Author Archives: kenziedegen

The First Review: Ipsy May 2013

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To start, I have to say, the whole concept of having these beauty boxes (and fitness, health, food, etc boxes) are an amazing idea! Sure, there is the fear of “I don’t know what’s going to be in it, so how will I know if I like it!?” Trust me, I had the same thoughts running through my head, and so I checked out different companies and their websites and feedback before ordering anything. Plus, even though you don’t know what’s included, you usually get double the value of the money you spend per box. I decided to sign up to pay monthly, just in case I wanted to cancel at any point. Most of these companies offer slightly reduced rates if you sign up for 3-months, 6-months or 12-months at a time, but just make sure you love the contents before doing so!

So after about 6 months of receiving Ipsy and having only amazing things to say, here is my first review:

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The May 2013 Ipsy GlamBag was one of my favorite custom-bags that I’ve received so far! While I also enjoyed the Nautical-themed one from the month prior, and a silver bag a few months before, the other bags I had recieved were very simple: black, brown, etc. This printed zig-zag teal, white, blue and orange combination bag was definitely the best, and not only that, the items included were a hit:

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Zoya Nail Polish in “Neely”: Full Size

$8 for 15 ml/.5 fl. oz

IMG_3653This light minty-green polish seems perfect for this Spring-themed bag! Although my first preference would be the white or pink shade rather than this minty green, I think I will definitely end up using it. I just recently tested it out on my own nails and it seems to go on smoothly, similar to an Essie/OPI quality polish which is actually shocking, however my nails never look as good when I do them myself versus getting them done at a salon, so of course a few of mine smudged. I think it would look better if I had a tan as well, since it’s such a light color. It would be a great one to use as a base and then put designs on (just wait for my future post on nail polish colors and designs!) In terms of the brand, most of the other Ipsy girls I’ve seen posting on the website threads seem to enjoy it and recommend it to their friends.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars,  as it’s not my absolute favorite color but is definitely a good polish and worth getting.

St. Tropez One Night Only Instant Tanning Lotion

Sample Size 50 ml/1.69 ozIMG_3621_2

Full Size: $18 for 5 oz, so sample is worth approx. $5.50

Many people recieved a bronzing or luminating lotion from Pacifica, however I recieved a sample size of St Tropez instead (I’d say enough for 1 full body application, or a few partial applications). I have yet to apply this to my entire body (or at least chest/arms/face if I’m going out and wearing pants!) but based on testing some out on my skin, I think it has potential. It is a well-known, and often expensive brand, so I was quite giddy when I received it in my package. The only downside, is that I already previously received this sample through Sephora, and hadn’t had a chance to use it (so now I have 2!).  ALSO: You must must must wear gloves or a bronzing mitt! I tested it out on my skin and had to scrub my fingers after only having the lotion on them for a few minutes.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars, because it is a one-night-only bronzer, and I would prefer one that either lasted or was a gradual-build up bronzer and didn’t fear of it staining any light clothing (or my hands!)

Juice Beauty Reflecting Lip Gloss in Champagne

Full Size: $15 for 4 ml/.14 fl ozIMG_3658

*I thought this was a full-size product, but on the JuiceBeauty website it says $15 for .28 oz, and that is the only size option. Therefore, this would be worth $7.50

Love the brand, bottle and everything, but it is just not my color! I feel kinda silly putting this gold-glittery champagne color on my lips, when all of my outfits go with pinks and reds; It smells delicious and goes on smoothly, without being too sticky, but the bottom line is that it basically just doesn’t do anything for me as I’m not a big fan of lip gloss. I almost wish it was a sample-size, however I may use the Ipsy Swap and see if someone would like to exchange colors with me.

Rating: 3/5 Stars- It seems like a good brand, and is a great product if you like lip gloss. I would recommend it to someone looking for a simple gloss, but it’s just not my cup of tea.

Yaby Concealor Pod Refill in Buff-$4.85  Buff

*I couldn’t figure out if this was a sample or “full size”, as nothing came with the concealer refill and it was difficult to find details on sizing.

I think this little concealer pod is a great idea, and would have been even better if it was included with the prior months bag, as the bag included a magnetic make-up holder and mirror, and the concealer would have easily popped right into that. Otherwise, I can’t carry it around with me and it will end up at the bottom of my beauty closet! In general, the Ipsy girls did a good job trying to match up my skin color, and although it is a little on the light side, I can probably make it work.

Rating: 3/5 because it requires a case (which you would have to purchase) and it doesn’t have any form of applicator.

Nu-Me Finishing Serum– Sample Size: 10 ml IMG_3656

Full Size: 2 fl. oz/59 ml for $29, , so sample is worth approx. $5

This serum was actually the perfect size despite it being only a sample. I was extremely worried about it being too oily or sticky, however it rubbed in smoothly, without weighing down my hair. I rarely use oils or serums, so I’m sure this will last me a long time, and it’s small enough to bring on vacations when my hair gets overworked from the sun and chlorine.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars, good quality and size, I just don’t often use any serums. I’m giving it a higher grade/benefit of the doubt because I think many other fashionistas will like it!

IMG_3616_2Plus, I got this discount card to be used on any Nu-Me products!

So all in all… when you include the custom make-up bag as well, the May 2013 Ipsy GlamBag gets a 4/5!

This is definitely a subscription to get, and I can’t wait for next months!

xoxo,

Mackenzie

*Disclaimer: I signed up for Ipsy on my own, and did not receive any items for free/was not asked to do a review*

*Also, the MICA loose eyeshadow product shown above was from a previous bag, that was sent over separately

Getting Faded…. Ombre Style

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I hope everyone is having a good week, whether that means a less-stressful work week, or enjoying your freedom as the semester is over (unfortunately I’m one of those stuck inside an office!), and that you’re preparing for some form of fun-filled weekend. I know you’re probably like “Mackenzie… it’s Wednesday.” But, it’s almost Memorial Day Weekend, which means everyone who has a boss that doesn’t hate them is getting out early Friday so the rest of the week is going to fly by! I’m heading down to Atlantic City, so I’ll hopefully have some good stories and pictures posted next week. Ever since becoming a full-time working “adult”, I now fully appreciate the weekends and try to cram as many fun events in as humanly possible.

So as I rack my brain thinking about what I’ll wear this weekend and hoping the weather gets sunny and hot again, it has me thinking about my outfit choices for the past few days and last week at work. I’ve been wearing a LOT of pastels. So I found it funny enough that it didn’t fade out come the fall, as most trends and fads do, but in fact stuck around here and became even more influential, as pastel and ombre began to combine..

Along with pastels and their long-lasting popularity is the ombre trend. I contemplated ombre-ing my hair toward the end of last Summer, however I thought to myself “watch, I’ll spend $200 to get my hair ombre-ed or dip-dyed, only for everyone else to start dyeing their hair back to normal, or going back to typical highlights.” Instead, more and more of my friends seem to be jumping into the ombre fountain and trying it out to more extreme levels.

On a level from subtle to crazy, check out the images below of the different ombre-dyes that I’ve seen and been loving!

Amanda BolemanOne of my friends, Amanda, creator of blog, Build a Balance, who currently lives in Chicago, has subtly changed her hair, so she has dirty-blonde/ashy blonde roots, and her hair gradually lightens to a natural-looking light blonde. This color graduation is great for anyone who is either nervous to pick an extreme color, or who, like myself, has a full-time office job that might not be so keen on crazy, colorful hair. One perk of this, is that you can always use a semi-dye or hair chalk to throw in some color on the nights and weekends!

Another one of my good friends Alyssa, who is naturally blonde but has taken a liking to red hair decided to ombre her hair from a deep auburn red, all the way to tips of a super-light strawberry blonde. She chose a daring dark red color to begin at her roots, and slowly but intensely turn into this light blonde at the bottom. Her hair looks best when tousled lightly, or curled so you can really see the transition. Unfortunately she decided to de-activate her Facebook and make it difficult to get pictures. Thus, I included in the collage below an image that looks identical to her hair color and style.

Ombre Hair collage*These photos were not taken by me, only collaged together by me*

The final version I’ve seen, which I mentioned a bit earlier in terms of semi-dye or hair chalking, is the color dip-dye. I’ve noticed many take their natural (or base) hair color, and dip and twirl it in color, so that she begins with blonde roots and ends with vibrant teal hair, or for brunettes, they begin with a warm chocolate, and end up with fuchsia streaks and tips. This technique is most definitely not for beginners or the meek, and I recommend you either get it done at a salon, or have a pro bleach (dark hair) the parts you want dyed and apply from the ends up. The most vibrant color should be on the tips, and as you work your way up it should begin to blend into your natural color.

Stay tuned for the next few posts as I review my May Ipsy Bag, my first Julep Maven package and more!

xoxo

Mackenzie

I’m Baaaaaaaaaack! The Re-Launch of Stylish in Suburbia

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Happy Monday everyone! And by that, I mean I hope you stayed tough through that first day back in work/class after a never-long-enough weekend!

So, you’re probably confused as to what happened to my blog. Did Mackenzie fall off the face of the earth? Did she give up on it? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Right around the time I launched Stylish in Suburbia, I was applying to 38457595 jobs and finally landed one and threw all my time and energy into it. Now that I’ve gotten over much of the chaos of my new-found career, I’m devoting my time and effort to get back to doing what I love: blogging!

So, I am re-launching Stylish in Suburbia with a few new twists. I will still continue to post my rambles and insight about the day-to-day life of a working fashionista, the new clothing and beauty products I can’t keep my hands off, and a few photoshoots from time to time. However, I will also be adding something different and quirky: I’m going to review some of the amazing beauty and fitness boxes I’ve been receiving via mail. On a whim, I signed up for Ipsy about 6 months ago, and I’ve been head over heels for it! Out of all the bags I’ve received so far, I’ve managed to score some awesome products like St. Tropez Bronzing Cream, NYX loose mineral eyeshadow, and Lash Cards (perfect for not covering my eyelids in mascara!). These products are only few among the many I’ve received so far, and I don’t plan on cancelling anytime soon.

Instead, I’m going ALL OUT and signing up for a variety of different boxes, from BuluBox and Love With Food to Julep and Beauty Army. So, I hope you’ll join me for the journey as I continue to post my favorite outfits, styles, and trends to reviewing these surprise boxes, and even more under the sun! I don’t plan on leaving anything out, so if you have any requests, or questions feel free to comment or e-mail me. AND if you would like me to review a box, I would be more than willing! Who doesn’t love free stuff PLUS helping others make the right decisions about purchases.

xoxo,

Mackenzie

Mackenzie May 2013

Office Chic

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Office Chic
After spending the past 3 months applying furiously to jobs, I finally got a few bites! Over the past two weeks, I’ve been successful in hearing back from employers asking to schedule interviews… and then a few job offers! While I’m dying for a career more focused in fashion and art, I found one that seemed to spike my interest: a mix of designing and creativity, along with administrative work and legal papers. Now, for anyone who knows me, I am definitely not the type of girl interested in law documents, economics and business… however, I feel as though I could learn a lot from this job. Lucky for me, the combination of graphic design, pr and marketing, and travel seem worth it to deal with the day-to-day paperwork and assistant duties.

Thus, comes the issue of office fashion. What is appropriate? What’s the difference between “business casual” and “business professional”? How casual can you dress on a “Casual Friday”? Over the past few weeks, I’ve gone crazy trying on an array of pencil and floaty skirts, fitted pants, and dresses long enough to be deemed work-friendly. Let me tell you, it’s not easy or cheap to find outfits to wear; however you can still look fashionable and chic while you’re working that 9-5 in the office!

My favorite (all time) work outfit is similar to the image above: a fitted pencil skirt, and flowy button down top, paired with comfy-yet-stylish heels and a few simple accessories. While black is usually my go-to when I’m interviewing, or just not sure what to wear to an event, the summer allows the chance to branch out and sample new, soft colors. Jade green and mint are some of my favorite spring/summer colors this season, paired with either a tan or white pair of pants, shorts, or even a cute skirt. An outfit like this shows that you not only know how to succeed and look professional, but that you also can portray your creative, fashionable personality in an acceptable way.

While this look can be considered business casual, it can also be dressed up with a blazer to be more appropriate for a conservative or corporate office, or paired with a pair of skinny pants and flats in a relaxed work environment. Disregard those old rules and ideas about wearing drab black or navy pantsuits and be daring: pick a color that stands out; try a funky necklace or earrings; pair patterned shoes with a solid colored dress. Don’t blend in… be confident and get noticed!

Floral Fascination

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Floral Fascination
With the array of flowers blooming and blossoming this season and the love put into the garden I’ve been nurturing for the past month or so (along with the help of my knowledgeable father), I thought I would share one of my favorite patterns/trends.

Floral patterns have gone in and out of style for years, from that vintage 70’s couch your grandparents own, to the crop tops and bustiers adoring sun-kissed shoulders this summer. While I do own a variety of flower-detailed items from flowy tunics and tanks to sundresses and slips, the pattern has even begun to take over denim and heels! Skinny jeans have strayed from their natural indigo shades to romantic, vintage pastels, and finally are now even made from light floral-patterned denim. Paired with either a neutral color, such as tan or beige, or a pale pastel, such as coral or jade, these jeans will make just the right impression.

Personally, I love shoes. Some girls are “bag” girls, owning a vast collection of Kate Spade, Chanel and Chloé, I would rather have a collection of sky-high heels and boots that could be mixed and matched with any outfit. While I normally stick with neutrals, I’ve decided to branch out recently and pick up a pair of Nine West 4-inch Slingbacks in a bright coral shade, and am hoping to branch out more by finding a pair of wedges in just the right floral design.

To hold me over while I search for the right floral pieces to add to my collection, I’ve been playing around with real flowers, arranging them in vases, mason jars and other intriguing containers I’ve been able to get my hands on. This collection of stargazer lilies, white roses, pink roses and white spider mums make a beautiful serene arrangement… if only I had a silk ribbon to tie around the jar, it would be perfect!

one sweet summer.

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As Summer continues, allowing the fact that I just graduated from college to be swept away into the distance, I thought to myself: what better idea than to make (and keep up) a blog!?

And so, Stylish in Suburbia is here to reveal it all: my new fashion finds, hot bars and restaurants, decadent foods, and of course, the products I am dying to have.

For questions and commments, you can either leave them as a blog post or e-mail me: kenziedegen@yahoo.com

Enjoy. xo