Mini Haul + Find Me!

Best news about today? Here in Southern Maine we hit 49 degrees! 

We might get more snow, but nothing can put a damper on my mood today. While out bumbling around the mall I noticed that my local Forever 21 now carries plus sizes! I took the opportunity to try on some cuties, but I did actually end up walking away with some stuff (which was a great surprise!) I've been trying to hold back on purchases lately and today was the first time in months I bought myself some items. So, yay for seemingly breaking a spell! 

Isn't it just so adorbs!

 I actually got the dress in normal sizing, but the jacket came from the plus line. They looked so cute together, I couldn't pass it up. I actually really want to wear this combo for the spring auditions at school, since it has the fun color (so they'll remember me) and the professional quality to it.

Kind of what it looks like on. Oh the dressing room selfies.

During our trip we also popped into Bath and Body Works. Though I can't burn candles at home, I fell in love with their new bakery collection (the Raspberry Peach Macroon is to die for!) I did give in and get one of the wall flowers so that I can keep my room smelling like summer. 

This was my second favourite scent from the bakery collection.

Overall, today was a great success!

***

I also wanted to put in a bit of [shameless] self promotion. 

I can now be found on Bloglovin, Lovocracy, and Instagram! 

If you like what I do and want to see more of my life and/or what I like, feel free to browse around my other accounts! 

thank you and see you soon!

~B

Review: Rites of Spring Headdress by Sweet Mildred

I have always wanted to order items from Sweet Mildred ever since I joined the Maine Lolita comm last June. A lot of the ladies in the comm have ordered from her before and I always admired the pieces she creates. So, while pondering through what to give for Christmas gifts, I stumbled upon her Rites of Spring Deet Antler headdress and knew I had to get it for Miss Allegra.

Product: Rites of Spring Deer Antler Headdress
Price: $40.00 + S&H (NOTE: The version I purchased is no longer sold; the only difference is a change in the type of resin antlers.)

Stock photo from Sweet Mildred.

Overall, Millie was an excellent seller. I placed my order December 17th and it arrived sometime around January 10th. While that seems like a long time, it was in the thick of the Holiday season and I was in no rush for it to arrive. I messaged Millie about the shipping and she responded quickly with a sweet, through response. She even included a little gift because it came later than expected. 

Product photo.

Flower detail.

Headband detail.

Worn photo (it's me! don't tell!)

The item itself is absolutely gorgeous. It's a little different from the stock photo, but that's just fine; it makes it unique! The resin antlers are beautifully realistic. I personally love all the details that Millie puts in to her products, the sheer quality and care she has for her art. I would most certainly purchase from her again, not only as gifts, but for myself. 

Here's the extra gift; it just happened to be a perfect match for Allegra.

I had promised a gift to make Allegra "shit bricks." While she didn't do that, she was left breathless, which was good enough for me!

Millie has lots of beautiful pieces in stock. She is worth checking out!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetmildred

~B

Review: GoJane Order!

As I mentioned a few posts back, I ordered shoes from www.gojane.com, but I was unable to do the review because I had issues with a pair of the shoes. Well, the time has come to finally do a post for them! I have a pair of sneakers and a pair of boots, so here we go!

Shoe: Zip Back Combat Boot, Size 9 in Whiskey
Price: $27.95 + S&H

I actually really liked these boots, both online and in person. The item was exactly as pictured. As for fit, I normally get a size 8.5, but the site was sold out of the Whiskey in that size, so I decided to try for a larger size. Turns out it was a pretty good idea. They weren't too big, which may indicate that the shoes run a bit small (either that or my feet are growing.) Also, unlike other boots I've owned, my comfort level stayed consistent when wearing them, even after walking around the mall. 

Something else that I loved about these boots were that they were super versatile. With the button snaps, you could wear them with the tops folded over, or you could wear them up for a more traditional look. 

Buuuutttt, there were some downsides. First, the shoe laces are long and not very flexible. If tied like normal, the bows look really silly, standing almost at attention and are easily stepped on. Taking a trick from Miss Allegra, I actually wrapped them around the ankle before tying them, adding a new dimension to the detail as well as making the laces a bit more practical. So, no biggie. Second, my boots came damaged. 

NOOOOOO!

I actually didn't notice this until I was heading out of the mall (after about 1 and a half hours of wear.) Upon closer inspection, it seems like a machine error, where the bobbin had run out and only the top thread was lain, meaning it only looked like the area was stitched. That being said, one would think this would have been caught in quality control, buuuut...

I did contact GoJane to see if I could exchange for the same style (with the concern that if I did receive another damaged pair, would I be able to return/exchange those,) but they had sold out of the boot. Sad day! They did offer to refund me 25% of the purchase price if I wanted to keep them and try to get them fixed, but due to the nature of the damage and the lack of cobblers in my area, I just decided to return them for a refund. 

Overall, I would have been super happy with the boots, if not for that pesky stitching. I'm going to miss them.

Shoes: Quilted Platform Sneakers, Size 8.5 in Black

Price: $15.95 + S&H

These were an impulse buy during the site's sneaker sale. The Kawaii Riot Girl in me wanted these like crazy, because they would be super easy to coordinate into different outfits. As seen in one of my previous posts, my inner Kawaii Riot Girl was right. I am really happy with these shoes. 

They are really comfy and stylish. The sizing is pretty true, with a bit of wiggle room in the toes so my feet don't feel squished. I plan on eventually using these for work, so I will probably get extra cushioned soles to make them more comfortable for standing in one spot for 6-8 hours. 

I had expected the platform to be a bit bigger, but that is just based on in person perceptions versus the angle of the image online. For many, the platform would be plenty, as it adds about 1.25 inches, but I like outrageous platforms, so that's just a preference. These are better for casual wear, making it easier for working, shopping, walking, and driving. I do worry about them when I am out though, but that's just in my head. They are pretty sturdy and well made. The white sole does scuff a bit, however, they are shoes and are meant to be worn. 

Really happy with this purchase!

***

So, there you go! I ended up with a nice pair of sneakers and got a refund for the damaged pair. The company was swift to answer and offer any help possible. I might shy away from them for a bit, just based on the condition of the boots and my fear that I'll fall in love with another pair of boots only for them to arrive damaged. Allegra ordered three pairs and all came in perfect condition, so I'm not sure how to feel. 

Don't let my fear deter you, though. Judge for yourself, as they have really lovely shoes for cheap. Just remember: you get what you pay for! 

Let's see what happens next time!

~B