Leah Tackles

Nadine West | Affordable Clothing Subscription Box

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

Have you ever wondered how a clothing subscription box works? Nadine West offers an affordable style subscription service.

I have shared my outfits from Nadine West for two years now on my blog (read the posts here). Nadine West sent me this box for my consideration for review but I was not paid to write this post and as always all opinions are my own.

What is Nadine West?

NadineWest.com is a company that sends you an outfit to try on and you keep only what you love. The outfit is a surprise, but you take a style quiz and the stylists get to know your style more each month. The outfits are affordable with pieces costing about $10-$30 each, which is very affordable compared to other similar services.

How Does Nadine West Work? 

On the Nadine West website, you take the style quiz so that the stylist can get to know what you are looking for in an outfit. You will receive a pink package in the mail with your personalized outfit. Try on the outfit and keep what you love and send back what you don’t.

My Thoughts On Nadine West 

The style quiz was super easy to do, which was great because I wanted something that didn’t take too much time but I was still able to make notes to make sure the stylist knew my preferences. I really loved the surprise aspect of this, and it was like opening up a girly gift from a really stylish friend. I cannot stand having to return things, it is such a bummer, but I LOVE the way this company does it because your outfit comes with return shipping.

Nadine West Coupon Code 

Use the referral code “Nadine” on NadineWest.com (not an affiliate code for me, just sharing the one they currently have on their website) to waive your shipping fee which means you’ll get your outfit in the mail without paying anything!

Nadine West Unboxing

I was so excited when I saw this shirt, but it is just too long and the knot sits at an awkward spot. I wish it was either a tunic with no knot, or shorter with the knot. The leggings are black with a white stripe, but they aren’t a very nice fabric.

Nadine West Final Thoughts

I love getting my Nadine West box each month! Most months I get a few things that I love, but I do wish that there was a simple form to update style preferences or check-in each month to see what I’d like to find in my box. I hope that I will continue to get neutral pieces that fit my style and delicate jewelry that works with my sense of style. I would love to see some simple, neutral-colored maxi dresses for spring, too. I would rather receive two or three nicer items than a lot of pieces that aren’t as nice of quality.

Have you tried any fashion boxes like this? Have you tried Nadine West? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Have a wonderful rest of your week! Thank you for reading! xx

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The *PERFECT* button-front shirt and it’s from Walmart| Time and Tru

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

We are less than a week from Valentine’s Day, and I found the most adorable embroidered heart button-front (button-down is how I say it, but it doesn’t have buttons on the collar, so technically speaking, button-front is correct) at WALMART!

I was just getting into line to grab some random essentials and I saw the sweetest little shirt with blush pink and white stripes and little embroidered hearts on a T stand in the Time and Tru section of Walmart. Not into the hearts? No worries, they also have an adorable one with embroidered fruits that is so perfect for spring and summer. Embroidery, not your thing? They also make this shirt in solid colors.

Why I Love It

Walmart Time and Tru

The fit is perfect! It says it is a relaxed fit, but because I have brought shoulders I sized up to a medium from my normal size small. I love this shirt because it tucks in perfectly, and you could knot it in the summer with white or denim shorts for a precious look. And, of course, the price tag at $15.98 is something to love!

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Time and Tru Women’s Long Sleeve Button Front Shirt

In closing, DON’T SLEEP ON WALMART! Have you tried any of the Time and Tru collection from Walmart? Let me know in a comment and read my other posts here.

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How-To Take Your Own Christmas Card Photos| Tips and Shop Our Style

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

If you’re finding yourself reading this on December 7th and clutching your pearls because oh [insert explicit word here] you are behind and all the mini sessions you saw on Facebook are booked and you can’t hit up JCP because #COVID, I’ve got you.

Stephan and I have done DIY Christmas card photoshoots for years, and this started out because we financially couldn’t justify hiring a photog, and because I’m married to a graphic designer [ praise!], I’ve always been able to avoid spending $$ on card design.

Today I am going to show you the very simple, not fancy, way that we got a holiday photo that has folks texting me asking what tree farm and photographer did our photos.

How-To Take Your Own Christmas Card Photos

What You’ll Need

-Camera [don’t have a DSLR? No prob! Use an iPhone!]

-Tripod that fits your camera/iPhone

-Cute Christmas jammies or clothes

-Location, preferably outdoors

-Photo editing app [Lightroom, Afterlight, Colorstory, etc]

-Discount code for card website [Shutterfly, Walgreens, Paper Culture, etc] ;]

Instructions

Step 1-

Get yourself in your holiday best, or be like us a rock matching jammies, and head to an outdoor spot. We have done this in our yard, but the last two years we have combined this with our trip to the local tree farm and take our picture before we cut down the Kwapis Family Christmas Tree.

Step 2-

Set up your phone and tripod. *Pro-Tip: Look up and practice the auto-timer beforehand so you aren’t scrambling when people are cold, the dog is barking, or the baby is crying! Get everyone in position [it helps to have a plan for this, look up Pinterest inspo ahead of time], and don’t be afraid to take A TON of pictures before selecting one.

Step 3-

Don’t fret *too* much about lighting. You can use an app on your phone [free ones are totally fine, if you like my vibe you are essentially going to up the brightness, but not so much so that everyone is so blown out that you can’t make it out. You want a glow but not a halo, amiright?] LISTEN TO ME! I am married to a graphic designer with photoshop, illustrator, and ALL THE THINGS but I edit our darn photo on my phone! You can, too. I use a preset I got as a gift, but even just bumping the brightness and vibrance will give you a more professional and trendy look. Get the photo how you like it and email it to yourself.

Step 4-

Order photos! I am *thrifty* [cheap?] about this and order 4×6 prints on Walgreens with a coupon code. But I’m lucky and have a husband who can make me the card I want. If you don’t have that, no worries! Just upload the photo to the card company of your choice, pick a card, and order that way.

Step 5-

Send out snail mail joy!

Shop Our Gear and Swag

*Similar

*

Mickey Mouse Red Truck Flannel Jammies 

Do you send out holiday cards this year?

Let me know in the comments below! 

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LAUREN BUSHNELL STYLE | JUST FAB CLOTHING REVIEW

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

Nope, this isn’t an accidental re-post! I am sharing another incredible clothing item I found from JustFab.

I have been a member of JustFab for years and to tell you the truth? It’s sometimes a love/hate. The shoes are SO cute, my favorites are the boots, and I typically have great luck with fit and comfort. I set up reminders on my phone, and *almost* always remember to skip the month, so I end up purchasing only about 4 times each year. I do get frustrated when I have a credit from months I forget to skip and get charged (valued at $39) and can’t use it towards more expensive items or use it for a less expensive item. I have noticed lately that the shoes I like are either $10 more or less than that value. I won’t sugarcoat it, that is annoying. HOWEVER, because of this, I have found several sweaters over the last year that I love, and today I want to share my current favorite with you.

Mock Neck Tunic Sweater

Why I Love It

This sweater from the Lauren Bushnell’s collection from Just Fab. I love a chunky knit like this because it is as comfy as a sweatshirt but you instantly look pulled together and chic. This sweater is soft, not at all itchy, and I’ve received compliments on it each time I wear it.

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Where do you shop for sweaters? Let me know in the comments!

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The BEST Conditioner for cool blonde hair? | Joico Blonde Life Violet Conditioner

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

We had hard water and even though we diligently change are water softener salt, and I don’t wash my hair too often, I am still always working hard to keep brassy blonde at bay. I have tried LOTS of purple shampoo and conditioner, and today I want to share my thoughts on the Joico Blonde Life Conditioner.

Joico Blonde Life Conditioner

The Joico Blonde Life Conditioner claims that it will nourish and neutralize in one application. It is a color-balancing formula that offers shine, hydration, and protection. It claims it will cool brassy tones and brighten cool blonde hair. It will nourish and protect fragile or damaged blonde hair

Directions For Use:

Apply to wet hair. Lather. Leave in 1-3 minutes. Rinse, and follow with Conditioner. Use 2-3 times per week

My Thoughts

This helps keep the brass out of my hair and restores my strands to the cool toned blonde that I see the day I get my hair highlights. I will continue to use this 2-3 days/week.

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NADINE WEST CLOTHING BOX REVIEW | OUTFIT SUBSCRIPTION BOX

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

Have you ever wondered how a clothing subscription box works? Nadine West offers an affordable style subscription service.

Before we dig in, a little housekeeping, a BABY-STEP SOCIAL MEDIA KIT.

I have shared my outfits from Nadine West for two years now on my blog (read the posts here). Nadine West sent me this box for my consideration for review but I was not paid to write this post and as always all opinions are my own.

What is Nadine West?

NadineWest.com is a company that sends you an outfit to try on and you keep only what you love. The outfit is a surprise, but you take a style quiz and the stylists get to know your style more each month. The outfits are affordable with pieces costing about $10-$30 each, which is very affordable compared to other similar services.

How Does Nadine West Work? 

On the Nadine West website, you take the style quiz so that the stylist can get to know what you are looking for in an outfit. You will receive a pink package in the mail with your personalized outfit. Try on the outfit and keep what you love and send back what you don’t.

My Thoughts On Nadine West 

The style quiz was super easy to do, which was great because I wanted something that didn’t take too much time but I was still able to make notes to make sure the stylist knew my preferences. I really loved the surprise aspect of this, and it was like opening up a girly gift from a really stylish friend. I cannot stand having to return things, it is such a bummer, but I LOVE the way this company does it because your outfit comes with return shipping.

Nadine West Coupon Code 

Use the referral code “Nadine” on NadineWest.com (not an affiliate code for me, just sharing the one they currently have on their website) to waive your shipping fee which means you’ll get your outfit in the mail without paying anything!

Nadine West Unboxing

This box wasn’t a great one for me, however, the pair of pants that I got I LOVE! I know it would take me a lot of hunting to find a pair of black pants that have the tortoise buttons, great ankle length, and perfect peach [booty!] fit.

Nadine West Final Thoughts

I love getting my Nadine West box each month! Most months I get a few things that I love, but I do wish that there was a simple form to update style preferences or check-in each month to see what I’d like to find in my box. I hope that I will continue to get neutral pieces that fit my style and delicate jewelry that works with my sense of style. I would love to see some simple, neutral-colored maxi dresses for spring, too. I would rather receive two or three nicer items than a lot of pieces that aren’t as nice of quality.

Have you tried any fashion boxes like this? Have you tried Nadine West? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Have a wonderful rest of your week! Thank you for reading! xx

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Retinol | How-To Incorporate Retinol Into Your Skincare Routine

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

If you’re like me, skincare while fun, can be daunting. Every single item in Sephora sounds like a must-have, but knowing what you need for your age and skin type, knowing what products to use with what and in what order, and let’s not forget how to find quality products that fit your budget…it is a lot. I recently started integrating retinol, and I want to share what I’ve been doing with you.

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A, which helps boost cell turnover. Retinol can help clear your pores and help with fine lines and wrinkles. For me, someone with oily/combo skin and in my early 30’s so starting to see fine lines, it is a win-win!

What Should I Buy?!

I struggled with this because while many products boast that they contain retinol, I wasn’t sure where to begin. I spoke to my dermatologist who suggested I begin with Differin Gel, which I hadn’t used since high school, so I was a bit skeptical. I used it but didn’t find that it was strong enough, so I ended up getting a prescription for Tretinoin, which I was able to find a GoodRx Coupon that made it about $25. You can buy Differin over-the-counter at drugstores and big box stores for about $20. If you do use retinol make sure that you are using a good SPF because it does make your skin more prone to burning. Since switching to Trentinoin I’ve noticed clearer pores, and my skin is drier (I will skip a night, here or there, if it feels overly dry or irritated). I am hoping to see it help combat fine lines, and just knowing that I’m doing my best using a skincare powerhouse helps me feel good, does that resonate? I can’t be alone in that feeling!

Are you using a retinol? Let us know in the comments what you are using!

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COPY MY STYLE | WEDDING GUEST DRESS, HAIR, AND MAKEUP

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of attending an engagement party that was aaaaactually a SURPRISE WEDDNG for one of my dearest friends, my Littleton, my sorority sister and “little”. I love an excuse to dress up and drink bubbly while hanging onto a hunk of candy (hubster), so today I wanted to share my details with you today.

THE DRESS

I am so thankful for my daughter (she is 9 but legit has better style than most adults and puts together things I would have never thought of) and one of my other best friends who I trust to tell me “Girl, no” or, for this one “HELL YES!” which I appreciate endlessly.

I rarely order from ASOS, but I need to more often. It is priced similarly to H&M, and I like this dress as much as ones I have paid (or swooned over) from Nordstrom for quadruple the cost.

Shop the ASOS DESIGN halter neck pleated maxi dress in rust here.

THE MAKEUP

FUN FACT: I am obsessed with Hilary Duff. I am not one who would stand in line forever to meet a celeb or flip out if I touched one (I mean, if I touched JT I’m sure I might. I’d try to keep the chill but COMEON) but I love her. During quarantine and the summer months I’ve really embraced only a few dabs of concealer, a tiny bronzer because I’m super fair, and mascara, but the handful of times I’ve worn a full-face it has been my copycat of this Hilary Duff Vanity Fair makeup tutorial. I don’t have all of the products, but my makeup collection is large enough that I have something similar and make it work.

My FAVORITE Lip Liner! Seriously, buy it. I have had it for years and it’s a stub now and still going strong. It works with any nude or pinky nude lipstick. THE BEST.

THE HAIR

I curled all of my hair with a Nume wand and let the curls set completely (hello Shirley Temple at the Rest Areas. oh well) and then add a little bit of my beloved Batiste Dry Styling Plumping Powder that gives me alllllllll the sexy volume! *Note: I didn’t like this when I had long hair but with my lob? LOVE! I also tip my head upside down and finger comb it so that the curls and volume look natural…I woke up like this, clearly.

Where is your go-to place for dresses for special events?

The gift because I love an excuse to curate a basket!

——-

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Nadine West Clothing Box Review | Outfit Subscription Box

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

Have you ever wondered how a clothing subscription box works? Nadine West offers an affordable style subscription service.

Before we dig in, a little housekeeping, a BABY-STEP SOCIAL MEDIA KIT.

I have shared my outfits from Nadine West for two years now on my blog (read the posts here). Nadine West sent me this box for my consideration for review but I was not paid to write this post and as always all opinions are my own.

What is Nadine West?

NadineWest.com is a company that sends you an outfit to try on and you keep only what you love. The outfit is a surprise, but you take a style quiz and the stylists get to know your style more each month. The outfits are affordable with pieces costing about $10-$30 each, which is very affordable compared to other similar services.

How Does Nadine West Work? 

On the Nadine West website, you take the style quiz so that the stylist can get to know what you are looking for in an outfit. You will receive a pink package in the mail with your personalized outfit. Try on the outfit and keep what you love and send back what you don’t.

My Thoughts On Nadine West 

The style quiz was super easy to do, which was great because I wanted something that didn’t take too much time but I was still able to make notes to make sure the stylist knew my preferences. I really loved the surprise aspect of this, and it was like opening up a girly gift from a really stylish friend. I cannot stand having to return things, it is such a bummer, but I LOVE the way this company does it because your outfit comes with return shipping.

Nadine West Coupon Code 

Use the referral code “Nadine” on NadineWest.com (not an affiliate code for me, just sharing the one they currently have on their website) to waive your shipping fee which means you’ll get your outfit in the mail without paying anything!

Nadine West Unboxing

This post shares two unboxings. I really love the jewelry pieces, an opal necklace and a beautiful cuff bracelet. I got a pair of leggings that is very opaque and will work well for both workouts and athleisure wear. The tie waist, pull-on style pants are comfortable but not something that I see myself wearing often because I already have many similar pairs. I recieved a beautiful orange top that I wish was a bit more of a rust color, and because the color is a little brighter than I prefer I think I will pass it along to a friend.

Nadine West Final Thoughts

I love getting my Nadine West box each month! Most months I get a few things that I love, but I do wish that there was a simple form to update style preferences or check-in each month to see what I’d like to find in my box. I hope that I will continue to get neutral pieces that fit my style and delicate jewelry that works with my sense of style. I would love to see some simple, neutral-colored maxi dresses for spring, too. I would rather receive two or three nicer items than a lot of pieces that aren’t as nice of quality.

Have you tried any fashion boxes like this? Have you tried Nadine West? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Have a wonderful rest of your week! Thank you for reading! xx

Watch One My YouTube Channel

Morning Routine Mini Course

Boundary Setting For Entrepreneurs

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The Mitten Printshop Wholesale Screen Printing

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Saplaya Anti-Aging Collagen Face Mask | K-Beauty Mask Review

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

If I would have told you a year ago you’d be rocking a face-mask every time you leave your house in a year would have you believed me? Probably not, but here we are. I have been masking (the beauty kind, I mean) more regularly because wearing the masks out and about, especially in the hot summer months, has caused my face to need a little extra TLC. My favorite masks to wear in the summer are sheet masks because there is no washing or scrubbing it off, no waiting for it to harden, and no mess! I also love how cooling they feel. *Tip: Pop a sheet mask in the fridge before you use it! It feels wonderful after a hot day.

Saplaya Anti-Aging Collagen Face Mask

I felt that my skin looked brighter immediately after using this and it made my skin calm down after a hot day wearing a mask. Do I think that this mask had anti-aging benefits? I’m not sure, because I haven’t used it regularly, but I do think that it is a nice face mask that felt great on my skin. This mask wasn’t a “must” but it was nice and also affordable!

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