The Finances of Fashion: Subscription Boxes

Some of you may not know, but one of my day-to-day duties that pays for the clothes I wear is analyzing a company's financials.  I decide what to buy, what to stop buying, and how to save more money (among many other things).  So I've decided to take my "expertise" (ha) here to show how I make purchasing decisions.  And trust me, I'm still learning.  I don't want this to be a lecture but more of an opinion to help give you a piece of mind.

My first tip: Subscription Boxes.

These things are awesome!  You don't have to go anywhere, you have something to look forward to every month, and you get to try something new.  I am a subscriber to Birchbox for many reasons:

1. When it comes to makeup, I'm a little in the dark.  I'm still learning how to put on lipstick and eyeliner to this day.

2. Since I'm not super knowledgeable about makeup, it's not that fun to purchase and when I go to Sephora & Ulta, I'm a little overwhelmed.

3. I spend about $20 a month on makeup and probably waste $10 a month since I don't know what I'm doing.

Birchbox costs $10 a month for me and I still spend about another $10-15 a month.  That said, I've found that Birchbox let's me try out something new, learn what I like and what I don't, and the extra bonus - serves as great travel-sized goods.  

| Vasanti Cosmetics Facial Cleanser | Dr. Jart Primer | Noir Cosmetics Eyeliner | Harvey Prince Body Creme | Amika Dry Shampoo |

As you can probably tell, most of these things are travel sized, but the eyeliner is full size and normally costs $15.  I paid $10 for the box - guess who just got about $10 worth of free loot?  Sometimes, it's not that lucky, I get all travel sizes and they don't last too long, but then you have boxes like this.  

Some things to consider when subscribing to a box:

1. Don't subscribe to a box that costs more than your monthly budget.  I love Julep nail polish but I would never spend $20 on nail polish, since I tend to pick it off within 48 hours of application.  If you have great nails and aren't afraid to leave the red/pink family, Julep Maven be right for you.

2. Do your research.  Some boxes are unique and the sole one of it's kind.  Others have competition.  Make sure you know what's out there and make your choice after researching.  Read some reviews, most boxes lock you in for a certain amount of time.  I think Glossybox is a great makeup box as well, but it's not in my price range which was one of my decisions in choosing Birchbox.

3. Be willing to try something new.  While most boxes have you fill out a survey at the beginning, you are destined to get something you don't like once in a while.  But if you're willing to at least try, say the Cate & Chloe Jewelry Box or Stitch Fix, you may find something you would have never picked and LOVE.

4. Think about going outside the realm of fashion.  I think the Whimsey and Popsugar must have boxes are some really great boxes with crafts and all sorts of fun goodies.  When I get my puppy (whenever that is) I will probably get a Barkbox, and if I lived in a more urban area, I'd be signing up for Blue Apron today.

5. Don't limit boxes to yourself!  Boxes can be great gifts!  I'm not the only one in my household who gets one - Boyfriend subscribes to Dollar Shave Club and loves it.  It's a gift that keeps on giving for 6-months to a year!

This post is not endorsed by any of the companies that were mentioned.  They are my own opinions and show the options that are out there in the subscription box market.

Last Days of Target: Days 6 & 7

Remember when I tried to wear Target for 7 Days and then everything happened?  Well I completed the challenge!

| Chambray Shirt | Lace Skirt | Booties | Earrings - All Target | 

| Dress | Jean Jacket | Sandals | Bag | Earrings - All Target | 

I concede - it's hard to wear JUST Target... but I will say that elements of Target happen to go in almost all of my outfits.  The first outfit is one of my staples (you've seen it before on the blog).  I love the whole Chambray and lace look and I love the Boho vibe the boots give the outfit.

The second outfit has some of my staple elements.  First - the jean jacket and the brown bag go with me EVERYWHERE on the weekend.  They're perfect accessories for all of my casual outfits.  The shoes are "Jack Rodgers Knock-Offs".  When I found them, I jumped because I was a sorority girl in college.  They're great mimics and I definitely fooled many people - and saved around $170.  

The last picture was taken outside of our local market, which is the oldest running farmer's market in the country.  I love it and want to be there every Saturday.  Some favorite moments: Touching all of the delicious organic and locally grown produce and finding this awesome candy stand.  Love it.

Back to School

 | Tunic - Anthropologie |  Ring - LuLu's | Cuff - The Limited | Cheetah Reva Tory Burch Flats - Bloomindales | Romper - Forever21 | Simply Vera Robe - Kohl's | Skinny Jeans - Gap | Butter London Queen Vic Nail Polish - Macy's | Bejeweled iPhone Case - Free People | Plaid Scarf - Forever21 |

So I know school has started almost everywhere, and I also know that I'm now old and out of school, but I still get really excited for everyone else going back to school and all of the great things that are out there for purchase this time of year.  I'm pretty convinced I'm a late bloomer.  By the time I made it to the end of college, I was pretty sure I was ready for high school.  Now I'm starting to think I'm ready to be a freshman in college.  And looking back on my time, here's what I wish I would have bought if I was a freshman now... (Wish I bought that I haven't in the future... that's a sci-fi fashion book in the making!) 

1. Fun Day/Class Shirts - It's hard for me to make the jump and wear prints, and when I tend to do that, it's usually in the evening wear/going out category.  This Anthro tunic is something I am seriously drawn to but I would have never been comfortable wearing.  And what's even better is it's a day shirt - made for class!  I would have been much cuter in this than my Target T-Shirts & Sweaters.

2 & 3. Gold Ring & Cuff - I wish I had invested in more cheaper jewelry and had spraypainted it before wearing so it would last.  I usually stayed away from the cheap stuff because of the quality which left me with really fancy nice stuff.  So I wasn't a huge jewelry person.  These pieces are fun, in gold (which I didn't even own until I went to college), and inexpensive.

4. Tory Burch Cheetah Flats - I wish I had purchased Tory Burch flats because girls loved them and I would have worn them everywhere.  But more importantly, I wish I purchased them in this print, because until senior year, I swore off animal prints.  And that's just silly.

5. Printed Romper - Rompers were just becoming popular when I was a senior, but I go back to print statement at #1.  I also wish I followed those weird trendy things (like crop tops now, too) that I think are ridiculous but secretly don't hate (see maxi dresses and wedges 5 years ago).

6. A Robe - I used to make fun of my little & her boyfriend for living in their robes like an old couple.  I was a moron.  I love my robes.  I have a satin summer one and a fleece winter one.  I'm craving a nice jersey one like this for those not so hot not so cold days.  They are awesome.  I mean, if you have roommates, you can be "naked" but not really.  Sometimes, I nap in them.  And that's a very college thing to do.  (Nap, not be "naked but not really"... well I guess that is, too?)

7. Well-Made, Good Fitting Jeans - Again, I wore Target.  I'm slowly getting better at the whole "quality over quantity" thing but back in the day I was extremely the opposite.  I wore tons of Old Navy & Target which is definitely acceptable, but I had to wash them often and replace them often too.  Now that I have more well-made jeans that fit me like a glove, I realize I don't need many because they keep their shape and they look great.  If I focused on 4 AWESOME jeans versus 14 cheap ones, I would have been much better dressed (and probably for the same amount of money).

8. Nail Polish - I think the nail polish I had in college was either given to me or from high school.  Obviously, I rarely wore nail polish.  If I bought one color a season and just rocked it, I would have been set.

9.  New tech case - Mind you, I started college with the first iPhone (which came out the month before I went to school), so my case options were limited.  But now my past self in the future would have a new phone case every year that has personality and is unique and shows my true self.

10. Fun scarf - I didn't realize the importance of scarves in the college fashion scene.  Now that I do, I would wear this scarf with everything.  You should know I want it now to wear with everything.  I'll let you know it is $6 since I've already ordered it for myself... 

Sabrina

| Dress & Heels - H&M | Similar Dress | Similar Heels | Pearl Cluster Necklace - Express | Similar | Black Bow - Claire's | Similar | Watch - Michael Kors | Similar | Gold Pave Link Bracelet - J.Crew Factory | Similar | 

This dress makes me feel like Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina.  I've always loved LBD's and I could never have too many.  The classic cut of this one had to make it's way into my closet.  I have worn bows for a while, and even though I wear them less and less the older I get, I still am drawn to them.  Maybe once in a while, I can get away with it.

I'm Back

Did you miss me?  Because I've missed you!  It's been a crazy couple of months - and honestly, it's not slowing down.  As you read this, I'm currently in Memphis, spending the long weekend with my best friend (it's her birthday today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAITLIN!!!)  But enough is enough, it's time for me to return to my loves and get back to business.  So here's what's been happening since we last spoke:

| Top Left: G-Unit? Top Right: I'm taking a selfie AND a tourist pic.  Write a song about that! Bottom Left: Our gorgeous nation's capital/capitol? BOTH! Bottom Right: Boyfriend & my celebratory drinks at Dogfishhead Brewpub in Rehoboth Beach, DE |

So boyfriend & I got job offers within a week of each other - just in time for him to take a full day test in DC while I discovered the city by myself (my wallet joined me, don't worry).  We went to the beach to celebrate and visit my family which is where I left you - resigning from your job, finding a place to live, and moving within 2 weeks (after a 4-day vacation) is a little crazy, just so you know, but it can be done!

But not before having these cookies.  Holy diabetes goodness, I will miss these.

So boyfriend & I packed up the U-Haul with our stuff, moved our two homes into one and moved to Amish Country.  You read that correctly.  I live amongst the plain-dressed people.  A fashion blogger.  Aunt Betty has adapted.  She has a lot of windows to stare at the world that she fears...

So I traded my old office...

For this:

 

That's a Mac and a city view, so I'm happy.

Even Cleatus, my camel from Dubai, made the journey & likes his new home!

Since the move, I've become very acquainted with train stations and our town's troubadours.

We also discovered the best Mexican restaurant we've been to in a lonnnnggggg time (sorry, Montezuma's)

Don't even get me started with their tacos.  We then spent weekends visiting with friends, spending time with family, and last weekend, heading up to Manhattan for good friends, good views, good food, and a gorgeous rooftop wedding.  Yep, more food pictures to come:

The Food: Perfect (Yes, I had fried green tomatoes.  No judgement, please)

I got to see these wonderful people AND pretend to be Serena Van Der Woodsen.

 

And the views: 

Next move?

Haha just kidding!  And now I'm in the home of the blues!  But while I travel, say hello, and don my high heels to pass the Amish farms, I will be posting every day this month.

That's right - 30 Days of Bijoux!  

You'll be wishing I was gone forever ;)