Monday, October 1, 2012

Renting A Dress: Quite the Experience!!!

Rent the Runway?! Now, that is an IDEA!!!!!  I have heard about renting dresses from stores like "One Night Affair" for weddings and important life events but had not heard of renting a dress for the Internet. Why was I shocked? You can do anything over the "world wide web"! www.RentTheRunway.com is the website I was referred to for renting expensive dresses for a much lower price than buying a dress of the rack. If this works, I will be in LOVE!!!

Here is why I want this to work....

I go to so many functions and events that I can't buy a new dress every time. Thank you, Facebook for making it hard to wear the same thing twice!!!!! I am notorious for buying dresses at TJMaxx, Marshalls, Lohemans, Forever 21 and other cheaper places. I would rather buy two less expensive dresses, than one pricey dress and be caught wearing the same thing twice. As long as you look put together, and HOT, it doesn't matter how much money you spend!

So, the story goes, I logged on to WWW.RENTTHERUNWAY.COM to check it out. I saw quite a few cute dresses, some of which I put into my "Favorites" to look at later. This was my first time renting a dress online so I went with two dress I knew would work with my shape. These are the two dresses I rented.

This is the one I REALLY wanted to wear....


...And this was the dress I knew would fit but didn't like as much.


I put in my order and the website let me know that both of these dresses were available on the date I needed them. PERFECT! I was so excited. The total ended up being $107 for the two dresses. That was with a "first timer" discount and a promo code I found online. It included a second size in one of the dresses (they way they said they were sized I didn't use the second size option).


A month goes by.....

The day came when I was supposed to receive my dresses. Thursday was the day (you get the dresses for 4 days so that gave me enough time to find something else if I didn't like them), and......... Thursday came and went.

I didn't receive the dresses on the day I had scheduled!!! :( I was so busy at work I had my lovey employee, Linda Fleischmann, call to see what happened.

She called and they said there "Must have been some sort of glitch" on the day I rented the dresses and they charged my card but the order did not go through. The girl rushed the dresses and said I would get them the following day.

I did receive the dress on Friday. I was very excited to open up the package! I mean, who doesn't like to get things in the mail?

This is what I saw....

One Nicole Miller Black and Grey Dress.... Looked okay

and

 One sheer dress that was missing something... It was supposed to come with a black liner underneath and it did not!!!! How can I wear a see-through dress?


Time to try them on...

 I tried the Sheer Dress on even though I, clearly, couldn't wear it. The fit chart said I should order a medium and it was, clearly, too large when I tried it on.The two sizes I would have worn both fell into the Medium Category so that was the only size I ordered.  I was about 3 inches too large in the waist and a bit too long. I definitely need a small in this dress.

The dress I ended up wearing was the dress I wanted to wear from the start. It was in poor condition. It looked very worn. The rubber strip used to hold the dress up around the top was almost worn completely off. It looked good enough from afar that I was okay with wearing it one night. The dress had a little bit of an edgy look so the "worn" seams kind of worked. It did fit the way it was intended to fit which was awesome.

I am thinking, I might have gotten shipped the worst one because the order was not put in right and it was rushed.

I really Loved the dress and got a lot of compliments on it :)

Here it is







Even though I received the dresses a day late it was still due 4 days after I was supposed to receive it. I packed up the two dresses in the pouch they sent with the delivery and mailed it back on Sunday.

I looked online to see if a black liner was supposed to come with the sheer dress and it was. I called and told them that the liner was missing. No questions asked, they apologized and told me I would receive a money return on that dress once they got it back.


It has been over a week and I have not received a credit on my card yet. I am still hoping it shows up so I don't have to call them for a THIRD time!!!

I am never one to call and complain about anything. Those of you that are close to me know that I have a hard time telling a server I got a Regular Coke instead of Diet.


After all is said and done...


I got a dress that fit, I wore, I liked & received compliments on! That means It was a success.

NOW... would I do it again after that experience?


I would give it one more shot. Yes, I would, for some event that was fun and stress free. So, if I didn't get the dresses on time or I didn't like them, It wouldn't be a big deal.


I would NOT use this company, for a big event, until the redeem themselves. This was more stressful than going to TJMaxx, Marshalls and Forever 21 Combined.

Final words... Ended up enjoying the Dress but the $$$$ and the stress involved made it not worth it.

Hope other people have had better experiences. I really, Really, REALLY wanted to give this process a two thumbs up review. I am disappointed I can't :)

xoxo Lindsay

Thursday, September 20, 2012

LOOK Low Maintenance

LML Quick Tip: Guys Like Natural.... (I never care though, because my job is all about FAKE) So for those girls who want to sneak the "Fake" and look "Natural" here the things you can do under the "High Maintenance Radar"....

1. Tint your Brows and and Lashes- you don't have to wear makeup and you still look like you are bright eyed and bushy tailed 24/7.

2. Ditch the Straightener- Embrace Your Natural Hair Texture. If you have curly hair learn how to style it cute and fast without having to straighten it.

3. Use Tinted Moisturizer- Cut the full coverage foundation and slap on some moisturizer with a hint of color. That way your are just "Putting on Face Lotion".

4. Tinted Lip Balm- A little cherry chapstick can go a long way. look at what it did for Katy Perry. HAHA

5. Body Splash- NO HEAVY SENTS. Have a more youthful, natural soft sent. Perfume can sometimes be overwhelming.

6. Gel Polish- you wont  have to go get your nails done as often & choose neutral colors. Get rid of the fake Nails.

7. Adjust your Wardrobe- Wear something easy that you can just add a scarf, belt or jacket to for night to dress it up. So you wont be the girl saying "I have to go home and change".

8. Wash your hair Less and at night- Your getting ready process will seem shorter if you don't wash your hair in the morning while you are getting ready.

9. Get Closer to Your natural hair color- Nothing looks more high maintenance than Bad Roots!!! If your "fake" color is closer to your "Natural" Color you can dye your hair less and pull off a more natural look like the Ombre.

10. KEEP your MOUTH SHUT!!!- The more you talk about what you do to keep your looks up, the more high maintenance you come off!!!! So, SHHHHHH!!!!


This is funny that I am Writing this... Because I do everything FAKER than FAKE but..... I am really fast at Getting ready! You would be surprised how "LOW Maintenance" My getting ready process is.

Hope this comes in handy. I would love all my "FAKE" Ladies to pull the wool over the eyes of all the MEN who are seeking "Natural Girls"!!!!

xoxo Lindsay

P.S. Wear a cross-body purse. If you have the use of both hands you will, for sure, appear more low maintenance. You can ride a bike and hold a hand without having to babysit your purse!!!!

Friday, August 3, 2012

The 411 on Eyelash Extensions - things you should know before making an appointment...

The 411 on Eyelash Extensions - things you should know before making an appointment...

1. Did you know that the person applying the lashes should be a licensed esthetician?

2. You might want to ask the esthetician how long they have been doing them, and also how many clients they have each day.

3. Clumps VS. Individuals - Clumps are not considered individuals, you have a higher chance of losing
 your own lash when applying clump lashes. Individuals are an entire different category. At LML we only use the highest quality of individual lashes that are applied directly to the lash and not the skin creating the most natural look.  The Photos Below are the Clump Style Lashes. NOT WHAT YOU WANT BELOW!!!!!!!!!!!


4. Find out the level of glue that they use.

5. Find out how long does it take them to apply a full set - and also a fill. At LML we block out 90 minutes for a full set, and 45 minutes for a touch up...this is nothing that should be rushed :)

6. The extension should be applied on the lash, NOT on the skin.

7. All lashes come in different thicknesses and lengths. At LML we do not have one uniformed look when it comes to lashes. The licensed professionals have an artistic eye and will be able to give the most desirable look according to your eye shape.

8. Be aware of lash parties...(see note #1 and #3, most likely these parties are using the clump method).

9. Find out how long the lashes will last before needing a fill.

10. If you've been elsewhere and had a negative experience, do NOT try to take them off by yourself, make an appointment with Lindsay to have them removed properly to not cause any further damage.

Some frequently asked questions:

-I wear contacts, can I get eyelash extensions? - Yes.

-Can I wear makeup? Yes, although applying mascara is not recommended - to the top lashes.

-How much does a full set cost at LML? $150

-How much does a touch up cost at LML? $45

-How much does a touch up PLUS cost at LML? $60

-Can I use Latisse if I get eyelash extensions? No, it makes your lashes grow too fast.

-How long will they last? This depends on your lash growth cycle, everybody is different. Typically they can last anywhere between 2-5 weeks.

-Can I use an eyelash curler? No, there's no need to - the lashes already have a nice shape to them.

-How long do I need to wait before getting them wet? Wait 24-48 hours to allow the glue to dry completely.

-Are my natural eyelashes going to fall out? No, unless you pick them off.

and the last question...

How do I hide the $150 cost for the eyelash extensions from my husband?? When you're out buying 'groceries' for your upcoming gathering make sure to pick yourself up one of those fabulous American Express gift cards and just tell him that the cost of produce has increased drastically - chances are he won't be making a trip to the store anytime soon to check it out...because LML does accept American Express :)

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

"Amp Up" Your Accessories!!!

This year I had a "New" New Year's Resolution. Last year I choose to pick the resolution of : get dressed in a cute outfit, do my hair, do my makeup and feel good every single day. I did it!!! and....I succeeded! I did that every day last year and had a great year! It actually changed my life. When you feel good, you do amazing things. I was feeling really frumpy and down in 2010 and 2011 changed 180 degrees starting with GETTING DRESSED. It seems so lame and simple but it takes work! Once you get the hang of it you really feel better about yourself. It is part of my lifestyle and I never am ashamed running into someone I haven't seen in a while.

So.... This year!!!!!

2012!!!

I decided to choose a New Year's Res that was kind of bland... or so I thought. I have been "not good" with accessories!!!! I had the bracelets and necklaces down.... but.... I had a problem with EARRINGS!!!! So lame!!! I can't believe it, but every time I put earrings on, I would take them off. I don't think I wore earrings for 5-10 years before this year (maybe on occasion, when forced). I always felt uncomfortable with earrings.  My mother would always say "Lindsay, put some earrings on!!!!" and I would and then 2 seconds later they would be off. I didn't like the way they looked!

This being my struggle, I tried to embrace the accessories this year. I never have had a good selection of jewelry. Not that I would ever spend a fortune on Jewelry but this was the year I would get into the costume S*&@!!!

I have been trying really hard ... and ....it is paying off!!!! I am loving it and pushing everyone to be "into accessories"!

Bottom line... you can wear the same black dress 3 times and wear some amazing earrings, belts, purses, necklaces, shoes and rings to make the dress look totally different!!! Here is what I have been working on...

Earrings...

 Bracelets and Necklaces....
 And the Long Dangley Earrings that are totally "look at this ridiculousness" !!!!....
So how do you do this on a budget? well since you asked....

Here is where I have been Accessory shopping...

TJmaxx... they have great higher end jewelry at a discount. problem: you have to find an employee to help you at the jewelry counter. They are really bad with customer service in this area. Be bold and get them to dig into the glass case for you!!! Great Lucky Brand jewelry, Betsy Johnson, Michael Kors and More

Nordstrom Rack: this is a fab place to find cheap jewelry!!! you can find some super cool earring and rings for like $5- $10  on the discount rack! they also have some cool Designer stuff and other great items that can cost a little more but so much cheaper than at the department stores

Sears: I know that sounds tacky... but surprisingly  they have some awesome, okay quality jewelry. Always have deals but.... there is a lot of ugly things you have to sift through. You can find some pretty awesome stuff and everyone asks me "where did you get that?" and I say sears... and everyone flips out!!!

BEBE: bebe is always up to date and ready for you to buy. This is not department store pricing so you can afford it! Sometime there is over the top "tack factor" but sometimes that is fun!

Forever 21: got to love the accessories... so cheap! but.... the quality is poor. Everything turns green, breaks and is over the top "trendy". If you know you are only going to use it 1-3 times go for it. It is worth it!!!

Any clearance rack, discount store, consignment  or outlet are always a score so go check out some cool places to buy some fun new jewelry!!! I pick something up where ever I go and you can add to your collection faster than you think! I am still on the prowl for some awesome finds... take this journey with me and see how many cool pieces you can find!

Post them on my facebook wall!!!

xoxo

Lindsay


Sunday, June 3, 2012

Don't Look Dated: Saying NO to Black Eyeliner on your Water Line!

Ditch the Black Eyeliner in your Water Line (WL)!!!! We are not in 1999 anymore ladies. This look is so passe. It is over! There will, most likely, be a time when it comes back in style but that it isn't going to be tomorrow. 

Here are my top 3 reasons why you shouldn't do the WL Black Liner:

3. You Look Like a Tramp During the Day: 
This is a look that, if ever done, should only be brought out at night when you are in dim lighting. It can make you look like a tough chick in one swipe of the eyeliner. I have been guilty, as charged, with this look and thought I looked HOT! Hot mess is more like it :)

2. Wet Black Eyeliner Smudges:
Do you want to have black under your eyes all night? This is placed in a moist area and it never really drys there. It can give you a "Walk of Shame" look 24/7. It seems you always have to look in the mirror to see if you look alright. 


1. No one wants Smaller Eyes:
This techniques gives the illusion that your eyes are smaller than they naturally are. Makeup rule of thumb Dark colors make things look smaller and more distant. Light colors highlight and make things appear larger in size. That is why we all look thinner in black clothing and feel like a fat cow, sometimes, when we wear white. Don't make your eyes look smaller! Show them off by leaving your water line alone or by using a light liner on the inside like the photo below. This will not only make your eyes look their natural size, it will even make them look larger. Start noticing all the stars in magazines have white liner on WL going on:)





 Have no fear you can still do a smokey eye without the black on the inside!!!!

 and don't be afraid to use a different, lighter color. This looks pretty awesome!!!
 You can look very classic with just eyeliner on the top!!!
So a little less of this......................

..................................................... And a little More of that