PHLUR Fragrance Review

Embroidered Blouse: H&M / Jeans: JCrew

Anyone else feel that buying a fragrance is such a task? It’s like when you walk into a department store the salespeople are ready to pounce from all sides. It’s honestly way too overwhelming. Luckily I was contacted by this new company called PHLUR to test out their fragrances and after reading up on their brand I agreed to do it.

PHLUR fragrances are “cruelty-free, and free of skin allergens, parabens, phthalates, unnecessary stabilizers and animal products.” Each bottle is opaque and made with 20% recycled-glass which helps to protect the fragrance from damage. All the fragrances are gender neutral so you can pick any of them! Oh, the icing on the cake? Every $5 from each full bottle purchase is donated environmental organizations worldwide.

So here’s how it works. For $18 you choose 3 bottles that are 2mL (this supply will last about a month). If you love the product you have 30 days to apply the $18 towards the $88 price of a full 50mL bottle. Basically you are getting the sample for FREE! Score.

The three scents I chose were:

Olmstead & Vaux
 “BRIGHT, CRISP AND ULTIMATELY CLEAN”

Greylock
"REFRESHING AND RESTORATIVE; AN EXPRESSION OF NATURE AND NEW”

Hepcat
“COARSE AND FEARLESS MEETS SMOKY AND RAW”

When the box arrived I was so excited. I opened the minimalistic white and grey box, unfolded the inner envelope which was lined with a bright blue color, and found my samples had arrived in perfect condition. Each fragrance comes in its own compartment making getting each scent in and out easy.

I decided the best way to test out the fragrances was to try one per day over the length of a weekend – Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

On Friday I tried Olmstead & Vaux which I would say is my favorite out of the three as this fragrance has citrus tones. Every now and then I would get a whiff of a fresh clean smell and realized it was me! This scent I could easily wear every day. On Saturday I tried Greylocke. This fragrance has earth tones and reminded me of New England which is where I grew up and was raised. I love when a scent brings you back to a time in your life. On Sunday I tried Hepcat which had more of a woody and leathery scent . Not going to lie, I would love for my husband to try this one! All of these scents lasted a good part of the day on my skin – anywhere from 6 to 10 hours depending on which fragrance!

The verdict: I would definetly purchase a full size bottle after trying these three samples! Click here to try out PHLUR fragrances.

Black Lace Blouse

Lace Blouse: H&M / Jeans: JCrew 
Two-Tone Heels: Levity (Similar) / Watch: Movado Bold
Handbag: Saint Laurent / Sunglasses: Sperry (Similar) 

Happy Wednesday! Here's a look I wore over the weekend out and about in the city. With the uncertainty of the weather from day to day (seriously it's about to be 75 degrees in Philadelphia today!) this blouse has easily become my go-to. I love that this blouse is unlined and has long sleeves with lace cuffs. It adds a hint of romance without being over the top.

So I didn't get the chance to attend New York Fashion Week this year, primarily because work has been SUPER crazy. Just a little background about myself for those of you who are new here - I work as an Accountant for the leading health insurance company in Philadelphia so it's always busy busy busy as soon as January kicks off. Luckily it's starting to slow down so be on the lookout for more posts and some major vacay inspiration over on my Instagram account MyGoldenBeauty next week! If you aren't following along already make sure to follow along!

I linked a few of my other favorite lace blouses below!

The Coziest Handmade Crewneck Sweatshirt

Crewneck sweatshirts have seriously been my go-to whenever possible. I know back in the day I wouldn't be caught dead wearing a sweatshirt but things have definitely come a long way! I love how today's sweatshirts have been updated with funny sayings and graphics - I like to call this the "statement sweatshirt". It's a great way to express yourself and to be super cozy at the same time! Now that's a win-win situation in my books.

On the weekends I literally live in my leggings and always pair them with cozy sweatshirts. The sweatshirt I am wearing above says "CAFFIEND" (as in CAFFEINE plus FIEND) with a picture of a hand drawn coffee mug.

Seriously, it's an awesome play on words.

Each sweatshirt is printed with a hand drawn image. These sweatshirts are seriously so cozy and soft. I've already worn this sweatshirt multiple times and I love wearing it. You can wear this sweatshirt from lounging around the house or out and about like I did with my Nike sneakers!

This sweatshirt is available on Instagram at Social Crew Clothing (@SocialCrewClothing).
See how the maker of this sweatshirt styled the sweatshirt here and here. 

Thank you to Social Crew Clothing for partnering with me on this post.

Last Minute Valentine's Day Gift Idea With Pieces of Me

Ruffle Sweater: Target / Jeans: JCrew / OTK Boots: Sam Edelman
Bracelet: Pieces of Me (c/o) / Purse: Saint Laurent / Sunglasses: Sperry (Similar)

Valentine's Day is literally around the corner and for those of you still searching for a last minute gift, I'm super excited to share with you this amazing jewelry brand called "Pieces of Me." This jewelry brand started as a graphic design project in college and culminated in a jewelry company.  Pieces of Me makes different pieces such as cuff bracelets and necklaces that are stamped with your personality trait - there are more than 30 different personality traits that Pieces of Me has to choose from!

My personality trait is hardworking and the bracelet that I am wearing is the Hard-working Cuff Bracelet in Gold. The thing that I love about this jewelry line is that you can wear these pieces for any occasion. From a night out to wearing these pieces every day, each piece is beautiful and is made for you by hand. Each piece is super sentimental and that's what I love about this brand.

Click below to shop my outfit including this super cozy ruffle sweater!

The Best Colorful Striped Sweaters This Season

Sweater: H&M / Jeans: JCrew / Booties: Old (Similar)
Watch: Ted Baker / Sunglasses: H&M / Clutch: Valentino

Happy Thursday everyone! I am happy to report that we are almost to the end of the week and boy, it's going to be quite the busy weekend - between blogging Saturday morning, a friends birthday bash Saturday night, and then Superbowl Sunday (GO EAGLES!). Let's just say I'm quite excited!

Lately all I've been craving are warmer temperatures and spring colors. I was secretly hoping that these pretty spring colors would bring out the sun and warmer temps and since tomorrow is Groundhog Day maybe my wishes will come true.  I found this beautiful pastel knit sweater at H&M for under $20.00 and it's the one sweater I keep seeing popping up everywhere on my Instagram feed! This sweater is wide-cut and comes in the softest knit material. I can't wait to re-style this sweater when it's actually spring with white jeans or shorts!

I rounded up my favorite colorful striped sweaters for this season in the widget below, click below to shop.