Birchbox

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Perfume: Rollerball Collection

I am a big fan of purse size perfumes. Specifically, I like ones that have a spray top, but most that I own are rollerballs. Rollerballs are a great way to test out a fragrance, if you are not willing to commit to a full size bottle. Also, I enjoy carrying around a small version of a perfume that I own in a large size. Below is a list of my current rollerball collection:


  • Bond no. 9 Bleecker Street
  • Bond no. 9 Coney Island
  • Bond no. 9 Eau De New York
  • Bond no. 9 Little Italy 
  • YSL Elle
  • Narciso Rodriguez For Her
  • Coach Poppy
  • Hanae Mori Butterfly 
  • Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy
  • LaVanila Vanilla Grapefruit
  • Paco Rabanne Lady Million
  • Stella McCartney Stella
  • Fresh Sugar Lychee 




Monday, March 26, 2012

Want List: Valentino Shoes

I am obsessed with new collection of shoes and bags that Valentino has come out with. The bags are nice, but the shoes have me hooked. I personally love a classic shoe, and Valentino always gets it right with a bow. Sometimes, I like a more edgy look and Valentino has nailed it with the studs. If you aren't willing to spend in the $600-$900 range, other brands are coming out with dupes. I have seen J. CREW come out with a similar style to the third image below for only $275. I see a pair in my future! Which is your favorite style?

(photo credit: neimanmarcus.com)

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Bargain Hunting: Sephora Chic Week 15% off Sale

It's that time of the the year again, when stores are having their friends and family sale. The Sephora sale will run from March 29-April 6 for VIB members. For regular beauty insiders the sale dates are March 30-April 5. I have been waiting for this sale, so that I can buy some new perfumes, restock on essentials, and try out new kits.  Fragrence sets are always a good deal, and with the additional 15% off they become a better deal. During a sale period, is a good time to restock on concelers, foundations, etc. since you always use these products. Lastly, Sephora has a lot of kits from brands such as Benefit, Korres, etc. Why not test out new products at an already good value, for even less.  An example, of a great deal, that I am sure will go fast is Sephora's rollerball Collection set. Orginally this was priced at $65, now it is $32, and with the additional 15% it becomes only $27.20. That's less then $4 per rollerball, you can't beat that! Usually a rollerball will run around $20. Enter code CHICVIB at checkout. Bloomingdales will also be having a Friends & Family sale from March 28-April 1, so plan accordingly. 








What are you planning to pick up at the sale?

Friday, March 23, 2012

Nails: Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour

I have a love/hate relationship with Chanel nail polish. I hate the price, but love the colors! Currently, I have 4 in my collection. My colors are: May, Rouge Fatal, Perdiot, Black Pearl. Many of the Chanel polishes are limited edition, so if you miss out, they are gone forever! One thing that makes Chanel polish different from other brands, is that some of their colors are not dupable. Lastly, the packaging makes it worth shelling out a few extra bucks! Retail: $26








Are you a fan of Chanel polish?

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Current Favorites: Makeup

I am absolutely in love with each of these products.
  • Laura Mercier Silk Creame Foundation in Rose Ivory 
  • Mac Beauty Powder in Blush of Youth 
  • Soleil Tan De Chanel in Bronze Rose
  • Le Metier De Beaute Lipgloss in Dubai
  • Urban Decay Naked 2 Pallatte
  • Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy
  • Bobbi Brown Correcter in Bisque 
What are your current favorites?





Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Bargain Hunting: Intermix Warehouse Sale

Today's bargain came from intermixonline.com. I managed to get an Alexis Bittar cuff that retails $295 for only $17.90!! The cuff is super cute and I can't wait to receive it in the mail. They still have some other items at almost 85% off.

(photo credit: intermixonline.com)

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Jewelry: YSL Arty Ring

Spring is in the air, and I can't wait to wear my YSL Arty ring. I picked this bad boy up in Paris. I have been admiring this ring for a while, and knew I had to get it. I chose to go with the turquoise stone. There were so many options, it was like choosing candy! If you are interested in purchasing this ring, I suggest you wait for the Friends & Family sale at Saks Fifth Avenue. I have seen in previous sales, that the ring has been included. You can expect to get 20% off the retail price, which is $250.
What piece of jewelry are you most excited to wear this summer?



Monday, March 19, 2012

Bargain Hunting: Lorac Sale

This weeks bargain came from Ulta. Currently, they are having 21 days of beauty. Each day they are putting certain products on sale, that typically do not go on sale. Today I snagged up the Lorac Starry-Eyed Baked Eyeshadow Trio in Starlet, and the Lorac Eyeshadow Primer. The eyeshadow trio retails for $26, and was on sale for $13. The primer retails for $21, and was on sale for $10. Paying $23 is a lot more fun than $47, don't you think?

Want List: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel

I have been obsessed with the Celine Luggage Tote, for a while now. So has the rest of the world, hence it is not the easiest thing to get your hands on. In addition, the bag will run you around $2000. A few weeks ago, I came across the Pashli Satchel by 3.1 Phillip Lim. To be honest, I like it more then the Celine bag, and it's priced better at $875.
Which one do you like better?

 3.1 Phillip Lim

Celine



Thursday, March 8, 2012

Perfume: Jimmy Choo

I got this perfume for my birthday, last year. It had just been released at Saks Fifth Avenue. I loved the bottle when I first saw it. The scent was also beautiful, but stronger and sweeter then I usually prefer. I tend to go for fresher and lighter scents. This one had hints of vanilla. Since I do not own anything else from Jimmy Choo, I thought this would be a good purchase to see what the brand was all about. At first, I used the perfume sparingly. Simply, due to the cost, and because of the strong scent. I wore it to a few weddings, and really enjoyed it. Now whenever I spray it, I am reminded of a wedding. I collect many perfumes, so I do not have a signature scent, but I am going to start wearing this one more often.

Jimmy Choo fragrance is now being sold at many fine department stores, and online only at sephora.com.



Perfume 2 oz $70
Shower Gel $36
Body Lotion $44

What's your signature scent?

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Technology: new IPAD

The new Ipad was unveiled today. It's not being called Ipad 3, which logically would make sense, since the previous one was Ipad 2. Rather, it is being called the new Ipad. They added the word new so people would not think it's the original Ipad. This seems a bit strange to me. I believe Apple wants to refer to the tablet simply as Ipad, without any numbers, because they plan on releasing a new one each year. Think about it, how obnoxious would Ipad 34 sound?

 I must add, I have never been a fan of the Ipad. To me it always appeared to be just a large Iphone. I saw no reason to ever get one. Being that I own a Macbook and an Iphone, the Ipad just seemed like over kill. But I must admit after seeing the new features today, I am officially hooked.  I plan on buying one. In white of course, cause it looks more chic!


Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Want List: YSL Chyc Bag


Yves Saint Laurent Chyc Bag
Retail: $1995

(photo credit: ysl.com)

Shampoo: L'Occitane Repairing

I am currently obsessing over the L'Occitane Repairing Shampoo. I have always wanted to use a shampoo and be wowed by the results. This unfortunately, has never happened, until now! After only one use, my hair felt healthier, thicker, and stronger. Before, I was using Blow Volume shampoo and conditioner. That has quickly been replaced.

I ordered this on loccitane.com. If you sign up to their website, you will receive a code for a free welcome gift. The welcome gift includes: Shower Oil, Brightening Cleaning Foam, Milk Soap, and Verbena Shower Gel. I can't wait to try these out!

$20 for 10 oz.

Candles: Voluspa Goji & Torocco Orange & Santiago Huckleberry

I enjoy candles just as much as the next girl. But, I specifically like pretty packaging, and scents that are not overpowering. Both of these needs are met by Voluspa. I recently bought my third one. I love everything about them. They will run you $18 a pop. Which I think is a very good price for the 12 oz. you get. That's about 45-60 hours burn time. My current two scents are Goji & Tarocco Orange, and Santiago Huckleberry. Voluspa candles can be found at Anthropologie, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom.


Monday, March 5, 2012

Macaroons: Ladurée

Paris --> NY

I first tried these decadent treats in Paris. My shop of choice was Ladurée. The whole shop just oozed elegance. From the beautiful packaging, to the professionalism of each worker. Each macaroon was handled with care. Thankfully, there is a location on Madison Ave. All is well in the world, when you bite into a macaroon.


Favorite flavors: Rose, Raspberry, Pistachio 


Ladurée Versailles 



Ladurée Champs Elysées