Sponsored Post: Great Items from No nonsense

No nonsense tights have always been go to for me. After I had sprouted out of children tights I would always gravitate to No nonsense section at my local pharmacy for my tights and stockings. They were affordable and great quality for the price so it was a no brainer!

Nowadays, I still head to the No nonsense rack when I need any kind of hosiery. I was thrilled to learn that they have come up with new fun additions to their classic line and were going to send me some to try out! When the package arrived I was excited to see that they are branching out into leggings! They also sent some fishnet stockings which, honestly made me a little nervous. How does one pull of fishnets at work?

The first look I tried was in my comfort zone (literally and figuratively) incorporating the leggings. I have to say that they are my new favorite. I appreciate the extremely saturated black color and the extra high rise of the No nonsense style. While the high waist is extremely comfortable it also gives some added control to keep everything smooth. I only wish they were a little longer so they made it down to my ankles or that I was a little shorter...

When it came time to try the fishnets I was a little nervous but, I wanted to give it a whirl. It all worked out in the office. I think it was because the fishnets are a very fine gauge so they look like patterned tights. No nonsense also has a variety of colors available which would definitely be office appropriate. 

Honestly, I can't wait to head to the stores and pick up some more leggings and tights and grow my No nonsense wardrobe! What styles are you most excited for?

   

Thank you to No nonsense for sponsoring my post. I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective, but the opinions are all my own.

Review: eShakti.com

You probably know by now that I am a big proponent of eShakti.com. When I was offered the opportunity to do a review of a dress from their fall line I jumped at the chance! I was given the option to pick three dresses from their available stock online (at the time) and they would do their best to accommodate my desires. I was very excited at the possibility of ending up with a dress from my wish list that I didn't get for my birthday. When the dress finally came it was my first pick so, the Boucle Sheath Dress, and I couldn't have been happier with their selection; You know how I feel about tweed...

I envisioned myself wearing it to work as the weather cools down, to upcoming holiday events, out for drinks... the possibilities are endless! Unfortunately, when I tried the dress on I was disappointed in the way it fit. The straps were too long and the waist fell in an unflattering spot but, those things are my own fault. Instead of doing my due diligence  taking my own measurements, and custom ordering for the best fit. I knowingly rounded up from my actual size and figured it would all work out as it has in the past. I guess I'm smaller (WIN) than I think I am because this happened with the dresses I ordered for my birthday as well. Thankfully we know a great tailor in the area and they were able to make the dress work with a few seams and tucks. What do you think of the end result?

Image courtesy of falksisters.com

I would love to tell you that I'm thrilled with the way it turned out after the tailor took a crack at it but, they weren't finished with it when I stopped by to pick it up. I will certainly be taking advantage of eShakti's affordable customization options in future orders. I will also read the descriptions about length, waist, etc. more carefully because they make dresses exactly as they are described. It's a rare thing when ordering online. Finally, I will try to be a little more honest with myself about my actual size but, I digress... I know with the new fit, fantastic autumnal color palette, and aforementioned versatility of the dress it is the perfect additional to my fall wardrobe. I can't wait for a chance to wear it.

Right now there is still a great giveaway going on from Katy at ModlyChic and Still Blonde After All These Years. Enter here to win not one but, four eShakti dresses. The first place winner will win one dress per season for the next year AND three second place winners will win a dress of their choice AND three third place winners will get a skirt or top of their choice. This is over $930 worth of prizes and 7 winners! Enter to win in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Cougar Boots 2011

I was so excited when the lovely people from Cougar contacted me again and asked me if I would like to review another pair of boots for them. The boots that I got last year became absolute staples in the cold and wet weather and I was happy to pick one more pair!

Out of all the options that I was presented with this year I knew almost instantly which ones I wanted to try; the Mirage in black. After making very practical selections last year (snow boots/rain boots) I was happy to find something that I felt truly meshed fashion and function and I responded with my selection with haste, excited to receive another great pair of boots! I was also curious to see if Cougar boots in leather would work for people who have larger than average calves (16.5") like myself.

Then I got an email saying that the Mirage had been the most popular boot and they no longer has them in my size (ultimate sad face) but, I was still really excited about trying out their boots and thought the Marla, which had previously been available as well, would be the next best thing. It's fashion, function, with a sprinkle of trendy mixed in but, those weren't available either (extreme frustration). I thought about it long and hard and settled on the Portico in brown. Not that those aren't lovely boots but, they didn't scream "fashion" just "function."

When the boots finally came it was like an early Christmas gift! I was excited to try those Portico boots on and see if they were up to the challenge of fitting over my calves but, look what I found when I opened the box.

That;s right, the Mirage!! All the outfits that I had been planning when I made my initial selection started coming back to me. They really will be a great option when the weather really cools down.

When I tried them on they were so comfortable and the heel was completely practical. Then came the moment of truth: zipping them all the way up. It was honestly a bit of a struggle. I was able to make it all the way up but, they are still a bit tight. What worried me more was that I was not wearing pants so if I was to try them with some jeggings or skinny pants I'm sure it will be an even bigger fight. I suppose I can always get them stretched a bit by a cobbler... problem solved. Although, if I was in a store buying these boots I might not be so quick to purchase them since I would have to make additional, cost inducing alterations. 

In the end I am really happy with these boots!! They are absolutely lovely and would be en excellent shoe choice for casual social events, low key dressy gatherings, and even work affairs (depending on your dress code.) They are also completely practical for winter weather since they will keep you warm in as low as -22° temperatures. Lastly, they are extremely comfortable and will be even more so once I have the opening stretched or wear them more and stretch it myself! 

What Cougar shoes are your favorite? 

Review: FindABeautySalon.com

One of the hardest thing that I have found to resist in my attempts to cut back on spending is group buying websites. LivingSocial, Groupon, and the like all seem to have amazing local deals that you just can't beat! That is, it was hard to resist in the beginning. Now I don't even read the barrage of emails that hits my inbox everyday. I don't care about getting a cheap deal on paintball, bowling, or dinner at some rando restaurant while I'm going through my everyday motions. Maybe I would care about it when I actually wanted to play paintball, go bowling, or the like and by the time the happens the deal is long gone from one site and maybe on to another but, who can keep track of all that in the first place. In the end it seems like more trouble and temptation than it's worth.

When someone bought findabeautysalon.com to my attention I thought it was just like all the others. The first thing that came to mind was: No, I don't need Japanese hair straightening the day after there was a deal for Keratin... seriously I like my hair on my head. After taking a closer look on the website I realize that it was the best thing ever and began to wonder why no one (or I) hadn't thought of it sooner.

findabeautysalon.com is an aggregator! How brilliant is that?! Think Google for beauty deals. So every deal from all over the internet is in one spot for your browsing convenience. Meaning, you don't have to jump on something just because it popped up in your inbox and there is a 5 minute window to seal the deal; there will be another one...

You just plug in your zip code to see if what deals are in your area and take your pick. Most major cities are covered so there shouldn't be any issues finding a mani/pedi or hot stone massage near you!

Right now they are running an amazing giveaway for members who spread the word. They are giving away gift cards everyday and all you have to do to enter is sign up for an account then Facebook, Tweet, and +1 your way to the prize! It couldn't be easier but, I think you deserve that mani/pedi for all your hard work...

*I have received no monetary or in kind compensation from findabeautysalon.com in exchange for this review. I will be entered in a giveaway. The review represents my honest opinion regarding this product and the website.

Review: LagunaPearl.com Earrings

When someone from LagunaPearls.com contacted me to do a review I was thrilled! Who doesn’t love a free gift? More importantly did they say pearls? Yeah, they did. The pearl earrings that I got from my Mom as a birthday gift back in the day are one of my go to accessories so the option of giving them a rest for another equally stylish pair was too good to pass up!

And with that I waited with bated breath for my pearls to show up in the mail. Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait too long; they arrived promptly within a few days! When I received the (giant) box I couldn’t wait to rip it open. Honestly, while I appreciated the expedient nature of the pearls conveyance whoever sent it to me could probably be more economical about the packaging but, I digress…

One thing that I really appreciated about the smaller box inside all the packaging, it was perfect for gift wrapping or just a simple bow. When I opened the beautiful red jewelry box inside I found the cutest pair of White Akoya pearls!

Upon close inspection they seem pretty flawless (to my untrained eye) and I really liked the white gold posts or, more specifically, the fact that you had the option to make that choice in the first place when ordering. I also love the fact that there are so many selections for “white” pearls. Would you like an ivory finish? How about a rose one? I know, pure white.

White Akoya Stud Earrings

My only gripe about these lovely pearls is that they are too small for me. Don’t worry they fit just fine, they just look like they are meant for a younger girl. If I had been ordering them myself I definitely would have gone with something bigger and there are plenty of options to choose from!

The website has a huge selection of pearl earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings and cufflinks (for the man in your life) in every size and color imaginable. There are even some options with a bit of bling if that’s what you are looking for. It is easy to navigate and most importantly they prices are very reasonable for the quality product that you are getting. I honestly want to order another pair!

*The pearl earrings I received from LagunaPearl.com were given to me for review. This review represents my honest opinion regarding this product and their website.

Review: Swappeez Sandals

While on my haitus someone from Swappeez reached out to me to review their sandals. With the warm weather on our door step I was more the happy to comply, the timing couldn't be more perfect!

O, you've never heard of them? Neither had I but, now that I have learned a little more about them I LOVE the idea! Honestly, what girl wouldn't? You can take one pair of sandals and make it many pairs of sandals just by adding accessories. It sounds so familiar to me but, I digress... Swappeez was conceived with the quintessential modern girl in mind. The result was a series of interchangeable straps, buckles and accessories. These colorful and fun components come together creating various styles and designs. So whether you're hitting the beach, planning a vacation, on a tight budget or like the rest of us, just can't get enough shoes...

This is The Organizer, so you can keep your sandals, straps and few extra buckles to swap (you love how I did that I know) depending on the occasion. Not only can you be exceptionally fashionable you can be practical AND organized. This is sounding better and better!

There was, unfortunately, one thing that didn't work for me. I had trouble tying them so that they didn't shorten my leg or flop around. In the end I suppose I could try a different type of strap besides the one included, perhaps one that is longer/shorted until I find something that works for me. Maybe I just need to practice like with a Monif C dress. I'll let you know how that works out. I would recommend trying them out first but, definitely think they could be a great buy!

Review and Giveaway: eShakti.com

When the people from eShakti contacted me about doing a review for them I was more than happy to oblige because I have head nothing but, great things. They want to make every customer look her absolute best by providing amazing trendy styles and a wide variety of fabrics and color choices in all sizes from 0-26. eShakti ensures the best possible fit and fall by providing all customers with the ability to personalize any item, and when I say personalize I mean bust out the tape measure. You can have a dress made to your exact measurements or request the removal or addition of details so your selection is most flattering for you.  At eShakti, a woman can find exactly what she wants - no compromise. She can ask for the fabric, color, body, styling and sizing that she likes. Never again will a woman have to hear that her size is not available.

On top of all those great things their choices are seemingly endless and evolving. I say that only because when I revisted their website today I noticed all new choices that weren't there a week ago! They have some absolutely gorgeous dresses; so many of them reminded me of things from Anthropologie that would cost twice as much or more! With all the amazing options it really was a difficult decision to make, I even put it to a vote with some of my besties and in the end this was the dress that I selected.

I didn't do exact body measurements but, their size chart is very accurate. It feels like this dress was made for me! I did, however, request the addition of my favorite thing...

That's right... they put pockets in for me! And they are at the perfect height for me!! Even with the modifications it was still quick shipping. I am super satisfied with the dress and the customer service. The only issue (and I would be remiss if I didn't note it) is that the zipper is defective. I feel like it probably just came from a bad batch and if I had actually purchased the dress there would be a simple, no hassle, money-back guarantee on returns. Since I didn't I will probably have to have it replaced by a tailor, O Well... 

Now for the fun part: eShakti has been generous enough to offer one of you lucky readers a $20 credit for anything on their website including (of course) custom orders. This giveaway will be until February 10, 2011 and is open to all readers in the US! I will pick the winner via Excel/random.org. Here are the rules: become a follower in Google (if you aren't already) and leave a comment on this post letting me know what you would spend the credit on... Don't forget to add your email so I can contact you! Keep in mind that this is just one of a few fun things I have going on this month there is more to come but, I digress... For bonus entries:

• 1 bonus entry - "Like" 260 Days, No Repeats on Facebook. Leave another comment letting me know you did this.
• 1 bonus entry - Follow 260 Days, No Repeats on Twitter. Leave another comment with your twitter handle.
• 3 bonus entries - Re-post this giveaway on your blog. Leave another comment letting me know you did this with the link.
• 5 bonus entries - Add 260 Days, No Repeats to your blogroll. Leave another comment letting me know you did this with the link.

Good Luck!!

Your Opinion: Cougar Boots

Photo Credit: http://spoonstudio.blogspot.com/

I'm sure everyone remembers the review I did for those fabulous Cougar boots. If not please check it out because they are pretty awesome!! Everyone on their end was happy to hear what I had to say but, now they want to know what you think. Please take a few minutes of your time (seriously it's only four or five questions) and fill out their quick online survey. For every survey completed they will donate $2 to the Red Cross. Now let's recap: read about fabulous boots (if you haven't already), fill out super short survey, help the Red Cross. I think this is a win, win, win all around!

Review: Cougar Boots

When I was asked to do a review of Cougar boots I was thrilled! Well, actually first I was confused... I had never heard of them before and while the thought of receiving an item to review was exciting I wasn't sure that these shoes/boots were even my style. So, I checked out their website and was thrilled to see that most of the boots were right up my alley. After which I sent back an enthusiastic, YES!

I got to pick one pair of rain boots and one pair of snow boots to review. They gave me some options and I got to pick my tops and they would send me what they could based on my size and their availability. And I patiently waited to receive my package in the mail...

When it finally came I couldn't wait to see what boots I had gotten. The selection of snow boots was pretty good so I think I would have been fine with whatever they sent me but, I had my heart set on a specific set of rain boots. When I opened the box I was greeted with a nice letter from the president of the company (kudos to them for that nice detail) and a whole lot of goodies!

Not only do I get boots but, they included an awesome mug, some hot cocoa, and a warm hoodie! All of which will be quite handy and fully utilized as the temperatures continue to drop. And I love their message, "For the world you walk on. Love what you wear." I can totally get behind that! Now, it was time to get down to business and see what I ended up with, drumroll please... the exact boots I wanted!!! And even though I ordered them in a 9 (I am generally a 9.5) they fit perfectly!

First of all let's talk about the rain boots, because I actually got to wear them for a whole day at work and to run some errands after. As I mentioned before they were a good fit and absolutely waterproof. I jumped in a puddle leftover from the days before's rain (yes, like a small child) and I was honestly hoping that it would start up again... it didn't but, I think I got to experience the dryness perfectly. Plus, I love the style. How unbelievably bad ass are these boots with their motorcycle vibe? My only complaint is that I wish they were a little higher and wider in the calf. I have very muscular calves and where these boots stopped on me they ended up being a little tight by the end of the day. Also, I love the look of taller wellies that you could wear with equally tall socks and if they had been the case I probably wouldn't have had the calf problem. Overall though, big thumbs up for style and comfort!

On to the snow boots (pictured in detail here)... I only got to wear these around the house because there has not been (and had better not be) any snow yet. They are so comfortable, I love them! They are also warm, waterproof, and very lightweight. Considering how the tags claim a wearer will stay warm in, as low as, 5° weather I am very impressed, I would have expected them to be heavier and bulkier. The faux fur is not 100% me but, I am getting used to it and it is so trendy for fall/winter that you can't go wrong with these. I think they are my favorite out of the two pairs and I almost can't wait (figuratively speaking) for snow!

Overall, I have found a new favorite boot brand! And while I was searching for other styles online I found that these are really not that expensive at all; Definitely cheaper than (or on par with) Hunter or Uggs, just as warm, and even more stylish. Which Cougar boots/shoes are your favorite?