Rachel Zoe Box of Style: Fall 2016 & $10 Off

It’s time for my favorite sub box: the Rachel Zoe Box of Style. This quarterly sub is a bit of a splurge at $100, but it’s chock full of high end, quality items so it’s always a treat to review. (If you want to sign up  Use code SUBTHERAPYSP10 to save $10 off!)  This box also lists coupon codes for the included brands so I’m adding to my review so you can pick up the stuff you love at a discount.
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Fall is a great time of year for fashion so let’s see what Rachel Zoe has picked  out for us.
open-box label
HERO ITEM:
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The Colorblock: Donni Charm Wonder Cape
:
(Estimated Retail: $197.00)
Description: “There is nothing more Classic than black and white.   This versatile Cape transcends seasons and flatters every body type—it’s sizeless, ageless and timeless.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “For day, wear the cape over a cream-colored turtleneck k and a dark wide-leg denim.  Play up the luxe vibe for evening by teaming it with a satin slip dress and leather ankle boots.  Wrap it around your neck to transform it into a cozy scarf.”
Coupon Code: Use RZxDC20 for 20% off site wide (Valid through November 15, 2016).
Verdict: Love!
This item was the spoiler and retails for almost twice the cost of the box.  It is so so soft and such a classic piece. (It even has the cutest charm on the label).  This is a great option for travel since you can wear it a variety of ways plus it can keep you warm on those chilly flights.  I love how classic and high end it looks.  This is the kind of the thing I can totally use in my wardrobe and I’d probably never splurge for on my own.  I also adore that Rachel includes fashion items women of every age and size can pull off.  It’s not an easy thing to do and it makes fashion accessible and fun.  To help see the full piece better I included one of Rachel Zoe’s styling options.

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The Cinch: B-Low the Belt Gatsby Wrap Belt
(Estimated Retail: $105.00)
Description: “This belt is so versatile: Double wrap it to cinch a maxi dress, do a dramatic single wrap around a thicker jacket or pull it through belt loops on trousers.  With tassels, that add a little extra interest, it’s a style star favorite.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “Wrap the belt around a cape or tunic to polish a roomy silhouette.  Adapt a dressy frock for daytime by slinging the belt around your hips and wearing with flat shoes.  Add polish too casual t-shirt and jeans by pulling through your belt loops and letting the tassels fall at the fron..”
Coupon Code: Use RZOE20B-LOW for 20% off site wide (Valid through November 15, 2016).
Verdict: Hit!
Good belts that can accommodate larger size ladies are hard to find, so this was a wonderful inclusion.  I don’t own anything like this and it’s definitely taking me a bit out of my comfort zone.  I love that it coordinates with the cape from this box.  I’m going to have fun incorporating it into some looks.

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The Eye-Catcher: Rachel Zoe Tassel Bracelet:
(Estimated Retail: $95.00)
Description: “I am beyond exited to include a piece of jewelry from my own collection in this season’s Box of Style!  Whether styled on its own as an elegant addition to your look, or layered among your stack of usual suspects, this is a great piece of jewelry you’ll wear constantly.”
Rachel’s Styling Ideas: “Wear the bracelet alone with a simple shift dress for the office—the chain and tassel are all the statement you need.  For a double dose of tassel, pair it with the wrap belt to dress up a simple jumpsuit for a night out.  Let your jewelry do all the talking by stacking bracelets and cuffs for a head-turning look.”
Coupon Code: Use RZFall20 for 20% off sitewide (Valid through November 15, 2016).
Verdict: Love!
This bracelet is exclusive to this box, so I linked to a similar one from Rachel’s collection.  I adore box exclusive items and this bracelet is lovely.  One of my very first sub boxes, featured a Rachel Zoe ring that I wear at least once a week.  Her jewelry is high quality and very classic.  The tassel on this is well made and I’ve already worn it a few times.  A 50 year old woman and a 15 year old girl could both wear this and look wonderful.  Another thoughtful choice.

lint-sheets
The Styling Tool: Holly wood Fashion Secrets Lint Removing Sheets
(Retail: $6.00)
Description: “It’s so easy to find yourself covered in lint, especially when you’re wearing sweaters, scarves and fall coats.  These are much more handy and compact than a bulky roll brush, so they’re east to carry with you everywhere.”
Rachel’s Living in Style Tips: “Stow them at your desk to keep you lint-free I the office.  The slender packaging allows you to keep them in your evening clutch to touch-up your LBD during nights out.  If your layering pieces easily shed, make sure to use them immediately after removing once you get indoors.”
Coupon Code: Use Zoe25 for 25% off sitewide (Valid through November 15, 2016).
Verdict:
Like
A practical little item that I will add to the “survival kit” I keep in my commuter bag.
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The Statement-Maker: It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil
(Estimated Retail: $24.00)
Description: “The majority of the women in my life struggle with their brows—everything form shaping them to filling them in to finding the right shade to match.  This pencil works on any brow color and makes filling in so easy.”

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The Perfect Pout: It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Blush in Hydrating Gloss Stain in Mauve-A-Lous Darling
(Estimated Retail: $24.00)
Description: “A bold lip doesn’t always mean bright and saturated in color.  What I love about the many shades of lip stain is that is’ a great way to boost your natural beauty without completely overtaking your look.”
Rachel’s Beauty Tips: “For date night, pair your lip stain with a crisp cat-eye and a sleek ponytail for a pulled together, understatedly sexy look. If you’re ever in a pinch, add a swipe of the gloss on your cheeks and blend with your fingers to give your complexion a wash of health-looking color.  For dark eyebrows use pressure to match the shade perfectly.  Use less pressure for light and blonde brows.”
Verdict:
Hit!
It Cosmetics is one of my go to brands, although both of these products were new for me.  As a redhead, it can be problematic to match brow color but this one does blend in perfectly.  It’s not quite as easy to apply as some of the brow gel products, but it still does an excellent job and one tube should last quite some time.  For the lip color, Rachel Zoe offered the opportunity to pick from three shades.  I struggled with the options which included red, berry and pink since my first impulse is to go for the fun red.  Instead, I opted for the more practical mauve.  The color is very pretty and the stain effect actually leaves your lips with a bit of color – not the same as the initial application, but more of a softer flush.  It does feel infinitely better and more hydrating than any other stain I’ve tried.

OVERALL:
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Verdict:
Love!
Rachel Zoe never disappoints.  I always get beautiful things at a great value.  If I had to get rid of all my subs but one, this would be the keeper.  So many boxes try to highlight fashion, but it’s difficult to accommodate different sizes, ages, and skin tones, so it’s quite an accomplishment that Rachel Zoe pulls it off every season.  As for value, this box cost me $100 and came with an estimated retail value of $451.00.  I will use everything in this box plus it included items that broadened my fashion horizons and an exclusive jewelry piece.  We also had the opportunity to customize the box a bit with our lip color choice and I hope Rachel continues to add that feature.  If your budget allows, definitely consider treating yourself to the Rachel Zoe Box of Style.

What did you think of Rachel’s Fall box?
Would you use all these items?

THE BACKSTORY
Box of Style has Fashion, beauty and lifestyle items you’ll be obsessed with!   Over $300 worth of product in every box.

   Box of Style ships 4 times per year—March, July, September & December

   Membership renews each quarter

COSTS:
DISCOUNT!:  Use code SUBTHERAPYSP10 to save $10 off!
Seasonal Membership:
$100.00 / 4x year
Annual Membership: $350.00 / year
Free shipping!

Seasonal membership:  Cancel any time (after the shipment of your first purchased Box of Style)
Annual Membership: Renews each year (membership is not cancellable during the year)

 

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Road Trip Beauty Essentials: Blog Hop Post

I’m part of a fabulous Beauty & Fashion bloggers group on Facebook and each month they host a blog hop.  This month’s topic was 5 beauty essentials you’d grab for a last minute road trip.  With winter being so brutal this year, the wanderlust beats strong in my heart so I couldn’t resist joining in.
Background

My Destination:  I live in northern NJ, just outside NYC so I’d head out to Connecticut.  I’d spend a night at Foxwoods casino playing some slots, seeing a comedy show and grabbing a fancy pants dinner at David Burke’s Prime.  The next day we’d head out to pick up some Sheer Chardonnay from Stonington Vineyards then go antiquing in Putnam at the Antiques Marketplace with lunch at the Courthouse Bar & Grille.

If you’re a subscription box junkie like me, you always want to grab the cool beauty finds from your latest boxes and run with them.  I figured we’d start off with a few fun things from recent boxes and then add on my 5 beauty essentials to create an effortless and versatile look.

Let’s start with something compact to hold our beauty products.  The Gorgana clutch from the February Popsugar box is billed as a “jewelry roll” but it will be perfect to hold our makeup and can double as a great clutch for that nice steakhouse dinner.  In that same Popsugar box, we received a Modelco lipgloss/lipstick duo.  Two in one products are great when you don’t want to pack a ton of stuff and this shade is a lovely neutral.  Let’s grab one more goodie from our boxes…an eye sheen from the Julep February Maven Boxes.  I received the Dusty Taupe and it’s a pinkish shimmery neutral that is fabulous for day or night.
Box Items

Now that we’ve grabbed some fun new things, let’s dive into our five beauty standbys.

It Cosmetics
Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+

(Retail: $38.00)
Description:
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ is your Full Coverage Color Correcting Cream, Anti-Aging Serum, plus Broad Spectrum Physical Only SPF 50+ all in one! Paraben-free and SPF 50+ UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum, Physical Only, Non-Chemical Sunscreen. The anti-aging hydrating formula is infused with peptides, niacin, algae, vitamins A, C, B, E, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolyzed collagen along with anti-oxidants and exotic natural botanicals for long-term brightening and color-correcting benefits.”

This guy is a multi-tasker if ever there was one and I use it every day in the “Fair” shade.  It’s like a cross between a tinted moisturizer and foundation.  It gives you a ton of coverage, but isn’t super heavy and doesn’t look like you’re wearing a mask.  It’s also got a high SPF so you don’t have to worry about constantly reapplying sunscreen to your face and the serum aspect gives your complexion that dewy youthful look.  It’s easy to apply with your fingers so no need to pack any brushes or sponges for this.

It Cosmetics Hello Lashes Clinically Proven 5-in-1 Mascara
(Retail: $24.00)
Description:
Hello Lashes Clinically Proven 5-in-1 Mascara revolutionizes and takes the place of 5 products: 1) Your natural volumizing mascara, 2) Your conditioning, hydrating lash primer, 3) Your lash enhancing serum, 4) Your lash tint and 5) your lash comb/curler! Hello Lashes Clinically Proven 5-in-1. The triple brush lengthens, curls and separates lashes while the innovative Magic Wand Lash Ball Detailer tip is designed to reach every last inner and outer corner lash.”

So I’m one of those folks with oily lashes.  Mascaras will often end up giving me those giant raccoon eye smudges after five minutes of wearing.  This one not only stays put, but it gives me volume and curl, so no need to pack an eyelash curler.   It also has a unique brush design that has a spiky little tip which allows you to go in and get all those little lashes that the regular brush can miss.

Benefit
Benefit Fine-One-One
(Retail: $30.00)
Description:
This creamy stick features lovely coral, watermelon, and champagne pigments that blend together for a sheer wash of color. The swipe-on stick is supereasy to apply—great for times when you’re on the go.  This goofproof tint features a cream-to-powder formula that goes on sheer and imparts a lasting pink hue that blends coral, watermelon, and champagne colors. The multidimensional shade brightens dull cheeks and works as both a blush and highlighter. You can also wear it as a pretty lip tint.

This product is so easy to apply and gives the perfect mix of color.  It is a really natural shade that compliments nearly every skin tone.  The stick includes a highlight and contour shade as well, so it’s an everything in one.  Just swipe on and then blend with your fingertips.  You get a fresh, youthful and natural look. It’s that easy.

Laura Mercier
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Khaki
(Retail: $26.00)
Description:
This no-fuss, creamy eye shadow stick delivers easy application and high-definition color. The long-lasting formula glides on smoothly, blends easily, and is resistant to unwanted creases. The possibilities are many. Wear as a liner, shadow, or both, for a flawless finish.”

Laura Mercier caviar eye sticks are amazing.  You can use them as a fabulous eye shadow or line your eyes for the easiest smoky look you’ve ever tried.  The Khaki shade is perfect.  It looks great on everyone and it can transition from day to night with no problem.  I’m extremely pale but have brown eyes.  A smoky eye with black or gray can look severe, and brown or bronze doesn’t really bring out my eye color.  But Khaki is the perfect compromise.  Dark enough for that edgy look, but with enough color to keep me from looking too goth.  Apply that Julep eye sheen over you lid and crease and then line your eyes with this for a perfect day to night eye.  If you want a full smoky eye for the evening you can apply to your entire lid.

Laura Mercier Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder – Shine Control
(Retail: $34.00)
Description:
Laura Mercier Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder – Shine Control is a lightweight, oil-free powder that visibly eliminates shine and produces a fresh, matte complexion. The naturally derived Shine Control Complex controls oil breakthrough and the ultra-sheer, mint green shade works to correct redness and visibly even out the skintone. It’s ideal for touch-ups throughout the day as it keeps your complexion flawless and shine-free.”

An easy to apply powder that controls shine is a must have in your bag.  I keep one of these in my purse at all times.  It’s perfect for keeping shine away and evens out skintone.  The mirrored compact design is perfect for a quick touchup.

Full Bag
The best part about these beauty must haves is they are all multi-taskers that don’t require you to pack any brushes.   I also managed to fit everything into that cute little clutch.  Ultimate cosmic (beauty) power!  Itty bitty living space.

Have you tried any of my must haves?  If so, what did you think?

Are you planning a road trip?  If so, where are you heading?

To read some other fabulous blogs on the subject, take a look at my fellow blog hop participants.   Happy Reading!

BLOG LINK LIST

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