Birchbox: Best & Worst

As I was doing a little "Spring cleaning" this evening, I ran into all of my Birchbox boxes in my bathroom closet and decided to turn this blog into an excuse to pause the cleaning!

I began my Birchbox subscription in December of 2011, and I'm at my 6-month mark – having received half a year of Birchboxes! I figured such a milestone deserves a mini-review and perhaps a 'best and worst' itemized list of things that I've received in my boxes since beginning my subscription.

My overall review of Birchbox is somewhere between good and great – not wholly one or the other. As of February I hit a lull and in fact told myself I'd quit the subscription service if my March box weren't "a wow". Birchbox must've been listening because my March box was awesome and each box since I've been really happy with. Truthfully I almost forget about my subscription every month and then a get a friendly pink package in the mail and it makes my day – I love that aspect. So, to sum-up: I will be continuing my month-to-month subscription as I am very pleased with my Birchbox service.

Now for the nitty-gritty – the best and the worst list:

Best Birchbox items I've received (in the order that I've received them):
• Harvey Prince Yogini fragrance sample (*I use this once if not twice a week – I LOVE!)
• Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Birchbox Pink
• Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy fragrance sample (*This stays in my purse 24/7. LOVE!)
• Jouer Body Butter (*Again, a purse staple. Very moisturizing!)
• Heart Shaped nail file (Stays in my purse)
• LA Fresh Eco Beauty Waterproof Makeup Remover Towelette
• AHAVA Essential Daily Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin (*I've soaked up every last drop of this!)
• Orofluido Elixer (like a travel size Moroccan Oil)
• Tea Forte skin-smart teas (Particularly loved the honey one!)
• Color Club Neon Nail Polish (I paint my nails with this probably once a month and always get complements!)
• Befine 'Fine Food' packets: Moisturizer & Exfoliating Cleanser (Different and really worked)
• Lulu Organics Lavender + Clary Sage Dry Shampoo (BEST!)
• Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift fragrance sample (LOVE!)
• Ojon Damage Reverse Conditioner (LOVE!)
• LipFusion Lip Balm (I use 1-2 times a day! Purse staple!)
• Caudalie Cuticle Cream (Sooo goooood)

Worst Birchbox items I've received (in the order I've received them):
• EBoost Orange Natural Energy Booster drink powder (Seriously awful tasting!)
• Befine gentle cleanser (Was not strong enough for my skin type and too oily)
• LARABAR mini (At the top of the list of foods I hate is coconut, therefore this was a miss)
• Stila Smudge Stick (Just not a fan of this product. It bleeds and the color was too teal.)
• Eye Rock designer liner (Just not a fan of the stick-on concept. I'm not 13.)
• ColorScience pressed mineral foundation (Didn't match my skin.)
• Yes To Blueberries brightening facial towelettes (Had a major allergic reaction to these!)
• Zoya TRUE Spring Collection nail polish (LOVE Zoya polish, hated the moss green color)

So, as you can see the awesome products outweigh the misses. There's a few products that I received in my boxes but didn't list here because they weren't "wow", but they weren't "ugh" either. That's what ya get when you're introduced to new things though– some you like, some you don't, and some you try but you probably wouldn't purchase a full size.

Overall, it's been a great 6 months Birchbox!

I'm Alive, I swear!

Wow, it's been since FEBRUARY that I last blogged on here! Holy Moly! One explanation: NEW JOB! Yes, I started a new job downtown Chicago... it's labor-intensive, a time suck but FUN and very rewarding – in sum, I love it. However, it's been my blogging nemesis! So, instead of trying to recap the last 3 months in one post – let's just start a clean slate!

Let's talk SUMMER! This week & weekend it FINALLY feels like Summer has arrived in Chicago. I love opening up all the windows in my apartment and letting the breeze in. Aaaah.. :) Speaking of the weather, it definitely calls for a different makeup routine than the one I follow for Fall, Winter & the colder days of Spring.

This may be premature, but I'm just really excited to talk about a product I've just tried for the first time today: Clinique BB Cream! (My shade is "Shade 02", in the event you're wondering. I'd recommend if you have more olive or fairer yellow-undertone skin. "Shade 01" is more for those with fair skin with pink undertones). So, I know one day isn't enough time to test a product to determine whether you really do love it... but I just have a *feeling* about this one.

I purchased the Clinique BB Cream with the objective of it replacing my Makeup Forever Mat Velvet + foundation (Shade 25, in case you're wondering), for the Summer. I've been seeking something that still provides coverage, but isn't oily or feels slippery, has SPF for sunny days – you get the point. I've used a tinted moisturizer (like Origins VitaZing) before, but they're just too little coverage for me personally. I've heard a lot of buzz about BB creams lately but have been overwhelmed at the selection. Being that I'm pretty well established with Clinique products in my routine – I figured a visit to the counter might be a good place to get some questions answered and test out the product.

My experience at the counter was better than expected to be honest. When I sampled the product in my hands I was shocked by the formula. Not oily or siliconey, nor does it have a chalky finish which some matteifying products can have. It blended beautifully into my skin and is honestly weightless -- perfect for Summer! I will say however that I was surprised by the pigmentation... for whatever reason I guess I was expecting something more diluted(?)

Being that my objective is REALLY to get a true weightless, light, application– my 'use' may be slightly unconventional I'll warn you:

After cleansing with my Clarisonic (with Deep Pore scrubber) and Clinique Liquid Facial Soap, I then applied my Clinique All About Eyes cream. Then I pumped two squirts of the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel in my palm. To the moisturizer I added roughly the equivalent of one squirt (maybe a teeny bit less) of the BB Cream. Then I rubbed my hands together just enough to mix the two products and applied to my face – making sure to reach all areas on my face and rub in until even coverage was achieved.

To complete the look I applied a tiny amount of Bobbi Brown Corrector (Shade: Bisque) and Concealer (Shade: Sand) to my under-eyes using a Beauty Blender, and swept a little NARS Orgasm blush on the apples of my cheeks. Finish with an eyelash curl and some lip balm & to me, that's a super duper simple Summer routine. (*If you're one who must add a little somethin' to the eyes, a quick sweep using an Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil. *I really like the shade 'Sin').

Woo hoo! Happy kickoff to Summer & I'll really try to be better about blogging!!!

PANTONE Fashion Color Report: Fall & Spring 2012

Ahh... I love it when worlds collide–

For those of you whom are new to the whole PANTONE bit, or don't know what it is – it's a swatch book in plain terms. Looks like this and designers of all backgrounds use them for color reference. Graphic artists like myself, use some form of this swatch book every day, whether digitally via common used computer software or physically. Interior designers use PANTONE for paint and furniture, fashion designers for fabrics, architects for structure materials, and so on. Thus, why I said I love when worlds collide – my every day art direction world and my hobby fashion world.

As you're all probably aware, today kicks off fashion week in NYC and designers are showing off their creations for Fall 2012. I know, it seems odd that they're already practically a year ahead of the rest of the world but that's how it works – otherwise, how would we know incoming trends? Well, what PANTONE did in leu of fashion week is they composed a "what's hot" color library and look-book of things anticipated to hit the runway from different designers. Above are the "it" colors for Fall, readers! Take note! (If you're interested in glancing at the look book I just mentioned, Download the PANTONE Fall 2012 Color Report here*).

Considering we're in that odd transition between Winter and Spring at the current moment, let's take a look at the Spring "it" colors, shall we?:

(Download the full Spring 2012 PANTONE Color Report here)

So, a lot of the same hues I'm noticing. Spring obviously a little bit more pastell, whimsical, and neon – if you've been flipping through fashion magazines lately I'm sure you've noticed a lot of turquoise jewelry coming in for Spring, it's also been a trending nail polish color. I've noticed a ton of yellow paired with grey – even among home decor. I'm personally loving the comeback of the camel-brown neutral – I prefer it over traditional khaki any day. I'm also loving navy being incorporated more with some of the neon colors as a neutral vs. redundant black. Lots of purple and jewel-tones becoming popular for eye shadow, and of course everyone (including myself) is gaga for a coral/red lip. Oh! And I can't forget the colored cigarette pant/skinny – love that trend right now!

Looking to Fall – I'm excited for the change in blue from a navy to a grecian blue – I predict cobalt is going to be huge. I'm also a huge fan of the emerald green incoming for Fall – a color often pushed to the wayside but can be so stunning, especially on those with more ivory skin or red-ish hair. I'm also excited to see an up-play of espresso brown for Fall. I think everybody got sick of it a couple of years ago when it was a huge hit in the interior decor world paired with the pale french blue. I'm looking forward to seeing how designers make espresso brown new again, changing it up from its 70s vibe.

What trends are you loving/excited for?

*Don't forget to stay tuned to my Pinterest, I'll be creating a new board shortly and begin pinning some of my favorite things that tie into these Spring and Fall 2012 color schemes!

Pinterest & My Tax Return Wishlist

Ah, my hard-earned tax return! – First time in 3 years I don't owe money (grrr 1099 freelance!), so this is pretty exciting! In addition to celebrating a tax return check, I've also just accepted a new fulltime job! Pretty exciting stuff happening :) 

Considering my former position was a remote job of which I worked out of my home for, it's been a while since I've actually needed to shop for clothes. With Spring approaching, there's lots of new things out there... so, I'm compiling a wishlist of work apparel. (*Notice I said wishlist – I'm not going to go blow my entire return on every single one of these items, it's just for inspiration.) 

– o O o –

And figured while I set out to compile said wishlist, that I may as well build it using Pinterest! I'm new to the whole virtual bulletin board, so if you're interested in following me, here I am: Trig&Sprightly Pinterest.

– o O o –

And, a listing of everything I pinned by store, in case that's more up your alley:

Madewell
Madewell Bee's Knees Tote, $23
Madewell blanknyc® Skinny Jeans in Vivid Poppy, $88
Madewell Striped Circle Scarf, $52
Madewell The Passenger Clutch in Light Nectar, $78

JCrew
JCrew Contract Stripe Tee in Yacht Blue Navy, $39.50
JCrew Ringspun Stripe Henley in Nutmeg, $49.50
JCrew Pixie Pant in Black, $88
JCrew Sundowner Tunic in Engineered Stripe, $88
JCrew Italian Leather Skinny Belt in Soft Fuchsia, $39.50

Ann Taylor LOFT
LOFT Colorblock Roll-Sleeve Sweater Dress in Tomato, $89.50
LOFT Coral Trim Berkeley Ballet Flats, $44.50
LOFT Watercolor Dots and Stripe Border Scarf, $34.50

Express
Express Striped Knit Drop Shoulder Dress in Coral, $49.90
Express Color Block Wristlet, $29.90
Express Graphic Stripe Oblong Scarf in Canary, $34.90

Francesca's Collections
Francesca's Flock Together Top, $34
Francesca's Sun Block Clutch, $34

Anthropologie
Anthropologie Flare Ancora Blouse, $58
Anthropologie Carolinae Top, $98
Anthropologie Pointed Hexagon Earrings, $32
Anthropologie Triple Prism Necklace, $48
Anthropologie Wreathed Splendor Necklace, $178

TopShop
TopShop Short Sleeve Sailor Blouse, $64
TopShop Horizontal Kite Necklace, $20
TopShop Coral Spot Gusset Purse, $16
TopShop Cream Cutout Holdall Bag, $80

Modcloth
Modcloth Tiny Cupcakes Top, $39.99
Modcloth European Leisure Tunic, $47.99
Modcloth Along Came You Skirt, $74.99
Modcloth Sashay Away Skirt, $64.99

Urban Outfitters
UO Kimchi Blue V-Inset Crinkle Blouse in Peach, $59
UO Cooperative Linen Flatform Wedge in Black, $49
UO BAGGU Small Zipper Set (of 3), $8

Zara
Zara Double Cloth Trousers in Black, $49.90
Zara T-Shirt with Lace Back in Black, $16.90
Zara Elastic Ballerina Flat in Taupe, $35.90

Fossil
Fossil Flare Denim in White, $98
Fossil Anna Cropped Cardigan, $78

Kate Spade New York
Kate Spade Love Notes Ring in Silver, $48
Kate Spade Signature Spade Open Spade Ring in Gold, $48
Kate Spade Signature Spade Studs in Gold, $48

The Gap
Gap Striped Woven T in Yellow Stripe, $49.95
Gap Dot Print Scarf in Yellow Dot, $29.95

Ninewest
Nine West Onhigh Patent Flat in Taupe, $69

Boutiques
Betsy & Iya Coin Goddess Necklace, $89
Brevity Hexagonal Necklace, $60
Nasty Gal Femme Fatale Dress, $168

Beauty Philosophy

As January comes to a close, the February chapter opens– marking the "third trimester" of winter. Now, I don't know the first thing about pregnancy but enough rumor has formed that the third trimester is the toughest, and frankly the most annoying. Though February is the shortest month of the year, I feel like it always drags. In leu of getting through this last bit, I thought it might be nice to talk about something happy!

When I set out to start this blog a few months ago, I promised that I wouldn't deviate from my underlying goal: through talking about the things I'm (personally) attracted to, I hope that I am ultimately communicating that what money can buy is just an accessory... the canvas, your own skin is where confidence has to originate from. With so much buzz floating around of new clothing and makeup collections for Spring, I wanted to press pause for a minute and focus on confidence.

I feel like between ages 18 and 30, every woman experiences her evolution of personal style where they trend-hop and little by little adjust their closet and go-to product line-up from quantity to quality, defining the things that most accentuate their given outer skins. Along the ride we're all figuring out what works, what doesn't work... some of us late bloomers, and some born with Louboutin's on their feet! It's easy to get distracted in the wild world of beauty and fashion via product or brand hype, via what we see and what's recommended to us in magazines, via blogs, YouTube, red carpets, etc. There's an overload of opinion out there, all for the taking (or the leaving)– but how often are women conscious or focused on their definition(s) of beauty? How original are we these days in our personal style?

I thought I'd generate a few questions about "beauty in the eye of the beholder", answer them myself, and then encourage you all to ponder them as well. So, here we go!

1. How do you define beauty?
   In my mind, I don't envision anyone or any particular thing... I think about embracing ones given traits. Curves, curly hair, a shorter height. I think often women pick on themselves vs. seeing the advantages in what make them unique, and how that makes them different from females who prefer cookie-cutter appearances. Example, I know many flatter chested women who see themselves as less feminine than those blessed with larger chests and I wonder have they seen Gwenyth Paltrow in a low diving v-neck red carpet gown? Or Mila Kunis's all-American girl character in "Friends with Benefits"? They're both stunning women who confidently rock a smaller chest.
   
   
2. Describe your personal style in three words:
   Colorful, comfortable, creative. (All C's.. wow.)
   
   This is going beyond three words, but, whatever... I generally dress in a preppy way I guess you could say. I'm drawn to a more tailored style, but like to make it my own by injecting color. I'm 5'2" and don't often wear heels and while I'm on the shy-ish side, I don't like to blend in or be forgettable.
   
   
3. Who is your style icon? Why?
   Though I've never seen one episode of The OC, Rachel Bilson as her columnist self for InStyle mag I really admire. I genuinely feel she's conscious of the many frustrations everyday women have when it comes to clothing, and her advice I think is often times spot-on appropriate to those whom seek her opinion.
   
   Another celebrity style I enjoy is Lauren Conrad's. I am a fan of her sense of calm, she comes off as accessible and ultimately her fashion rule is comfort which I appreciate. I also really like her youtube channel "beautydept".
   
   *If I had to pick a designer (not that LC isn't a designer), I'm a fan of Vera Wang. She seems very in-touch with what it means to be a female and that that's a powerful thing. It shows in her design, and her attention to detail and shape.
   
   
4. Who is your cosmetics/skincare/haircare icon? Why?
   Bobbi Brown. Hands down. I find her cosmetics brand message to be less about covering things up, but more about accenting one's given features while at the same time encouraging women to never stop playing with makeup. Compounded with the fact that BB formulas are well done.
   
   I'm in love with Dove from a product message point-of-view as well. Clinique also comes across as a brand that understands the definition of products meant to enhance vs. turn you into someone else. BareMinerals' brand message of "be a force of beauty" is also nice, but I'm not the biggest fan of their products for me personally.
   
   *To name a few "guru community" people whom I enjoy watching, I'd say: TiffanyD, amarixe, missglamorazzi, and FluerDeForce – some for tutorials, and some for product reviews... All in all, these select girls to me come across as the most genuine and address real-world female problems be it a breakout, dark circles, etc. I appreciate that about them, whereas other community personalities come across to be more into the brands and the hauls. As mentioned before, I also enjoy watching the beautydept channel, as well as Birchbox's channel and Bobbi Brown channel.
   
   
5. If you could choose just one cosmetic item to wear in public for the rest of your life, what would it be?
   Concealer. I am most insecure about my under-eye circles... other than that, I could (eventually) accept a life without makeup.
   
   
6. In what clothing item do you feel least comfortable/least yourself in? And most comfortable?
   A suit. I'm comfortable being polished and sophisticated, but in a suit it feels like acting. Most comfortable I'd say a flowy top (think Anthropologie/Francesca's) and leggings.
   
   
7. What feature, of yourself, would you not trade for the world? And what feature would you enhance if given the opportunity?
   My eyes. They're large and in charge, but they make me me. I wouldn't change a thing about me, cosmetically. I mean that. I think it's normal for any woman to have a lull where maybe she's not so confident about her tummy area or haircut or whatever... but, those are all within our control. That's my favorite part of being a woman!– it's a hallpass to try new things and see what works.

So that's it I guess for my personal philosophy on beauty!– It's easy to act, it's easy to layer yourself with brands and products, it's easy to hide behind trends and call it "you". Take the time to learn about yourself ladies, it's a powerful thing knowing exactly who you are :)

Tag: Nail Polish Obsession

Alrighty friends, so I just got a couple of new polishes yesterday that I loooove and leu of a few newbies joining my collection I thought I'd show my nail polish collection! So, let's get started:

^ Here's everybody! {Bag: Target 'Contents' brand case, ~$16. Mini-manicure/nail grooming kit: B&BB, no longer sold.}

Alrighty, so I figured to be thorough I'd break-down by color family(?)

THE ESSENTIALS:

• Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat, $7.99
• Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Top Coat, $4-6

*Recap: I swear by each of these products, thus why I've re-purchased time and time again!

NUDES & PASTELS:

• essie Nice Is Nice
• Pixel Show Me the $
• Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Plus Pearl Wisdom (49), (*SH has reformulated & packaged this from the bottle I have, link is current.)
• Pixel Thigh High

*Recap: the essie polish is definitely a favie & I always get compliments when I wear it, the Pixel polish formula's take two coats but that's pretty normal, and the SH growth polish is perfect for toes! and for when your nails just need a break from pigmented polish.

TWINKLERS:

• Nicole by OPI Light A Candle
• Milani Garnet Gems (27A)
• Milani Disco Lights (89)
• Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Celeb City (13)

*Recap: I loooove the Nicole by OPI polish, it's definitely a 'most worn' polish for me (see!). The pink glitter Milani polish is also super fun – but, you have to know going in that it's h-e-double hockey sticks to get off! The Garnet Gems is a miss for me, I wish the glitter were set in a clear polish instead of a smokey clear.

THE PINK LADIES:

• OPI An Affair in Red Square
• Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure All Fired Up (550)
• Orly Basket Case
• essie Bachelorette Bash
• Orly Terra Cotta
• Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Crushed (36)

*Recap: the OPI polish is the quintessential 'holiday' polish, that's always when I bust it out. The SH All Fired Up is hands-down my absolute fav polish color of every polish I own. Love Orly polishes – excellent formula, same with essie polishes. The Bach. Bash is the best summer color.

BLACKS & ALMOST BLACKS:

• Sally Hansen Insta-Dry Night Flight (24), (*Color discontinued)
• L'Oreal Paris Stroke of Midnight (580), (*Color discontinued, link is it's closest comparison in the new formulas/naming)
• Nicole by OPI Show You Care
• Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear In the Navy (41), (*Color discontinued)
• Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen Black

*Recap: Love the SH Insta-dry formula for darker colors especially, and this black is really slick looking. Hi-shine. The L'Oreal color is pure awful unless paired with Garnet Gems glitter (like this) – that's the only exception, and the only reason it's still in my bag! The Nicole polish is okay... kind of a fall/winter color for me. (*Def. better with a coat of essie Nice Is Nice as a base.) I loooooove In the Navy! Again, one of my 'most-worn'. And finally the nail art pen – loooove it for black tips. Easy to use.

THE BLUES:

• essie Mezmerise
• Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Marine Scene (19)
• Pixel Till I'm Blue Over You
• Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Purple Potion (13)

*Recap: essie's Mezmerised is another 'most-worn' for me – the pigment and formula of this polish just make me happy :) The Pixel polish is one of my new ones and I haven't tried it yet so we shall see! Both the SH Marine Scene & Purple Potion are misses for me. They are only fun when you have like 3 hours to paint your nails, as they require multiple coats and the formula is not rapid-drying whatsoever. However, both colors do cool things when applied as a thin topcoat.

– • o O o • –

And wrapping up with the zeroes and the heroes – polishes that are a total miss & total successes:

Let's begin with the zeroes so to have a happy ending to this post ;)

• L'Oreal Paris Stroke of Midnight (580)
• Milani Garnet Gems (27A)
• Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Purple Potion (13)
• OPI Espresso Your Style
• Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Marine Scene (19)
• Sinful Colors Pro. Happy Ending (946)

*Recap: I've already talked about my displeasures with Stroke of Midnight, Garnet Gems, Purple Potion, and Marine Scene. The OPI polish is just an almost-black brown color and isn't flattering on me – however, I can see it being a flattering polish on someone with tanned or dark skin. As far as the green polish – it's awful. It's not kelly green like it appears, the formula is thin and if you care to read more on my disappointment with this polish read this.

The heroes! Yaaay!

• OPI An Affair in Red Square
• essie Nice Is Nice
• Orly Terra Cotta
• essie Mezmerised
• Pixel Thigh High
• Nicole by OPI Light A Candle
• essie Bachelorette Bash
• Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure All Fired Up (550)

In response to the ever-popular tag: Perfumes!

Above: My perfume table {*For those who are curious, I got it at Target 2+ years ago and to my knowledge they no longer carry it. Urban Outfitters had been carrying the same one as of recently, but are currently sold out. Also, the two vintage brushes are heirlooms from my grandmother.}

Bottles, from left to right:

GapBody Love Shack, body mist – 2 fl.oz.

• Described as: bold, flirty, floral

{ My Thoughts }
Haha! This is actually pretty embarrassing that this is readily available in my bathroom. I'm certain I bought this exact bottle when I was like 15 or 16. Gap Body no longer even sells fragrance! I think I've hung onto it b/c it's easy for travel and on-the-run situations. Moving on... (Yikes).

Kenneth Cole Black {for her}, eau de parfum – 1.7 fl.oz.

• Described as: A delicate aroma of lush florals, citrus, sandalwood and musk, a warm fragrance. Recommended for evening.

{ My Thoughts }
This was my first "real" perfume, not this exact bottle, of course. (I say that like that'd be an outlandish thought after just telling you all I've had the same bottle of body mist for 10 years! Ha!) I definitely agree with the description– it's certainly a "dressy" fragrance, certainly not an every day scent. I personally wear it for like a date night or something of the sort.

Susanne Lang Midnight Orchid, eau de parfum – 1 fl.oz.

• Described as: Luminous gardenia, jasmine and freesia are kissed by warm vanilla and caressed by the sheerest musk. Smooth, elegant and seductive without ever being over the top.

{ My Thoughts }

I received this as a gift from my boyfriend for Christmas a few years ago and absolutely love this scent. I certainly don't get musk from it at all, but gardenia and vanilla for sure. It's very light/subtle and feminine, and kinda summer-y in my opinion.

Prada Amber, eau de parfum – 1.7 fl.oz

• Described as: All about amber; other notes come and go, but the amber is prominent from the first spray. Citrus decorates the top notes, a whisper of florals the middle, and a dry, earth patchouli with vanilla accents the base.

{ My Thoughts }

This perfume was also a gift from my aunt a few years ago for Christmas. I'll kickoff by saying this isn't my favorite among my collection, but I wanted it because it is unlike anything I have. I'll be honest that the patchouli part of the description really scared me, as I really dislike that scent, but I don't get patchouli from this perfume at all. For whatever reason I associate this scent with autumn, and most often wear it when bundled in a wool sweater. It's sweet and organic smelling, but not anything harsh.

Miss Dior Cherie, eau de parfum – 1.7 fl.oz.

• Described as: An amazing blend of strawberry leaves and green mandarin open up this scent. Then blends into a violette, pink jasmine and strawberry sorbet which finishes off with fresh patchouli, musk and crystalline. 

{ My Thoughts }

*Aah!* There's nothing not to love about this scent, point-blank. Again, a gift from my boyfriend – this year's Christmas. The bottle is by far my favorite, I die for the silver bow and houndstooth patterned glass! I think this scent is the quintessential vibrant female smell! It's sweet, it's citrus, it's organic, it's energizing – it just makes you smile! (Can you tell this is my favored perfume?)

And now for the Tiffany & Co. box full of sample viles:

From bottom to top:

Givenchy Very Irresistible, eau de parfum

• Described as: A red carpet of rose petals illuminated by star anise and the sparkle of verbena and red berries.

{ My Thoughts }

This may be a very un-girl thing of me to say, but I personally cannot stand the smell of roses, so I am shocked that I like this scent as much as I do. It's very elegant, smooth, and little black dress approved. I'd save this scent for something special.

Bottega Veneta, eau de parfum (*sorry you can't see the 'label')

• Described as: Its notes incude patchouli, oak moss, bergamot, jasmine and pink pepper. Bottega Veneta classifies it as a "leathery floral chypre."

{ My Thoughts }

A.) if you're like me and had no clue what "chypre" meant, it means citrus. B.) I got this as a sample (duh), and it's definitely bold. It reminds me somewhat of Prada Amber, but it's not sweet. Overall it's musky and earthy. I can definitely get a whiff of the patchouli in this one and therefore probably won't be using this vile.

Harvey Prince Yogini, eau de toilette

• Described as: Purifying powers of sandalwood, the age-defying glow of grapefruit, and the sensual warmth of Egyptian myrrh. (Includes: Sandalwood, golden amber, sensual incense, Egyptian myrrh, pink grapefruit, blackcurrant buds, lily of the valley, star jasmine, rose petals, ylang-ylang, cardamom, madagascar vanilla.)

{ My Thoughts }

This stuff is a dream! I'm truthfully sad I only have a little vile of it! I imagine myself crashing into a sea of cushy pillows and fresh white linens when I smell this. (Too much?) It's ultra fresh, vibrant, really wakes you up and makes you feel energized. Not too much of anything and very light.

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy, eau de parfum

• Described as: With top notes of wild berries and juicy mandarin gently tempered with honeysuckle, gardenia, and jasmine. Underlying it all are warm tones of amber, caramel, vanilla, sandalwood, and praline. 

{ My Thoughts }

I'm SO glad I got a sample vile of this in my Birchbox this month, as I really really wanted to try it. I LOVE it! Really anything with gardenia is sure to hook me, so I'm not shocked that I like it. It's light but not diluted, and again super flirty and fun and vibrant. I'm convinced I'll be buying the full size bottle once I've soaked every last drop of the vile!

Lolita Lempicka, eau de parfum

• Described as: An enchanting and alluring fragrance that gently balances the sweetness of ivy leaves and aniseed with delicate violet and iris root, and finishes with a smooth hint of vanilla and musk.

{ My Thoughts }

I got this as a sample with a Sephora order a while back and truthfully I've forgotten about the scent until now. This one is definitely sugary and for whatever reason kind of reminds me of the white spiced jelly beans (does anyone know what I'm talking about here?). It's not like cupcake frosting or anything super sweet, but more of a natural, earth-derived sweet. I'd say more appropriate for summer, particularly if you plan to spend the day outside.