Ipsy December 2013 Review

Ipsy December 2013

A few moments ago, I watched the mail man deliver my mail in the snow.  There was no telltale pink envelope, and I was sad.  Ipsy should have arrived!  But... but... there's no mail on Sundays! OH NO!  I'll get it Monday.  The horror.

But, a minute later, he came trudging down the side walk with the pink bubble mailer gleaming through the flurries.  He put it in the mail box, and then slogged back to the truck, probably cursing me under his breath.  I shoved my feet into my boots and ran outside!  Yay!  A momentary distraction from the snowy gloom encircling most of the northeast!

Summary: I need to make my mail man cookies and give him a gift card to Dunkin.  RI runs on Dunkin.


On to the review!

Ipsy, The bag.  December 2013

Glam bags went up before today, so of course I peeked.  This month we got 5 items, 2 of which were constant (minus color variations), and three that varied.

Everyone got a POP Beauty Bright Up Your Life Eyeshadow Trio.

I got a shimmery set of light gray, medium slate gray, and a charcoal color.  This set is called "Smokin' Hot" and I'm not keeping it.  It would make a much better gift!

POP Beauty Smokin' Hot Trio

POP Beauty's site sells a palette of 10 shadows for $24.00, making three shadows (0.15 oz) worth $7.20.

The other consistent item from Ipster to Ipster was a Be a Bombshell The One Stick.  I got this in the color, "Flustered," which is a very bright warm-toned pink. 

Be a Bombshell The One Stick in Flustered

I have gotten quite a few products from this brand though Ipsy!  I was expecting this stick to be really thick and sticky and creamy for some reason.  I'm not sure why?  It went on smoothly, and was powdery to the touch when I blended it in with my fingers.  I'm not sure if I am willing to use this on my lips, I have too many dedicated lip products, but it would make a really nice blush!  Just be careful, because a little bit goes a really long way with this.

This sells for $16 on the Be a Bombshell Cosmetics site.

NYX Round Lipstick in Sky Pink

Everyone got a lip product, either a J.cat lip pencil or an extra creamy round lipstick from NYX.  I got the NYX lipstick in sky pink.  NYX describes this color as a, "light blue-toned pink with silver shimmer (pearl)."  Yeah.  It's a pale pink pearl lipstick.  Hey NYX, frosty pink lipstick died in the 80's, let's not bring it back.  Ipsy? Are you taking notes?

The lighting makes it look better than it actually is

$4.00 is too much for a throwback to the year I was born.  Oh well.  Win some, lose some.


This month, there were three different sets of false lashes and three different nail polish brands being sent out.  I was sent one of the nail polishes from Nicka K New York in Ripe Apple. 

Nicka K Ripe Apple

This is a darker red than I expected.  It reminds me a little bit of Julep Coco, but more of a true red than a brown-leaning one.  I like the design of the bottle, the top seems really sleek and elegant.  The formula is decent, and covers in two coats without any difficulty.  The problem lies within the brush.  For some reason, I don't like it at all!  It is very long and square and it was difficult to control.  There wasn't a flat side like some brushes, and it didn't have tapered edge bristles like others.  I'm sure I've used brushes like this before, but I can't ever remember having this much trouble.  Maybe it's just me.

Nicka K Ripe Apple Swatch, true to life.

$4.99 from Nicka K's website.

Some of the other either/or items were a Mirabella eyeshadow brush, a Demeter roll-on perfume, and this set of perfume samples from English Laundry.  The set came with their Signature fragrances for him and for her.

English Laundry samples.

I haven't tried out the men's fragrance yet, but the ladies' version smells like if you sprayed yourself down with Luv's Baby Soft and then rolled around in a pile of fresh-cut grass trimmings.  I actually like it.


Scratch that, I sprayed myself with the men's version.  #YOLO.  (Someone, come save me from myself).  It's not that bad!  It's heavy on the lemon, sandalwood, and cedar, and to me, smells like if you just spent a lot of time cleaning your log cabin with lemon pledge.  Honestly, I'll probably wear this one.  Who cares what the label says?  Gender is irrelevant when it comes to spraying fancy things on yourself.

The two vials were glass and I'm amazed they didn't break!  The sample sizes are quite generous, but neither one of my bottles were full.  Signature pour femme was about 2/3 full and pour homme was about 3/4 full.  I don't really care, this is still more than the normal freebie perfume sample size.  I'm just glad I like both scents and that they won't go to waste.

Each version sells for $72 for 1.7 fl. oz.  The samples were supposed to be 5 mL (0.17 fl. oz.) each, making them worth $14.40 for both.

Swatches:  Top (left) Flustered blended out.  Middle, Flustered not blended.  Bottom, NYX in Sky Pink.

Total Value $46.59.

Not a bad month, but not my favorite.  I really like the bag, the quilted black is quite a step up from the cheap-looking bags of the past!  I'm pretty ambivalent toward everything I got this month.  I'll probably end up giving most of it away.  Except the lipstick- that will probably end up in the garbage if I don't go as an 80's whatever for halloween in 10 months.

If you want to sign up for Ipsy, please use my link here.  It costs $10 per month and you will get 5-6 full or deluxe sized (mostly makeup) items each month.  If you like makeup, I would pick Ipsy over Birchbox.  You definitely get more bang for your buck this way!  If you sign up with my link, I will get 250 points which can be used toward a bonus item.  Each bonus item costs 1000 points.

No special consideration or compensation was received for this post and all thoughts and opinions are my own. All items mentioned within were paid for by me.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

Popsugar Must Have December 2013 Review

Popsugar Must Have December 2013

As always, I peeked this month!

December Popsugar!

 Popsugar suggested that the December box is, "the wish list you never knew you needed," and I'm not quite sure about that.  I wouldn't wish for wrapping paper, but I appreciate it in time to wrap gifts. 

Look at this stuff!

Mixt Studio Holiday Gifting Set

This recycled paper wrapping paper came with three small-ish sheets in different designs, twine, and tags.  I will definitely use this!  

Wrapping Paper

My favorite is the blue snowflake print, and I like that they include everything you need to wrap up some cute gifts.

Paper Prints

Three sheets (19-20 x 30 inches), twine, and gift tags, $9 on Mixt site.

Govino Go Anywhere Flutes

I'll take my champagne to go, please

This is a set of 4 sturdy plastic champagne flutes with a little finger notch in each.  I don't have champagne flutes, but I do have some mis-matched wine glasses because I keep breaking them.  For that reason, I like these plastic glasses!  I have some plastic wine glasses that came in a picnic set, but these look a little nicer.

Set of 4, $12.95 on Govino's website.

Modelco Fibre Lashxtend Black Mascara

Modelco will make me beautiful

I got this exact mascara in a birchbox about a year ago.  I liked it enough that I used up the whole tube, and that never happens.  I usually get bored and start alternating, and then throw out a handful of partially used tubes after a few months.  A nice feature of this mascara is that the tube has a mirror on the side of it!  

Reflectron of my ceiling.

The fibers add length and a little volume without looking like you have little spider legs above your eyelids.  It's not the best mascara I've ever used, but it's far from the worst.  I'll happily add it to my pile to use up.

The weird thing is, I couldn't find this mascara by itself on ModelCo's website!  They had normal Lashxtend (tubing) mascara, and an "unboxed" black mascara that didn't mention anything about fibers, and a fiber falsie mascara set thing that is definitely not this.  However, they are selling this as part of a set with an eyeliner for $10 on sale.  The same mascara is $24 in the Birchbox shop.

CC Made Caramel Corn in Pistachio Nut (3 oz)

Pistachio Caramel Corn!

This is really good popcorn! I was going to save it, but my willpower lasted all of one hour.  The pistachios are different in this caramel corn, but in a good way.  They add a nice salty/savory crunch that is different from the normal peanuts you see in products like this.  The popcorn was fluffy and the caramel was buttery and crunchy, and I'm glad I opened this!

3 oz bags sell for $4 on the CC Made site.

ncLA Peppermint Lane Nail Wraps.

Polka-dots and Candy Cane Stripes

I've used these nail wraps before, and they last a day or two before I peel them off.  I like this style because you put down clear nail polish before and after applying the strips.  They do not dry out if you open the package, and they give you 26- enough for at least 2 manicures.  These would also make nice accent nail designs!

ncLA nail wraps, $16.

Ghirardelli Squares Chocolate, Milk & Caramel (5.32 oz) and Holiday Assortment (7.18 oz)

Who doesn't like chocolate?... oh, right.  Me.

My willpower may not have extended to the caramel corn, but I have no problem keeping the bags of chocolate closed until Christmas.  These will stay safe until then, but when they hit the candy bowl, all bets are off!  The holiday assortment has Eggnog, Peppermint Bark, and Pumpkin Spice Caramel flavors.  The milk chocolate & caramel squares are my second favorites (I like the peppermint filled dark chocolate the best!).  I like that PS gave us two full bags of chocolate this season!  I know some people were a little disappointed that this wasn't a "higher end" brand, but it will do just fine.  These are individually wrapped and are a holiday stand-by.

You can frequently get these on sale at most mass-market supermarkets and pharmacies.  I went with the lowest price I could find (Walmart) and am estimating $3 and $5 for the two bags.

Last, but not least, (well, ok, maybe) is the "big ticket" item.

Lulu Frost for Popsugar Bracelet.

Lulu Frost Bracelet and fuzzy bag.

When looking at spoilers online, this bracelet looked chunkier than in real life.  That is a good thing.  I am not crazy about the brass chain and the silver charm with glass rhinestones... I feel like they clash.  The charm would look pretty on a silver necklace, and the bracelet chain would look better with... well, anything the same brassy color.

Bracelet being worn.  Check out my burn, too.  Ouch.

I like this more than I expected to, but that's not saying much.  I like the little fuzzy bag it came in more than the bracelet! HA!  I can't see myself paying that much for a brass chain and silver-plated zinc with little bits of cut glass.  I just can't.

Lulu Frost now has this bracelet on their site for $110.

All together, this box had a value of $169.95 (being conservative on the mascara).  I paid $33 for it with my multi-month discount.  The price per month has now increased to $39.95 plus tax.  If you would like to sign up for PSMH, please use my link here.  If I refer one more person, I get a free month!  You can use code REFER5 to save 5$ on your first box.  PSMH sends full (and sometimes deluxe) sized items from all across the board.  They send accessories, home items, makeup and beauty items, food, etc.  You never know, and that is what makes it so exciting every month.  I know that even if I don't like something, I will be able to find a home for it.

No special consideration or compensation was received for this post and all thoughts and opinions are my own. All items mentioned within were paid for by me.

Birchbox December 2013

Birchbox Review December 2013

Sparkle and Shine! December 2013

Birchbox had cute holiday boxes this month.  I liked the box itself, but the contents were just mediocre.

Birchbox December 2013

I'm not sure what all of this has to do with a holiday theme, but look at the pretty inside of the box!

emily's Milk Chocolate Covered Fortune Cookie

I'll start with my least favorite item and get it over with.  I don't like fortune cookies and I don't like chocolate.  I know, I'm weird.  Take it up with my mother.  I'm sure this is interesting and tasty, and I hope there is a cheerful fortune inside.

$5.99 for a box of 7.  Each cookie worth $0.86.

Benta Berry G-1 Exfoliating Facial Cleanser

I received a Benta Berry facial lotion sample a few months ago, and at least now I have a matching set.  I might give this away (as a set), I might not.  I have a number of exfoliating face samples that I need to use up, and I seem to get them faster than I can finish them!  This smells like the lotion does; it's not unpleasant, but it is pretty strongly scented if you are sensitive to that kind of thing.

Full size $16 for 30 mL.  Sample is 3 mL, worth $1.60.

Number 4 Non Aerosol Hair Spray

I don't use hairspray, and I always seem to get different variations on the theme in these boxes.  Honestly, I might just take a break, but then again, I'd probably regret that the following month.  I will be able to find a home for this.  It has decent reviews.  I like the brand, I got a clarifying sulfate-free shampoo that is really nice in a previous box.  The smell is weird, though.  I read a lot of reviews saying how great it smells, but this hairspray smells like a public women's room's air freshener.  You know, the generic floral chemically smell.

Full size $30 for 6.7 fl. oz.  Sample is 1 fl. oz., worth $4.48.

Camilla Beckham Glycerine Hand Therapy- Midnight Monarch Scent

I have almost used up the body butter from last month, and was excited to see a replacement.  This has a VERY strong scent.  There is a lot of patchouli and amber in this and it is quite overwhelming.  I really wish it smelled like something different, because it is a really nice lotion.  It is true to claims that it absorbs fast and doesn't leave your skin greasy.  

Full size $4.99 for 1 oz.  Sample is 1/4 oz, worth $1.25.

Secret Agent Beauty Nourishing and Plumping Lip Gloss
in Foreign Intelligence Flirt

This is a pink gloss that uses peppermint oil, menthol, and sacha inchi oil to increase bloodflow to the lips, giving them a fuller appearance.  I really, really like this gloss.  It is absolutely not sticky, and has a very tiny applicator so that you don't end up squeezing out too much.  There is a definite tingle when this is used, but I didn't get to look in a mirror to see if it worked or not.  The scent is interesting- it has a fruity touch to it.

Full size 0.15 oz, $18. There isn't a size listed on this sample or the package it came in, so I will estimate it at 1/5 the size (0.03 oz).  Worth $3.60.

December 2013- Birchbox

All together, the only thing I really liked in this box was the lip gloss.  The hand cream would be nice if it didn't have such a strong fragrance, and the exfoliating wash would be nice if I didn't already have a number of them.  The box is pretty, too.  That's about all the nice things I have to say.

The total value of this month's Birchbox is about $11.79.  That is low.  And it feels even lower because I really only am happy with 1 item.  I've had some really great boxes, but lately they seem to be underwhelming.

Birchbox is $10 per month, including shipping.  You can also get 10 points for each product you review, and every 100 points gets you $10 to spend in the Birchbox shop.  The points I get each month make up for lackluster samples.  If you are interested in trying out Birchbox for yourself, please use my link here.  I will get 50 bb points for referring you.

All products reviewed in this post were purchased by me, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.  No special compensation or consideration was received for this post.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

The Week in Nails, December 8

This was a boring week, as you have seen these colors recently in my Julep review.

Julep Cara with Andrea as an accent

Two coats each, with OPI Natural Nails base coat and Julep Freedom Polymer Top Coat.  I wore this for 4 days.

Julep Celia

Julep Celia.  No base, 2 coats, no top.  I wore this for 4 days as well (up until yesterday, Monday).

All 3 of these polishes wore really well with minimal tip wear and zero chipping.  I was impressed!

Julep December 2013 Bombshell Review

This was a really tough month to decide what style I wanted from Julep- everything was so pretty!

I ended up picking the Bombshell profile.  You can pick whatever style you want each month, or skip any month.  You can also add on products at a discount, or upgrade to the whole collection (and now, there is an option to upgrade to just get all the polishes and not the beauty products!).  Julep is $20 per month for nail polish and beauty/skincare items.

Glittery Tissue Paper?!

I was already excited when I saw the silver holiday box and the glittery tissue paper inside.

Twistbands as a bonus!

This month's bonus item was two Twistband hair ties, which are the only things I wear in my hair now.  (Don't pay full price for these! Search Etsy for fold-over elastic and cut it down to size and tie knots in it... make 100 hair ties for like $8).

Packaging

This month's beauty item was a neutral eyeshadow palette.  I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the eyeshadow, and a little disappointed in the quality of the palette packaging itself.  The cardboard case feels flimsy.

Eyeshadow: swatched once with finger, no primer.

The eyeshadow is nicely pigmented and feels really creamy when you apply it.  Every color blends into the next very easily.  Plus, who doesn't need more neutral shadow? I know I do!

The nail colors in this month's bombshell box were Andrea and Cara.  Andrea is described as a full-coverage bronze glitter, and Cara as a cranberry frost.  I think these are appropriate descriptions, but Andrea has much more depth to it than just one color of bronze- there is gold in there, too.

Julep Bombshell December 2013
Neutral Eyeshadow Palette, Andrea, and Cara

In addition to this month's two colors, I added on another one! I had the Jules for it, and it was so pretty that I couldn't resist.  I don't own anything like Celia, so I'm glad I went for it!

Polish and Add-Ons, Top to Bottom:
Celia, Andrea, Cara

Labels

Celia is an icy green metallic and is stunning.  Sometimes with foil-looking polishes, you see every single brush stroke.  That is not the case with Celia.  It has a perfect formula and you could totally get away with one careful coat, but I usually do two anyway.  This is an amazing holiday color and I'm really glad that I added it on!

Julep Celia (2 coats)

I've been wearing Cara with Andrea as an accent nail for two days now, and I've gotten a number of compliments on the combination.  I can't stop looking at the glitter! It's so pretty!

Julep Cara with Andrea accent

I again used two coats for both polishes, as well as OPI Natural Nails base coat and Julep Freedom Polymer Top Coat.  I have some tip wear, but I can't bring myself to take this off, it's just too pretty and festive.  Even though Cara is a frost, like Celia, it doesn't show any brush strokes.  It went on so smoothly.

If you want to sign up for Julep, please use my link here.  I'll get 1000 Jules (Julep points) for referring you, which is enough for a free polish.  You can get your first box for free with the code FREEBOX.  After that, you can cancel at any time!  You can also skip each and every month and remain a Maven to get their discounted pricing on their site.

All items in this post were paid for by me, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.  No compensation or special consideration was received for this post.  This post contains a referral link, see details above.

The Week in Nails, December 1

This week was a lazy one for nails.  With Thanksgiving, I didn't bother going crazy.

I Theodora You

OPI Natural Nail Base Coat and 3 coats of OPI's I Theodora You.  No top coat.  This is a really cute sheer pink.  It is on the bubble-gummy side without being too young-looking when it is on.  I wore this for two days (last Sunday included).  I think 4 coats would bring it to full opacity, but I was fine with visible nail line.

I sadly had naked nails for the next three days.  Work got crazy, I was tired, and I didn't feel like painting my nails for Thanksgiving, only to have it chip off with all the food prep and dish washing.

My Very First Knockwurst

OPI Natural Nail Base Coat and 3 coats of OPI's My Very First Knockwurst.  No top coat.  I really love this color.  It is very subdued and makes me feel like my nails look demure.  That is the word that comes to mind.  I have been wearing this for three days, and I barely have any tip wear.  I plan on keeping this on for at least one more day.

No special consideration or compensation was received for this post and all thoughts and opinions are my own. All items mentioned within were paid for by me.

Wantable Intimates December 2013 Review

Wantable always ships really early, so my box usually shows up just before the first of the month!  It's what starts off the influx of sub boxes, and I'm happy to see it! 

This is my third month, which is when I usually decide whether or not to continue to subscribe.  Wantable is $36 per month for subscribers, so it is a little more expensive than other (just) underwear subscriptions.  I feel that because the quality of this box is higher, and they send other items, it is worth a go every now and then.  I think I'll be skipping two months, and get this every third month instead.  That will make me feel better about the cost.

On to the items...  

Bella + Canvas Two-Tone Raglan Hooded Sweatshirt

This is a nice sweatshirt from Bella + Canvas.  I just wish it was a solid color!  I'm not really a fan of the baseball-style two-tone colors.  The main part is baby blue and the sleeves and hood are navy blue.  It fits well, besides being a teeny smidge too short, and is comfy.  It isn't lined with fleece or anything, which I would have preferred.

Bella + Canvas Hoodie on a person (me).

Bella + Canvas Hoodie, MSRP $38

Next up is a pair of briefs.  You can adjust your profile so that Wantable will send items you "love" and "like", but not items that you "dislike."  This month I switched around my profile so I would get more loungewear, hosiery, and non-thong underwear, and fewer tights, camis, shapewear, and absolutely no socks, soft bras, and accessories.  This seemed to work, as I only got items from my "love" preferences.

Montelle Boyleg in Aqua

This pair of boyshorts is really nice!  I like the aqua color and the lace details.  They are really comfortable and look great on.  Sometimes you have underwear that rides a little low in the back, but not this pair!  These are my new favorites.

Montelle Boylegs, MSRP $28.

OnGossamer Bikini in Tangerine

This pair of bikini-style underwear is something I normally would not buy.  It is extremely thin material, and with my paleness I tend to stay away from neon orange clothing.  These also look super tiny, almost like they won't fit.  However, I am happy to report that they are very stretchy and are really comfortable.  I still am not crazy about the color, but I can deal with it.

OnGossamer Bikinis, MSRP $22.

Kix'ies Thigh High Stockings in Kimmie

I was really happy to see these thigh highs in this month's box!  They have an interesting argyle pattern, but feel like they are made well.  These will be cute to wear under some of my winter dresses from Golden Tote.

Kix'ies Thigh Highs, with stay-up tops

The tops of this set of stockings are made from a wide stripe of silicone, so they will stay put without needing a garter belt (or a lot of tugging).  This is a nice feature that I appreciate.

Kix'ies Stockings, MSRP $18.95

Wantable Intimates Box, December 2013

All together this box had a value of $106.95 and I paid $36.  I think if the colors of the sweatshirt were better, I would be more satisfied with this box.  Right now, I'm a little disappointed that I only loved two items, and the other two are just ok. 

Like I said, I think I'm going to skip most months, and just get this once a quarter.  Fortunately, Wantable's system lets you do this without any penalty- skip or cancel at any time.

If you would like to try Wantable, now is the time!  If you sign up for any subscription (Makeup, Accessories, or Intimates) before December 3rd, you will get your second box FREE.  After your first box is paid for, you will get $36 credited to your account for the second month.  That means you get 2 months for only $36, which is an *awesome* deal.  If you would like to sign up using my link HERE, I will get a $10 credit.

The items in this post were paid for by me, and all opinions are my own.  No special consideration or compensation was received for this post.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

Thank you

Many thanks to Caitlyn who signed up for Ipsy and the anonymous person who signed up for Stitch Fix! I appreciate you using my referral links :)  Let me know how you like your first bag/fix!

It's crazy to me that there are people reading my blog.  Thanks, internet!

Golden Tote November 2013 Review

It's everyone's favorite time of the month! Golden Tote Day!

Since I was in desperate need of winter tops (ok, so hyperbole is fun) I decided to budget myself and NOT buy iced coffee every day, and instead, buy a Golden Tote.  It's *almost* the same thing, right?

I picked the $149 tote, which comes out to about $157 after shipping for me.  I bought it the first day of the sale (Nov 4), got a shipping notice the 13th, and it arrived today, the 25th.  If I didn't like the clothes so much, I would be a little angry with the shipping times!  Three weeks?

What did I get?!

Since I picked the $149 tote, I got to pick two items to start, and GT sent 4 more as a surprise.  If you pick the $49 tote, you choose the first thing and get 1 more item of clothing and usually 1 accessory.  They claim that the big tote will have up to a $600 value and the little tote will have up to a $200 value.  It seems a little inflated to me, but if you work it out per piece, they are about $25 each.  I would pay $25 for most of the things I've gotten from GT.

Square Knit Sweater in Black/Ivory from Mak by Mak B

This sweater was an item I picked out.  Unfortunately, by the time I was able to order my tote, my first choice dress had already been sold out in my size.  I picked this (my third favorite item) instead.  It's much thicker of a knit than I expected, which is awesome! (Even though it makes it look like I've instantly gained 15 pounds.)  It was about 9*F today with windchill and I definitely wished I had a warmer outfit on.  This is warm and cozy and the navy/cream combination is right up my alley.  

Made in China, 100% acrylic, hand wash/lay flat to dry.

Baseball Tee from Renee C

This shirt is the softest shirt I think I own.  Seriously, it's like wearing a baby bunny.  The colors are hard to see in my picture, but the neckline and waistband are black, the middle of the shirt is cream, and the arms are gray.  I wasn't crazy about this when I saw pictures on other blogs, but its total and utter fuzziness has won me over. I'm wearing it to work tomorrow.  End of story.

Made in USA, 62% polyester, 34% rayon, 4% spandex.  Hand wash/hang dry.

Blouse by Peach Love Cream

This top is probably my least favorite item in this tote.  The print is navy (sensing a theme this month?), cream/taupe (yup, definitely a theme), and teal, which is fine.  This fits nicely and drapes well, but the shoulders are a little puffy.  It was hard to take a picture that showed the shoulder poufs, but they are there, trust me.  I would need to wear a sweater over this, but it will be good for a day when I need to dress up a little bit.  I don't hate this shirt, it's just not my favorite.  The button detail on the back is nice, I appreciate little touches like that.

Made in USA, 100% polyester.  Hand wash, hang dry.

Sweater by Ellison

This sweater is cute, even with the shoulder designs.  The back is the same knit as the sleeves, and it definitely needs a tank underneath.  It's not the warmest thing GT sent, but it is still appropriate for winter.  The open knit counter-acts the heaviness of the fabric, and I think this would be perfect for fall.  Too bad fall weather has left New England :(

Made in China, 60% cotton, 40% polyester.  Hand wash.

Lace Swing Dress by In Clover

This was the spoiler item that GT released shortly after their November sale started.  It is really pretty in person! I wish my camera would take better pictures of black clothes.  I think you could get away with wearing this dress without a belt, but the belt provides a little more shape definition.  I like that the sleeves are lace, it adds a nice touch and will cover my inner arm tattoos.  The skirt has a lot of movement, and the fabric is on the heavier side; perfect for holiday parties.

Made in USA, 80% cotton, 20% nylon.  Dry clean only.

Printed Shift Dress by Honey Punch

This was the second item that I picked to put in my tote, and my favorite of everything I got!  It's dark navy with a floral print and long sleeves.  This is awesome!  As always, everything I received fits perfectly, and this is no exception.  It's flowy without being clingy, and dressy without being overly Christmas-y.  Definitely a winner in my book.

Made in USA, 100% polyester, hand wash.

All in all, I'm pleased with this month's tote.  I have some new party dresses and some cozy sweaters to keep me warm in my freezing-cold lab.  Would I pay $25 for each item I got?  Yes.  On average.  Some I would pay a little more for, and some a little less.  It all works out!

Golden Tote will most likely launch their December sale in about a week.  As always, there will be a $49 and a $149 tote to choose from.  You pick the first item(s), and they will do the rest based on your style profile.

All items in this post were purchased by me.  All opinions are my own and no special consideration or compensation was received.