reasons. #1 The prices on this site are a lot higher than I wanted to pay. #2 A majority of the clothing on the site is out of my comfort zone. But isn't that what subscription box shopping is really all about? Trying new things and having some fun. And in this case, for free.

Well, the first box was a bust. So much so that I couldn't get decent pictures to share with you. Just picture me wearing a trash bag or an old sheet I tried to sew into a dress.

In fact, I was so mad about how boring, cheap & unthoughtful my first styling experience was that I left some pretty critical feedback. Fortunately, Dailylook hooked me up with a new stylist. My only request was that they add items from "my closet" and give me more color. 

I loved the question they posed to me when I contacted customer service. "Are you willing to pay a little more money for a better box?" So honest, it really made me think. I had stated the first time that money was my biggest concern and as a result I got some really cheap, ugly stuff. Would I pay more for something I might actually love? Definitely.

So this is what came in box #2

I immediately took it all out of the plastic and stacked it up nicely. OCD?

I was happy to see a little color! So of course, I tried the dress on first.

Please disregard my facial expression, I'm such a weirdo.

I loved the print right out of the box. The blue is bright and perfect for spring. It has a fun little zipper all the way from the top to the bottom.I normally want to run and grab tights immediately, but for some reason the length of this dress didn't bother me. But, it just didn't fit up top. This would be perfect on someone with a nice hourglass figure and I'm obviously a pear. It was a steal at $43, wish it worked.

The next thing I tried on was the striped skirt and black blouse.

 I was really on the fence about this Naked Zebra top dailylook calls the Rowley Layered Cuff Blouse. It fit and I loved the way it looked on a hanger. But I'm not sure about the cut on me. It does seem like a great staple to wear with skirts. I'm thinking about trying it in another color, and a smaller size just to see if it fits better. I really do love the little details on it, including a small pleat on the front, cuffed sleeves and a zipper on the back. 

I was happy to try something in this brand (I've seen it on Golden Tote) and probably would have spent the $50 had I been 100% on the fit.

This is The Fifth Label Roadhouse Skirt in Black and White Stripe.

Love the crossover on the back.

I might have kept it, but it was tight and for $66 it better fit like a glove.

I was most hopeful about this Pleated A-line Midi Dress, I've heard a lot of good things about it from other Elite Box subscribers.

Like the skirt, I wish this dress had a zipper. They were both a little bodycon for me,

and I had a really hard time getting this on and off. 

The material is super thick, which I really love. I'm that person who is cold in the middle of August.

But, it felt both revealing and matronly at the same time, if that's possible. I wish they had sized up on this one, maybe an extra inch here and there would have done the trick. But $65???

The next item is the Jack Rosen Jacket by BB Dakota in dark slate.

If you've been following my blog, I've been looking for the perfect military style or utility jacket. I ended up buying an anorak from Tilly's for $35 to tide me over.

This was the closest thing Dailylook had, but it really wasn't the style I was going for. It's too long, had no interesting detail, and the color was more blue green than army. And $70.

So I have to admit that so far everything I've shown you was stuff from "my closet", things I had found on the site and added to my profile. So technically, I wasn't really styled by anyone but myself.

Which brings me to this.

This made me laugh. I'm used to personal notes and references to my special requests and pins from my Stitch Fix stylist Traci, so this just fell flat. At least they could've taken the time to write, "here you go," or anything at all. But I think she was rushed because they were late getting my order out. This was supposed to arrive on April 11th and came on the 14th. Still.

Here's the one thing she sent me that she picked out herself, the embroidered chambray shirt.

I wish I had time to sew a gingham skirt to round this out for you, but I'm plum out of energy I reckon. Let's just say this isn't me. $55? No.

I'm not sure I'm ready to give up on Dailylook Elite Box just yet. I do get one more free month on my subscription. I also just realized they ship items free both ways for Elite Box members, so I may try just ordering some things.

I'd love to hear your input, or about your experiences with this subscription box.

If you'd like to try it for free, here's my referral link:

http://fbuy.me/cmUyq

If you are looking for a more personalized service, I highly recommend Stitch Fix. I receive a small commission if you try it. I think you are gonna love it!

http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-7776374-12089378-1427263688000

And, since you stuck around, I thought I'd share a few pictures I took of #4

while trying on the clothes.

Worth every bulge.

Happy Subscription Box Shopping!

Tina Produce Giveaway and Review

I've been admiring Tina Produce for some time now
and was so excited when I heard back from Kristina about sponsoring a giveaway and review!

Tina Produce represents California to a T.

Fresh produce, forward thinking, and modern design.

I feel like I'm at the farmer's market every time I visit Tina's shop.
Come to find out, Tina worked at one while taking an immersive screenprinting class!

She sent me this vibrant, smile-inducing handmade towel just the other day and my kitchen was instantly brighter. It's easy to see why it's her best seller.

Tina's towels are 100% cotton, which means not only are they soft, but also absorbent.

We are definitely fans of blueberries, probably the kids' favorite.

I'd love to get ahold of this design, or the strawberry, raspberry and blackberry assortment,
in a set of napkins.

These designs are also available on adorable little onesies and kids t shirts (below).

Let's meet the talented maker of these fine handmade goods.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself
A: Originally from Minnesota, I've lived in Oakland, California for over 6 years and in the Bay Area almost 14 years. I've had my business, Tina Produce, for four years now. I love the flexibility of having my own schedule, but it can get isolating and it's been a challenge to constantly be self-motivated and propelling yourself in so many directions. I'm now looking for new collaborative opportunities so that I can keep the business fun and light.

Q: Sounds like you left a career to pursue selling your wares. When did you know it was time
A: I left my office job before I really knew what I was going to do. I wouldn't recommend this, but that's how it worked for me. I had worked at the same office with the same eight people for six years and I knew that I needed to work using my creative skills. So, I lived incredibly frugally while taking a slew of visual arts courses at the local community college and slowly received some freelance design work and started my Etsy shop.

Q: Any advice for upcoming Etsy sellers?
A: Take great photos! I can't emphasize this enough. Keep all the backgrounds consistent so your shop has a cohesive aesthetic. Usually white or gray backgrounds get chosen for treasuries and features (so they look pleasing and cohesive with other vendors' items). The more you do this, the better your chance of getting picked for a treasury or blog feature, and in turn, a cover spot.

Q: Any new prints in the works?
A: I have an artichoke and asparagus design in the works, but who knows how long it will take to execute!

I can't wait to see the new design, Tina! And I agree, photos are key, and yours are phenomenal!

See for yourself here: www.etsy.com/shop/tinaproduce

If you'd like to win a blueberry towel of your own,

#1 Head on over to Tina's Produce & show some love.

Leave a comment below about your favorite(s) for a chance to win!

#2 Follow Tina Produce on Instagram &

Leave a separate comment below.

#3 Follow Tina Produce on Facebook &

Leave a separate comment below.

*Bonus entry if you share this giveaway on 

Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

and leave a link in a comment below

Don't forget to leave your email or a way to contact you!

Thanks for reading, and good luck!

Be sure to follow me by email for future giveaways & product reviews.

Visit the giveaway tab at the top of the page for more chances to win.

Giveaway winner will be chosen on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at noon PST.

Must be 18 years of age and a US/Canada resident to win.

Winner will be chosen with random.org and have 3 days to respond to this post or email.