Review: Warby Parker at-home try-on

This past week, I participated in an at-home try-on of five pairs of Warby Parker glasses. This wasn't some sort of perk afforded to me as a blogger, either; an at-home try-on is something that anyone can arrange for themselves FOR FREE simply by visiting Warby Parker's website.

Here are the five pairs I selected:

The Sims in violet magnolia



The Sloan in rum cherry


The Huxley in Tennessee whiskey


The Watts in blue sapphire


The Crosby in burgundy fade



Which frames do you like the best?  

My only complaint was that they didn't have that really exaggerated cat eye frame that I was looking for ... but as someone who sees glasses as an accessory, I would gladly wear any of these pairs in a second. My favorites are the Huxley and the Crosby.

The whole process is very simple and streamlined, too. You just browse their selection of adorably nerdy yet incredibly cool frames, select your five favorite pairs (note: you'll undoubtedly have trouble narrowing it down to just five), checkout and voila - you're done.

They arrive a couple of days later in this oh-so-efficient packaging, which is right on par with their responsible and conscious business model, in my humble opinion.



I love the little card that they throw in, too --


It explains the whole try-on process and gets you incredibly excited to get started.


Here's how the pairs arrive to you --



(All images courtesy of NYC Recessionista)


Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of their at-home try-on process. It's effortless, fun and incredibly practical. Kudos to Warby Parker for offering such a kick ass feature.

Free baubles with purchase at Bauble Bar

To celebrate the unofficial start of summer, Bauble Bar is offering shoppers a special treat during the holiday weekend --

If you shop online before May 26th and you spend $40 or more, you can choose a piece from a special suite of 11 amazing products and they'll send it to you FOR FREE.

BTW, this is one of the free gifts ...

(Image courtesy of Bauble Bar)

The only thing better than jewelry is free jewelry ... so enjoy!

What NYC Recessionista Wears: polka dots and patterns

Yesterday, my husband tried to veto my belt choice before I left the house! He was unsure of the pattern mixing I was trying.

I thought about taking it off for a moment, because I really do trust his opinions about color and pattern as a graphic designer.  But ultimately I decided to leave it on, and I am glad I did.


Wal-mart earrings (similar) / LOFT blouse / Anthropologie pencil skirt (similar here and here) / LOFT belt (similar) / bracelets courtesy of Ann Taylor (here and here) / watch c/o Caravelle by Bulova / LOFT sandals  


I think he was applying his clean, streamlined point of view to it like he does with his striking designs, but I have been feeling more bold with my outfits lately and wanted to play with patterns.



I also decided to keep things in the blue family with my jewelry. My earrings are actually from Wal-mart from like 7 or 8 years ago. I think they were less than $10 and they've become one of my favorite pairs.






(All images courtesy of NYC Recessionista)

Fresh novelty prints dominate J. Crew's latest new arrivals

I think I may need a novelty print intervention ... I'm starting to become addicted to them. How insanely cool and fresh are these new arrivals from J. Crew?!

Love all of these quirky patterns!

Regatta print pants (see also: swimsuit) 



Roller girl print pop-over shirt (see also: dress)



School of fish print sweater



Rope print pants



Mini-pineapple print bikini (see also: iPhone case)


(All images courtesy of J. Crew)

'Words To Live By' Wednesdays

Here's this week's edition of 'Words To Live By' Wednesdays.


(Source)

NYC Recessionista Haul: the Bauble Bar Sample Sale

Without any further delay, here's my haul from when I attended the Bauble Bar sample sale on Monday --

See similar here

See similar here

See similar here

See similar here

See similar here

(All images courtesy of NYC Recessionista)

What NYC Recessionista Wears: Summer Blues

Yesterday, It was disgustingly humid in NYC.  I know I'm not supposed to say things like this, but I really hate summer. But if you've ever walked around in the city when it's sweltering out, then you know exactly what I mean.

It's sticky, smelly and gross. And the only thing you can do is try to wear as little clothes as possible.


Forever 21 earrings (similar) / Bauble Bar necklace (similar) / J. Crew Factory dress / J. Crew bracelet (similar) / watch c/o Caravelle by Bulova / Madewell sandals


Not sure that this dress really passes the wrinkle test after sitting at my desk all day, but it was definitely comfortable out in the heat.



This is just one of the many goodies I purchased at the Bauble Bar sample sale ... stay tuned for a full recap of what I purchased later today :)




I decided to make one of the out-takes an in-take -- can you see my new Bare Minerals eyeshadow?







Love the exposed zipper with the grosgrain ribbon trim on this dress -- it's one of those extra special little details.






(All images courtesy of NYC Recessionista)


What are some of your wardrobe tips for staying cool in the heat?

GIVEAWAY - Gorgeous Andean Collection Necklace & Earrings + a Flash Sale

If you're looking for that perfect piece of jewelry for summer, then look no further than Andean Collection, the chic and sustainable accessories line designed in New York and handcrafted by artisans in Ecuador. Their stunning pieces are made in countless different bold and bright colors, making them perfect for the warmer months. 

And the best part is ... you can win two of their pieces right here :)




Deadline to enter is Sunday at midnight!



a Rafflecopter giveaway





PS -- they're also having a flash sale on their website through Thursday, with select styles up to 70% off.  Here are all the details: 

(All images courtesy of NYC Recessionista and Andean Collection)

Good luck!

Please note: Andean Collection is providing the prize for this giveaway but I have not otherwise been compensated for this post.

Tuesday Treats

It's only Tuesday. If that depresses you, then perhaps some shopping will help lift your spirits. They don't call it retail therapy for nuthin'.

  • TODAY'S THE LAST DAY to take 25% off at Gap with code GAPSUMMER at checkout.
  • TODAY'S ALSO THE LAST DAY to take 20% off full-priced women's apparel at J. Crew with code LOOK20 at checkout during their 'Summer Countdown' sale. 
  • TODAY ONLY at Banana Republic, take 30% off your purchase with code BRSAVE at checkout.
  • Take 15% off everything at Old Navy through tomorrow with code ONEXTRA15 at checkout. 
  • Sale styles at Ann Taylor are up to an extra 40% off for a limited time, no code needed.
  • If you're in the market for a quilt (who isn't?), they're 20% off at Anthropologie for a limited time, no code needed. 
  • LOFT is holding its '$25 and Under' event, with tons o' summer steals.
  • Everything is on sale right now at J. Crew Factory, with discounts of up to 40% off.

Recap: Bauble Bar NYC Sample Sale

Yesterday, I had one of those impossibly rare New York moments:  I attended a sample sale that was organized, peaceful and enjoyable.

Where, you ask?  The Bauble Bar showroom in NYC.


Immediately upon arriving at their showroom on 5th Avenue in the 20s, I was greeted by a friendly employee who was warm and inviting. She kindly offered to take my coat and bags, gave me a coat check card, and handed me a tray for shopping.

Now, obviously checking shopper's belongings when they arrive helps them keep an eye on their merchandise ... BUT ... it is also a lovely touch when the operators of a sample sale are willing to hold onto your personal effects, giving you two free hands to shop your socks off. 

They also helpfully explained the set up of the sale: items were priced at $10, $15, $20 and $25 in one room, while select other designer pieces were up to 70% off in another room where some regular price pieces were also for sale. Did you know their showroom is open normally to shoppers during business hours? I had no clue!

Everything was well organized and clearly priced, and the stands upon stands of candy-colored jewelry confections were dazzling to look at. So. Much. Fun. 

Because pictures are better than words -- in this case anyway -- here's a closer look at the goods:




















(All images courtesy of NYC Recessionista)

I'll share what I picked up in a future post. For now, I highly recommend checking it out this week if you are in NYC (click here for information and tickets). 

If you live elsewhere, don't forget that you can always shop them online. Oh and they've just made a sale section a permanent fixture in their online store.

You're welcome.