Instagram Inspiration

I've got a thing for following designers and businesses on Instagram that post awesome pics of apparel, projects, home decor, and just fun stuff. What can I say? Pretty things make me happy. Here are some favorites in my Instagram feed right now!

1. Brickyard Buffalo.
This company is a pop-up online market that showcases fun, unique items from clothing, to jewelry, to kids stuff, to home items. I love the variety! They only have a few items available for purchase at a time, and the sale goes until the item is sold out or until the clock runs out. #greatbusinessidea

2. Studio DIY.
This is basically a party planning website/blog with tons of cool, crafty projects. The colors and ideas are kind of amazing. She makes it seem so easy to DIY! On the home page today -- Funfetti Creamsicles. I DIE!

3. Vintage Revivals.
I love home decorating. I just wish I was better at it. I follow a few different home design Instas, but this one is unique, and super witty. Her latest post totally made me LOL. Really, out loud. I love seeing how crazy, old, 70's looking finishes can turn a place into a modern space. Such a fun blog. But more importantly, fun to see the pics on Instagram!

Jamberry Nail Wraps

Have you guys ever heard of Jamberry Nail Wraps? I just learned about them 3 weeks ago. THEY ARE AWESOME. I have a thing for new products and love having my nails done so I wanted to try them out. It's kind of like a shrink wrap for your nails, and there's no chipping! There are so many fun designs to choose from, it's hard to pick just one. I ordered two sets, put them on, and I'm sold!

Here's what you need to know:

• Vinyl adhesive nail wrap, heat activated
• Last for 2 weeks on your fingers, and 4+ weeks on your toes
• Better staying power than nail polish
• They don't damage your nails like acrylic, gel, or shellac
• $15 per set
• One set will do 2+ (or more!) full manicures and pedicures
• Tons of designs to choose from (click here to browse website)
• You can create your own custom nail wraps!

After some reading, research, asking questions, and watching YouTube tutorials, I decided to sign up as a consultant because 1) I want a discount on the wraps. 2) I already work full time and enjoy my job, but I have plenty of SAHM friends who might enjoy doing this as a side business.Why not share them with my friends and family (& earn some spending money)? My dentist, CEO, and some friends have asked about them!

If you'd like to browse the style options or order CLICK ON THIS LINK. Or, if you want to host an online party or ask questions about the consultant program email me at scratchnstef@gmail.com. Have you ever tried Jamberry Nail Wraps? What do you think? Do you have questions? Comment below!

Here's a video from my sponsor's blog and she explains a little more about Jamberry Nail wraps!

Birchbox: June & July

June and July didn't disappoint with my monthly Birchbox! You can't beat the value at $10/month for $25+ worth of products (and makes a great gift, btw)! I've run into a few duds along the way, but I've also found some great products I wouldn't want to live without like Stainiac and Davines shampoo. Aside from finding new favorites, getting free products isn't bad either (earn points for writing reviews and redeem for free products). Here's the link for more info.

Favorites from June:
Harvey Prince Hello purfume
Davines Love Shampoo/Conditioner

Favorites from July:
LAQA & Co. Lip Lube
Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser

Mens Casual Work Shoes

Is there anything worse than dressing up for work? I say unto you, "Nay!" Casual work shoes for men are difficult to find. I've posted about this before (see this link), but I just got my grubby little hands on another pair of Ben Sherman Nick Textile Oxford sneakers. That's right, they wear like a sneaker. No heel, no stiff exterior, no discomfort. They're pretty sleek. This is a train all guys need to get on. Check 'em out.

-Scratch

My Favorite T's

It's not easy to find t-shirts that fit well. Boxy shaped t's aren't flattering, skin tight shirts are uncomfortable, so I prefer shirts with more of a slender fit on the sides to complement my figure. I've searched high and low, purchased and returned many shirts, but the picks below have proved worthy of everyday wear and are at the top of my list.

1. The Plain T. +Target. At under $10 this shirt can't be beat. Available in a variety of colors, I own at least five different shades. I prefer v-neck, but scoop neck is also available. Loose around the tummy and more fitted on the top help with appearing more feminine than a traditional t-shirt.

2. The Graphic T. +J.Crew Factory. I love the slim sides of these J. Crew shirts. Absolutely flattering and fun prints liven things up a bit. J. Crew can be a little spendy, but the factory store offers discounts with a slightly different style. A worthy investment for comfortable staples in your wardrobe.

3. The Fitted T. +Banana Republic. This dressier shirt is classy and comes in a variety of colors. It's perfect to tuck in with slacks, skirts, and dresses up jeans. The satin edging around the collar adds the right amount of detail and looks lovely with a statement necklace. This is my favorite shirt for work, hands down.

Picking the Right Women's Jeans

Ladies,

We need to have a heart-to-heart discussion about your derriere. I've seen too many women waltzing around with bedazzled butts and I can't keep quiet any longer. I'm not innocent myself, I was known to wear some obnoxious jeans in the past, but I've matured and am here to help you do the same. It's not so much about the brand of jean, but more the design on the back pockets, as well as the fit. Are you 25+? Here's an example of pockets you should stay very, very far away from:

The fit on these pants is actually quite nice, and the pocket placement is flattering. But the sparkles, thick threading, and cry for attention is something you should walk away from. Would Kate Middleton wear these jeans? Stay classy, not trashy. More often than not a plain pocket is preferred.

Picking out the right fit can be a challenge. The chart below shows the majority of options that are out there right now. I personally lean toward skinny, straight, and cropped fits for my body. I'm 5'4" and slender, so these work for me. The cropped pant could make me appear shorter than I already am, but paired with heels they'll be just fine. Always purchase denim with stretch. It does wonders for comfort.

Below is a list of brands I've owned and would recommend. They typically have fairly plain pockets and fit nicely. On the affordable end I buy Cello -- around $30, or even less at Ross Dress for Less (be careful, this brand may have hideous pockets, too. I have purchased plain skinnies). The others may be pricey, but you can find discounts at TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, or outlet stores. A pair of nice jeans is worth the investment.

Banana Republic//Cello//Hudson//J Brand//J. Crew//Joe's//Paige

Vegan Fashion Fit

If you're into fitness, the vegan way, or fashion here's your one stop shop for the trio. Brooke worked as a personal trainer for years and has a knack for great style. She's also a meatless kind of gal, which adds a nice little spice to her posts! Get your fix of healthy recipes like this one for Quinoa, Black Bean, and Vegetable Stew. Have you done a burpee? What about 105 of them ... in one workout? This Burpee Burn is killer.

And her style is on point- here's a snippet. Follow her on Pinterest or Instagram: br0oke_y0ung

Transform Your Wardrobe

Before you donate your clothing take a good look at it. I purchased this purple dress from The Limited a few years back. I got some good out of it but then grew tired of the style. (Why was I EVER into ruffles? Gross.)

Before (pardon the wrinkles and Storm Trooper)

I didn't want to give my $50 dress away, but what else was I suppose to do? Then it hit me. I decided to change the dress into a skirt. Now, if I had the time and know-how I would have done this myself, but I didn't. I took it to my alteration shop and it cost me $20. That was well worth it. I wear the skirt all the time, way more than I did the dress, and it has pockets! That's a rare find in a skirt or dress.

After

Try it for yourself. Find items in your closet that you rarely wear and determine why. I bet you'll find something you can give a second life to.

January Women's Birchbox Review

The +Birchbox redeemed itself in January! If you're interested in getting in on the Birchbox for $10/month, here's the link to signup!



1. Camille Beckman Glycerine Hand Therapy. Midnight Monarch Scent.
This was actually a delighful little surprise. I wasn't looking forward to another overrated lotion, but this stuff is quite nice. The scent is lovely and the texture is perfect! My advice: Try it.

2. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser.
Meh. Nothing special here. It does have a nice calming scent but doesn't do anything extraordinary for my skin. And the cloth is a little lack-lustre. My advice: Skip it.

3. Nelson j Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 Moisture Healing Mask.
For your hair. My ends have been pretty dry lately so I was excited for this sample. It was just OK for me. Again, nice scent but no ground breaking science to repair my hair. I'll try it a few more times before I make my final judgement. My advice: Can you find a sample to try?

4. Ruby Wing Kitten Heals Nail Color.
This nail polish changes colors in the sun. How fun is that?! Love the polish itself, applies smooth. And the color changes from a bright pink to a deeper magenta. My advice: If you're into polish, try it.

Lifestyle Extra: Under Armour Braided Mini Headbands.
MY FAVORITE BB ITEM! I have a thing for grippy headbands (I own a plethora), and I have a thing for Under Armour. This bad boy is colorful and stays in place. Bonus: Natural eyebrow lift with its hair-pulling power. :)

Julep Maven Box Subscription

So ... I signed up for another monthly beauty subscription. I don't know how long this phase will last. Scratch is praying it doesn't. This time it's called Julep Maven and I discovered it while jamming to Christmas tunes on Pandora in December when their ad popped into the side bar. This is what caught my eye: FREE.

With the code FREEBOX (and signing up for a monthly subscription) you get to try it out. I paid about $3 for shipping on the first, free box. You fill out a survey to determine what type of box you'll get, and my style profile was "Classic with a Twist": in my box I had two nail colors, Myrtle (red) and Zora (shimmery pink), and a full-size product of Julep Luxe Repair Skin Serum. The nail polish retails for about $14 each, and the serum is $28. Quite the value for the $3 I paid! There was a small bonus tote as well.

The monthly subscription fee is $19.99 with free shipping. There are pros and cons to the Maven box vs. the Birchbox, the first being the price. More on that later!

Men's December Birchbox Review

+Birchbox is for women and real (metro) men. Stef, the wonderful person that she is, gifted it to me for my thirtieth birthday. Bless her heart. Here are the contents of the men's December Birchbox, thoughts and review included, of course:

American Crew Alternator: $15

Men, if you use or know what an alternator is (not the one in a car), chances are your boyfriend bought it for you. I hate hairspray, but this one surprised me. The hold wasn't too stiff (pun intended). It lasts all day, and the tiny sample bottle is cute.

English Laundry Notting Hill: $70-85

This is not a perfume. It's cologne. And it's a damn good one, but it's not worth $70-85. I'm cheap and already married.

GO247 Face Scrub: $16

Full disclosure, I don't use face scrub. This product is plant-based. Kudos for that. However, the instructions use the word, "dollop." It smells nice, though. 

Proraso Shave Cream: $10

The winner of the Men's December Birchbox. Italian-imported shaving cream with eucalyptus and menthol. It leaves your face tingling. I generally go three or four days between shaves but found myself shaving daily.

Roosevelt Supply Apron: $34

This is a nice, stylish apron with useful pockets, but seriously, who's gonna pay $34 for an apron? Not me.

Votivo Speakeasy Candle: $26

This little guy was quite the bonus. With a hint of rum and bourbon, this candle had us feeling like we were having dinner in a 50s jazz club. Enter Sammy Davis Jr.

December Women's Birchbox Review

I've been doing a little research on some other month-to-month subscription services and most seem to be about $20 per month, but Birchbox (women's subscription) is only $10 so it's a bit of a deal over the others. I'll be writing about another soon, so stay tuned!

Here are December's goodies:

1. Number 4 Non Aerosol Hairspray: I typically use Garnier Fructise aerosol spray. I feel like aerosol cans give a better mist and coverage. I liked the smell of this one, but not the coverage. I would love to try it in an aerosol can (even though it's not great for the environment). It is a handy little size for TSA when traveling this holiday season! My advice: Skip it.

2. NUXE Fondant Firming Cream: Again, great scent and my skin felt silky smooth! I used it right after I finished my shower. I didn't feel much firming action going on and the price is a little steep, unless it comes in a big vat that lasts for over a year. My advice: Request as a gift.

3. Secret Agent Beauty Nourishing & Plumping Lip Gloss: Nice gentle tingle, but not a lot. It is pretty nourising and my lips do feel smoother! My advice: I'm not much of a gloss girl, but if you are, try it!

4. Skin&Co Roma Truffle Therapy Serum: I never know what to think of these anti-aging serums. Do they really work or is that just a load of crap? I like to try 'em and hope they work, but I'm no convinced. This one is nice and smooth but I'm just not sold. My advice: Keep searching for the holy grail.

Lifestyle Extra: Twistband Hair Tie: I really like the look of these. It dresses up a pony just the right amount. I've actually been wanting to try these hair ties for a few months now, so I was delighted to see it in the box this month. My advice: Get some. And gift them to your friends with longer hair!

After viewing the prices of what the full-size items cost I have mixed emotions. 1) Yes! Awesome value in this month's Birchbox! 2) Bummer. Can't believe the full-size items are so pricey ... I hope I don't find a fave because I can't afford that habit. I'm always delighted when I find a great deal. Let's get more of those, huh Birchbox peeps?

Casual Dress Shoes for Work

What's worse than wearing a suit and tie every day to work? Wearing dress shoes every single day. Boo. No thanks. It's difficult to find casual shoes dressy enough for work. Look no more. Enter Ben Sherman's Nick Rubber Fashion Sneaker.

I've had mine for about two months now. At first, I was afraid I couldn't pull it off. I was afraid they'd be too casual. Then, I thought they were going to be too dressy. That's when I knew I was onto something. These shoes are right in the middle. The secret (something I searched for high and low) is in the heel, or should I say, the lack thereof.

If you're lucky, you might find some at Nordstrom Rack, but Amazon has some, too!

More Shoes, Please

I would venture to guess that I own fewer pairs of shoes than the average female. Since I live in Phoenix, I have sandals o-plenty, but those don't count as shoes. Of all the places to buy footwear, I have found that DSW has the widest variety. It also has an awesome rewards program. You accumulate points from your purchases, plus get an additional certificate to use for your birthday. It's dangerous to walk into this store. I rarely come out empty handed, but I found these online:

Crown Vintage Cherilyn Oxford Pump

I am really into these retro-styled shoes! Grandma Merle was a fashionista and enjoyed the finer things in life, so maybe it's in my blood. The thicker heel is a nice touch and is more sturdy than traditional pumps. I usually wear these with a shorter skirt or skinny jeans. I also own a pair of tan penny loafers in the same brand. Me and Grandma Merle are diggin the Crown Vintage style!

I used my $10 rewards coupon, plus found additional savings from the Retail-Me-Not app, including free shipping. Score! More shoes, please.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Men

It's hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner. And with that comes the stress of shopping for the man in your life: boyfriend, brother, father, husband, son, etc. Guys are just tough to shop for! Here's a list of Christmas gift ideas for men to get the ball rolling and help you find just the right present.

1. Birchbox. You need to act fast to get this one in time for the holidays. I get the Birchbox for women, which is $10/month, and the men's subscription is $20/month. This will give your guy something to look forward to for 12 months (or however many months you choose) during the calendar year. The box ships on the 25th and if you live in the west like me, it can take up to 2 weeks to reach your door.

2. Sporting goods. For the athletic guy, you can never go wrong with golf or tennis balls, new basketball shorts, or hiking equipment. Pick your poison.
3. Minimalist Wallet. The days of bulky wallets are gone, people! Is your guy still carrying a wallet in his back pocket? Tell him the front pocket is where it's at. I found this gem while browsing on Etsy. The color is great, and you don't need to carry around much more than this ... if you're male. P.S. Etsy is a great place to browse and get gift inspiration.

4. Magazine subscription. Perhaps Sports Illustrated? Cars? Cooking? Whatever your guy's interest, I'm sure there's a magazine for it. And it's nice to get something in the mail that you don't need to look at the computer to engage with.
5. Socks. Who knew specialty socks were such big biz? Stance Socks has quite the array to choose from, and Nordstrom carries that brand along with others to help the man in your life show a little personality whether in his business suit or swimming trunks. Give your guy a little spice in his life! Who doesn't smile when they see someone wearing fun socks? Someone who doesn't have a soul. That's who.

6. Specialty TV channel. There are some great shows on HBO and Showtime, but unless you've subscribed to that channel, you won't be watching them. You could wait until they come to Netflix, but do you really want to? Also look into NFL Red Zone or NBA TV.

7. Cuff links. This goes along with the fun socks. Cuff links are a simple way to add some pizazz to your guy's ensemble. Obviously they are for a guy who wears proper dress shirts on a regular basis. Think Superman, bullets, dice, etc. The possibilities are endless for the cuff link designs you can find!

8. The Art of Shaving. This store takes the daily task to the next level. It's a way to pamper your man. This kind of gift isn't for every male out there, but those who care about their skin and appearance should appreciate the quality found in the different kits they offer. Everything at this store is a little expensive- be warned.

9. eBooks. Does your guy have a Nook or Kindle? If not, that's another idea. If he does do some research on books that might be up his alley and purchase them for his eReader. It shows you took some initiative and time to choose something just for him. Plus, a guy who reads is super attractive.
10. Bacon of the Month club. For the manliest of men out there, what says "Happy Holidays" like bacon? We purchased this gift for my brother's 40th and it was a smashing hit. Viva la bacon!

Honorable Mention: Stocking Stuffers ideas ....

Chapstick Hydration Lock

Beef Jerky

Ear buds

What Brands Should Men Wear?

What brands should you wear? Well men, if you're a college graduate or over 25 years old and want to be taken seriously among your peers or as a professional, it's time to retire a few brands. Say goodbye to adolescence. Open your arms to adulthood. Here, we even put it in a nice, easy-to-read table for you more visual folks:

That's right, you read correctly. Walmart is more grownup than Tapout. If you're surprised, leave a comment below and we can meet behind Circle K later to fight it out.

Of course, there are exceptions to this guide, most of which come when clothing doesn't scream, "LOOK, I'M WEARING HOLLISTER!" For example, Express makes some great business-casual slacks and American Apparel has nice plain T-shirts. Now that you know what brands to wear, remember to dress for your body type. Oh, and try to avoid the "Identity Crisis" category (at least a man wearing Hot Topic knows he'll eventually graduate from goth). Happy shopping.

How Should Your Jeans Fit, Men?

It's not the 90s anymore, folks. Baggy jeans are once again reserved for rappers and the morbidly obese. I feel like David Letterman saying this, but it's true -- Know Your Cuts of Jeans! Pretty much every major manufacturer now has several cuts available. Here's the breakdown for Levis:

I have several brands of jeans, but in Levis, I'm a 513 guy. If you're slender, wear a slender cut. This is real simple, guys, but so many of you are clueless. The world is changing, and it's not just metro-men that need to be fashion forward.

In fact, the same principle applies to dress pants and suits as well. Do some homework, it will payoff in the end. Admit it, especially if you're looking for work, style is half the battle these days. If you don't look the part, you'll be dismissed in the first 30 seconds of an interview. A few jean brands that I recommend include Joes, Nudies, and Levis, but so many brands offer multiple cuts. Know Your Cuts of Jeans!

Men's Dress Shirt Fit Guide

Most major brands make several cuts of men's dress shirts. If you can see past this man's Blue Steel pose pictured below, let it be a simple guide to a great fitting dress shirt. Avoid a shirt that is too baggy for your body type. A well-made shirt will be long enough that it won't come untucked when you raise your arms. It also won't bunch or puff in the back near the waist line (like the Michelin Man), and one sleeve will fit just one arm, not two.

The ironing board is a thing of the past. If you're still ironing shirts, you're also probably using a typewriter. Purchase non-iron or wrinkle-free shirts. It might set you back a little more money, but the comfort and style is well worth it. Here's one of my favorites.