Channeling high-end with my Murval quilted shoulder bag!

When CSN Stores contacted me to do another review with them I jumped at the opportunity.  My first review was of an ID card wallet from their store called Luxe by CSN, which has a lot of cute things I'm interested in.  However, I wanted to order from a different website so I could speak for more than just one. This time I found an adorable bag from Shoes Got Sole, which sells shoes, bags, and accessories.
Keep reading to see what I got and my thoughts on it!

Murval quilted faux leather shoulder bag

I've never heard of the brand Murval before, but they sell a variety of handbags on Shoes Got Sole.com. They all appear to be trendy and fashion-forward.

Design/quality:  When I saw this on the website, my first thought was that it looked like those quilted Chanel bags that have been so popular recently.  I've always loved that style, so I was immediately drawn to the simple and classic design.  This Murval bag is made of black faux leather and has adorable chain-strap handles (it looks like two, but they connect through the loops in the top of the bag, so it's like one long strand).  

It has a top flap that closes with a turn lock, that is gold to match the rest of the detailing.  The bottom of the purse has four gold "legs" that help hold it up when you set it down, which I thought was a nice added touch.  

Although it's clearly faux leather, the material doesn't feel cheap.  I'm not expert in designer bags but I definitely don't feel embarrassed to walk around with this, despite it being a type of "knock off".  It looks chic, sophisticated, and classy.  I can see myself wearing it out to dinner or to a club.

Functionality:  The website says this measures 7.25x8.5", but I guess I thought it would be bigger.  I was a little surprised when I pulled it out of the box and it was so small.  For comparison, here's a picture of it next to my 13" laptop:

It's big enough to carry the essentials, but I definitely can't throw a lot of extras into it.  Thankfully there is a zipper pocket on the inside along with a slot for my cell phone.  

The chain strap is nice, but I would have liked it to be a tad longer- it hits right around my waist.  I think it would have laid perfectly if it went down to my hip.  It's still very functional, though, and I realize I'm being quite particular here.  

Overall, I think if you've been wanting something of this style (with that Chanel vibe) but without the hefty price tag, this Murval bag would be good to consider.  It's not Chanel, but it's still stylish, functional, and it doesn't look like a cheap knock off.  I've already gotten several compliments on it from friends!  

Comments/questions?  Thanks for reading!  

(PS- anyone live in the midwest and experiencing this crazy weather?  Today has been mild here in Chicago, but yesterday was INSANE!  Seeing it out my dorm window on the 17th floor was awesome!)

Disclaimer: I was able to pick out this product for review courtesy of CSNstores.com.  My opinions are 100% my own, without any bias towards to company.  

Christmas EOTD+Gifts (Bare Minerals coming soon)

I was going to combine my post about my Bare Minerals set with the rest of my Christmas presents, but I forgot I also wanted to show you my EOTD for today.  I figured that instead I'd just break them up so it wasn't one giant post of pictures.  I hope this is ok!
Now, in regards to my EOTD, please keep in mind that my camera kind of washes out the color.  I tried my best to show how sparkly this was, but it didn't come through too well.  I'm still quite pleased with it, though- nothing too crazy but different from what I normally do.  I wanted something that was bright and eye-opening with a little hint of color.

(This one above shows the shimmer!)

What I used:

-Victoria's Secret Pro eyeshadow primer

-ELF studio eyeliner/shadow stick in Pearl/Glow (as base on my lid and lower waterline/tearduct)

-ELF mineral eyeshadow in Innocent (lid and blended into crease)

-medium matte violet shade from my Coastal Scents 88 Matte palette (outer crease)

-Lancome eyeshadow in Topaz Temptation (from quad- along lash lines and outer corner)

-light matte cream eyeshadow from my Coastal Scents 88 Matte palette (highlight)

-Rimmel Spark It Up! eyeliner in Tiger's Eye

-Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express mascara in Black

Lastly, here are some of the goodies I got for Christmas that I am just super excited about.  The shoes... I had been waiting/lusting over for forever.  THEY ARE NOW MINE AND THEY FIT!  Yay!  ;)

Left: Deena & Ozzy foldover ankle boot; Right: Chelsea Crew perforated oxfords (Both from Urban Outfitters)

I love them! 

I was really nervous about the sizing on these oxfords- it was European sizing, and the reviews for them said they ran a little small.  Being a US 7.5 (roughly) I ordered them in a 38, and thankfully they fit perfectly!  I've had a terrible time getting oxfords to fit me, so this was a great surprise (plus, I had tried the ankle boots on in the store so I knew they would fit.  I was just worried about these).

My mom surprised me with a $25 Sephora gift card in my stocking, along with two of the C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve's!   I was totally not expecting the gift card, so I am incredibly grateful and excited.  I've been wanting the Too Faced Naked eye palette for a long time, so I might jump for it now.  :)

These tights I picked out with the top/skirt below on Black Friday (Charlotte Russe).  I totally forgot about them!  I'm in dire need of new tights, though, so I can't wait to wear them.

lace long-sleeve top and ruffle skirt from Charlotte Russe

Lastly, this mannequin jewelry stand was a complete surprise!  Every time I see something like this I talk about how cute they are, and my mom apparently took notice.  It's going to be perfect for my long necklaces!  Unfortunately it's too big to take with me to school, but it fits right in with the decor in my room at home.  

That's about it!  Thanks so much for reading.  I'll be sure to do a post tomorrow or later tonight about my thoughts on Bare Minerals.  I have the pictures all taken- just need to type it up! :)  

Knomo by CSN Stores: My new ID card wallet

Happy hump day!  Today I have my review of what I picked out from CSNstores.com to share with you all.  In my teaser post a couple weeks ago, I mentioned that I had been on the hunt for a small wallet to hold my various school-related IDs (Basically the ones I take everywhere with me, no matter where I go).  When I was contacted again by CSN Stores to do a review, I decided this would be the perfect time to find one for this purpose.  After searching my favorite of CSN Stores' websites- Luxe by CSN- I came across a wallet that looked to suit all my needs.

I got this Knomo Magnetic Credit Card Case in the color Fuschia in the mail a couple weeks ago, and have since been testing it to see how it works for me.  (Side note about the shipping process- this came in 3 days, seriously!  I was so impressed.  I experienced no problems; they got my order right, there was no damage done to the product, and it arrived right when the tracking statement said it would.)

So first off, it arrived in this pretty little box:

Packaging: I love that they really took the time and paid attention to details in the packaging of this.  I really felt like I was unwrapping an expensive, designer wallet!  It came wrapped in a pretty cloth material, nestled inside that cute white box.

Functionality: The case has two pockets- one on the inside that is accessible by the magnetic flap, and one on the outside (the "back" part of the wallet).  The one on the outside is where I keep my residence ID and bus pass- cards I use all the time and need easy access to.  I can get them out with no problem.  On the inside, I keep cards like my library card, laundry card, and school ID.  I don't use them every day so the magnetic flap that covers them doesn't bother me.

(Backside)

(Inside)

According to the website, it measures about 4" height by 3" width.  I need something I can quickly grab with my cell phone when I'm running around my residence building or to class.  Nothing too bulky, but nothing too small, either.  For the most part, this wallet works well for my purposes.  Sometimes I do wish it was slightly more compact- the magnetic flap on the front makes it a little thicker than I'd like.  However, I don't take off too many points for this because I feel it's a purely personal opinion/criticism.  

Design: This wallet is so stinkin' cute, guys.  I get compliments all the time.  My friends all have little ID wallets to carry their cards in, too, but mine is hot pink AND looks like patent leather.  My only complaint is that I wish it had the logo embellished or engraved somewhere in the design.  

However, I love showing this off when I pull out my meal card or school ID.  

Quality: This is made out of lambskin leather with a patent trim around the magnetic flap.  It feels expensive and sustainable, which I love.  I'm still worried to spill anything on the quilted exterior of it, but as long as I don't keep it on the table while eating dinner I should be OK.  :)  I've given it some pretty good wear and tear even over the last two weeks, and it still looks brand new (And shiny).

I was so happy to have this chance once again with CSN Stores.  I've experienced nothing but amazing customer service, and now I can fully recommend one of their many, many products.  

Have you guys ever purchased anything from Luxe by CSN?  What do you think of these kind of wallets?  Thanks for reading, like always!

Disclaimer: I was able to pick out this product for review courtesy of CSNstores.com.  My opinions are 100% my own, without any bias towards to company.  

It's Feeling Like Fall... Haul from H&M!

I realized last week when we started getting some cooler weather that I'm in serious need of fall clothes.  I have sleeveless tops and then I have big winter coats, but only a few sweaters hanging by their lonesome in my closet.  So, during a trip to H&M on Saturday (with a new-found friend!), I found myself in sweater-city.  I tried on a few different things that I wanted, but decided to go back this week and see if I still liked them.  Yesterday I ended up buying a few much-needed pieces that are now sitting happily in my wardrobe!

(Left: Sweater with ruched sleeves, Right: Open flowy sweater)

I tried on the olive colored sweater on the left, and realized I don't have any clothes in this color!  The sleeves bunch up when you wear it so they sit just above my elbow.

The sweater on the right is so soft.  This is the one I tried on when I went on Saturday, and I knew I had to get it.  I was worried at first that the oatmeal cream color would wash me out, but my friend said it actually made my skin look brighter.  My friends can talk me into anything!

(Left: Sweater dress; Button-close wrap around belt, Right: Ruffled vest)

The sweater dress on the left is very simple but again, really soft.  All this softness is making me realize my older sweaters fail in comparison!  Anyway, I got this inexpensive 'leather-looking' belt to go with it. I actually paired the belt with the olive sweater (first picture) and the vest for my class last night.  Outfit of the day to come!

Lastly, this ruffly, flowy, long vest is just what I was looking for.  It pairs well with leggings and a longer top, a casual dress, or even jeans.  I don't have any sleeveless tops like this and I love that I can wear it with so much.

Like I said, expect an OOTD to come either later today or tomorrow.  Thank goodness I got these yesterday- I'm in dire need of doing laundry and didn't want to do it today.  ;)

Enjoy your day, everyone!

Fashion Wishlist for Summer & New Layout!

The summer months make me think of flowy tops, casual accessories, and just lots of comfy clothes.  I hate being uncomfortable in hot weather.  I definitely need to go shopping for some new shorts, as most of mine are too old for wear anymore.  But dresses and skirts will work just fine in the meantime!
Here are some things I'm wanting badly for the upcoming season:

1. Keyhole T, American Eagle Outfitters

2. Beaded Dangle earrings, Forever 21

3. Linen Dreams Pleated dress, Forever 21

4. Mesh and Slub knit top, Forever 21

5. Beaded necklace, Forever 21

6. Colored denim shorts, Forever 21

7. Deux Lux Basketweave satchel, Urban Outfitters

8. Beaded bangle, Piperlime

9. Perforated oxfords, Urban Outfitters

I also updated my blog layout, using Blogger's new design feature.  I'm really impressed with how easy to use it is and the number of ways you can customize things.  Hope things are still just as easy to find/navigate!  (Oh, and this way my comment button is finally at the bottom of the posts again!  Yay!)