Sisters of Los Angeles – Lisa Preziosi

Popsugar: July 2017 Must Have + November & Neiman Marcus LE Box Spoilers!

Happy Halloween! The scariest thing I have going on today is how far behind I am in my boxes. As I mentioned in my last post, I’ve got the next few weeks to catch up on my blogging, so today, we’re going back a bit to my July Popsugar review, but I’ve also got a bunch of great spoilers for November and for the uber luxe Neiman Marcus box. Before we get to the goods, I wanted to mention a new feature Popsugar has added. Subscribers now have the option of adding on additional items at a discount from featured brands. They’ve included makeup from Smith & Cult and accessories like socks. Next month, I’ll actually remember to get more details to share.

Now enough chatter, let’s get to the boxes!

MUST HAVE X NEIMAN MARCUS BOX SPOILERS
Must Have x Neiman Marcus
Description: “We’ve teamed up with Neiman Marcus to give you a covetable box filled with treats ideal for gifting or for keeping all to yourself. This box is filled with over $750 worth of luxurious items you need for the holidays from sparkling home decor to beauty gifts that will make you glow. Select between gold or silver hues to get a box shining with your preferred color delivered right to your door. Each box will contain all of the same items, but the color of 5 of the 9 products will vary based on your metallic preference.“
Cost: $250.00
Boxes will be shipped by November 27.

We’ve got two spoilers and both seem worthy of such a high priced box. This time around, Popsugar is letting you choose between silver and gold themes for your fancy pants Neiman Marcus box. YSL is a lovely makeup brand that feels luxurious and I like that the jewelry sets are both glamorous and understated. You can easily wear them year-round. Currently, my budget is a bit too tight for this box, but if you have the funds, you may want to give it a chance.

NOVEMBER MUST HAVE SPOILERS
NOVEMBER BOX
So we’ve got Anna Faris’ new book showing up in our November boxes. I’m not quite sure how I feel about that. I’m not much of nonfiction reader, and celebrity memoir/self-help type things are usually at the bottom of my book pile. Still, I’ll try to keep an open mind.

JULY MUST HAVE BOX
Ocean Tribe by Turkish-T Kilim Towel
(Suggested Retail: $49.00)
Description: “Whether you’re enjoying a concert or having a picnic, this chic towel will become one of your most used accessories. It’s made of 100% Turkish cotton, so you and your loved ones can enjoy the sun-filled forecast comfortably.”
Verdict: Love!
Popsugar has given towels like this out in the past and they are so lovely. This one is a perfect match for the little blue bathroom in my new house.

Supergoop!® Super Power Sunscreen Mousse SPF 50
(Suggested Retail: $19.00)
Description: ” Don’t forget to stay protected while soaking up the sun! This new whipped formula from Supergoop! is filled with moisturizing ingredients and antioxidant-packed blue sea kale and has SPF 50 so your skin will stay safe and hydrated.”
Verdict: Like
I’m not a big fan of Supergoop!, however I do need a high spdf and I’ve never tried a “mousse” sunblock before so I’m happy to test this one out.

ban.dō Sip Sip Tumbler
(Suggested Retail: $14.00)
Description: ”’ Consider sipping on your favorite fruity drink (or cocktail) with a brightly hued tumbler adorned with a cute saying: “free refills.” Hydrating while unwinding on your new Turkish-T towel guarantees a great mood.”
Verdict: Gift
I have so many different kinds of water bottles and reusable cups thanks to my subscription box addiction so I’m going to gift this to a friend.

Tarte Cosmetics Lights, Camera, Splashes™ Waterproof Mascara
(Suggested Retail: $23.00)
Description: “Ensure that your lashes stay volumized and lengthened through your active schedule with an incredible mascara that won’t budge.”
Verdict: Anti-climactic
If you subscribe to beauty and lifestyle boxes, you will get plenty of black mascara so this is pretty “eh” on the interesting scale, however Tarte is a good, sturdy brand and waterproof mascara is perfect for a July box. I think what would have been more interesting is if we’d seen a blue mascara.

SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES California Fireplace Matchesa
(Suggested Retail: $10.00)
Description: “A warm night around a BBQ or a bonfire is a sure way to make lasting memories. These superlong matches come in a colorful case to match your stylish decor and make late-night gathering for feasting on s’mores even easier.”
Verdict: Hit!
I’ve got two fireplaces so these will definitely come in handy.

Snyder’s of Hanover® Wholey Cheese! Smoked Gouda
(Suggested Retail: $3.69)
Description: “Pass around this bag of baked crackers and prepared to be wowed! The crackers taste like gouda and are made without artificial flavors. It’s obvious these crackers were baked with cheesy passion and love! Share with friends, or keep them all to yourself (we won’t judge).”
Verdict: Like
These crackers were tasty and a nice alternative to fried snacks.

OVERALL:
Verdict: Like
Now this wasn’t the most exciting box, since reusable cups/bottles and mascara are sub box staples, but I thought it fit the July theme really well. The estimated retail on this came out a little low at $118.69. I paid $42.70, and I loved the towel and will use nearly all the other items, but I do feel like, the box could have used a little something else to round it out. Maybe a smores related treat to tie into the summer and the matches? Or perhaps a spf lip balm? In any case, I’m not disappointed, but I’d like to see more creativity and a slightly higher value in future boxes.

I’ve got lots more box reviews coming up including a mystery game box!

If you want sneak previews of the box contents, be sure to follow me on Instagram!

What were your fave items from your summer boxes?

THE BACKSTORY
Popsugar is a women’s lifestyle subscription that delivers a monthly box of fun, full-size products hand-selected by Popsugar editors.

In addition to Popsugar’s monthly must have boxes, they have some seasonal special edition boxes that contain uber luxe items. The price tag on these boxes is higher, but the products you receive are high end.

They also have featured monthly products at a discount that are available as add-ons to your box.

Popsugar Must Have Pricing:
Monthly – $39.95
3 Months – $109.85
6 Months – $214.70
12 Months – $404.40

Coupon Codes: REFER5 = $5 off site wide
POPSUGAR10 = $10 off a 3 month subscription to Must Have

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Popsugar: June 2016 & Fall Limited Edition Spoiler!

Since Popsugar just released a spoiler for their Fall Limited Edition box, I figured I’d tag it on to a Must Have review. The Fall Limited Edition is currently on sale and priced at $100. It ships September9^th.

Fall Limited Edition Spoiler
Caeden Linea N°1 On-Ear Headphone Faceted Ceramic & Rose Gold

Popsugar is claiming this as a $149.99 value, but it’s priced at $85.05 on Amazon. Still, I love them so I decided to take the risk and order the box. Even at the $85.05 pricetag, it’s still a great value in a $100 box. Let’s just hope the rest of the items aren’t all perfume and caffeine water. Be sure to check back if you want the full review and spoilers.

June Must Have Box

Hat Attack Neutral Diamonds-Printed Sarong
(Suggested Retail: $58)
Description: “Lightweight and easy to pack in your weekend bag, this multifunctional sarong is the perfect beach accessory. Switch up how you tie it and you’ll never get bored with your cover-up!”
Verdict: Gift
This is pretty, and I like the idea of a coverup, but it’s a little bland for my taste. For summer I want vibrant, cheerful colors, so I’ll be gifting this to someone I think will enjoy it.

Sisters of Los Angeles “Cheers” Gold Bottle Opener
(Suggested Retail: $12.00)
Description: ”This golden bar accessory is the ideal companion for your favorite brew, perfect for displaying on a bar cart or cracking open a cold drink at a backyard bash. Cheers!”
Verdict: Like
This is a pretty and sleek little bottle opener. Over the years, I’ve tried to make myself a little bar set with cool looking tools so this will be nice to add to it. This would also be a cute hostess gift when paired with some bottled drinks. I couldn’t find this exact opener on their site, but I linked to a similar version.

Wild and Wolf Ridley’s Games Room “Who Am I?” Quiz
(Suggested Retail: $12.95)
Description: ”Team up with friends to guess the celebrity in this exciting, easy-to-play game that you can bring anywhere. It’s great for parties, too, because it’ll break the ice between even the shyest strangers! ”
Verdict: Okay
I ended up bringing this game to a friend’s house for hanging out and it was okay, but not super interesting. Just some basic trivia It’s a shame too because Wild and Wolf offers ther games that seem like more fun (like the “sing it back” game).

NCLA Born on the 4^th Nail Lacquer
(Suggested Retail: $16.00)
Description: “This patriotic (and cruelty-free!) red, white, and blue polish was exclusively developed with Popsugar, and we love how it can stand alone or be worn over another polish.”
Verdict: Hit!
By now you know how I feel about polish. NCLA is a great (and pricey) brand and who doesn’t want red, white and blue glitter polish for the July 4^th Holiday? This set was exclusive to Popsugar, which makes it even more special. If you missed out don’t worry NCLA has a ton of amazing polishes (including a mermaid inspired set), that are worth splurging over.

KNOCK KNOCK Are you Ready (For Your Cloose-Up?) Compact
(Suggested Retail: $10.00)
Description: “Don’t worry about sand messing up this cheeky compact mirror – it’s durable ineough to throw into your beach bag for on-the-go touch-ups.”
Verdict: Gift
This compact just isn’t my aesthetic. I know it’s durable because it’s plastic, but I have plenty of other durable compacts that are a little more stylish. I do think this would suit a teen girl and be a great thing for her to throw in her bookbag or gym bag.

Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes
(Suggested Retail: $9.00)
Description: “Staying fresh on the go has never been easier than with these travel-ready underarm wipes, which neutralize odors for hours – all with an aluminum-free, vegan formula.”
Verdict: Hit!
I love when boxes include interesting or luxury versions of every-day toiletry products. I’ve never tried deodorant wipes before and they seem like they’d be perfect to keep in my gym bag or at work for freshening up.

Pressels Sriracha
(Suggested retail value: $1.29)
Description: “Because they’ve got less fat and sodium than other popular chip options, you can enjoy the scrumptious hint of spice in these addictive snacks without feeling guilty.”
Verdict: Like!
One of my boyfriend’s favorite snacks are pretzels so I passed these along to him. As Chief Snack Officer (CSO) he declared they were “good”. If you knew how picky he was you’d know that was quite a compliment.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Just Okay
This is the last box using my prepaid discount, so my total for this was $24.91, and the estimated retail came out to $119.24 At that price it’s a great deal, but overall the box was just a touch ho-hum for my taste. The sarong and trivia game were a bit bland, and the compact was definitely geared toward a younger subscriber. I did like some items, but they were the less expensive of the bunch. Not a terrible box by any stretch, but not all that interesting. I’m hoping to see some more fashion-forward items in the fall boxes.

Be sure to come back for more Popsugar reviews including the Fall Limited Edition box.
What did you think of the headphone spoiler for the LE Box?
Are you tempted to grab a box for yourself?
What items would you want to see Popsugar include in a $100 box?

THE BACKSTORY
Popsugar is a women’s lifestyle subscription that delivers a monthly box of fun, full-size products hand-selected by Popsugar editors.
In addition to Popsugar’s monthly must have boxes, they have some seasonal special edition boxes that contain uber luxe items. The price tag on these boxes is higher, but the products you receive are high end.

Popsugar Mini Pricing:
(Features 2 Full Size Items)
Monthly – $18.95

Popsugar Must Have Pricing:
Monthly – $39.95
3 Months – $109.85
6 Months – $214.70
12 Months – $404.40

Coupon Codes: REFER5 = $5 off site wide
POPSUGAR10 = $10 off a 3 month subscription to Must Have

Popsugar: May 2015

Since my June Popsugar box just arrived, I’m way overdue to review my May one so let’s dive right in.

Sisters of Los Angeles Surf Sand Love Beach Towel (Suggested Retail: $38.00)
Category: Must Have Home
Description: “We count down the days until we can spend more time basking in the sun at our favorite, beaches, parks, and pools. This year we are even more prepared with our perfect Popsugar-designed beach towel with sunny yellow and blue awning stripes that scream California Summer!”
Verdict: Like
I don’t go to the beach much since my skin tends to burst into flame when exposed to the sun for more than an hour, but this is a nice towel that I can use for all kinds of outdoor events and it makes sense for the season.

Middle Kingdom Mini Plum Vase in Coral Red (Suggested Retail: $20.00)
Category: Must Have Home
Description: ”Display our fresh flowers in this bright coral vase designed to spruce up any space for spring. Middle Kingdom’s bud vase is the perfect size to hold your favorite floral stems.”
Verdict: Love!
This vase came packaged up so nicely that it would make a perfect gift. I say *would* because I love this little guy so much that I’m keeping it for myself. I don’t know how Popsugar knew I was updating my living room, but this will look perfect with my new coffee table and area rug.

Kitsch Tri’d & True Y-Shaped Necklace(Suggested Retail: $32.00)
Category: Must Have Fashion
Description: ”Once we laid eyes on this Tri’d & True necklace, we knew it’d be an instant favorite. The unique Y shape and triangle charm make a statement on their own, but the piece looks just as great layered.”
Verdict: On the Fence
I’m not sure if I’ll keep this necklace or gift it. It seems a bit long for my taste, but I do like to try out new accessories. I’ll see how it looks layered with some of my other pieces.

Sage & Row Bare Shave Cream (Suggested Retail: $17.00)
Category: Must Have Beauty
Description: “You’ll want to show off your legs all summer long with Sage & Row’s heavenly scented shave cream. This aloe-based goodness will lock in moisture and leave even the most sensitive skin smooth and radiant.”
Verdict: Love!
I love it when we get luxury versions of practical items like shave cream. Sage & Bow offers awesome shaving kits and a fancy pants razor. If I like this cream I may consider picking up some of their other items.

Batiste Dry Shampoo (Retail: $4.00)
Category: Must Have Beauty
Description: “Say goodbye to lifeless hair forever with a cherry-scented dry shampoo that does it all. You’ll get major body and texture wherever you are, and its convenient travel size is just the cherry on top!”
Verdict: Love!
You had me at “Cherry-scented”. I know dry shampoos show up in every women’s sub, but I love the adorable packaging and the scent. I’ve heard great things about this brand so I’m leaving this in my locker for when I work out during my lunch hour.

Hammond’s Candies McCraw’s Flat Taffy (Retail: $1.00)
Category: Must Have Food
Description: “This Multicolored McCraw’s Flat Taffy is just as delicious as it looks! Sicne it’s made with no artificial colors or flavors added, you can feel good about satisfying your sweet tooth.”
Verdict: Like
I know that I’m a Jersey girl, but I’m not really big on taffy. (I’m not big on Atlantic City either so they may revoke my Jersey girl status). In any case, I actually really enjoyed this taffy. The thin texture really sets it apart from regular taffy and it was a fun, summer inspired treat.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Hit!

I really enjoyed this box. All the items felt summery and the box had a cohesive feel. I paid $42.75 for this box and received $112 worth of product. I will use or gift all the items, so this one was definitely a win for me. As unhappy as I’ve been with a lot of Popsugar’s Limited Edition boxes, their regular monthly sub still delivers surprises I really enjoy.

What did you think of the May Popsugar Box? Did you enjoy the items as much as I did?

THE BACKSTORY

Popsugar is a women’s lifestyle subscription that delivers a monthly box of fun, full-size products hand-selected by Popsugar editors.

Popsugar Pricing:
Monthly – $39.95
3 Months – $109.85
6 Months – $214.70
12 Months – $404.40

Coupon Codes: REFER5 = $5 off site wide
POPSUGAR10 = $10 off a 3 month subscription

Popsugar Limited Edition Summer Box 2014

While it’s always fun to unbox surprises, opening up the Popsugar Limited Edition Boxes is always extra awesome.

My Summer 2014 Popsugar Box arrived in this unassuming (yet substantially heavy) cardboard box.

Once opened it reveals the lovely Popsugar box that is a great size and shape for storing all kinds of odds and ends in your house. I hoard these boxes (along with the Birchbox ones). They are uber useful.

Okay now that my toddler-like interest in the actual box is past, let’s dive into the items. They are all individually wrapped up and packed so nicely that they really do make you feel like someone sent you a present.

And what’s inside the box? Another box (very meta) – and it’s pretty heavy….

Sisters of Los Angeles City Rocks Glasses (Suggested Retail: $45.00)
Description: “…Sisters of Los Angeles City Rocks Glasses made just for Popsugar. In honor of four of our office locations, we featured SF, LA, NY and London..”
Verdict: Love!/Gift
These glasses are really high quality and so fun. I love the colorful designs and the weight of them is quite hefty. Unfortunately I have a lot of classes in this size, but I know a ton of folks who would love these for a gift. (Although I may break down and find some room in my cabinet for them since they are so cute). This company makes products emblazoned with cool graphics of various cities, so check them out if you want a fun gift for that chic urbanite in your life. Since this set was put together exclusively for Popsugar it’s unavailable on their website so I used a similar set for pricing.

Samudra Blue Tropics Pouch (Retail: $60.00)
Description:“Keep all your essentials in your statement bag for an easy transition from beach day to evening soiree.”
Verdict: Love!
I’m not sure if you know this about me but I’m slightly obsessed with organization and this giant pouch is perfect for travel. It’s even big enough to hold a tablet. The tropical prints really give that summer vibe and I love that there are different ones on either side. I’ll be using it asap for my upcoming work trip to Baltimore. After that I think it will be making daily appearances in my work bag to corral notebooks, my kindle, pens and other odds and ends.

Sachajuan Ocean Mist (Retail: $28.00)
Description. “Cult favorite Sachajuan’s Oceamn Mist will give you perfect waves without your ever stepping foor in the water. Spray on dry or damp hair for an effortless yet voluminous Summer look.”
Verdict: Love!
This is my year of experimenting with hair products and I love all the ocean and sea salt sprays where you can just spray on damp hair and boom, your styling is done. My hair is naturally wavy and I think this product will work perfectly with its texture and my propensity for being lazy with hair styling.

Soixante Nefu Jewels by Joie Jager Horn Necklace (Suggested Retail: $155.00)
Description: “…This vintage-inspired accessory is sure to be a Summer staple in your collection..”
Verdict: On the fence
I really like the idea of this necklace, the long length and the combination of colors. It’s pretty pricey and according to the description its 14K gold plated, but somehow it just feels a little cheap to me and I can’t imagine paying $155 for it. Apparently lots of celebrities wear this design so maybe it’s just overpriced. I don’t love it, but it’s not terrible either. It may look cool layered with some other chains I have, I’ll just have to see how it works out. At the moment, I’m not sold.

The Ingredient Finder Eliunt Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Suggested Retail: $16.65)
Description: “…The Ingredient Finder handpicked the best olive oils to transport you and your food around the world. Each Eliunt Extra Virgin Olive Oil comes with its own custom taste and cultural background to make your dish unique.”
Verdict: Hit!
Being that I am Italian, it is a requirement that I always have an ample supply of olive oil in my pantry. My bottle came from Australia and I don’t think I’ve ever tried an Australian olive oil so this will be something new. It’s a pretty small bottle so I’m going to save this for dipping with bread or drizzling over something special. I couldn’t find individually priced bottles (it looks like the smallest is in a set of 3, so I’m going to estimate the value based on that). I wasn’t familiar with the Ingredient Finder website before but it seems like a really fun foodie site for finding high end international cooking ingredients. It even lets you search by cuisine. If you like cooking you should check it out.

Tarte Cheek Stain (Suggested Retail: $30.00)
Description: “…Let your skin glow this Summer with Tarte’s restorative Cheek Stain…”
Verdict: Love!
I love Tarte’s products and I already own one of their cheek stains in a different shade. I love the natural flush and the easy application. I can’t wait to try out this new color.

Tarte Lipsurgence Power Pigment (Suggested Retail: $24.00)
Description: “….This peppermint-infused tint will nourish your lips for a naturally fuller and healthier pout!…”
Verdict: Love!
As I mentioned before I really love Tarte’s products, so I’m very excited to try out this lip tint. The shade seems like a lovely neutral for summer and should work well with my albino skin tone.

OVERALL:
Love!

This was an amazing box that totally made up for the lackluster Limited Edition Resort Box and the disappointing May Must Have. I love nearly everything in this box and all the choices feel theme appropriate and cohesive as a collection.

I paid $107.00 for this box and received $358.65 worth of products. Even discounting the overpriced necklace that is an amazing value. After this box, Popsugar has set the bar really high for their limited editions. I can’t wait to see what the next one brings.

So what did you think of the Popsugar Limited Edition Summer Box? Did you like it more or less than the Resort one?

LIMITED TIME COUPON! Use code XL25K3Z to save $15 off your first POPSUGAR Must Have box

THE BACKSTORY

Popsugar is a women’s lifestyle subscription that delivers a monthly box of fun, full-size products hand-selected by Popsugar editors.

Popsugar Pricing:
Monthly – $39.95
3 Months – $109.85
6 Months – $214.70
12 Months – $404.40

Coupon Codes: REFER5 = $5 off site wide
POPSUGAR10 = $10 off a 3 month subscription

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