Product Review: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Starter Kit

I do not buy expensive products because they're made by a trendy company; I pride myself on finding great deals at the Gap and saving money by shopping for groceries with my Kroger Plus card.  However, in instances where I believe that a higher price actually reflects the quality of the good, I have no problem shelling out.  Such is the case with nice leather bags, with DiorShow Mascara, and now, with Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Starter Kit.

I wasn't overly thrilled with the cleanser.  Not that's there's anything wrong with it, but there's probably not much anyone can do to improve upon the face wash formula that's already been perfected by many companies.  However, the toner and cream blew me away.  I'm not sure whether it's because I've never used toner, or that the products just work that well, but my skin has never felt so rejuvenated and healthy.  In fact, as I sit here, almost twelve hours and one shower later, I still feel incredibly moisturized.  It's like there's a glowing barrier between my skin and the elements surrounding me, and I love it.

A small amount of each product goes a very long way, so I'm hoping that this kit lasts me a while.  If you're looking for a new skin care routine, I would definitely recommend this package to anyone out there.  Although I said I wasn't floored by the cleanser, I'm going to say to go ahead and buy the kit.  The price of a small Ultra Facial Cream alone is actually equal to its price (which includes said cream), so it's definitely worth it.

Jax

Perforated Perfection

Recently I had mentioned a double wrap Margiela belt that I really liked.  Behold: the Ann Taylor Loft Perforated Double Wrap Belt, available for a mere thirty-five dollars.  I'm so glad that I have such a fashionable mother who not only found this, but also purchased it for me.

Jax

The Great Outdoors

KATIE

Combine the always inspirational Dsquared² Spring 2010 show and the fact that I go to a very outdoorsy college and you've got two key factors in my newest wardrobe theme of the moment: Happy Camper Katie.

Inspiration Station

I made a little wish list collage based on this camping kick I've been on, but in the time between finding the images and Black Friday (woop woop!) I went out and bought a few of the items, so now it's more of a to-do list:

Clockwise from top left:

We The Free Down Puffer - $149.95 - Free People

Supersoft Textured Socks - $8.50 - Gap

Herringbone Boy Shirt - $72 - J. Crew

Mens Duck Boot - $69.50 - Land's End

Houlihan Cargos - $231 - J Brand

Natalie Cotton Bloomer Bikini - $8.50 - Gilly Hicks

Lightweight Puffer Vest - $59.50 now $30 - Gap

Ribbed Knit Beanie - $19.50 - Gap

I now own the socks and the puffer vest (which I wear almost daily) and am completely in love. They're helping me to feel more and more like a girl lumberjack every day.

Seeing as my university is in a very outdoorsy city, I'm almost jumping on the bandwagon by getting interested in this woodsy look. But how do you guys feel about it? Chic or costume-y?

-Katie

(Images from style.com, Free People, Gap, J. Crew, Land's End, J Brand, and Gilly Hicks) 

Urban Outfitters: Product Review

JAX

via

While there was a point back in high school that I probably would have stated Urban Outfitters as my favorite store, I, like Katie, have veered from making too many purchases there in recent years due to their price/quality imbalance.  I made the mistake of buying a very cozy looking comforter from UO for the start of my college education last fall, and it literally was falling apart within two months.  Because of this, I had abstained from shopping there until my recent desperation for a good single panel curtain at a decent price became so intense that I had no other option.  I selected this purple Sophie Velvet Curtain, in hopes that the material would block out the suns blinding rays in the mornings, as well as a bit of the cold that is beginning to seep through my window.  Urban was also offering a free shipping deal for orders over $75, which I of course fell for, so I added this antique knob tie-back and Openhiemer Door Hooks (picture not available) to my cart as well.  I was happily surprised by the appearance of the velvet curtain and the tie-back when I received them today.  No, they're not Bella Notte quality, but it was more than I was hoping for at $42 and $14, respectively.  The door hooks are another story; they sit kind of lopsided and almost make it almost impossible to shut my door completely.  I am, however, grateful for their functionality, because to be honest, I am completely out of closet space.  In conclusion, thanks for stepping up your game a little bit in the homeware department, Urban Outfitters.  Maybe I will consider buying some additional hipster-esque things that I don't necessarily need if I ever stop feeling so poor.

Guinevere.

KATIE

The other day, my wonderful mother gave me the lovely surprise of a trip to Anthropologie where she was buying (score!). I figured I'd go easy on her wallet and just get one thing. Lucky me, they had one perfect thing.

Meet The Outdoor Cafe Cardigan

This great, crocheted piece that screamed my name the second I walked through the large, wooden doors (yes, I had to battle out the sound of many other dresses and pieces of dishware calling me name as well). Anthro calls this color "neutral motif", but I call it "perfect light lavender tannish" (it's got a ring to it, yes?). It's the most comfortable thing, and even has a little seaming in the back that actually lets you retain your feminine figure while wearing a slouchy sweater. As the proud owner of a million sweaters, I did not think that this was possible, but Guinevere has proved me wrong.

It's so cute, they made a model put it on.

Despite the fact that I've been constantly carrying the Guinevere around with me since purchase, it will probably have to wait a month or two until it has its time to shine. It's just too hot in Tennessee for thick crochet (much to my dismay)! That said, if you're sweater-crazy like me and are thinking about investing in a new one for those up and coming cooler months, I certainly give this sweater two thumbs up. It also comes in black and yellow, but in my book, neutral motif is the best by far.

-Katie

(Images from Anthropologie)