LBB B&M eye-spy!

Addiction is a dangerous thing.

Luckily, my addiction is in the form of shopping.  Not spending, necessarily....just shopping.  Browsing, seeing things in person, checking out price and quality....that's me.  I suppose I'm a very tactile person, I guess.  Who likes a good deal.

Which makes Little Black Bag trading my drug!  Not only do I get a week of shopping for $50+, it gives me an excuse to go and check out these brands in person. :)  LBB is notorious for having horrible, stock-type photos and sizing issues with their manniquins....to the point where looking for the items or pics IRL is important (as well as learning the importance of keeping a ruler next to your computer).  I've found quite a few places to see the bags, jewelry, and accessories in person, which I will share with you now.  Please forgive the photography in this post, I am SUPER awkward when it comes to taking pictures in stores of items...especially when I am staging the photo to show all the same brand.  Haha.

Macys.  A GREAT source for handbags on LBB.  They have loads of Olivia + Joy, R&Em, Steve Madden, BCBG, and some Big Buddha there, and I've had great luck finding the bags on LBB on clearance there.  Not that I buy them from Macys, since trading is still a much cheaper way to go, but I've been able to get a really good handle on bag sizes and quality this way.

Macys also has quite a few pieces of jewelry that I've seen on LBB under different random brand names, so its always worth a try to take a look through that section...especially if you missed a piece on LBB.

I saw THIS:

for $26+!  LBB had it marked at $16, so I was really glad to get it on there.  And THIS:

was $22+ at Macy's.

They also have Betsey Johnson jewelry, but not at the best prices (usually full price).

Francesca's Collections.  Where I go to look at Street Level bags and accessories...they usually carry a decent selection, and some are right from LBB but at full price ($50s).  Good way to look at colors and quality, and I've been downright shocked for sure on the sizes of some of the bags (usually smaller than I expected).

Nordstrom Rack.  This place is THE place to go to get your Deux Lux and Betsey Johnson fix, in my opinion.  They carry both large AND small Deux Lux items, and I've seen allll sorts of wallets in different colors and styles there.  These items can trade VERY high on LBB, and if I really wanted it, I would probably just buy a wallet for $20 instead of trading a handbag for one!  

Deux Lux party!!!  So shiny.  These guys were around $20.

So pretty.  $40 at Nordstrom Rack.

I've also seen almost every Betsey Johnson jewelry item that has been on LBB at the Nordstrom Rack near me at one time or another (usually around the same time they're on the site!), in addition to several other pieces....and all for very reasonable prices (around 40-50% off).  I myself can't really pull off the cuteness that is BJ, but I know so many LBB girls who would squee themselves silly seeing all that Betsey.  Get thee to a Nordstrom Rack!!  It helped immensely to be able to see the detail on some of the jewelry, and the sizing (the earrings in particular) was surprising.  Some Betsey pieces are HUGE!

Pretty shiny Betsey!  They also have bags, wristlets, and watches.

Oh, Kenneth Cole jewelry...you just don't get that much love on LBB sometimes...but your jewelry is pretty. Love seeing you at the Rack, but for $10-20 a pop, its much cheaper to get you on LBB.

TEN pairs of Kenneth Cole earrings that were on LBB.  And there were more, too... 

As for bags, they carry some Steve Madden, Deux Lux, Betsey Johnson....brands that you would see at Nordstroms, really.

TJ Maxx.  a.k.a., handbag heaven!!!  A great place to dig for Betsey Johnson, Sakroots, MMS, Steve Madden, R&Em, Deux Lux, Big Buddha...lots of the LBB featured brands.

Betsey pile!  Wristlets at $13 each.

Sakroots Ipad bags, convertible clutch bags, wristlets...lots of goodies.

Deux Lux goodies!  The nice thing is that when they get Deux Lux they usually
get it in several colors (both the wallets and the bags).

They also have jewelry, of course.  I've seen Robert Rose, RJ Graziano, and of course, Betsey Johnson.

Shiny Betsey pile under glass!  Wish I could play with them like at Nordstrom Rack,
but these pieces will definitely be in good condition.

People also have reported luck at Ross and Marshalls, but they are a bit more hit or miss for me.  I have definitely run into some clearance Big Buddha and Deux Lux large bags at Marshalls, though, so I do try to swing by there if I'm in the area. :)

Sorry if this post was a bit Betsey and Deux Lux heavy for anyone, I just know those items are super popular on LBB!  If there's any brand or type of item you're curious about, let me know in comments and I'll let you know if I've seen it!

Images: 1-10 my own

Little Black Bag 3 (July)

Going back in time a little bit to post a quick LOOK of my 3rd LBB!  Sorry in advance for the not-so-awesome iPhone photos, I took these quickly to throw up onto the makeuptalk pic thread and never got around to taking more, but they are certainly better than nothing!!

My first pick:

Steve Madden Taylor Cognac Satchel $88

SM satchel.  I. Love. This. Bag!!  Offers got crazy high (more than double the retail, easily) but keeping this was the right thing to do, its a very well made bag that looks much more expensive than it is.  I am a sucker for the gold hardware, the clip-adjustable long strap (clips onto loops on itself to shorten the strap!), and the front pocket that is the perfect size for my iPhone.  The color is also a rich cognac, which I didn't have in my bag collection yet.

Miztique Cross-Stitched Tote $72

Miztique tote!  I had questions on what color this tote actually was, and it turned out to be a putty-grey-beige color that is really unique.  Great neutral.  The handles and strap are a dark dark brown, and the bag is a good size for work.  Its not as big as I thought it would be, but big enough for a laptop or notebooks.  I'm really glad I didn't get a black bag for once in this LBB!

clockwise from top left: Green Kenneth Cole beaded necklace $50

BCBG gold heart bracelet $25

Gold chevron cuff $26

Lydell NYC turquoise square drop earrings $28

White and gold fabric necklace $28

3 Juko bracelets in yellow, turquoise, and white $28 each

Tribal Collar necklace $16

Spring Street Maharaja earrings $14

Here are some jewelry items!  I'll try to tackle these one at a time, and eventually get individual photos of the items I kept on here.

Kenneth Cole green beaded necklace. this is pretty long, it came down to a few inches above my navel, but I sent it back because each bead was a marbled green and white, and I was hoping they would be a more transparent jade-like bead.  Still really pretty but not what I wanted.

BCBG gold heart bracelet. love this guy, but he came to me broken!  Luckily, it was nothing a little superglue couldn't fix.  If your wrist is over 7 inches around, it might fit a little weird. and not want to lie flat along your wrist.  Not really bendable, and if you try you will probably break it.

Gold chevron cuff.  This is my favorite cuff now, its a shiny hammered gold that goes with everything.  Great for days when I just want one big statement piece on my wrist.

Turquoise square drop earrings.  I got these to give as a gift, they are really pretty and nicely made.  The resin stones are set well and are a cloudy white/aqua color.  They come to a point so its not just flat but has 4 triangular facets.  I think she'll really like these.

White and gold fabric necklace.  While I like this one, its much too short for me to wear (not a choker fan).  So it went back!

Juko bracelets!  I had to trade my butt off to get all 3, and I'm glad I did.  I ended up only keeping the white and turquoise though, since the yellow wasn't a mustard yellow like I was hoping, more like a plain yellow.  The gold hook detail is really nice and makes these a more unique bracelet.  My wrist is around 7 inches and these fit, but pretty closely, so if I wore them in an arm party they would need to be closer to my hand.  If your wrist is more than 7 inches these will be really tight.

Tribal collar necklace.  Love this piece!  I actually saw this exact necklace for $26+ at Macys the other day, so it was definitely worth picking up on LBB.  It has a mix of metals so it will work well with any other jewelry you might want to wear with it.

Spring Street earrings.  These were really really pretty, but very long, around 5 inches.  I tend to wear studs and just knew I wouldn't wear these so I sent them back and hopefully someone who does like long earrings will love them. :)  

clockwise from top left: Cargo blush in Topeka $28

Kikkerland pug salt and pepper shakers $8

All The Rage spike cuff $12

Casemate Rain iPhone 4/4s case (outer case shown) $40

Last 4 items of the 16 I received in this LBB!

Cargo Topeka.  I have gotten a total of 7 or 8 Cargo blushes from LBB (it is bad when you can't even keep count!  haha) and they are all fantastic.  This one is a peachy natural color with a little shimmer.  Cargo blushes are a great deal for $28 as they are more than twice the size of NARS blushes and just as good if not better.  They are finely milled and they blend wonderfully.  I will definitely open another bag if more Cargo pops up on LBB, its such a great deal!  For now, you can purchase them at Ulta, and Sephora in JCP may still have some on clearance for 50% off.

Pug shakers. Super cute ceramic doggies!  Instead of using them as shakers, I use them as mini-statuary on my bookcase.  They make cute little bookends or toppers on a stack of books.

Spike cuff.  It is a nice gunmetal open cuff that looks great in an arm party.

Casemate Rain iPhone case.  I actually got 2 of these in 2 different bags, I like it so much (also shown in LBB 4).  This pic is of just the outer shell that snaps onto the black silicone inner case.  Really nice and sturdy, my iPhone is now indestructable.

Hopefully this LOOK is helpful, and if you want to open a LBB of your own, please use my referral link!  Thanks, and please leave any questions or comments for me and I'll get back to you ASAP. :)

LBB addiction sign

You know you're addicted to Little Black Bag when you equivocate the prices of things with the cost of opening new LBBs.

Me: "I really want to buy that Rebecca Minkoff MAC bag off their summer sale!!  Should I do it?"

LBB friend: "DON'T DO IT!  You could get 3 LBBs for that much!!  THREE!"

And this happens all the time.  So much real-world shopping for both of us has been prevented with this way of thinking, haha.

Beginning of the month starting soon, and opening now counts for September!  Trying to resist opening a LBB until I see what new things are released for September at 12am PST tonight!  After getting 4 purses in my last LBB, you'd think I wouldn't be so tempted by bags, and yet I am....maybe I should try for accessories this time around.

Being a Sephora Girl

When I was in college I remember wishing, every time I walked into the makeup-mecca that is Sephora, that I worked there part-time.  At the time, I was working at the Gap, which in itself was not horrible (oh the cross-brand discount!) but compared to the lure of the colorful beauty products Sephora had to offer, the Gap seemed to pale in comparison.  Years later, I found myself looking for part-time work over the holidays in 2011 and found myself sucked into the beauty black hole that will forever change my outlook on makeup.

Starting as a holiday cast member, I was plopped right into the swing of things and loved every minute of it.  Compared to the full time office-type work surrounded by guys I was used to, it was a refreshing change to be in such a girly environment where makeup and nail polish was actually required.  To be sure, they definitely weren't letting me slap makeup on anyone on day 1, but they definitely make their employees feel valued.  I was lucky enough to fall into a store that had a great energy and didn't have that snobby quality some stores can exude...we took pride in our customer service and our sampling, which can be tough to do during the holiday rush.  There are 3 main "worlds" in Sephora - Color, Fragrance, and Skincare - but I was more attracted to the actual planning and daily tasking necessary to keep the store running smoothly. Just call it the planner/manager in me coming out! :)

There were so many "best" parts of working there that makes me want to recommend working there to anyone who loves beauty and either is looking for part-time work or wanting to start a makeup career.

1. Gratis.  Oh, the gratis.  There is always some contest or another available to the cast members to earn gratis, and even working part time I was able to earn soooooooo much.  For those who don't know, gratis means "free, or complimentary" and is provided by the company or a brand.  In the case of Sephora's gratis, it was usually stock or testers they don't carry anymore, products that were sampled by cast-only, new or almost new products specifically put aside for gratis, or provided by the brand reps.  The BEST gratis I earned (definitely earned, not just given) was the Nars Danmari blush palette, brand new.  Amazeballs, rare, and it saved me $60+ since I was going to buy it anyway.

Also, if you are a holiday hire, gaining gratis also means you are showing your worth, so not only did I get lots of makeup goodies, they also kept me on after the holiday were over...one of 3 girls kept on out of over a dozen.  Win-win!

2. Discounts!  In general, you get a hefty discount on Sephora brand or Sephora-exclusive brands, and a minimal discount on all other brands.  Over the holidays, there's a period where the discount was bumped up another 10%, making it the perfect time to buy that pricey Clarisonic!  In my case, the gratis I received kept me from buying too much, but it was nice to know I could get a discount on what I did have to buy.

3. Training.  Sephora definitely tries to take the time to put some training into the people they want to keep.  Brand reps come in a conduct training sessions to get the cast members acquainted with their products, and that almost always goes hand in hand with gratis, too. :)  They figure if you like the product, you are more likely to sell it to a customer.  So everyone wins again!

Training also helps you if you want to move between the different worlds (color, fragrance, skincare) so its great that they provide on the clock training.

4. Samples.  Even if you don't get the gratis of what you might want exactly, working at Sephora means plenty of opportunities to sample products you're interested in.  Clients always want to know what you're using on your face, so it helps to keep up with the newer and more popular products.  I managed to not buy foundation for a few months and just lived on sample jars of different products, haha.

5. Opportunities for growth.  While I wasn't really there long enough or with any real long term goals while working there (which they are totally fine with), I know of several people who started as holiday cast members and worked their way up to higher management-type positions.  Sephora likes to promote from within, whether from a management or world-expert standpoint, which is fantastic.  Anyone interested in becoming a makeup artist can also gain valuable experience and even clientele via Sephora, as well!

6. Learning to make yourself pretty!  Sephora doesn't really expect you to come in with any prior makeup knowledge (just enough to pull yourself together) but working with makeup artists means you get to learn lots of tips and tricks to use on yourself!  At the very least, you can get help figuring out what products are best for you, which is so helpful when it comes to skincare or picking a good foundation.  The hardest part is adjusting your makeup for regular everyday once you're out of the Sephora world...cuz' glitter don't fly here in a corporate setting!  Luckily, pink lips do. :)

If I ever find myself with free time and a hankering for more pretty-making things, I would be tempted to work there again. :)

Images: 1 Sephora, 2 my own

Little Black Bag Trading Tips

Little Black Bag's big draw as a higher priced subscription program is the ability to trade items in your bag with other members on the site.  Once you pick your first item and they populate your bag with additional items, you open your bag and immediately see trade offers on each of your items.  You can also offer your items for other items in the gallery.  I, personally, don't jump on initial offers unless they are obviously very good (multiple decent items for my one, or an offer worth much more).  I'd rather make my own offers, even though its more work to trade that way.  When you pick your first item and you're new to trading, I highly recommend picking something you like so that you have at least one item you absolutely love.  If you're feeling more adventurous, then find out what people like (look at what is trading well, or ask on the chat) and then trade away!

The news feed is your new best friend.  By following the feed, you can see what items are going for better trades...it prevents you from wasting your time by underbidding on items that are going for very high, and it keeps you from accepting a trade that is too low if you happen to have that coveted item.  I also follow it to see when new bags are opened, since that means hopefully more items you like are being added to the trading gallery.  I follow the news even when I don't have a bag open.  Haha.

You have a full week to trade, which I always use.  In general, I try not to consolidate my items in the first few days, since I'd rather get more items and then work them up to something nice.  If you're a confident trader and are actively trading the whole week, I'd take anyyyyy somewhat decent multi-item offer in the first few days (providing the item you have isn't something you absolutely must keep or is limited in the gallery).  Decent is a relative term and to each his own, but in general, if I've seen those items trade up, then I'll take it.  If they don't trade up, then you need the time to work them to something decent, which leads me to my next point....

Yo-yo trading.  While slightly more work, since it requires putting out a LOT of trades, I find it to be worth it.  If your item doesn't trade up, then put out bids on items that aren't as popular but are worth more.  Then either trade up to another not so popular item that is worth more or down to something you like that is worth less.  Some items stay in the gallery for months because of this...no one actually ships their bags with these items in it.  I'd rather have a lot of faster moving trades than holding out for an item to trade for ONE specific item.  With a full week, you should never have to end up with something you don't really like....its much better to trade a higher priced item you don't like much for a lower priced item you love.

Which means, the value of any item is really dependent on what you like.  If you really love something and you trade down to get it, who cares if you gave up an expensive item that you hate?  Its better to end up with a few wonderful items you love than a dozen ones you are only "meh" about...which is why yo-yo trading is so great.  Don't get too attached to your things because you can almost always get them back later!  And once you have more than 5 items, you can afford to trade more wildly and then it gets really fun, haha.

The chat.  For new folks, just know that a lot of veterans do not like the chat...trading has slowed down because of this chat.  Proceed with caution when trying to arrange trades on there, people will definitely try to get you to trade VERY specific items for what they have to trade.  Or they only accept multi-item trades, even on $16 items.  Or they "embellish" the offers they are already receiving or the value of an item.  Or they just spam the chat with their garbage because they are too lazy to put out offers on their own.  In general, I find it useful to follow to see who's bags are closing soon (they might be trading down considerably for items they like), to let people know what is available for trade from my bag, to find out what offers are like on some items, and for people who are opening new bags, telling them what you would like them to open with to try and trade with them.  I also try to help new people on the chat, of course. :)  If you're new, PLEASE read the Help/FAQ section before going onto the chat with your questions!  Almost every night there are people asking the same questions that could be answered by reading over the Help section.

Finally, trade like you really want the item.  If you are whining on the chat that you want something, and then offer WAY lower than everyone else, you really can't complain that you're not getting the item.  It gets really annoying, no one is going to take your lowball offer when there are way nicer ones out there.  If you want it, make a good offer!

Hopefully people find this helpful and if anyone has anything else to add to this, please add in comments!  And if you do decide to join, here is my referral link!

Image: Little Black Bag

LOOK: Little Black Bag 4 (August)

I just received my most epic Little Black Bag so far and I've decided to actually start using my blog to show you all my pretty things. :)  Let's take a LOOK!

In case you don't already know, Little Black Bag is a subscription service for bags, jewelry, home items, accessories, and beauty that has the added fun of trading and interacting with other members.  It costs $50+, depending on if you go month-to-month and what your state tax might be, but you end up with possibly $100s worth of pretty things.

This is how it works:  out of their opening gallery, you get to pick out something to put in your LBB.  Depending mainly on the price of the item you picked, LBB will then select another 1-3 items to fill your bag to bring the value up between $100-$150.  Those items are a mystery until you open your bag, but you can at least see the brand and the price and try to figure out what the item is by checking the gallery.

Once you open your bag, its trading time!  You have one week from your start time to trade your items with other members on the site.  Some people end up liking the items added to their bag and want to ship right away, but I always trade.  Not only can you end up with better things, you can end up with more, since people will offer you multiple things if they really like what you have!  This is my 4th LBB and I started with 3 items (one pick and 2 things added), a free redken sample, a coupon code that added a $48 clutch, and 3 return credits from items from a previous bag for a total of 7 items and a sample.  I ended with 15 items and 3 redken bonus samples!  That in itself should make you want to trade instead of shipping immediately. :)  I'll do another post about trading sometime.

Here was my first pick:

Street Level Leopard Foldover Crossbody $54

I love this and I'm so glad I picked it because it was the only one on the site when I was trading.  Most people were opening with bags and Deux Lux and didn't realize this was a nifty wallet until they started trading...I got a lot of tempting offers, but refused to trade it away.  It is a faux fur leopard on the front panel and yellow faux leather on the back and in the interior.  8 credit card pockets and 4 slip pockets on one side, a large slip pocket and a zip pocket on the other, it closes by a snap in the middle.  The chain is detachable and makes it easily long enough to wear crossbody.  I plan on using this when I travel or go to work with a big bag and want to take just the essentials with me when I go out to eat!

Street Level Large Multi-Compartment Satchel $70

This bag is even nicer than I imagined, it is a great lemon yellow color with gold hardware and large enough for notebooks or a laptop.  It has a detachable pouch (shown next to the bag in both pictures) that snaps into the interior of the bag to serve as a divider and allows you to take your makeup or whatever you choose to put in there out of the bag to carry separately.  Super handy!  I'm glad I could trade for it because it was way more popular than I expected it to be.

This bag also has zippers along the top edges of both sides that open up into narrow full length pockets...this will be so helpful when I need to carry papers I don't want to crumple.  It is a sturdy structured bag that holds its shape very well.

Melie Bianco Edith Top Handle Framed Bag $70

This bag was added as an exchange item and I was super happy since its something I was going to try to trade for.  It is a great small crossbody bag in a size I like to carry when I just want my wallet, phone, and essentials.  Very nicely made and will be great for fall.

Olivia + Joy Tycoon Large Flap Shoulder Bag $78

This bag I traded for and I'm so glad I did, since I've been looking for a simple black bag with gold hardware.  The best part (that you can't see) is that it has a zip pocket on the back, so I can get to my cell phone without opening the bag.  Since it is a flap with a latch style bag, this is a pretty big deal for me.  They now have the bag in green and red on the site and I'm fighting the urge to get those as well!  I especially like the triple chain strap, as its width makes the bag comfy to carry on my shoulder.

Betsey Johnson Mod Round Sunglasses with Hearts $60

Betsey Johnson Square Stone Drop Earrings $25

Betsey Johnson Pig Studs $30

Betsey Johnson goodies!  I got the sunglasses and the pig studs for a gift for a friend, hopefully she'll love them.  All three Betsey items are well made and have a nice level of detail to them.  The earrings are a great pink-fuchsia and aren't too heavy, I can't wait to wear them.

ZAD Deco Tassel Necklace $28

ZAD Two Drop Circle Necklace $26

All The Rage Bangle Set $16

Here are the other jewelry items I got, I love all three!  The ZAD Tassel necklace is long, hangs down to my waist, is super detailed, and I love that it has triple chains that go around my neck.  Very unique looking piece that will be fantastic for fall when I start wearing my blazers.  The circle necklace is really shiny, with dozens of little crystals.  It is a much higher quality piece that I expected, which is nice.  The bangles are simple and pretty, one has 5 turquoise ovals and the other 2 are plain gold bangles.  They fit my 7" wrists nicely.

Case-Mate Rain iPhone 4/4s case $40 (sorry for the bad pic, used my iPhone)

I actually already received this iPhone case in a previous bag, I just loved it so much I had to get a backup!  You know you love an iPhone case when you start resting your phone face down to show off the case and keep it scratch-free...which is, of course, silly.  These cases are usually $40 each, and there are several designs on LBB.  The case is actually a lblack silcone inner case that completely protects the iPhone, then you snap on the colorful hard protective case on top.  Now I don't confuse my iPhone with everyone elses, its unique and gets lots of compliments!

Redken samples, left to right: quick tease spray, dry shampoo, and forceful hairspray

NCLA polishes, left to right: Hollywood and Vine, Hello, I Love You, Santa Monica Shore Thing, and Poolside Party, All Eyes On Me!

Finally, my beauty goodies!  I started with one Redken bonus and ended up with three because people would pair them in their offers.  These are a great size for travel or to keep at work.  I haven't used them much yet, but they smell nice.  Haha.

The polishes are so pretty.  I haven't gotten a chance to use them yet, but out of the box, they look darker than I expected compared to the site pics.  Hollywood and Vine has gorgeous silver shimmer mixed in.  Hello, I Love You is a darker fuchsia color, I was hoping this one would be a bit brighter but its still a great color.  Santa Monica Shore Thing may be my new favorite color, I love the seafoamyness.  And Poolside Party is a great light peachy orange, a unique color I don't have yet.  When I get a chance I'll try to post some swatches, but there are definitely some good ones out there already if you google. :)

I got all of this for under $60!  And the trading gets so addicting, I'm already ready to open a new bag.

If you are interested in opening an LBB account of your own and found my review helpful, please use my referral link ! 

Images: 1-9 my own

What's in a name?

After stalking following so many blogs for so long and wishing I had an outlet for verbally upchucking all my awesome ideas and opinions, looKIMsopretty is born! Get it? Look I'm So Pretty...Lookin' So Pretty...ha ha.

My name is Kim (obviously) and I am a lover of all things pretty. I am magpie-like in my hoarding of shiny costume jewelry, I have a makeup collection my sister lovingly calls my "mini-Sephora" (it is not that big, I promise...), I am drowning in craft projects that need to finally come to fruition, I wait, salivating, for my glossy magazines that come in the mail every month, and I'm a huge believer in cost-per-wear to justify my slightly more extravagant purchases.

For now, this blog will serve as a place for me to bookmark things I love and share any ideas I might have...with myself, at least. I have so much in my head that I thought this would be a good way to get it all down, and be able to share with some of my favorite people. :) Then they can get a glimpse of my crazy.

Until next time, stay pretty!