Wednesday Reviews : Recent Purchases

Hello everyone!  Lately, I've been on a pretty big shopping kick.  I mentioned before that I've been saving money throughout the year, and I finally decided that this was the month to spend it!  With my trip to Europe coming up, I decided to splurge on some new clothes to take along.  It was also Chic Week at Sephora, so I tried out some new products!

Keep reading to see what I picked up from Lululemon (my first trip there!), Madewell, Express and Sephora. 

LululemonLululemon essentials

1. cool racerback in sugar crush multi - I tried on a few tank styles, and this one was my favorite.  This was the only print they had in my size, and I didn't want a solid color.  I like it, but I'm going to keep an eye out for more patterns!  I haven't worn this on a run yet, but I bet it will work great.
2. run swiftly short sleeve in heathered black - Love the material of this!  I wore it to a group power class, then running on the treadmill.  It didn't bother me at all and didn't make me feel warm.  This will be a staple in the summer.
3. speed short in star crushed black cherry - I got these for the print, and they're incredible comfortable to wear running.  They are pretty short, so they won't be for everyone.  This is my preferred style of short to run in, so I love them!  I especially love the zipper in the back and the two large front pockets in the waistband.
4. wunder under crops in naval blue - WOW.  That's all I can say.  These are the best, and I would recommend these if you were to just get one thing from Lulu!!

Madewell

recent purchase madewell
1. structured crop top in eyelet white - I love how this shirt looks.  It hits right at my hip bone (I have a really short torso) and looks really crisp and modern.  I ordered in XS and it fits TTS.
2. abroad dress in stripe inset - I got this for my Europe trip, and it's also going to be a staple work dress.  The material is really comfortable and doesn't wrinkle, and I love the strip inset.  On the hanger it looks a bit odd, like an apron, but it looks much better on.
3. stonehold pendant necklace - I've gotten SO many comments on this necklace and I absolutely love it!  It goes with just about any outfit, and the length is adjustable.  LOVE this.

Express

express leather jacket review

1.  minus the leather jacket in pitch black - SO excited about this.  I've been looking for the perfect faux leather jacket for a while, and saw a blogger posting pictures of this.  I luckily found one in my size at Express this weekend and I'm in love!

Sephora

cover fx natural finish foundation review

1. cover fx natural finish foundation in P20 - I got a sample of this from Sephora (btw, if you're in Pittsburgh, check out the Shadyside Sephora.  They are SO helpful and friendly there.  They suggested this foundation to me and even applied it to my face with a few other products).  It's incredible!  Medium/full coverage but looks really natural and matches me PERFECTLY.  I love the squeeze tube as well!
2. nars radiant creamy concealer in vanilla - Everyone raves about this concealer, and I understand why.  It has really great coverage, but also blends in really easily.  I love this kind of applicator as well!
3. nars audacious lipstick in juliette - The formula of this is terrific!  It's really creamy and lasted hours on my lips.  I'm still getting used to the color because it's a little brighter than what I'm used to, but I think it's a great spring/summer color.
4. too faced twice the drama -My absolute favorite mascara.  It's amazing, but expensive.  I decided to try out the set, because it's the same price as a single mascara!  The liner is incredible too.  I tested it on my hand, fell asleep, went running the next morning in long sleeves, then took a shower and it was STILL on my hand!  This is a perfect liner for tight-lining because it's really creamy, pigmented and lasts forever.


Linking up with Treasure Tromp for Treat Yo'Self Thursday!  I definitely treated myself!

Did anyone pick up anything during Chic Week?
What's your favorite recent purchase?  Give me a mini review!!
Anyone else in love with Lulu (by the way..what's up with all the names?  Is it Lululemon, Lulumon, Athletica...what?!)

Comments

  1. Emma @ Life's A RunnerApril 22, 2015 at 8:43 AM

    It looks like you got some gorgeous things! I am obsessed with my Run Swiftly T-shirt - it's actually getting a little worn out because I hate running in anything else. ;) Too bad I haven't been saving as much as you, or I would buy it ASAP!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunApril 22, 2015 at 9:33 AM

      I love it too!! It's so comfortable and great to run in. I have a feeling I'll want it in every color soon :)

      Delete
  2. carissajadeApril 22, 2015 at 9:13 AM

    You did good my friend! I miss shopping and think i definitely need to splurge a little in the near future. I definitely need some new Lulu items! Love what you picked!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownApril 22, 2015 at 9:41 AM

    Nice haul! I'm so excited that you got such nice Lulu pieces. What you got are some basic core pieces that are nice workhorses. My first Lulu purchase was black Wunder Under crops in 2011, and they're still like new today! The cool racerbacks are nice because you can wear them for basically everything. I think I told you that I wear them for both running and to work as a cami. The only time I don't wear them is when it's super hot--the swiftly tanks and tops are really nice then! I really love both the madewell necklace and the express faux leather jacket too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunApril 22, 2015 at 1:57 PM

      Thanks again for all your help! Great to know that everything holds up so well. I'm going to be bringing some pieces to Europe with me to double up as workout gear and walking around clothes :)

      Delete
  4. AnneApril 22, 2015 at 11:57 AM

    Love those finds! The Madwell dress is adorable, and I've been looking for a (faux) leather jacket forever - I'm going to have to check that one out as it looks perfect! Splurged on some fun new hair products from the new Drybar line at Sephora last week myself :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunApril 22, 2015 at 1:54 PM

      You should check it out! I was so excited when I saw it on that blog, then tried it on and fell in love. It's exactly what I've been looking for!

      Delete
  5. Meredith @ Cookie ChRUNiclesApril 22, 2015 at 12:05 PM

    Love the run swiftly tops! I haven't bought the wonder unders yet but I know I should!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunApril 22, 2015 at 1:52 PM

      They're both amazing! Just go and try some on and you'll fall in love :)

      Delete
  6. Beverley @ Sweaty&FitApril 23, 2015 at 5:38 AM

    I can't believe that was your first trip to Lululemon! Did you love it?! The purchases are beautiful - i especially like the one abroad dress

    ReplyDelete

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