On My Radar: Shoes of Prey

Have you ever wanted to stand in the ranks of such hot shoe designers as Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, or even Nine West!  Well, look no further!  Shoes of Prey is the answer for you Shoe Divas who have the desire to create a masterpiece that no one else will possess.  At least not before you; because you will be the creator!

The premise of the site is for you to design your shoe by choosing the style (i.e. pump, wedge, sandal...), fabric (ex. satin, leather, cloth...), heel size, backs and other accoutrements (i.e. straps, florets, bows...) to make your one of a kind design.  Here are two prototypes that I created.

 

The upside, or even bummer to the site is that your design will be available to other members of the site for purchase.  So, if you have always dreamed of designing shoes to sell to the masses, YOUR design will be sold on the Shoes of Prey website and folks around the world can rock your shoe!  On the flip side, if you want to design one of a kind, couture kicks, this is not the site for you and maybe you should consider taking a course in Italian shoemaking!

Regardless of your shoe dream, Shoes of Prey is a great website for you to get your "feet wet" in the art of shoe design without the start-up, manufacturing and marketing costs; and having to devote your precious time as an understudy to a wise old fella named Guiseppe.

Happy Creating!

What's in the Box?: Birchbox (September 2011)



Okay Birchbox, you're testing my nerves!  So disappointed, AGAIN! 

Birchbox celebrated their 1st Anniversary, so I was expecting this month's box to be the best yet!  Sadly, I was left disappointed holding the box!  While some of the items were ok, the box as a whole kinda sucked, plus the extra item to commemorate Birchbox's anniversary was a friendship bracelet made of yarn and metal.  It didn't look like something a mature fashonista, like myself, would wear.  Definitely wasn't feeling the piece of metal on a string!

Don't get me wrong, I don't expect my boxes to be on point every month, however, I have been quite underwhelmed with my last couple of boxes and have started to reevaluate the benefit of membership.  Many folks that I follow on YouTube have also expressed their disdain for this month's and the last few boxes they have received.  I am hoping that this feedback will get back to the company, so that they can avoid the risk of losing customers en masse, leading to their demise, because Birchbox is a great concept.

Though Birchbox's concept is perfect for the person who wants to try new products without the commitment, per say, there needs to be some sort of intervention or reevaluation done to provide customers with the luxe deluxe samples that they boast on their website.  I purchased the year long membership, so we will see if I will be renewing when the time comes.

PLEASE Birchbox get it together!!!

Here's what I got this month.

Pangea Organics Facial Cream for Normal to Combination Skin LIV GRN C2C Fragrance Collection in Earth Incoco® Nail Polish Appliqué Jouer Lip Enhancer

I am a fan of "press on" nail polish, but I got some crazy sky blue color by Incoco that I would only wear at Halloween.  I haven't tried the Pangea Organics Facial Cream, but have put it in my travel bag and look forward to testing it out.  The LIV GRN fragrance is nice, but I will probably never purchase the full size and the Jouer Lip Enhancer left my lips feeling and looking very moisturized.  I would consider purchasing that product.

Product Review: KeraCare Natural Textures Twist & Define Cream

I stumbled upon this product at my local beauty supply store, and boy am I glad I did!  This has been a fabulous product for my twist outs.  The cream moisturizes, helps lock in the shape and pattern of the twists, has a decent scent and allows the hair to dry in a timely fashion (i.e. overnight). 

The price is kind of hefty, in my opinion, at $19 for a 8oz. jar of product.  I went through the jar in no time, but I do like to coat and feel the slip on each strand, so the jar may last longer for you if you use a conservative amount.  I also wash my hair about twice a week.

I hear that Ulta carries this product in their brick and mortar stores (not online), and you can use one of their coupons to make the cost a bit more affordable.  I will be repurchasing the KeraCare Natural Textures Twist & Define Cream and may consider trying other products from the KeraCare Natural Textures line.

Way to go KeraCare!

My Favorite Things (September 2011): Handmade Pocket Tissue Holder

2011 is flying by and cold and flu season will be here before we know it!  To remain fashionable, while toting my facial tissues, I purchased a few cute handmade pocket tissue holders from a vendor on Etsy who goes by the name CreativeJenV.

On the site, the tissue holders do not have a tie closure, but one can be added if you ask the vendor to add it for a small fee.  These dainty holders are great because they keep your tissues in their place instead of slipping out of the plastic they are packaged in.  I hate that!  The holders come in a variety of colors and patterns, sure to suit just about everyone; and make a great gift or stocking stuffer.

Check out CreativeJenV at her Etsy Shop.