Twenty Something Plus

May 31, 2016

Grey Wrap Dress

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

Dress: Rent the Runway | Shoes: Steve Madden | Hat: Target | Bracelets: Kendra Scott (similar)

My number one rule for buying clothes, is to try it on first! I haven’t always done this and ended up with clothes that don’t fit right or missing out on clothes that could have fit even though the tag said otherwise. So now, I try it on to make sure that I really want it and will actually wear it.

Ordering clothes online can be a bit trickier. For this, I read the sizing info and the reviews and take them with a grain of salt. When I saw the TY-LR Grey Georgia Dress on Rent the Runway, I thought it was the chicest wrap dress I had ever seen. The loose fit of it was a major part of the appeal for me, because comfort. But, when I read the reviews pretty much every single one said don’t get it. Much of this had to do with the fact that the dress was loose.

Since that was what I like most about it, I got it anyways. And I’m glad I did.

The reviews weren’t totally inaccurate. I had to wear my Miraculous bra and be a little cautious when walking or sitting. For me, this was so worth it! I mean, it looked great and I felt hot in what one reviewer called a potato sack. I say, sometimes it comes down to how you wear the dress.

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May 26, 2016

Styled by 5 Featuring Honey & Lace

Each month myself and four other boss blogger babes have been styling the same piece of clothing and since we all look and think differently from each other (hair, religion, location, skin, size, height, style…all of the above), you’ll get five totally different looks. That means you’ll get to see what I style, on other body types so you can find something that is best for you!

Any and everything is better with pockets. Especially dresses and skirts, like this one from Honey & Lace. The color and pattern make it amazing for spring. I’ve already worn it to church and received some of the best compliments!

For this month’s Styled by 5, I styled it how I’d wear it for an everyday look. During the warmer days, my jean jacket gets a lot of wear (and some tear). And the heels are chunky, so they’re a little more practical that some of my other pairs.

I usually prefer pencil skirts over a-line, but after wearing it a few times, I have to say that I may have just had a serious change of heart.

I know I’m going to be checking out how Deidre, Kaylynn, Jacque, and Alexis, styled it, make sure you do too!

May 23, 2016

Blue Milly Vest

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

Vest: Rent the Runway | Shoes: Charlotte Russe (similar) | Shirt: Old Navy (similar)
Shorts: H&M (similar)

Social media has quickly become my source for outfit inspiration. I saw how someone else had styled this blue Milly vest on the Rent the Runway Instagram and knew that it had to be in my next Rent the Runway Unlimited order.

Last summer I just had to have a pair of high waist denim shorts. I got them and they show a little more cheek than I anticipated. The vest covers that right up and I don’t have to worry.

And I wore heels with it because I’m obsessed with these Charlotte Russe finds, but I will be holding on to the vest for a while so I can wear it again with a pair of cute sneakers or flats.

I really can’t get over the pop of color! I mean, royal blue isn’t something I have a lot of, but maybe that should change…

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May 18, 2016

When Face Masks Review + Which to Use When

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

I have tried a number of different skincare products, but I have to say that When Face Masks are some of the best. So, I was beyond thrill to partner with When to share about my experience with their face masks.

After trying, I found that each of the masks felt and worked pretty similarly. Not surprising, since the main ingredients are essentially the same. Opening a packet and taking out the mask inside initially makes you think what have you gotten yourself into. These masks are thick! But after you remove the paper and whatnot, you are left with what is still a pretty thick but completely manageable product.

This is no 10 minute mask, so I highly recommend using these when you have some serious downtime. Like most masks, these feel a little cold on your face. And this is where I found the masks started to vary. I found that 10:00 PM stayed cool and left my face looking younger. Not years younger, but definitely less tired. Whereas, Snow Magic seemed to warm up a bit. It made my skin feel kind of tight and let my face with more of a healthy glow.

Here’s which When Face Mask to use when:

10:00 PM

Stay out a little too late with your girls?

Tired?

Or even worse, do you look it?

10:00 PM is the face mask you need. It restores the moisture in your skin using coconut juice, hyaluronic acid, and ginseng and watermelon extracts.

Snow Magic

If your skin is looking dull, then I recommend Snow Magic.

Kind of similar to 10:00 PM, it nourishes your skin, but in addition to moisturizing, it also leaves your face bright and glowing.

No highlighter required.

Travelmate

Going on vacation?

Make sure to pack Travelmate!

It’s ideal after a day spent at the beach, using chamomile and Swiss Alpine herb extracts to soothe your skin.

Regardless of which mask you use, the key is to apply the mask you need for 30 minutes and then massage in the excess serum.

Spa day, anyone?

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May 17, 2016

My May 2016 Birchbox

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For my May 2016 Birchbox, I don’t even remember what the sample choices were. One glance at this month’s Naturally Radiant featured box and I was sold!

I am a little bit of a bronzer junkie. Probably because I associate it with summer. A matte bronzer is the best for contouring, but I have yet to find a stand alone bronzer for me to use that way. When there’s a shimmer to it, I use it all over, otherwise I use it like a setting powder. I knew Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer wouldn’t be dark enough, but because of the hype I wanted it anyways.

COOLA is a brand I like for sunscreen in general, I’ve sampled their products through Birchbox a couple of times, but never a makeup setting spray. I’ve been looking for a natural alternative to Urban Decay’s All Nighter and I’m really happy to have found this, even if the full size does cost a little bit more.

Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of the color, but the ModelCo Lip Lacquer feels like a pretty good gloss. I would love to try it in a shade like Morocco instead. Birchbox carries their sample sized trio for $16, it includes both Crème Brulee and Morocco, in addition to Viva.

Perfumes, shampoos and conditioners are not my favorite samples to get, but I don’t mind so much when I get all three for a total of six samples this month. Sure the conditioner is a small packet, but I really wanted to try the Davines LOVE set. It’s for course or frizzy hair. I have both. (Apparently, Davines changed the formula, and the new didn’t exactly get rave reviews. I still have yet to use it, but am choosing to remain optimistic since I didn’t see any reviews from anyone with course hair.)

The perfume is a heavy floral. Which I did not love and made the mistake of spraying in on myself rather than in the air or on a piece of paper to smell it for the first time. And it’s strong.

Despite my feelings towards the fragrance sample, this month’s box was still one of my faves.

May 13, 2016

Golden Slice Agate Necklace from Uncommon Goods + Giveaway

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I don’t wear a ton of jewelry.

Sometimes a statement piece, other times a dainty everyday something. My dream necklace is something classic enough to wear with anything, while still standing out enough to be somewhat of a conversation starter.

And when there’s a story behind it? Even better!

UncommonGoods is all about products with a story. They really care about and connect you with the artists behind their handmade goods.

This Golden Slice Agate Necklace is was crafted by Lucy Dalton. And although, in my mind, she created it for me, I was gifted two. One for me and one for a very lucky reader. Please note, that this is technically a flash giveaway and only runs for 24 hours!

Details below…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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May 11, 2016

My April 2016 Birchbox

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

It seems like whenever I tell myself that I’m not going to select the featured box the next month, I end up doing the opposite. Maybe it’s me, maybe it’s that I was that unimpressed with the sample choices. Either way, I went with the April 2016 Birchbox featured box.

I don’t want to pretend that I loved or even wanted everything in my box this month. However, I was very pleased with the Laura Geller Baked Blush-n-Brighten. I can use it as blush with a highlighter or as a highlighter with a blush, or alone.

TOCCA Hand Cream is one of my favorites and it is my goal to eventually try them all, I really like the scent I got, it’s fruity and floral, which to me is perfection!

Surprisingly, I liked the Marcelle Micellar Solution, but not nearly as much as I’d expected to. Especially since it costs as much as it does, but the drugstore versions work just as well.

Liftra Contour Cream kind of confuses me. Since I don’t 100% get how it works or what exactly it’s supposed to do, I have yet to touch it.

As for the PALOR, I raved about the blowout spray, but the volumizing spray isn’t a product I cared all that much for. Not because it doesn’t work, but volume isn’t really something my hair lacks.

Which product would make this box worth it for you? If you’re interested in signing up for Birchbox, you can use my refer a friend link here!

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May 10, 2016

Lookout Rooftop & Bar at The Envoy Hotel

In case you missed my announcement on Instagram, Lookout Rooftop and Bar at Lookout Rooftop & Bar at The Envoy Hotel is now officially open for the season!

Myself, and some other local bloggers were invited to check it out a little early. The view is breathtaking and the drinks delicious! If you’re close enough and looking for something to do the weekend, there’s really no better way to kick off the season, than with sips at Boston’s #1 rooftop hotspot.

You don’t have to wait for the weekend to enjoy the view, South Hollow Spirit’s new gin launch party is happening there tonight! Tickets are available for tonight’s event here.

May 6, 2016

What’s in My Mother’s Makeup Bag

There is so much that I’ve learned from my mother. I am thankful for her and the lessons she taught me. I probably should have listened when she told me not to touch my eyebrows.

When it comes to makeup, she taught me that less is plenty. And although I hoard makeup, like she does kitchenware, I know to make sure to have my few essentials on hand at all times. We probably define essentials differently, but I’m way more into makeup than she is.

My mother’s makeup bag is a minimalist’s dream. Even though she almost always takes forever to get ready, she does her makeup last and can do that in less than five!

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