My YouTube Obsession!

So, school started yesterday! After two full weeks of back to back shifts at work, I get to jump right in to a project intensive school year! Don't get me wrong, I love Uni and I adore my classes this semester, but I just happened to take all the classes that require a portfolio of work at the as a final (Costuming, Production Management, and Creative Writing.) I stocked up on lots of binders for this very reason! Now I just need to balance work and the time I need to spend at the theatre for my other credits~

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Anywhosiwhatsits, I really wanted to talk about a little thing Miss Allegra showed me on YouTube over the weekend. 

This is make-up guru KlairedelysArt. I first watched the "Sloth" installation of her Seven Deadly Sins series and I fell in love. In my opinion she is the best on YouTube, mostly because of her professional and unique filming style (particularly with how she shows the products,) as well as her amazing attention to detail. This is also coming from a theatre student, so I have an affinity for gurus that do more theatrical tutorials versus someone who does a "Girls Night Out" look video. 

In any event, she has some crazy videos, ranging from full out looks that capture characters, to special effects tutorials ("I STAPLED MY NAIL!" is bonkers,) to body painting. Plus she does some everyday, civilian looks. 

She is also super lovely to listen to and her recent charitable acts are super heart warming. Please give her a watch, even if it's not your cup of tea, you have to see the talent this girl has! 

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Outfit from today! My cutesy sweater (Target), jean shorts (Torrid), tights (Target), crochet side booties (Target), and my flower crown (Forever XXI). You can tell I work at Target. 

My plan is to do a Rock Your Body! review next, although the promotion as passed (again.) I can't get on the ball can I?

~B

Update+Beach Box Review

Quick update on life comes first. I was going to do the following review earlier, but things ended up happening that prevented me from doing so. My biological father was killed in a motorcycle accident last week, which prompted me to go to my grandparents house for the week. I took a leave from (almost) all social media and spent time with family and close family friends. It was a week full of grieving, healing, and therapy.

If I learned anything it was that everything is natural and that it is okay to accept your humanity.

I am back at work and I have since returned to "real life".

***

Now, after I threw some heavy stuff at you, I'm going to lighten this post up with my Beach Box review (finally!) The Beach Box comes with five products inside and costs $29.95 with tax. Being a LUSHie and an employee, I've been all about trying out all of the campaign products because, in all honesty, they are an amazing bang for your buck. 

Product: Ocean Salt

Regular Price: $21.95 for a small; $39.95 for a large

This was the real reason I picked up the Beach Box. I am a vigorous user of Ocean Salt (at least once a day,) and my plan had been to pick up a large pot before work. Alas, no luck. We were currently sold out and the only ones we had were in the boxes. What is a girl to do? Buy the gift box, of course. 

I love Ocean Salt because it makes my skin feel baby soft, as well as giving me that strong, astringent, clean feeling. It helps clean out my often acne prone skin and does a pretty nice job of keeping my skin clear. My strongest recommendation for this product, though, is to tone and moisturise if you use the product as frequently as I do. It's the only way to keep healthy skin because over exfoliation can make problematic skin worse! 

As with all gift box sets, this is a small version (smaller than the regular small pot), so I did have to go and purchase more when we got more in, but I did tide me over until then. Plus I got to try all of the following products because of it! 

Product: Seanik Shampoo Bar

Regular Price: $11.95

I am also a huge fan of the shampoo bars, mostly because I have so much hair and I have a tendency to take too much liquid shampoo when washing. I normally use New, which is a clove and cinnamon based bar that helps with hair growth. The Seanik was an interesting departure from the spiciness of New. My hair holds on to scents really well, so I was pleased with the lovely perfume the shampoo left in my hair. 

As for how it left my hair, it's been a bit more fly away than normal. It seemed to be quite fitting because of the whole sea theme, but it's been a bit irritating. Now, I did use a different shampoo once or twice during the time I used Seanik. My bangs seemed more in place and controlled with the other shampoo. I had heard from a friend that Seanik made her hair light and fluffy (in a bad way,) but I wouldn't go so far as to say it's awful. I'm sure if I did more to my hair, such as flat ironing and using hair spray to control my hair, it would be less noticeable, but c'est la vie!

This is also a mini size and, after using this every day, it has lasted me over a month. 

Product: Dream Cream

Regular Price: $26.95

This one is a baby, baby sample of Dream Cream. While working at LUSH I have learned that a little goes a long way with most of the products and that applies here. The mini pot is deeper than most of the sample pots and a dab of the cream will do an entire arm or leg. If used correctly, this can go a ways. 

As for the product, it is something I have gotten for my mother, both last Christmas and this year's birthday, because of her eczema. While I grew out of this condition when I was a child, I do occasionally dry out. I have since learned that this is also spectacular on razor burn because of it's healing and soothing properties. I have also heard tell that it is lovely for sun burns, too. It is super awesome. 

I actually just got more of this today, too (that story will be saved for later.)

Product: Sea Spray

Regular Price: $12.95

If you are like me and have been working all summer, you probably haven't been able to go to the beach. Super bummer. However, this hair mist will make you feel like you have! I like this because a few spritzes will help bring out some natural curls, making it look as if you've been hanging out in the salt water and air. I think it looks fabulous with ponytails in particular, but I think the best success I've had with it is applying it on someone else. It's just easier to control what the hair is doing and making it more stylable than just random fly aways. 

Product: Sea Vegetable Soap

Regular Price: Varies

This soap seems to change scent on me. Sometimes I can really pick up on the lavender and others it just smells really sea weedy (a la fresh Aqua Marina, aka not very good.) It doesn't leave too much of a perfume on my skin, so it's super maskable. On the other hand, the seaweed moisturises my skin pretty nicely, but I don't really get any of the exfoliation from the sea salt. 

It does have a lot of fallout, too. I had a similar experience with Sandstone leaving sand in my shower. It's a bit irritating to deal with for a little bit of softness, especially when I can just use a massage bar. I know there are people that really like this soap, but it just isn't what I want. And that's okay. 

Overall, pretty happy with the box. Some things I love, some I find just alright. It was nice to try out all this new stuff that I normally wouldn't, plus it brought the Beach to me! 

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So, I did get back to LUSH today and I have another haul, plus a new gift box to review! 

Rock Your Body Kit w/ Strawberry Fields Forever Massage Bar and Coconut Deodorant (which will be my next BIG review!), Dark Angels Facial Cleanser, Stepping Stone Foot Scrub, Sunnyside Bubble Bar, Rose Jam Bubbleroon, Honey I Washed The Kids Soap, Honey Trap Lip Balm, Hottie Massage Bar (it's Aerated!), Take Back The Tap Water Bottle.

And here's the outfit of the day! A crop sweater (Forever XXI), circle skirt (H&M), tights (Rite Aid), and new crochet side booties (Target).

Whoo! Now it's time for bed! 

~B

My Love of Lolita

It's been a while guys, but I had been planning a multi outfit post from all my days off. That was until the morning of the Lolita meet up I attended last Saturday. Something extraordinary happened.

While dressing in my frills and pettis, I was a bit scared. Though I had been accepted by those in my local comm (who are all amazingly wonderful,) I had yet to appear physically in front of my family in Lolita. Obviously they'd seen pics on Facebook and I've talked about it before, but it was different.

Don't get me wrong either, my family isn't nasty about my style choices: they have put up with my corsets, platform shoes, and strange make-up for years. Though they never mean to hurt, they like to tease. It's how they show their love sometimes. Yet, Lolita seemed different to me. Perhaps it was because it represents myself more than any other style and I feel so alive when I wear it. Goth was a part of me, too, but I never felt like I totally fit in. Which isn't to say that made me feel self concious either, but it's all different. I feel confident. I don't need validation, but it's a nice bonus. It can make or break my mood for the day.

So, knowing I would have to pass everyone in order to leave the house, I did get a bit anxious. I didn't want to leave with a weird taste in my mouth, but instead I was pleasantly surprised. My mom said I was cute (which is pretty normal, since she usually loves my fashion choices, if put together nicely,) and my sisters were less off put than they usually are. My dad did ask if I'd feel weird being in public in such outlandish clothes, but I assured him, being weird in a group is a cake walk. My grandmother loved my dress and my three-year-old God son said I looked very pretty. I suppose what shocked me most was my Uncle, who is normally the instigator, said how good I looked. It shocked even my mother. Everyone had extremely positive feedback.

I suppose what I wanted to say is that, regardless of the amount of confidence one has, it's so much nicer when there is also a strong support system. Being someone who likes different fashions across the board, my style varies from the norm more often than not. Though it is not always apparent, I know I am supported and that day is a reminder to me. I feel blessed to have that support, because so many in Lolita (and in other subgroups) don't have that, yet they are still strong enough to stand on their own two feet and feel beautiful. I commend them tremendously for that.

The girls of the Maine comm. The gif is made by the wonderful Elise.

***

On a less serious note, the meet up was at the zoo and was awesome! I loved seeing all the girls again and saw cutesy animals (and didn't melt in 100 degree weather like the last meet up.) At the same time, I know my wallet is going to start dying because of all the JSKs I want to buy for future meet ups and general tom foolery. If I didn't have such a diverse astheic, I'd wear all Lolita all the time. But, my inner Kawaii Riot Girl won't allow it. 

I did get a lovely outfit shot, too! This is a white version of the Bodyline OP from my PortCon posts, paired with the same hand me down cardigan, white tights (Target), and Jellypop Mary Janes (DSW Shoes). I topped it off with my sister's white lace bow (Claire's). 

There are more reviews ahead! First will be the Birthday duo I got from Sephora, followed by the Beach Box from LUSH!

Ooh La La!

~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!

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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

Festival, Our Summer Tradition

The other day was the fourth year my friends and I went to the local Old Homes Day. I love going to this event because I get to see a lot of my old friends from high school, since they all live locally in the summer time. It is the one chance I see some of them due to differing schedules.

I also enjoy it because I love dressing up for different events. The original plan for the day had been to meet up with the other Maine Lolitas for a meet up at the Clam Festival, but that went down the drain. My intent, though, was to wear Lolita to Old Homes Day in honour of all my Lolita friends, but I forgot my petticoat and  it was so ungodly hot. Thinking back on it, it would have been awful wearing tights, shorts, a petticoat, two sports bras, and an OP. Ugh. Not worth it.

Instead I went with an edgy, cute look.

I really loved this outfit. We have a flowy peter pan collared tank (Forever XXI), jean shorts (Torrid), patterned stockings (eBay), and a borrowed pair of patent leather Doc Martens. 

Arguably this outfit was better for the hellish weather we've been experiencing here in Maine in recent days.

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Today I went to a special Body Care and the Art of Massage training session for LUSH. It was so wonderful, especially since I got to learn more about the new Spas coming to North America this year. I really need to take a trip down to NYC soon, even more so now. We'll see how that works out. 

See you soon,

~B

Sister's day out~

I went out with my two little sisters to the mall today. Although, I went there yesterday and it seems like I spend all day, everyday in South Portland, I still enjoyed it very much. I also did not purchase much, aside from lunch for the three of us, due to the fact that I am trying to save up for new Lolita dresses (and my Spring semester at Uni.) Luckily the day was not wasted as I got to spend time with my girlies and they found some super cute things for themselves.

Today's outfit was more on the summery side! I've got my "Oh Captain, My Captain" tank (made by Captain Maggtos; picked up at the last Emilie Autumn concert in Boston) paired with a black camisole, jean shorts (Torrid), tights (Rite Aid), and my sassy new platform sneakers (gojane.com - we'll be discussing these on a later date!)

Note: this is how I do my make up 99.9% of the time. I've got Nutrogena hydrating facial primer, L'Oreal True Match Foundation, ELF's blush in Twinkle Pink, Urban Decay's Big Fatty Mascara, and L'Oreal Color Riche Lip Balm in Provence Romance (from the Versailles Romance Spring 2013 line.

I also got a Flower Crown from Forever XXI! 

***

A few updates on upcoming things: as mentioned my order from gojane.com did come in, however there is an issue with the boots I got, so I will be doing an overall review for my experience with the shoes and shop when I finally receive my exchange pair. 

In the meantime I will have a review for the LUSH Beach Box and another little gift I recieved: The 2013 Sephora Giftset, which includes Benefit's They're Real Mascara and Watts Up! Highlighter! 

Isn't it exciting?

-B

Review: Let's try the Tangle Teezer!

Hair Type: Long and thick, falling a few inches past my armpit. I have been dying my hair for the past four years, but it is shiny and healthy looking. Tangles very, very easy, especially after sleeping.

Hair Care: I shower *almost* daily, using both shampoo and conditioner. My staple products are the New Shampoo Bar from LUSH and Color Me Happy Conditioner from Herbal Essences. I comb through my hair when conditioning with either my fingers or a conditioning comb. I usually use my Start Style Finish Frizz Free Brush from Goody to wet brush my hair. I VERY RARELY use heat treatments on my hair (curling/flat irons, hair dryers.)

The Product: The Tangle Teezer can be found at http://www.tangleteezer.com/index.php for approx. $15.41 plus S&H; can also be purchased at Urban Outfitters.

I received the Tangle Teezer as a gift or my birthday. After hearing rave reviews from YouTubers and fashion bloggers, the Teezer seemed like the answer to my problems! But, is it?

The Original in Pink Fizz.

Though the back of the box says to wash hair first, I had heard tell that the Teezer could be used on dry hair as well. Directly after waking up, I attempted to use the brush on my knotted and frizzed bird's nest, only to find that it made things worse. It tugged and pulled, eventually making my hair even more frizzy, giving it a severe split end look. If this was the look I had been going for (and, yes, some days I want a flyaway fan of hair) it wouldn't have been such a big deal. This was not the case. 

The next order of business was to try the Teezer after washing my hair. I followed my normal regimen for washing my hair, followed by a nice towel dry. At this point my hair is still wet, but not soaking. I brushed one side of my hair with the Teezer, experiencing a more toned down pulling and tugging, as compared to my normal hair brush. The product is supposed to be pain free, but this was not the case for me. I brushed the other side of my head with my normal brush for comparison. They each took about the same time to "detangle" and had about the same amount of pull, especially on the tough knots in the lower layers that are closest to the nape of my neck. The only plus is since the Teezer has so many individual teeth, it separates the hair so it dries faster than the hair that was done with a normal brush.

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Close up of bristles - the entire product is hard plastic.

B's Verdict: I am not saying that every internet guru that loves this product is wrong, but this product was not the miracle my hair needed. It seems like a lot of hype for something that does the same thing as all my other brushes. I feel bad, also, as the gift giver really felt this was going to do much more for me, so upon hearing my critique, she was a bit upset. This product will probably be most useful in the winter, so it will dry easier and my hair will be less apt to freeze into hairsicles. Other than that, I'm not in any hurry to toss out all my other brushes for the Teezer. It's just aight. 

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Disagree? Let me know what the Teezer did for you. Am I doing it wrong, or...?

Looking towards our next meeting.

-B