Baublebar Order 2: So Many Things To Love

This is my second order from Baublebar, and I may or may not have spent enough to get free shipping to Canada...In my defence, they were all so pretty and I had a hard time narrowing it down.  Also with Bauble Bar free shipping means they take care of the duties.

Let me start off by saying that opening this box was an utter delight.  It was so clearly packed with love and care that for once I actually photographed every step of my opening process.

First up I noticed a pretty little surprise: a free necklace that I didn't order. It is super pretty and delicate.

I then removed that card to find this!

A personalized little note thanking my for my purchase.  Bonus points for being adorable.

And then this!

All lined up and wrapped in their own little bag and then wrapped in bubble wrap.

Slim Bow Pendant $10

Colour: Rose Gold

My first bag I opened contained the $10 Buried Bauble I ordered.  It is a plain rose gold coloured necklace that I think would be great for layering.

Next up was actually something I didn't order. A hanging pair of earrings.  I'm not sure if they're my style, but I will give them a try!  And if not I will sanitize them and pass them on to a friend.

Daisy Chain Collar $15

Colour: White

I had to have this daisy necklace. It is just so bright and playful.  I love the idea of wearing this with a navy dress.  Maybe in Boston?  At Martha's Vineyard?  I don't see this transitioning well into fall so I will have to have some fun with it and then bring it out in the spring.

Vintage Garland Strand $44

More than I wanted to spend, but so pretttttttttttttty.  This will be a great Fall piece that I can't wait t wear on campus.  It is a little chunkier than I imagined, but I still love it.

Mint Opal Fringe Bib $40

Mint.  Opal.  Statement necklace.  It was in my cart without a second thought!  This one can be finicky in that the little bars easily spin around.  However it is utterly gorgeous.  I with the chain was thinner, but I can't wait to wear this out for drinks this afternoon.

All together:

I was really surprised to get two free items in this order.  I didn't know that Baublebar did "samples".  I am really satisfied with each piece I received.  I especially love the mint opal necklace.  Given how high the threshold for free shipping to Canada is I unfortunately will not be able to order from them frequently.  I wish I could!  I like the idea of ordering once every season or so to help update my wardrobe, so hopefully they will have some Christmas specials!  Baublebar necklaces can also be purchased in Canada in store at Anthropologie.

I think I will do some "Outfit Of The Day" posts with these necklaces included.

Have you ever ordered from Baulebar?  What was your experience?

Made Me Smile: Surprise Mail

In last season's Luxe Box there was an optional add on of a Bauble Bar bracelet.  Now, Bauble Bar is one of my favourite places to get cheap jewellery.  Unfortunately I was having issues getting Luxe Box emails at the time and I ended up missing out.  Despite emailing them and asking if there were any extras I was unsuccessful.

FAST FORWARD a month later and I get an email that all Luxe Box subscribers were getting a free Bauble Bar bracelet.  WHAT IS THIS AMAZING ACT OF KINDNESS?  I was thrilled and then over time forgot about it.  That's what happens when you aren't at home for two months.

In today's massive pile of mail was a small little package:

How surprise packages make me feel

Plain.  Rose gold.  They know me too well.

This made my day!  I can't wait to wear it.

What made your day this week?

Introduction to Bauble Bar!

Recently I have come to learn that online shopping is fun, but shipping costs are not.

For example today I got an email that Loft had a whole bunch of things on sale for 60% off.  There were 4 office appropriate dresses that I liked and with the markdown came to about $22 each for a total of $88 and change.  Not too shabby-- I was ready to make the purchase.  As I begin the payment process I notice my $149 and chance total.  That's right, shipping to Canada was $35, and taxes and duties were $25.  No thank you! Who pays $35 in shipping for 4 dresses?  Ugh.  #CanadianShippingProblems

Well, I have often felt the same about Bauble Bar.  Such pretty items, but a flat rate of $15 in shipping (which shipping in the States is free)?  Ugh.  I got lucky though, my bf's mom called her sister in the States and I was able to ship it to her place and then she sent it here.

I first heard of them when I got some free $15 promo cards for their company from a Sephora event.  However I balked at the shipping-- it didn't seem like a good deal and the codes could not be combined.  If only I had been with my bf at the time!  Then I could have enjoyed free-ish shipping.  

Bauble Bar is a US online jewellery retailer.  From my observation they specialize in statement pieces. In the US and Canada they can be found in-store at Anthropology. Of course, Anthro does not offer their online deals.  I have wanted to try this brand for a while, and was excited when my box arrived! 

I believe each of these necklaces were Buried Bobbles (weekly deals).  They were $15 each for a total of $45.  While my favourite colours (cream, blue, soft pinks) sold out before I could make the purchase, I am happy with the colours I ordered.  

The orange and black necklaces are the same style.  The orange one has a lavender accent and the black has a pink accent.  I think either of these would look stunning pairs with a neutral outfit for a fun, young office appropriate look.

This necklace is much prettier than I expected.  I love that it is understated (by comparison), and classy.

Now, this one was a surprise to me.  The one I had ordered was orange/cream.  However, this is growing on me and I really do think it if fun for summer.  It is a bit outside of my comfort zone, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.  I am going to contact them tomorrow and see what my options are.

See?  Not quite what I ordered.

Each necklace came with care instructions which were pretty standard.  

It came with a code for 15% off my next purchase.  Too bad my code expired last week.

Over all I am happy with the quality of the products I ordered.  Not thrilled with their Canadian shipping fees, so if I see items I want in the future I will be calling up my bf's aunt again.  Given that one of the necklaces in my box was a mistake, I am going to have to contact CS before I can determine my entire experience's rating.  I like the necklace I received as an accident, but its not what I ordered.  I am interested to see how they solve problems like this.  If it involved me paying shipping again?  No thanks.

Luxe Box: Summer 2014

Luxe Box is one of my favourite boxes.  I have always been satisfied with my box, and I look forward to it every season.  The only thing I would change is that they release their upgrade boxes sporadically rather than all at once.  This means that you risk upgrading for a box you like, and missing out on a box you love.

That aside, I usually don't upgrade because the boxes are so nice anyways.

This month has some interesting upgrade options!

They range in price, and you can only order one.  Some how I missed the BaubleBar email.  I love their products but I just can't get myself to pay their shipping charges.  If I could, I would have ordered the pink one.  The Butter London gift is also quite nice, but with all my incoming Julep orders I just don't need it.

Hawaiian Punch Upgrade +$6 SOLD OUT

• Nicole by OPI | Something About Spring Nail Lacquer (3.75 mL)
• Hot Pink nail polish, full sized

• Teeez | Eve’s Ready to Wear Lipstick in “Cocktail Shock Pink” (Full Size)

• Teeez | Island Palette Eyeshadow in “Beach Glow” (Full Size)

• Barefoot Venus | Coconut Kiss Macadamia Oil Hand Cream (60 mL)

• Eslor | Introductory Collection (4 x 5 mL)

• Nexxus | Color Assure Sulfate-Free System (2 x 5 mL, 1 x 9 mL)

• Loose Button | Angled Tweezers (Full Size)

Summer Vows Upgrade +$6

• Nicole by OPI | Sweet Surrender (3.75 mL)
• Baby pink nail polish, full sized
• Eyeko | Skinny Mini Liquid Eyeliner in “Black” (1.18 mL)
• Teeez | Spectrum of Stars Eyeshadow in “Vanilla Sunbeam” (Full Size)
• Crabtree & Evelyn | Ultra-Moistuising Hand Therapy (25 mL)
• Hanae Mori | Butterfly (4 mL)
• Nexxus | Youth Renewal Elixir (4 mL)
• DERMAdoctor | KP Duty Moisturizing Therapy (30 mL)
• English Laundry | Notting Hill Eau de Parfum for Him (5 mL)

Anchors Away Upgrade +$4

• Nicole by OPI | I Shop Mintage (3.75 mL)
• Mint green nail polish, full sized
• Joseph Nogucci | IRIS Glass Beads (2 Beads) *Pandora compatible
• Teeez | Mysterious Crystal Eyeliner in “Lovely Lapis Lazuli” (Full Size)
• 4 to 5 top surprise summer picks by our Beauty Editors

I am almost tempted by the Anchors Away box.  I love nautical styled things however this box doesn't seem on trend for "nautical" for me.  I love mint polish, and I am sure that the navy eyeliner is nice, but they don't scream "nautical" to me.  I picture a nice red-orange matte lipstick, and clean, natural eyes.  Also, what's up with the beads?  No thank you.

Knowing that regular Luxebox boxes often contain items in the special boxes, here is my wish list:

• Teeez | Spectrum of Stars Eyeshadow in “Vanilla Sunbeam” (Full Size)
• Crabtree & Evelyn | Ultra-Moistuising Hand Therapy (25 mL) OR
• Barefoot Venus | Coconut Kiss Macadamia Oil Hand Cream (60 mL)
• Nicole by OPI | I Shop Mintage (3.75 mL)
• Pink BaubleBar (A girl can dream!!)

I can't wait to see what arrives!  What are you keeping your fingers crossed for?

The pink BaubleBar that wasn't.

I customer service to see if there were any BaubleBars left.  Unfortunately there weren't, but the nice lady offered me a one time exception to upgrade to the sold out Butter London set.  For $9 I figured why not!  I still get my usual 7-8 items, and the Butter Londons could make a nice gift.