CakeStyle Box #5

* 6 tops * 3 pants * 2 dresses * 1 jacket * 2 accessories

Some light spring styles in this box, starting with this cute outfit:

French Connection Floral Blouse: This is a prime example of why I love the CakeStyle service! If I had seen this shirt online or hanging off a rack, I would have ignored it. I normally don't like flower prints or pastels. But since this came in the box, I figured it was worth trying. Turns out, it's comfortable, flattering and the print is not too noisy. The colors actually work on me and I ended up keeping this shirt. Plus, I was introduced to a new brand. I've seen French Connection ads before, but this was my first experience with their clothes and I'm pretty pleased! Theory Valence Pants: Initially, I was skeptical about the rolled cuffs, but they actually don't look bad. I like the color and cut of these pants, even though they're a bit too casual for my office. You can't tell from the photo, but these were tight in the waist for me, so I didn't keep them.

French Connection Edelweiss T-Shirt: High quality fabric and good fit, but this pattern looks just a bit off on me.

Joie Sweater Top: I would need a boat to accessorize this top. Definitely not my style.

French Connection Sleeveless V-Neck: Really wanted to like this one. Silky soft material, lovely lavendar color. However, the puffy pleats in front actually are not sewn to the shirt, but hang loose and fall open while I'm moving, which looks rather bad. Conceptually a neat style, just did not work on me.

Theory "Betty" Sheath Dress: Generally I like Theory, but this dress does not fit me well. Shoulders and chest are way off, gives me an overall boxy shape. Trina Turk Sweater Top: Wasn't sure about this one until I tried it on. Lightweight, comfortable, perfect length and just loose enough to be carefree, but not sloppy. Trina Turk does it again!

A complete Theory outfit! Theory Gabe Blazer: Great around the shoulders, chest and waist. But look at those sleeves! Way too long for me. Theory Sorcha Top: The dusty rose is almost too close to skin color. This is a comfortable shirt, though it's a bit loose and baggy on me. The jacket hides that. It's a neutral piece that's good for layering, but not something I need. Theory "Julienna" Pants: These pants have a slight sateen shimmer that isn't captured in the photo. As with most pants, they're too long, but the waist and thighs fit well and the inner lining makes it very comfortable. I bought a pair of solid black pants in the last box, so skipped them in this round. Not pictured:

Elie Tahari "Emory" Dress: Too small for me. I couldn't even zip the darn thing! I don't think I would have kept it - it's this dress and the pattern isn't very appealing to me.

Theory Mauritius Navy Pants: The opposite problem here - these were too big! They have a more casual look and fit like loose khakis. The waist was fine, but the legs were too wide and had a parachute effect.

Printed Village Printed Scarf: HUGE scarf! Probably around 60 inches long, in a really awesome black/white geometric tribal pattern. I really wanted to keep this, but I don't wear such accessories often and couldn't justify owning something that would just look pretty in the closet.

Geranium Jewelry Ball Stud Earrings: They made a major mistake and sent these even though my ears are not pierced (and it explicitly states that in my profile). The earrings are quite pretty and prompted me to look up this brand online. I think I might buy some of their other products, based on the quality and design of the earrings. So it wasn't a complete waste!

March 2013 Eco-Emi Box

Review of the March 2013 Eco Emi box! All products listed below are linked on their site.

Theraganics: Almond Oatmeal Soap - Very faint, slight buttery scent, quite soothing. The oatmeal bits are not too harsh. Leaves my skin feeling clean, but doesn't moisturize too well.

Natural Heavenly Beauty: Lavender Vanilla Shea Butter Moisturizer - Thick dense cream that is hard and waxy. It takes some time to warm up, in order for the cream to be pliable enough to apply. Smells divine, a relaxing natural lavendar scent layered over sweet bakery fresh vanilla. But also leaves a greasy film over my skin.

Belle’s Healing Solutions: Lavender Lip Balm - Really strong herbal lavender smell. Goes on nice and soft.

Home Free: Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies - Crunchy bite sized cookies. Taste like generic store cookies.

Dr Hauschka: Rejuvenating Mask - Creamy thick mask which left my face a little dry. It did not crack or pinch like some other masks I've tried. However, I don't think it helped my skin feel better, so not a product I would buy more of.

Rockin Green: Smashing Watermelon Detergent - This smells awesome, but the instructions are convoluted and require way too many cycles. The recommended washing steps include one cold wash, then another hot wash, THEN another double rinse. Seems like an enormous waste of water and not something I want to deal with. While the detergent is biodegradable and made of eco friendly components, all those wash cycles seem far worse for the environment.

The All Natural Face: Glazed Strawberries Lip Gloss - Nice sparkly ruby red. Good quality gloss, but the strawberry scent is artificial and a little sour, so not for me.

Teatulia: Organic Bengal Breakfast - Mellow and smooth, with a subtle aroma. This drinks more like a light oolong rather than traditional black breakfast tea. It's pleasant and not too strong.

Blissoma: Rejuvenating Herbal Gel Cleanser & Makeup Remover - This gel smells really weird, almost like old cooking oil. Once I got past the smell, it does work very well, removing grease and dirt, while being gentle on skin. It did not moisturize, though, so I had to apply lotion afterwards. Nice product, but I don't think I'll get used to the smell.