V-Style

Kate Bosworth's JewelMint.com Review

Photo Credit: Robin Dayley/Dayley Photography

There is nothing I am more passionate about then protecting my clients from victimization. I see it everyday during the closet purge, women that were convinced by a sales associate that they just had to have some overpriced, wrong colored, ill fitting garment. Is making that few dollars commission worth a lie? Not to me. I worked retail for two weeks when I was 15-years-old. I quit because they wanted me to push and sell people things they don't need. They were so confused by my need to please the customer, not the corporation. I am not here to sell, I am here to help. I am not interested in deceit.

On that note, I recently checked out JewelMint.com made popular by Kate Bosworth. I did my usual pop over and evaluated the website. Fresh and clean layout, clear pictures of cute items, good prices (if the quality is there), and free shipping. With my tight schedule, I am zipping through clothing and websites. An online retailer has little time to make an impression and I never give a second glance to fashion websites that charge shipping (that's how Gilt lost me). Jewel Mint passed my speedy once over. I pick two items worth wearing. I received them timely in cute boxes. They are stylish enough and the rings I bought even make it into two of my photo shoots.

This week I return from London and look at my American Express account to check out how much damage the pound sterling has done to me. As I browse my purchases, I see Jewel Mint has charged me $29.99. I call in to correct the mistake. The purchase I made was in April. It turns out when I made that purchase in April I was enrolled into a monthly subscription, and this is the second month I have been charged. I felt stupid and the Jewel Mint's customer service made sure I felt stupid. They explain it is written everywhere. I believe her and assume the French wine I favor has taken it's toll on me. I explain how stupid I feel, and request a refund as I don't have any foreseeable plans to use Jewel Mint again. I am trying not to react to her already biting tone. When she informs me that the charges are non-refundable, I explain how quickly I shop and did not understand that I had signed up for a subscription. She gets snide and offers me a $9.99 credit which affords me nothing on the site. Just another ploy for me to spend more money with them. I decline the credit.

I tell her to inform Jewel Mint's PR team that a negative review will be written. She seemed pleased with this information and asked if there was anything else I would like. I said, no. We parted the proverbial ways. Although angered by her treating me like an absolute fool, I assume I was one. I did just yesterday leave my groceries in the back of my car for three hours. The goat cheese didn't make it.

I go back to jewelmint.com and start fresh. I type in the url and wait for "Jewelry Subscription" to blast across the homepage. Rude Jewel Mint Phone Woman did tell me it was written everywhere, yet absolutely nothing of the subscription is stated on the home page. I sign up and take the little fashion quiz - nothing is written about a subscription. I receive an e-mail about the great pieces they get monthly, but again, mention nothing of a subscription or that I will be charged monthly. Ok. So, I pick the first cute pair of earrings I see and head to checkout and look for what Rude Jewel Mint Phone Woman was talking about. Nothing of the subscription is noted. And then I scroll to the bottom of the page... in the finest light grey print it says that if I purchase this pair of earrings I will have signed up for a subscription and will be charged $29.99 every month. I no longer feel stupid. Well, the whole grocery fiasco makes me feel like a royal idiot, but Rude Jewel Mint Phone Woman is wrong. Even when deserved, I look down on rudeness, but when it is unwarranted, I become incensed. There is no need to make me feel like a fool when anyone could make this kind of mistake. I realize now she must get calls like this every minute. Hence the crankiness.

I am horrified by this incident for a few reasons. First, I expect and almost welcome a rip-off in a foreign country's street markets. They need the money more than I. I do not expect Kate Bosworth's jewelry company to deceive me. When you first sign up for Jewel Mint they send you e-mails to get you to buy. Once you buy and discreetly sign up for a monthly subscription, they no longer send you anything. Perhaps to let those monthly charges go by quietly. I have zero tolerance for such non-sense. It is not the money, it is the disrespect. Jewel Mint and its sister companies is what gives online shopping a bad name. This is why I stick to the same online stops over and over again. They have my trust. Trust is invaluable. Trust is why my business is successful. I believe in my services and I am more than open. I charge by the hour and often give free time. I wish more businesses would as honest and generous.

What companies do you trust? Please, share in a comment below.

Pitusa Product Review

When Pitusa expressed interest in a product review on V-Style, I was immediately intrigued by the line's verve and it's Peruvian production in accordance with fair working standards set forth by the international labor organization. I accepted their request and decided to check out the Kookara tank, the maxi dress with silver edging and the Tribal Palazzo pants.

It often feels like Christmas day in my office when a package comes from a brand like Pitusa. I tore open the box and smiled gleefully at the items waiting for me. And just like Christmas, it's easy to identify your favorite present of the day. The tribal print palazzo pants take first place for a couple of reasons. First reason being anticipation. I've had a hankering for fabulously printed palazzo pants for some time, an urge that grew after interviewing Celeste Byers. This is not a self imposed wait.Usually when I want something, I find it and get it, but this general period of fashion does not give you many palazzo options, until now. Between the wait and hard to find quality these pants are sacred. 

Adding to its glory is the sexy fit. I love how the waist band folds over low on your belly, and cups your hips and bum before expanding into the pool of print around your legs. To ensure this perfect cupping, buy a size up to avoid a too tight fit. I am able to wear a size large comfortably.

Lastly, I thought the pants were going to be super soft, but with a blend of cotton, polyester and lycra, it feels like a proper pant versus blanket soft fabric. Although I needed to adjust to the lack of pajama feel, this combination of materials will ensure the garment lasts longer and won't pill. 

Right now, I am using the pant as lounge wear, as it is longer than my legs reach and I need to get them hemmed before showing them to the world. Once I take these to my tailor, I will be paring them with sandals and open toe wedges and avoid clunky or close toe shoes, as they will shorten this type of silhouette. Shorter tanks and blouses in black, white, yellow, or purple will complete this casual boho chic look. Once hemmed I will show you exactly how to wear them in a Vanessa's personal style post. 

My reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for reviews, although I am given the product to keep. If I am sent something unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.

Product Review: Soma Intimates Full Coverage Bra That Covers Back Fat

A bra should not gap. It should cup the breasts fully and shouldn't squeeze armpit or back fat. These two requests are often overlooked by my clients and ignored by sales associates. Too often, women settle for less in the bra department. A catastrophe I try to prevent with my clients and myself with diligent evaluations of any bra that crosses my path.

The Sensuous Sides Full Coverage bra from Soma Intimates ($48) is the most recent bra to come under my scrutiny. From the available sizes (32C-DD, 34-38B-DD, 40C-D), I requested 36B. At first glance, I am immediately impressed by the structure and elegance. This is a no-nonsense bra that retains the sensuality we want in our undergarments.

Once I adjusted the straps, I slipped it on and seriously said, "Wow." I love this bra. My breasts have never been higher in its contoured cups, my armpit fat was hidden and my back looked great. Oh, how I was looking forward to doing this review.  Like many of my clients, my armpits and back have become my number one body concern. I don't even know what else to write about it. Have I mentioned that I love it? Adding to my love is its overall comfort and the seamlessness of the cup. This bra is perfect for thin Tees and tops. You will not be able to see the impression of your nipples or even the bra when wearing this bra. This is a staple bra. I recommend getting it in nude. 

My reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for reviews, although I am given the service for free. If the service is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.

Product Review: Firmoo Online Glasses Store

Photo Credits: Robin Dayley

In college, I "borrowed" my boyfriend's dad's aviator sunglasses and sported them for a year. The glasses were far too large for me - my fella's dad was a monster of a man, probably still is - but I cared not. Despite the over-sized appearance, I felt incredibly cool. To this day, I adore the aviator shape, perhaps too much. Although aviator sunglasses are sexy, aviator spectacles are not the most fabulous look, but that does not stop me. I love them too. They make me feel like a hot old man.

When Firmoo.com asked me to review their website and select a pair of glasses of my choosing, I doubt they expected me to order men's aviator eyeglasses, but I couldn't help myself. I almost requested their fabulous round sunglasses, but the aviator grabbed a hold of me and I couldn't shake it off.  

When deciding on my eyeglass choice, I was immediately impressed by Firmoo's search tools and viewing possibilities. To buy something as intimate as eye glasses online requires a lot of detail and assistance that many online optical stores skimp on, but Firmoo gives you that and then some. On Firmoo.com, each pair of glasses has complete descriptive details and measurements as well as numerous photos of the glasses on and off people with customer reviews to aid you in your purchase - a purchase that won't break the bank, yet retains quality. My pair of old man glasses are light-weight, sturdy and came with that nifty tool, cleaner and a cloth. This rdiculous shape also allows me to see more of the world. This is why everyone in the 80's had huge eyeglasses. You have less blind spots.

The complaint one might have with Firmoo is a small slection. There are not hundreds of choices for each category.

My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for product reviews although I am given the sample to keep. If I am sent something that is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.

Spa Review: Bellus Academy

To celebrate San Diego's Spa Week, Bellus Academy invited me to review a massage with student, Michael Lim. Bellus Academy provides training and multiple license programs to prepare its students for a career in the beauty and wellness industry. Obviously, Michael is training to be a masseuse. Upon entering the Poway building, I love the expansive space and high ceilings. My recent visits to independent masseuses in teeny tiny rooms, has made me more appreciative of roomy spas. After checking in, Michael took me aside to discuss my goals for the massage. I told him the top of my legs are always sore from my daily running. I told him I just started Pilates again, ergo my upper back and hips are sore. Finally, I told him my forearms are sore from the batting cages and my biceps are sore from holding a baby. Who knew holding a baby for fifteen minutes was a workout. 

Michael then escorted me into a giant room full of beds sectioned off by curtains. I felt like I was in a military's hospital barracks, but better decorated and smelling of lavender. Once in my curtained area, I undressed and waited for Michael to return. Laying there on the bed, the room's sound system played soothing music, but I could still hear the whispers of neighboring massages. I found the noises distracting, but didn't notice it much when my own massage began. Michael used some great techniques I have never experienced or rarely get to enjoy, which is saying something. I average two to three massages a month and rarely use the same masseuse. I know what people are doing out there. 

My only complaints would be the document you have to sign at the beginning that explains a student is rubbing you, not a professional, therefore they may hurt you. Also, the lack of attention on the areas I had pointed out as sore. I felt like he gave those areas the same time as everywhere else. Granted, I had a ridiculous amount of messed up body parts, but they still felt a bit neglected. I also like my masseuse to touch my scalp at some point and he didn't do that. Overall, it was a good massage that ended with a delightful spray of something pretty smelling and only cost $30. For the budget conscience, the Bellus Academy is a fabulous way to tend to your massage needs.

My reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for reviews, although I am given the service for free. If the service is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.

La Fresh Waterproof Make-Up Remover

Last week, the commercial I styled for La Fresh featuring Fairly Legal's Virginia Williams started airing. I loved dressing these fabulous young women and the beautiful Virgina Williams, but I am so bummed the commercial didn't show off more of the fabulous outfits! My favorite look I put on Virginia Williams would have to be the BCBG red bondage dress that is only shown for one second from the shoulders up. It always breaks my heart when a fabulous look ends up on the cutting room floor. 

As for the products, I love them. One of the biggest perks of styling commercials is the generosity of the companies. I took home handfuls of the La Fresh waterproof make-up remover. At home, I use Artisana 100% Organic Raw Coconut Oil to remove my eye make-up, but when I travel, which is often, I can't be taking a big 'ol glass jar of oil with me. The awkward jar issue is quite the bummer because I am making a serious move to choose simple and healthy products over complex chemical products as much as possible. Thankfully La Fresh is paraben free and contains no alcohol, making it my go to for make-up removing on the go. I also use their acetone free nail polish remover pads, which is a serious godsend. Every other "good for you" nail polish remover my mom has tried to get me to use does not work. La Fresh's remover absolutely works, comes in an efficient rectangular shape, and has a thick texture that can remove nail polish off both hands with a single  pad. All the nail polish remover pads I have used in the past are flimsy thin circle shapes that make you use a bunch in one sitting. La Fresh's nail polish remover also smells shockingly good. I am so in love with it, I actually volunteered to give a testimonial for the nail polish remover. That too ended up on the cutting room floor. Bummer.

My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for product reviews although I am given the sample to keep. In fact, La Fresh is unaware I have mentioned them.

Book Review: Dressing Marilyn

Quentin Tarantino's Mia Wallace said, "There are only two kinds of people in the world, Beatles people and Elvis people." Yes, you can like them both, Mia says, but no one likes them equally. Playing in the limited confines of this kind of statement, I suggest there are Audrey Hepburn people and Mariyln Monroe people. Although I am an Audrey Hepburn kind of gal, I am loving Dressing Marilyn: How a Hollywood Icon Was Styled by William Travilla by Andrew Hansford.

Available in time for the fiftieth anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's death, Dressing Marilyn devles into the costumes William Travilla created for Marilyn Monroe and the relationship between the designer and the icon. Including never before seen material, the hardcover book is filled with detailed photos, sketches, stories and quotes that flush out even more of the Marilyn Monroe story.

The sections of the book are divided by each of the famous dresses Travilla designed. My favorite part of each section is the inclusion of construction details. Of course, I enjoyed learning the back story, and seeing the outfit that was almost worn for this scene or that, but I adored reading about the materials used for each garment, the techniques involved and why everything was done the way it was done. For example, in reference to Marilyn's purple dress in How To Marry A Millionaire (not pictured in this post), Hansford explains...

"When you first look at [the dress] the bodice appears to be straight across the bust line, but it is not. In fact, it is considerably lower on the right side, which is where the sequin strap starts, and higher on the left side. This is because of the strap coming diagonally across the neckline... if it had actually been cut straight across the bodice, the sequin detail would have made it appear lopsided." 

When dressing yourself and others, it is vital to understand how and why a garment fits the way it does. I can never get enough of  this kind of knowledge when it is packaged in such an attractive and tantalizing manner, as this book has done. If you're a Marilyn Monroe fan, enjoy old school Hollywood glamour or know someone who does, this book is perfect to get or give.

My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for product reviews although I am given the sample to keep. If I am sent something that is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.

Product Review: 6-in-1 Manicure Multitool

I think I did something silly. I accepted this 6-in-1 manicure tool to do a product review, but how do you review something that is so obviously useful? The tool does it's job and does it well. I don't have a witty story to go with this positive review. In fact, I don't have any story, unless you consider me opening the package, testing it out, nodding at the positive turn out and then putting it into my purse to be used when I break or chip a nail away from home. 

I know the footnote underneath each product review declares, "If I am sent something... boring I don’t write about it," but it's not the fault of the clippers, that my review is boring. Which is why I chose to write about it anyway...

The clippers are high in quality and ready to take on powerful toe nails. Attached to the belly of the nail clippers are the rest of the accessories needed for a good on-the-road manicure. Popping out Swiss style, the nail file is tiny, but tough with a buffer on the other side. Below the file is a nail brush. Below the brush is an angled plastic stick to push down your cuticles that can be pulled out and turned around to reveal a cleaning stick.  

I find this tool particularly useful because my nails are prone to breakage. (Just like my hair, my nails are sad and weak - I think I need to eat better.) Chipped and broken nails are annoying and unattractive, but for me they are also a work hazard. When I am with clients or on a shoot, the moment I realize I have a nail mishap, I fix it immediately to prevent snagging delicate fabrics like silk. I must protect the clothing! Both my tiny client kit, that rests in my everyday purse, and my large commercial kit, which is a large purse, have an individual nail file and nail clippers, but the nail file is overzealous in size, and the two are never in the same place at the same time. This 6-in-1 manicure multitool is far more efficient. You can get one at CVS.

Wait... I think I just turned these fabulous clippers into a story. Albeit, not a great one, but a story nonetheless!

My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for product reviews although I am given the sample to keep. If I am sent something that is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.

Book Review: I Have Iraq In My Shoe

I am not a fan of fashion How-To books in general. There are certainly a few pleasant or informative ones out there, but  often the advice is logical or too general to be of use to one person. As for fashionable novels, the characters seems shallow and the story line limp. I get press releases to review all sorts of these books. I'm never too excited about any of them, until I was sent, I Have Iraq in My Shoe: Misadventures of a Soldier of Fashion .

I know all about fashion, but I know very little of Iraq and even less about an Iraq high-fashion relationship. I have never been more intrigued by a fashionable book title. 

I Have Iraq In My Shoe is a memoir of a broke, fashion-conscious American woman who moves to Iraq for a high paying teaching job in order to pay of her extravagant credit card debt. After reading its 392 pages, I turned the book over and read its one sentence description. I chuckled immediately at the first word: irrelevant. How accurate! How delightfull that they own it! As I read the rest of the sentence, I realized I had misread. The first word of the one sentence description is not "irrelevant." It is "irreverent." Oops. Although I find the word irreverent is also accurate of this tale, the end of  the one-sentence description ends in complete disagreement with me. 

"Irreverent, hilarious and completely relevant." 

This memoir does give some insight on on the Kurdistan culture, but its collection of relevant information was minimum and, like most fashionable novels, the character is pretty shallow and the storyline uneventful. This should lead to an immediate trashing of the book, but the culprit of the dull book is also its savior. The author, Gretchen Berg, is a talented writer with a modern and robust sense of humor. I found myself immediately involved in the dull story, turning page after page. Even during the pathetic chapters involving a crush on a young student, I found it easy to keep reading. Is there anything intriguing about said crush? No. Does this make the main character look like an idiot? Yes. Do you see it going anywhere? Absolutely not. Does it go anywhere? Of course not. Do I keep turning the page? Sure! This is saying something. I am having a real difficulty reading these days. I had to renew my local library's edition of The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by  Stieg Larsson twice and still had to return it a week late. The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest is a mind grabbing novel that begs to be read and yet I needed two months to complete it. I finished I Have Iraq In My Shoe in a week and it is not nearly as interesting. It's that smooth writing style I tell you, all concise and fun.

Back to the content... Danny Devito once said, "No one wants to look at a photo they are not in or hear about a dream they did not dream." Actually, I have no idea if Danny Devito actually said this and I am pretty sure I did not word this accurately. This is half-remembered third person knowledge via my friend Jempy. The point is, I Have Iraq In My Shoe reminds me of a photo I am not in and half the book is a list of complaints. Her luggage is lost. Her driver is late. She couldn't afford $500 shoes. There is no more diet coke. She was charged too much for something. Someone ate her sandwich. Yes, all this sucks. I feel stressed when my luggage is not where it is supposed to be. No one likes to wait for a ride. $500 shoes would be nice. I don't drink caffeinated drinks - I can't relate there, but I detest being over charged, and I do like a good sandwich of mine to stay mine. I don't talk about these things though, and I certainly don't write about them (until now). Why? Conversations and stories involving such things bore me, even when it involves me, I still finding it boring.  Last Summer, it took me 24 hours, numerous cars, a few flights, and one boat to get from Greece to San Diego, California. In between the cars, planes and boat I was in a wheel chair because two days before my departure I was thrown from a horse onto concrete, leaving me unable to walk. (I can walk now, by the way - whew!). When people asked about my trip home, I simply said it sucked. There really is nothing else to say about it. I'm sure I could write a book chapter about it, but just thinking about typing out the insignificant tale of my torturous travel bores me. If it's boring to write, it's even worse to read. 

Although there was some wonderful writing, one  laugh out loud moment and heaps of smile inspiring, self-deprecating wit, I learned next to nothing from I Have Iraq In My Shoe nor did it inspire me on any level. Humor is fabulous, but education and inspiration is kind of the point of my reading a book. And although I am positive the main character and author Gretchen Berg is a hoot in person, she does not translate well to paper. Her thoughts and accounts of her actions remind me of something that happened with my client last year. A client told me his company was going paperless. I asked him what he was going to do with the current paper files. He told me he shredded them. For some reason, I inquired about the step to follow the shredding. He looked confused and then declared he used the slim strips of paper to light fires in his fire place. Doesn't seem that interesting, right? Do you see any humor there? Not really, right? Well, I laugh about this all the time. I laughed just now typing it out. I can laugh at it because I was there for all its comedic nuances. There is no way I can retell this story  in a way that makes you laugh because the humor of the situation is not strong enough to survive the dilution of the retelling process. You had to be there. Same with Gretchen Berg. She comes off more whiny and shallow then witty and fabulous. The witty and fabulous aspects of Gretchen are implied throughout the book and even announced to you in certain sections, but it got watered down in translation. You had to be there.

Summary: You want an easy read? Pick it up for a plane ride or a vacation read. This is also a great book for someone wanting to get into reading. In fact, do you know a girly teen with a neglectful relationship with the written word? This is the perfect starter book.

My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for product reviews although I am given the sample to keep. If I am sent something that is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.

Product Review: Body Wrap Shapewear

A few months ago I was sent a black leotard with built in under wire bra from Body Wrap Shape Wear. I am not sure why I put the review off. I usually love leotards, but it sat on my "To-Do" rack for awhile. The rack also holds recent fashion purchases for myself and this weeks purchases for clients. They are separated by rack dividers.

Last week I finally decided to throw on the bodysuit from Body Wrap Sheer Iridesscent collection. My initial response was surprise. It is very easy to get into. This is extremely unusual for shape wear. Next I noticed the excellent  quality. The fabric is soft, thin and strong and the the crotch opening is flat and undetectable. This is a must in my leotard book. Nothing worse then having a weird crotch opening that pokes you in the hoo-ha and fights your pants. 

Then I responded to the fit. The shapewear leotard is very sexy and fit my breasts perfectly. I have never been more excited about my breasts in a bra. They didn't push them up or together. They just cupped them perfectly where they stood. I felt amazing all day. I was constantly peeking down my shirt. I can't explain to you how sensual it looked. I can't really show you either becasue pictures of my breasts have no place on my blog.

Then came the effectiveness. As true shape wear, it did not do so too much, hence the ease of climbing into it. Yes, it certainly smoothed my body, but it did very little to actually hold any fat in. My lower belly sticks out and it continues to stick out in this leotard. Also, it cut into the cheeks of my bum to reveal a panty line through my leggings. In the particular outfit I wore with it, my sheer top was long enough to cover it, but I don't care for panty lines. Overall, If you want a slight smoothing of the body in a very sexy leotard, I say yes. If you are looking for hold-that-fat-in shape wear, stick to more tradtional options.

Top: BCBG

Leotard: Body Wrap Shapewear

Leggings: H&M

Sandals: Enzo Angiolini

My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for product reviews although I am given the sample to keep. If I am sent something that is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.