Red, Blue, and Birds

I've had this dress for quite a while, but it fell off of its hanger and was lost in the abyss of my closet.  I'm glad it reemerged.

 

Bird's eye view dress in chambray, c/o Eshakti; shrug, I don't remember; shoes, Target; earrings, Claire's; necklace, Fire Mountain Gems.

 

I love the retro silhouette and modern details of this dress.  The pepper necklace adds a little spice to an otherwise all-American outfit.  To quote the great Rupaul, here's the front...

 

And here's the back.  And here are the shoes.

 

* This post contains affiliate links.  If you click through them and make a purchase I may receive a commission.  I originally received this dress at no charge courtesy of eShakti.com, but all opinions are my own.

Under the Influenster: Meaningful Beauty Crème de Serum

I just turned 30.  I'm not anywhere remotely close to old, but I don't take good care of my skin and sometimes it shows.  My big skin accomplishment of the past year is that I now *usually* wash my face before bed.  Actually, I wipe off my makeup with a disposable face towel.  Washing my face with water is too much effort.  My other skin accomplishment is that I usually use a moisturizer.  I'm a low-achiever when it comes to taking care of my skin.

In spite of my less-than stellar track record, I was intrigued when Influester offered me the opportunity to try the Meaningful Beauty Creme de Serum.  I received it just before my birthday, and after using for almost 2 weeks I can honestly say my skin looks and feels better at 30 than it did at 29...

Here are my first impressions.


Things I like about Meaningful Beauty Creme de Serum:

• you only need to use it once per day;
• you can use it either in the morning or the evening;
• it has light, clean scent;
• it is silky, not greasy;
• it is gentle on my sensitive skin;
• my skin feels less dry;
• my face looks less shiny throughout the day than with my other moisturizer;
• my skin looks slightly more even than it did before using the Creme de Serum;
• my face feels much smoother than it did before using the Creme de Serum.

You be the judge.  Here are two photos, taken about 10 days apart.  My perception is that my skin tone looks slightly more even.  It definitely feels smoother.  

Bare face before.

Bare face after.

I'll post another bare-faced photo once I've finished my Creme de Serum sample.  

The Meaningful Beauty Creme de Serum is available as part of a skincare system direct from Meaningful Beauty.  You can see the full purchase options for those systems on the Meaningful Beauty website.   

I'm not sure that I'll actually purchase the Creme de Serum.  I like it, but it appears that the only option for purchase online is as part of the system.  $39.99 isn't tremendously expensive for skincare, but it is a lot more than I currently spend, and the only product I know I want is the Creme de Serum.  I would be more likely to buy  if I could purchase the products separately.  I do really like the Creme de Serum, but I have other products I like for other skin purposes.  

If you are concerned about your skin and you aren't committed to other products, I would recommend trying the Meaningful Beauty system.    There is a 60 day money-back guarantee, so the only thing you'll lose is 60 days.  You can learn more about Creme de Serum and the other products available from Meaningful Beauty from the Meaningful Beauty website.  

* I received Meaningful Beauty Crème de Serum complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Your First eShakti Order is $30 Off

You'll notice I'll be tagging posts with an eShakti.com coupon in the coming days and weeks.  You can get $30 off your first purchase from the site with coupon code JEANNEZ8GL.

Eshakti has a great mix of classic and whimsical pieces, any of which will be a part of your wardrobe for the long-haul.  I've been very happy with every aspect of eShakti quality, style, and service.  Eshakti products can be purchased by size (from 0 to 36W), customized with your choice of neckline, hem length, and sleeves, or custom-made to fit your measurements.  

Perfectly classic, but never boring.

Wish eShakti.com dresses, waists are never wasted.

I have received two eShakti pieces at no charge in exchange for reviews, but I have purchased four dresses and a skirt from them with my own hard-earned cash.  That's the real review.  If you do use the JEANNEZ8GL, you can combine it with the sites' current promotion.  Right now it is buy 2, get 1 free.  The code is good through November 30, 2013.

My next eShakti.com purchase

will likely be another sheath,

like this one, in red.

Image Credit: eShakti.com

I've been dreaming of this dress since it

was released.  It is so simple in concept,

but so bold in effect.

Image Credit: eShakti.com

*While this post isn't strictly sponsored, I will receive a discount if you use my coupon code.

More Blue, More Sky Blue Pink

Yesterday I introduced a lovely necklace and earring set I received from my friend Beth's Sky Blue Pink store.  Today I paired it with a subtly sheer print dress that has been languishing in my closet for quite some time.

 

Dress, thrifted; tights, Walmart; belt, borrowed (thanks, Mom); shoes, Payless Shoes, necklace and earrings, gifted (thanks, Beth!).

 

While I like the print and the sheerness of the dress, I'm not wild about the length or the white cuffs.  I think those will have to change before I wear it again.

Think Sky Blue Pink

Beth and I have been friends for nearly a decade.  We met working at a video store way back in college, and we have kept in touch through the ups and downs of life since then.  I'm always thrilled to hear from Beth, but I was particularly pleasantly surprised when I received a package from here with this necklace and earring set enclosed.  Beth has a Sky Blue Pink business and sent me the set as a lovely gift.

 

Dress, Marshall's; tights, Walmart; shoes, Younkers; earrings and necklace, gifted.

 

I've actually worn this set three times since I received it, but (oops) I keep missing photos the days I wear it. I like that the style has a little bit of a hard edge, but not so much that it's hard to wear.

 

 

*Beth did not ask me to review this jewelry, but I did receive it at no cost.  Because she has a business selling similar products, I will count this as a sponsored post.

Under the Influenster: Dr. Scholl's® For Her Active Series® Part 2

I run.  I don't run fast.  I don't run far.  But I enjoy it.  Unfortunately I've had some trouble with foot and leg pain during and after my runs lately.  


As I mentioned in my previous post and the video above, the Dr. Scholl's website is currently offering a $4 off coupon for your purchase.  They are available at Target, Walmart, CVS, and many other retailers.

Dr. Scholl's Active Series replacement insoles are also available on Amazon with a "Subscribe & Save" option.  You save either 5% or 15%, depending on your number of subscriptions, and have your products delivered to you at a frequency of your choice.  You could have them delivered at an interval of your choice.  I'd choose every six months as a reminder to switch out my old insoles. 

Make sure to read and watch my first impressions of the Dr. Scholl's Active Series replacement insoles too.

*This post contains lots of affiliate links.

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Under the Influenster: Dr. Scholl's® For Her Active Series® Part 1

Influenster has done it again.  They've introduced me to a great product that I might not have considered otherwise: Dr. Scholl's Active Series  replacement insoles.

These are my first impressions upon opening the package.  Please excuse my proximity to the camera.  I should either make more videos to improve my skill, or never make a video again.




I am impressed by the level of cushioning in Dr. Scholl's Active Series replacement insole, especially as compared to the original insoles.   I'm very happy with my Asics running shoes, so it never occurred to me that my feet and legs could be even more comfortable during a run.  I predict that these insoles could also extend the life of a pair of running shoes by compensating for any loss of cushioning over time.

The price is reasonable (around $20 msrp) and the quality seems good.  Dr. Scholl's offers a satisfaction guarantee, so if you're not satisfied you can receive a replacement or refund.

About the only downside I've noticed so far is that they only come up to a size 11 in the women's model.  I'm set because I wear an 11, but any women with larger feet could check out the men's options.  It annoys me to wear shoe products meant for men, but perhaps other women have fewer hang-ups.  Or perhaps a man will read this and find insole solutions too.

If you're interested in trying these out, the Dr. Scholl's website is currently offering a $4 off coupon for your purchase.  I'm going to buy a second pair to try in my non-athletic shoes.  They are available at Target, Walmart, CVS, and many other retailers.

Dr. Scholl's Active Series replacement insoles are also available on Amazon, and you can get them with a "Subscribe & Save" option.  That way the insoles would be delivered to you periodically, and you save either 5% or 15%, depending on your number of subscriptions.  You could have them delivered at an interval of your choice.  I'd choose every six months as a reminder to switch out my old insoles.

Make sure to read more about my first walk and run with these insoles soon (spoiler alert: pretty cool)!

*This post contains lots of affiliate links.

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Review: True Joy & Chambray (Part 2)

Yesterday I talked about what I like about the Birds Eye View dress from eShakti.com.  Today I'll tell you what I like about eShakti in general.

Discounts on top of discounts.

• Selection of Sizes and Styles:  Clothes on this site are available in sizes 0-36.  This includes all styles.  There are some bombshell dresses on this site.  Every woman, no matter her size, should be able to have a sexy dress or two if she wants them.  Thanks, eShakti!
• Discount Policy:  Many companies have a lot of rules when it comes to how discounts can be used and combined.  EShakti allows you to combine discounts, as you can see in the image on the left.  They allowed me to combine the buy one, get one 50% off promotion with a $25 credit and the 20% DREMFJENNE coupon code.  That kind of service make me feel like they're not trying to jerk me around.  That's a good thing. 
• Pockets: Women's clothes are often lacking pockets, but most dresses and skirts from eShakti have them.  I love dresses with pockets.  
• Shipping: EShakti dresses are made in India, but shipping is lightning fast.  The website typically estimates about 14 days for items to be delivered, but the items I've purchased have arrived much more quickly than that.
• Return Policy:  I'm going to quote from their site here: "It's simple, if you're not happy, we're not happy. Making you look your best is our mission. That's why eShakti offers you a hassle-free returns policy."  If you're not satisfied with your eShakti purchase you can choose either a money-back refund (minus shipping and customization costs) or a gift card for the value of the item plus 20%.
  Again, quoting from their site:  "Our motive is twofold:
  - A way for us to take responsibility for not meeting your initial expectations.
  - To give you the opportunity to order again so that we can try and delight you the next time!"
  Once again, this just seems like a customer-friendly policy.

EShakti.com has impressed me with their straightforward approach to customer service.  It is refreshing to be able to contact an online merchant (or any merchant, really), and get a prompt, courteous reply.  

*I received a dress from eShakti.com at no charge.  All opinions are my own.

Review: True Joy & Chambray (Part 1)

One of my favorite toasts: May all your joy be true joy and all your pain be champagne.  I love the play on words between champagne and sham pain, as contrasted with true joy.  Today my true joy is inspired by chambray instead of champagne.

Image Credit: eShakti.com
Birds Eye View Dress

EShakti.com offered to send another garment to review, but this time there was a twist.  I selected three dresses with customization, and they chose which one to send.  I knew that whichever dress I received, I would love it, but I secretly had my fingers crossed for the Birds Eye View Dress.  I requested it custom fitted to my measurements with a deep-v neckline and knee length (the default is wide-v and below the knee).  Lucky me, I got exactly what I wanted.

If you are getting a custom-made garment, make sure you take your measurements while wearing the foundation garments you plan on wearing with that garment.  I love that eShakti dresses respect my shape and work with my body rather than against it.

The one caveat I would give is that when the option says a "low v-neck" they're not kidding.  It was a little lower than I expected.

 

Bird's Eye View Dress, c/o eShakti.com; camisole, thrifted; tights, target; shoes, Younkers; earrings, handmade by me; necklace, etsy.

 

 

The back of the dress also features a V cut, so you can look as good going as coming.  

You already know I love the custom sizing from eShakti, but the quality is great as well.  The seams and hems are finished beautifully.

 

The embroidery on the bust and the skirt are perfectly placed.

 

I'll have a few more thoughts about this dress and the eShakti.com experience tomorrow, but don't forget that you can save 20% on your total purchase with coupon code DREMFJENNE.

You can read part two of my review here.

*I received this dress from eShakti.com at no charge.  All opinions are my own.

Reminder: 20% Off at eShakti.com

You know I love a bargain, so allow me to let you in on a way to stretch your dollars.  Are you a first-time buyer from eShakti.com?  You can get a $25 gift coupon off your first order.  Next check out the 30% off sale section of the website.  The sale section has some great deals.  Next add my 20% off coupon code: DREMFJENNE.  Eshakti was awesome enough to allow combining of this coupon code with gift coupons.  The only piecesthat aren't eligible for the 20% coupon code are the overstock items.

Image Credit: eShakti.com
Button-Front Corset Style Dress

I just purchased this button-front corset style dress.  Even though I'm not eligible for the new customer discount, I still got a great deal.  The dress was originally $79.95, and was marked down to $55.95.  Then I added the DREMFJENNE coupon to bring the final price down to $44.76.  It's more than I would usually pay for a dress, but I think it's worth it for an occasional treat of custom-made clothing.  

You can use the DREMFJENNE coupon code through March 20*, but if you see something you like, don't wait.  Quantities are limited for many fabrics, especially in the sale section.  

*Due to a problem with the eShakti website, the coupon code had been extended from March 10 to March 20.

Coupon Code! Need I Say More?

You know I love sales, bargains, and all things discounted, and I have one to share with you.  From now until March 10, you can use discount code DREMFJENNE to get 20% off when you shop at eShakti.

I did a review for eShakti last year, and I have really enjoyed the trench coat I received.  You can read parts one and two of the review here and here.  I'm planning on ordering something using this discount code.  Right now the two items below are at the top of my list.  You can also use the code on items in the Winter section, which are already 30% off.  Discounts on top of discounts = score!

Image Credit: eShakti.com
Sea Biscuit Dress

Image Credit: eShakti.com
High-Stepping Crepe Skirt

If you're interested in eShakti and haven't ordered before, I HIGHLY recommend checking out their spring line now and ordering by February 28.  Right now customization is FREE (usually a $7.50 value), plus you can use the DREMFJENNE coupon code.

Legalese: Enter the code in the 'Promotional Code' box. No Minimum Order Value. The discount code is not case sensitive. The code can be used any number of times until the validity period. This code can be clubbed with any other gift coupon or gift card in the same order. This discount code is not applicable on our Overstock category. Not applicable on previous purchases.

Disclosure:  I received this coupon code because of my eShakti review, so I consider this post sponsored.