“Every month, Lisa Sugar and her editorial staff will curate an exciting monthly bag full of fun must-have picks across fashion, beauty, home decor, fitness, and more, which we will deliver to your door. The monthly bag targets women ages 18-40 and features full-size products and premium items including tried-and-true classics, celebrity favorites, and brands consumers have yet to discover.

As with most subscription box services this one has a referral program as well, allowing you to earn free months when your friends sign up. Additionally, they also have the “First Bag Guarantee” which promises that if you are not satisfied with your first bag, you can receive a refund at no cost to you. Risk free trial? I like. So what did the first bag contain and will I be a return customer?

July Popsugar Must Have Bag

Popsugar Canvas Tote Bag (Estimated Value $10-$15)

Body Drench Pomegranate Crush Body Lotion ($7) & Raspberry Gelee Body Scrub ($6)

KIND Snack Backs ($1.99 Each)

RGB Nail Polish in Minty & Doll ($16 Each)

Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner in Bang Bang & Ilia Lipstick in In My Room ($24 Each)

Total Value of Items In Bag – $96.98 + Bag

As promised all of the products were full sized, which is fantastic! However, many customers were disappointed because this month’s bag was 100% beauty themed. Beauty subscription boxes are my favorite, so I was more than pleased. However, since their advertising campaign was based around it being more than just beauty, I can understand customer dissatisfaction and would hope that Popsugar keeps this in mind for future months.

The subscription costs $35 per month (plus tax, shipping included) and is definitely the priciest of any subscription programs. However, with the promise of full-size products, and the fact that it would cover everything from fashion to beauty to home decor, I was willing to give it a go. Originally the bag was valued at $150+, however, after they put together  and shipped out their first bag they changed the value to $100+. A bit of a misstep on their part (if you promise $150 in value, you really should deliver it), but I offer some leeway being that this is their very first bag. 

Overall I was quite satisfied with the first month and plan to keep going for at least another month or two. There is still a lot of room for improvement (more variety would be ideal), but again, for a first go, I received far more than what I paid for, so you can count me as a happy customer! Interested in joining? Read more and sign up here!

A feature inspired by Kaelah Bee of Little Chief Honeybee.

A weekly dose of ten things I am loving. 

This brilliantly illustrated, yet simple quote. (via)

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These delicious and adorable looking macaroons. (via)

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This absolutely adorable puppy that makes my heart melt. (via)

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This beautiful shot of a National Park in New Zealand. (via)

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This beautiful man known as Matt Bomer. His show White Collar is so good. (via)

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This beautiful, open, and filled-with-light kitchen. (via)

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These brightly colored flats from Seychelles Shoes. I want them all. (via)

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This fabulous book written by the highly talented Chris Colfer. (via)

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This beautiful (yet complicated) DIY paper lily. (via)

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This simple yet beautiful bouquet of white Cala Lilies (my favorite flower). (via)

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What are some things you are loving this week?

Kaylah of The Dainty Squid (Outfit) & Veronika of Girl and Closet (Outfit)

Kaelah of Little Chief Honeybee (Outfit) & Keiko of Keiko Lynn (Outfit)

Kendi of Kendi Everyday (Outfit) & Elycia of ♥elycia (Outfit)

Can you tell I gravitate towards dresses and flow-y, comfortable, yet cute outfits?

Jentine (Yen) of My Edit (Outfit) & Jamie of Petite Panoply (Outfit)

Amy of Stylish Year (Outfit) & Susannah of Susannah Bean (Outfit)

Who are some of your favorite bloggers?
Do you look towards the style blogging community for sartorial inspiration?

See what I mean about the elegant packaging?

~ Sebastian Color Ignite Multi Tone Shampoo & Conditioner (Full Size for $14.95 & $16.95)

I haven’t had a chance to use this yet, but you can bet I will give it a try. It smells pretty delicious, and with my colored hair, I am always looking for ways to extend the life of my expensive dye jobs. Normally when I receive hair care in these boxes I am disappointed, but I am pretty stoked about these. Sebastian Professional is a worldwide company (with locations here in California) with this particular line made in Germany.

~ Alessandro International Pedix Heel Rescue Balm ($18.50 for Full Size)
~ Caswell-Massey Almond & Aloe Hand & Body Emulsion ($24 for Full Size)

Pedicure creams are one of my new favorite beauty things to receive, and this one could definitely become a new favorite. It is chock full of essential oils and shea butter and smells absolutely divine, and leaves my feet feeling super soft. And I am always looking forward to new creams to try for my hands and skin (hands especially since they are so dry), so I am looking forward to giving the Caswell-Massey stuff a shot. Alessandro International is a German brand, while Caswell-Massey is from the US.

~ Senna Cosmetics Double Dose Lip Lacquer in Taboo (Full Size for $22)
~ OFRA Cosmetics Universal Eyebrow Pencil (Full Size for $10)

Both of these items are actually full size, and thus, the entire cost of the box is covered. At first I was a little unsure about the lip-color. It is darker than I normally wear. On their website it is described as a “sparkling ivory with a golden glowing copper”. However, once on the lips, I actually LOVE it and I could see this being something I wear often. It is quite thick going on, so only a bit is needed, and it is VERY shimmery, which I kind of adore. It doesn’t have much of a taste (something I prefer in my lip colors), and it has pretty decent lasting power; better than a standard lip gloss, not as good as a lip-stain. One thing I will say, it is EXTREMELY sticky (is it a “lacquer” after all), so if you don’t like sticky lip glosses or colors, then this wouldn’t be for you. The colors can be worn layered, or individually. Wearing the ivory alone just gives your lips a nice iridiscente shimmer; your lips, but better. The eyebrow pencil isn’t really something I need as I have fairly nice (and thick) natural brows, but I think I will give it a go, just because, hey, why not? Senna Cosmetics is a US (California) based company, while OFRA Cosmetics originated in South Africa and is now located in Florida, USA

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Overall I was EXTREMELY impressed and satisfied with my first GLOSSYBOX and I definitely plan on continuing my subscription. The one thing I will state is that the boxes are sent out rather late in the month so there is the possibility, depending on where you live, that you won’t receive your box until the beginning of the following month. However, GLOSSYBOX Customer Service does seem to be fantastic, and they are extremely active on their Facebook, quickly answering any questions, or comments you may have. Interested? Sign up here!

Dress: ModCloth | Necklace: ModCloth | Ring: ModCloth | Sandals: Payless

Say hello to B.E.K., one of the stray cats that we take care of!

Sunglasses: Schwag from My Company

Ok, this picture has nothing to do with my outfit, but I loved it and wanted to post it.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend!

1. My nails are cracking and peeling a lot, so I started using this. It actually works quite well!

2. After six months with my company, I finally got business cards. I feel so official.

3. Package from ModCloth for the win. It had those gold shoes from Wednesday’s outfit post.

4. The most comfortable (and adorable) heels that I own. Found at Aerosoles last year.

5. BEK is one of the strays we have been taking care of for the last two years. So cute.

6. Adorable mini bundt cakes for a colleague’s birthday. So tasty.

7. A good hair and makeup (and outfit) day. Had to look good for a night out on the town.

8. My Julep shipment arrived! So many pretty nail polish colors. Curious about the Julep Maven program?

1. A gorgeous day in San Francisco means eating lunch outside with one of my favorite coworkers.

2. Two of my colleagues surprised me with flowers for my birthday, early (birthday is tomorrow). So pretty!

3. Leopard print flats from Payless. Perfect way to spice up any outfit.

4. Simple yet fun outfit comprised of coral jeans, a comfortable button up, and leopard flats.

5. Element’s of Wednesday’s look. Glasses, pearl earrings, and a flower in the hair.

6. Delicious afternoon treat in the form of McDonald’s Soft Serve. Perfection.

Happy Friday and have a fantastic weekend!

]]> http://kateolmstead.com/2012/07/27/life-behind-the-scenes-4/feed/ 0 http://kateolmstead.com/2012/07/25/wore-it-the-pink-gold-standard/ http://kateolmstead.com/2012/07/25/wore-it-the-pink-gold-standard/#comments Wed, 25 Jul 2012 20:43:25 +0000 Kate http://kateolmstead.com/?p=727 Whoever first decided to mix pink and gold together in an outfit was brilliant. It is seriously one of the most beautiful combinations. Despite the fact that my feelings towards pink are generally lukewarm, if I had to choose one color combination to wear forever, it would be this one. It is feminine, soft, and elegant (all adjectives you wouldn’t normally use to describe me), making me feel like a proper girl, which I find myself enjoying more and more. This particular outfit was thrown together this morning out of the need to be comfortable, yet look together for an evening out at karaoke with some of my favorite coworkers. Mid-week shenanigans are my favorite. Who says you can only have fun on the weekend? P.S. Nothing is better than a pair of gold shoes. Happy Wednesday!

Shirt, Jeans, Necklace & Hair Flower: Forever 21 | Gold Shoes: ModCloth | Pearl Earrings: Gift | Belt: Gap

]]> http://kateolmstead.com/2012/07/25/wore-it-the-pink-gold-standard/feed/ 6 http://kateolmstead.com/2012/07/18/life-behind-the-scenes-3/ http://kateolmstead.com/2012/07/18/life-behind-the-scenes-3/#comments Thu, 19 Jul 2012 05:58:25 +0000 Kate http://kateolmstead.com/?p=690 Take a peek at my Life Behind the Scenes according to my Instagram.

1 & 2. Two books I finished in the last week. So good!

3. Book I am currently reading (Crossed by Allie Condie)

4. A peek at some of the little decorations on my desk.

5. Started a new show after finishing some others. White Collar it is (Matt Bomer is beautiful)!

6. My office had a random power outage yesterday. Random, and a little terrifying.

1. Pair of fun yellow wedges I picked up from Payless this last weekend!

2. Fun and cute dress I picked up from Marshall’s for $20.

3. Um, I may have gone a little crazy at Payless. But hey, three pairs for $60 = win!

4. Fashion has gone to the birds! Ring from F21 and scarf from ModCloth.

5. Testing out new makeup products, and looking fashionable while doing it!

6. Embracing my inner geek with Mario themed earrings.

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Foodstagrams

1. Dinner at Alex’s parents. Homemade California Rolls.

2. Alex made me dead cow in the shape of a heart. That’s love.

3.  Ham & Prosciutto Panini from one of my favorite local restaurants.

4. “Fancy” dinner at Olive Garden with Alex.

5. Decided to try this new Greek FroYo from Ben & Jerry’s. DELICIOUS.

6. Homemade spice chai latte at the office. Also delicious.

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Daily Shoe

1. Heeled Mary Janes with a cowgirl feel to them (from ModCloth).

2. Fun cognac heels by Miz Mooz.

3. Striped boat shoes picked up from Payless just this last weekend.

4. Grey suede wedges from Target.

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Recent Outfits

1 & 2. Feeling like I should be on a boat in The Hamptons.

3. Apparently I really like nautical themed outfits.

4. LOVED this outfit that I wore on Monday.

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Makeup & Beauty

1. Recent haul from Ulta. Ended up returning the Benefit POREfessional because it didn’t work.

2. Essie haul from Walgreens! Four are from the new metallic collection.

3. I am completely hooked on the Revlon Lip Butters. So sheer, soft, and moisturizing.

4. Playing with new makeup, including new Benefit foundation and lip colors!

So what does it mean to be a Maven? The idea of the Julep Maven program is that for $20 each month you will receive a box of beauty products based on your style profile (determined by a style test you take when signing up). The box will include at least two Julep nail colors, and (depending on the box) one of their premium beauty products. All of the products in the box are full size, which sets it apart from other subscription boxes. Each nail color retails for $14 each, and the beauty product can be worth anywhere from $6 to $30+. This means the box is a fantastic deal, especially considering that it includes free shipping. Another benefit of the Julep Maven program is free shipping when ordering products through their online store. Additionally, you can also purchase individual items from their Boutique (not their main online store) for 20% off. One of the best things about this program compared to other subscription boxes is that each month, for a limited time (the 20th -24th), you will be able to log into the site and look at what your box will include. If you do not like the colors/items in your box you can choose to receive a different box for that month. And of course, you can always skip that month as well, just make sure to let Julep know. For people who love nail polish and/or subscription boxes, this program is absolutely fantastic.

My introductory box, which is the same one that everyone who is Classic With A Twist will receive, included two nail colors (Robin and Rose) and Julep’s The Best Pedi Creme Ever!. It also included a set of two toe separators as a little extra. The first thing I noticed about the box is the packaging. The box is plain black, but upon opening it, it is so cute and pretty. The products were wrapped in pink tissue paper with a little bow, then covered with those black scrunchy pieces of paper that you see above. The cards were on sturdy durable paper and were very well designed (I almost felt bad for tossing them out). Overall, the presentation was very nice, without going over the top (a la Glossybox).

The pedicure cream claims to be the best pedicure cream you will ever use, and that you will start to see results in one to two uses. Now I don’t normally use a lot of pedicure products (I just bought my very first pumice stone ever YESTERDAY), so I can’t compare it to other pedicure creams, but I was definitely eager to try this one out. You are supposed use it every night, and it can be used for as long as you would like. First impressions? It smells absolutely divine, like cucumbers and green tea, and it is lightweight and goes on silky and smooth. It is filled with shea butter, coconut oil, hydroxy acids, and Vitamin E, keeping your feet moisturized and healing those difficult and dry spots. I have been using it for the last week and I can confirm that it is fantastic. I keep my feet in great condition anyways (I don’t wear heels every day and have good feet genes), but this stuff definitely took my feet up another notch. They are now extra soft, smooth, and look great (well, as great as feet can look). Full price for this item is $22, which is a tad expensive, but depending on how long it lasts me, I definitely think it may be worth it.

Julep describes Robin as “robin’s egg blue creme” and Rose as a “juicy, watermelon red creme”. Both colors are absolutely gorgeous, and could definitely be worn year round. The bottles are tall and slender, but are solidly constructed. Because of their shape they are perfect for sticking into your purse or clutch, just in case you need to touch up your nails or want to change your color on the go. I should note that the amount of product in each is considerably less than most brands (8 mL for Julep), despite being more expensive. That being said, the polishes are free of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, and DBP. The formula is quite excellent, and goes on smoothly and evenly. You can achieve full, even coverage with only two layers, which is ideal.

Overall I was really pleased with my first Julep Maven subscription box, and I definitely plan on keeping with this program for awhile. In fact, I was so pleased, that after receiving this one, I promptly ordered three more which will be arriving this week (I got the July It Girl – America the Beautiful Box, July Bombshell – O Canada! Box, and the June It Girl Box)! If you are interested in joining you can read more and sign up HERE. If you would like your first box for a only $.01, enter in COLOR2012 or PENNY upon check out. If you do join, let me know what you think after receiving your first box!

Note: This is NOT a sponsored post and all opinions are my own. Item purchased with my own money.

Aviators: Target | Shirt: Marshall’s | Shorts: Forever 21 | Shoes: Payless | Earrings, Necklace & Ring: Gift

The Little Details

Makeup

Lips: NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil in Pecan & Benefit Lip Gloss in Dandelion
Eyes: NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Lime & Benefit They’re Real Mascara
Face: Benefit Hello Flawless Liquid Foundation & Hello Flawless Powder (in Ivory), Benefit Blush in Dandelion