third floor closet

{review} carmex healing cream & hydrating lotion -- and {giveaway!}

2013-04-04T22:20:00.000-04:00

Who's ready for another Carmex review and giveaway?

As you guys know, I've reviewed the Carmex Healing Cream and Carmex Hydrating Lotion before, and I have to say, I remain a fan. I love how non-greasy they are, because to me nothing is worse than feeling like you have lotion on your hands. I want the moisture but once I rub the lotion in, I want to be able to pick things up without worrying that my hands are too slippery!

To keep it simple this time, this pretty much sums it up--when this duo arrived, my husband used the Healing Cream before I even did because it's basically his favorite cold weather hand treatment of all time.

The takeaways: Non-greasy. Husband approved.

Now here's your chance to win some!

As usual, Carmex is giving Third Floor Closet readers a chance to win a kit just like the one pictured above! The kit will include one full sized Carmex Healing Cream and one full sized Carmex Hydrating Lotion.

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment below & tell me about your favorite hand cream or about a beauty product your husband/boyfriend/etc. routinely steals and uses. Please include your email address and/or blog URL so that I can contact you if you are the winner!

FOR EXTRA ENTRIES:

Follow Third Floor Closet on Bloglovin’ or subscribe to the RSS feed and leave a separate comment telling me you follow.
Follow Third Floor Closet on Facebook and leave a separate comment below telling me you follow.
Follow on Twitter, tweet about the giveaway with a link to the blog, and leave another comment below with your Twitter handle.
Blog about this giveaway and post a link to the blog post in a comment below.

Soooo, you have up to 5 chances to win!

GIVEAWAY RULES:

Open to US residents with a US mailing address only (So sorry, international readers, these products are only distributed in the US!)
Giveaway ends at 10:00 pm EST on Tuesday, April 16.
The winner will be announced and contacted no later than Wednesday, April 17. The winner will have 24 hours to respond after being contacted or else I will have to choose a new winner.

GOOD LUCK!!!

*FTC Disclaimer: Carmex provided products free of charge for editorial review. All opinions stated within are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

get dancing with longchamp

2013-02-11T22:33:00.000-05:00

For a long time now, I've drooled over Longchamp's handbags (probably 90% of which are outside my budget). The brand's newest campaign features three gorgeous leather bags (including one of my favorites--such a classic!) and Coco Rocha dancing in an airport terminal. What's not to love?

{stella & dot} spring 2013 collection

2013-01-22T22:31:00.000-05:00

You guys, the new Spring 2013 Stella & Dot collection has arrived, and I love so much of it. The necklaces below are just two of several pieces that have already made it into my jewelry wardrobe, and I'm sure there will be further additions!

{source}

well hello again

2012-10-25T22:14:00.000-04:00

worn April 12, 2012

As you see, here's an outfit I wore all the way back in April but am posting anyway as it would be seasonally appropriate to wear it again now. This lightweight long-ish cami/cardigan combo is extremely comfortable and makes a good sit-at-your-desk-behind-a-computer-screen-all-day outfit when paired with one of my favorite skirts. My heels have since bit the dust, but seeing this outfit again has reminded me to recreate it with other (less floral) shoes.

Oh, did I mention that this necklace, along with a few other items, is for sale in my Smashion store? Just in case you're interested in that sort of thing. :)

{review} eclos plant-based beauty - giveaway!

2012-09-26T22:15:00.000-04:00

It's been said time and time again in a million articles, but it really never is too early to start taking care of your skin. While some think it's crazy, I don't think it's ever too early to take anti-aging measures either. (Ok, I realize there are limits...I'm talking about starting in your 20s here, not in elementary school.) In fact, I've been using anti-aging products for years. I've always been more interested in skin care than make up, so I was delighted to try the Eclos Anti-Aging Skin Care Starter Kit that Freeman Beauty sent over. I'd seen the products in Target, but was not at all familiar with the brand.

{source)

I've mentioned before that I have sensitive skin, and I've found that many anti-aging products are too harsh or too drying for me. Whenever I begin using a new skin care line, I usually ease into it to give my face a chance to adjust. However, I started using the Eclos Facial Cleanser Skin Prep, Cellular Activator Face Serum, Moisture Therapy Regenerative Cream & Restorative Eye Cream all at once. To my surprise, I had no adverse reaction at all to all these new products. Considering I'm still in my 20s, I didn't expect to see a huge difference in my skin since I have no visible wrinkles or major lines yet. The products all have a light, nice sort of spicy scent that's not overwhelming. I particularly like the face serum, as this is a skincare step that's relatively new to me. I've continued using the kit, and I've been pretty happy with the products. One thing I really like about this kit is that each product is in a TSA friendly package -- perfect for travelling!

Wanna try it yourself? Eclos has offered me another Anti-Aging Skin Care Kit to giveaway! The kit is identical to the one pictured above (which I tried) and includes the following:

Facial Cleanser Skin Prep
Cellular Activator Face Serum
Moisture Therapy Regenerative Cream
Restorative Eye Cream
Instant Radiance Facial Scrub
Skin Renewal Clay Mask
Eclos Terry Cloth Head Band

In addition, Eclos is offering Third Floor Closet readers 25% off a purchase at www.freemanbeauty.com with promotional code eclos25.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

Leave a comment below & tell me about your skincare routine. (We can all always use tips, no?) Please include your email address and/or blog URL so that I can contact you if you are the winner!

FOR EXTRA ENTRIES:

Follow Third Floor Closet on Bloglovin’ or Google Friend Connect/Google Reader (join the site using the widget on the right sidebar!), and leave a separate comment telling me you follow.
Follow Third Floor Closet on Facebook and leave a separate comment below telling me you follow.
Follow on Twitter, tweet about the giveaway with a link to the blog, and leave another comment below with your Twitter handle.
Blog about this giveaway and post a link to the blog post in a comment below.

GIVEAWAY RULES:

Open to US residents with a US mailing address only (So sorry, international readers, these products are only distributed in the US!)
Giveaway ends at 10:00 pm EST on Sunday, September 30.
The winner will be announced and contacted immediately after the giveaway closes. The winner will have 24 hours to respond after being contacted or else I will have to choose a new winner.

GOOD LUCK!!!

*FTC Disclaimer: Eclos Plant-Based Beauty provided products free of charge for editorial review. All opinions stated within are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

i wore this outfit five months ago

2012-09-05T22:56:00.000-04:00

the limited peaked lapel blazer in tuxedo black, $107 | the limited satin tank, $20? | the limited plainweave contour waist skirt in tuxedo black, $60 | nine west "vexo" pumps in black, nine west outlet, $55 | banana republic tote, gift | stella & dot talia teardrop earrings | stella & dot alexandria necklace

worn April 9, 2012

I photographed this outfit back in April, but I've definitely worn it since. For corporate America, it's a foolproof combination -- classic black skirt suit, tank with a little something special (shimmer!), pumps & statement jewelry. Done & done.

exclusive discount at eshakti.com for third floor closet readers!

2012-08-22T23:33:00.000-04:00

{source}

Remember talking about online retailer eShakti way back when? And the beauty of the fact that the site actually lets you customize a dress to your unique measurements? Yeah?

Well, they're having a 25% off sale right now on orders over $100. And, eShakti has generously offered Third Floor Closet readers 10% off with promo code TH26NNA through August 31, 2012. Oh, and you can use these two offers together.

I know, right?

I already have several dresses on my wishlist, which may or may not include that color-blocked number & the embellished sheath above.

So whatcha waiting for?

{review} carmex sticks -- and giveaway!

2012-08-10T10:30:00.000-04:00

It's time for another Carmex review & giveaway! This time, we're talking about Carmex sticks. I swear by these and use them daily (so much easier to apply than the version in the little pot!). The good old original flavor carmex stick is still my favorite. But if you're not a stickler to the original, with the addition of the new pomegranate flavor, Carmex sticks now come in a total of six flavors: original, cherry, strawberry, vanilla, lime twist & pomegranate. And, they've got SPF15 & they're water resistant. I barely had to reapply at the beach in July!

As usual, Carmex is giving Third Floor Closet readers a chance to win a kit just like the one pictured above! The kit will include all 6 flavors of Carmex sticks and a fun beach tote.

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment below & tell me about your favorite beach beauty product. Please include your email address and/or blog URL so that I can contact you if you are the winner!

FOR EXTRA ENTRIES:

Follow Third Floor Closet on Bloglovin’ or Google Friend Connect/Google Reader (join the site using the widget on the right sidebar!), and leave a separate comment telling me you follow.
Follow Third Floor Closet on Facebook and leave a separate comment below telling me you follow.
Follow on Twitter, tweet about the giveaway with a link to the blog, and leave another comment below with your Twitter handle.
Blog about this giveaway and post a link to the blog post in a comment below.

GIVEAWAY RULES:

Open to US residents with a US mailing address only (So sorry, international readers, these products are only distributed in the US!)
Giveaway ends at 10:00 pm EST on Friday, August 17.
The winner will be announced and contacted on Saturday, August 18. The winner will have 24 hours to respond after being contacted or else I will have to choose a new winner.

GOOD LUCK!!!

*FTC Disclaimer: Carmex provided products free of charge for editorial review. All opinions stated within are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

guess one to watch global blogger search

2012-06-20T22:41:00.000-04:00

You may have noticed a recent addition to the right sidebar...I've entered the GUESS One to Watch Global Blogger Search. I think this would be an amazing opportunity for Third Floor Closet...plus it sounds like a lot of fun! If you like TFC, please click through to vote for my style! (I believe you can enter once per day.)

Thanks, friends!!

carmex 75 year promotion

2012-06-19T22:24:00.000-04:00

Carmex is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year! In celebration, Carmex is hosting a promotion on Facebook for customers and fans: 75 Years with 750,000 Carmex Fans. The goal is for Carmex's Facebook page to reach 750,000 fans in celebration of 75 years. As they reach more fans, they will be giving away Carmex prizes...and cash!

The company hasn't released all the details of the prizes, but here's a hint: when the brand reached 250,000 fans it awarded the grand prize winner $2,500. The next milestone is 500,000 fans, and the final fan milestone to unlock will be 750,000 fans.

Just wanted to let you guys know! Head on over to the Carmex Facebook page to enter to win.

Disclaimer: Third Floor Closet is a member of the Carmex Blog Squad.

this outfit is from february

2012-06-11T22:21:00.000-04:00

worn February 21, 2012

After my month-and-a-half-long hiatus, I planned to take photos of my seasonally appropriate outfit today for a post this evening. If you follow me on Twitter, you know why that didn't work out. Sometime mid-morning, I spilled coffee everywhere. Seriously. All over my dress, all over my legs, all over my desk, all over my keyboard, all over my cell phone & all over the floor. Everywhere. (yay Monday)

So instead, you get a wintry outfit from February that I would absolute swelter in if I wore now.

But hey--I'm baaaack!

{stella & dot} mother's day mystery hostess event

2012-04-27T22:08:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day is coming soon! Need a one-size-fits-all gift? Shop through this event from now until April 30 and get a chance to win free Hostess Rewards! (Average hostesses receive $250 in free jewelry!) Anyone who places an order through this event will be entered to win. A winner will be chosen at random and announced on Wednesday, May 2. Good luck & happy shopping!

To view the new summer collection and shop the Mother's Day event online, please paste this URL into your browser: http://www.stelladot.com/style/trunkshow/06179a7e-8449-11e1-ad30-005056b55330 or go to http://www.stelladot.com/jeannaadcock and enter "Mother's Day" as your hostess at checkout.

Questions? Don't hesitate to email!

Stella & Dot jewelry has been seen in Lucky Magazine, InStyle and on countless celebrities. Designed in New York and San Francisco, the pieces are so irresistible and affordable, you’ll be certain to find a little something special.

{review} misikko - hana titanium 1.5" flat iron

2012-04-18T22:02:00.000-04:00

Today I'm excited to tell you guys about my new favorite hair tool! A little while ago, the folks over at Misikko sent over the salon-grade Hana Titanium 1.5" Flat Iron for me to try out. Misikko specializes in salon-grade flat irons, blow dryers, curling irons and the like. I'm not sure how they knew I needed a new flat iron (because I didn't even know myself until I had tried this one out) but maybe they were just tired of looking at my sad hair in my outfit photos. :)

When the box arrived, it was much larger than I expected it to be--no wonder, because the people at Misikko stuffed it with all sorts of extra goodies! Each flat iron comes with a travel case & silicone mat (to protect countertops), but I was surprised to also find a brush, nail files, an eye mask (which I've been wearing nightly--masks SO improve my sleep!), and several other things.

{the Hana flat iron has become a fixture on my bathroom countertop!}

Ok, at this point, I feel like I should disclose the fact that I have naturally straight hair, a fact you probably already guessed. I do however use a flat iron most days just to smooth everything over and maybe turn the ends slightly under (and to mask my laziness with a hair dryer).

Having never owned a salon-grade flat iron before (since I didn't think it would make sense to spend a lot on one since my hair is already more or less straight), I was eager to try out my new Hana. (My previous flat iron was a Tigi BedHead one.) I'm now definitely a convert--I've used it every day since. Basically, this flat iron is superior to my old one in pretty much every way. The titanium plates actually have a little give, which is easier on your hair. The Hana iron gets hotter than my old one did and works MUCH faster. I only have to make one really quick pass over each section of hair & then I'm done. I have not yet tried to do flat-iron curls, but maybe I'll attempt that on a day when I'm feeling particularly adventurous. Overall, I'd say this flat iron is high quality and well worth the extra investment.

Here's a not-so-great bathroom mirror shot of my hair right after using the Hana flat iron--smooth, straight & slightly turned under.

What's your hair routine? I'd love to hear!

*FTC Disclaimer: Misikko provided product free of charge for editorial review. All opinions stated within are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

{review} maurices striped dress

2012-03-19T22:41:00.001-04:00

worn March 12, 2012 to work

Have you guys ever shopped at Maurices? I shopped there in high school a LOT (it was one of our few local stores & it's affordable!), but I haven't been in a store in years since there's not one near me. So, I was delighted when Maurices offered to let me test out an item from the store's website! With spring & summer approaching, I decided to pick a new dress. Dresses & skirts are work staples for me in the summer, so I'm always happy to add to my collection.

This dress is so lightweight & flowy that I'm sure it will be getting a lot of wear in the coming months. Since it's sleeveless, I decided to make it work appropriate by throwing on my trusty black blazer. Then, that seemed like a little too much black & white, so I swapped out the black belt that came on the dress for this patent red one. All in all, I'm really liking my new dress. One thing to note--I followed the size chart specifications & ordered a size larger than I normally wear (especially because there's a little stretch in the fabric), but I definitely could have worn my normal size.

What do you guys think? Have you ever shopped at Maurices?

*FTC Disclaimer: Maurices provided product free of charge for editorial review. All opinions stated within are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

{stella & dot pick of the week} serenity small stone pendant

2012-03-12T09:00:00.001-04:00

{source}

In keeping with my recent Stella & Dot picks, here's another of my favorite spring necklaces, the Serenity Small Stone Pendant, $59. Wearing this pendant necklace has been such a simple way to add a little burst of color to my outfits lately. I have a feeling I'll be wearing it all summer long.

Happy Monday!

from the archives

2012-03-06T22:45:00.000-05:00

worn January 18, 2012 to work

Yes, the stockings were still up at my house on January 18. And yes, I wore this a month and a half ago, yet I'm just now getting around to posting it. Don't judge me.

Seriously, though, as I look back over these pictures, I am just so glad it's not still so cold. Today was one of the colder days we've had lately and it was in the 40s. The rest of the week will bring 60+ degree weather--I can't wait. I'm so ready for spring at this point that it's ridiculous. I want to be comfortable leaving the house without a jacket. I want sandals & tank tops & a beach vacation. Pretty pathetic considering we've had a mild winter this year, but what can I say? I love a change of season. :)

As a side note, these boots have since met their demise and are probably not worth repairing again. They were great boots all the years I had them and I'm a little sad they're done for, but I'm secretly excited about shopping for new ones next fall!

{stella & dot pick of the week} pippa necklace

2012-03-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

{source}

How great is this colored stone Pippa Necklace ($69) for spring? I can't wait to throw it on with a breezy summer outfit. The necklace is lovely paired with white as above, but wouldn't it look fantastic against coral or navy? After shopping this weekend & seeing all the gorgeous bright colors out right now, I don't think spring can come fast enough!

Have a good week, everyone!

freeman feeling beautiful giveaway winner

2012-02-29T23:28:00.000-05:00

I just picked the winner of the Freeman Beauty Feeling Beautiful giveaway (with a little help from random.org)!

Without further ado, the winner is...

Congratulations, Suzanne! Please email me at thirdfloorcloset@gmail.com within 24 hours to claim your prize!

If you didn't win, don't forget that Freeman Beauty Lab has generously offered readers of Third Floor Closet 25% off a purchase at www.freemanbeauty.com with promo code BLOGGER25!

{stella & dot pick of the week} liv multi charm necklace

2012-02-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

{source}

I've worn this Stella & Dot Liv Multi Charm Necklace ($69) for the past two days, so I thought it was only fitting that it be my pick of the week this week. I love the versatility of the mix of silver, hematite & gold metals. The 30 inch chain make this necklace a great layering piece, especially with my favorite panther pendant. Love it! What do you think?

{review} freeman feeling beautiful -- & giveaway!

2012-02-26T22:28:00.001-05:00

Lately, I've been much more diligent about my beauty routine. I've been washing my face every night with my Clarisonic (something I've been known to skip in the past) & I've been interested in trying new products again to shake up my somewhat simple routine.

So, I was delighted when Freeman Beauty Labs sent over this mask kit for me to try. I remember using some Freeman products back in high school due to their affordability, but I really hadn't revisited the brand in years. My kit included three types of masks from the Feeling Beautiful line of products, a shower cap to keep the mask out of my hair, a hand towel & a pink hanging travel case.

The first mask I tried was the Avocado & Oatmeal Clay Mask sachet. This one was definitely my favorite of the three! The green mask had a nice, light scent and went on smoothly, and it was easy to tell that I had covered every inch of my face due to the color. Once I wiped the mask off after it dried, my skin felt clean & fresh.

A few days later, I tried the Chocolate & Strawberry Clay Mask, which was a brown clay mask similar to the avocado mask. I had much the same result with this mask as I did with the previous one, but I much preferred the light scent of the avocado mask to the chocolate mask. The chocolate mask didn't smell bad; I am just overly picky about scented products on my face!

Finally, I used the Cucumber Peel-Off Mask. The cucumber mask was so cooling and soothing, and my skin felt refreshed after using it. It took me a little longer to peel this mask off than it took to remove the other two.

I would say these masks are great value for the money. The single-use mask sachets go for around $2 each, and the full-size tubes are around $4. Both are so much more affordable than other masks I have used. The sachets would be useful if you only do an occasional mask. I will say that I could probably have gotten two uses out of the amount of product in each sachet.

And, I have great news for you readers! Freeman Beauty Labs was so kind as to offer another kit for me to give away. The kit is identical to the one I received and includes the following:

Chocolate & Strawberry Facial Clay Mask
Avocado & Oatmeal Facial Clay Mask sachet
Cucumber Peel-Off Facial Mask sachet
Pssssst Shower Cap
Freeman Hand Towel
Freeman Hanging Travel Case

In addition, Freeman Beauty Labs is offering Third Floor Closet readers 25% off a purchase at www.freemanbeauty.com with promotional code BLOGGER25.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

Leave a comment below & tell me about your skincare routine. (We can all always use tips, no?) Please include your email address and/or blog URL so that I can contact you if you are the winner!

FOR EXTRA ENTRIES:

Follow Third Floor Closet on Bloglovin’ or Google Friend Connect/Google Reader (join the site using the widget on the right sidebar!), and leave a separate comment telling me you follow.
Follow Third Floor Closet on Facebook and leave a separate comment below telling me you follow.
Follow on Twitter, tweet about the giveaway with a link to the blog, and leave another comment below with your Twitter handle.
Blog about this giveaway and post a link to the blog post in a comment below.

GIVEAWAY RULES:

Open to US residents with a US mailing address only (So sorry, international readers, these products are only distributed in the US!)
Giveaway ends at 10:00 pm EST on Wednesday, February 29.
The winner will be announced and contacted immediately after the giveaway closes. The winner will have 24 hours to respond after being contacted or else I will have to choose a new winner.

GOOD LUCK!!!

*FTC Disclaimer: Freeman Beauty Labs provided products free of charge for editorial review. All opinions stated within are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

{fbff} blogger tools

2012-02-24T07:00:00.002-05:00

This week, FBFF is all about the {many} tools we use to blog.

1. What are the tools you use to blog?

The primary tools I use to create most blog posts are my Toshiba laptop & my Nikon D60. I alternate between my Nikon 18-55 mm VR lens & my Nikon 55-200 mm VR zoom lens, but I definitely use the 18-55 more often since most of my outfits are shot indoors. I take all my outfit photos myself with a tripod & Nikon remote. Occasionally, I use my phone (Motorola Droid 2 Global) for on-the-go photos & mobile blogging. I've been editing all my photos with Picnik, but I'll have to find new software soon since Picnik is closing in April... And of course, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Polyvore. Hmm, I probably use more tools that I'm not even remembering right now!

2. What technology item is on your wish-list?

I'd like another camera lens (maybe a fixed 50mm?), and really good flash for indoor photos since I don't have time during the day for outdoor photos! In light of Picnik closing, I'd love Photoshop CS. An an iPhone would be great, if only for Instagram. :)

3. Through the barrage of posts, tweets, pics, poses, messages, etc...how do you avoid becoming a slave to the constant infiltration of information?

I don't? My phone is always with me, so I have constant access to all sorts of information. But I am not that girl who can't put her phone down. If I'm doing something else in the real world, I just don't worry about all the other stuff happening in the internet world. I will admit that sometimes when I return to the internet world there can be A LOT to catch up on!

If you’d like to read everyone else’s thoughts on this topic, see the whole list of bloggers who are participating this week at Modly Chic.

*Also! Come back & look for a giveaway post tomorrow!!!

new items in my smashion store!

2012-02-20T21:36:00.000-05:00

As you may have already seen on Twitter, I added a few of my retired Stella & Dot jewelry samples to my Smashion store. Feel free to stop by and take a look!

{almost} BDIB

2012-02-15T21:38:00.001-05:00

I intended to participate in Bloggers Do It Better this week. I wore a red sweater, a midi skirt & knee boots & was ready to take my outfit photos.
Then this happened...

...making my boots barely walkable. (Yes, that is my heel splitting away from my boot.)

Also, I realized a little too late that my camera battery had died.

It was not meant to be.

{stella & dot} styles for a steal

2012-02-14T10:00:00.002-05:00

{source}

shop

a. nouvelle ring, ~~$49~~ sale $36.75 b. heiress hoops - hematite, ~~$44~~ sale $33

c. la coco rope necklace - black, ~~$59~~ sale $44.25 d. midnight bloom ring, ~~$39~~ sale 29.25

For the month of February, these 4 black & white Stella & Dot styles are 25% off! Wouldn't they make great Valentine's Day gifts to yourself?

savor, sip & style

2012-02-13T22:33:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to pop in to let you guys know that I will have a Stella & Dot booth at the Savor, Sip & Style luxury home show at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City on Sunday, February 19 from 11-5. If you are local, stop by and say hello! Find more details about the show here.