Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Sponsor: eShakti Review

A while back I received a product review invitation from eShakti.  In exchange for a review they sent me a piece of clothing of my choice to feature in a post.  I was super excited, because honestly, who doesn't love free clothes?  I literally went through their whole site and let me tell you, it was pretty hard to find a favorite, because their pieces are customizable!  I repeat, customizable!  Changing a hem or a neckline can really change a piece of clothing.


Have you ever seen a super cute dress, but wished it had sleeves, instead of straps; a longer or shorter hem; maybe a scoop neck instead of a v?  eShakti lets you customize your pieces so that you can change necklines, sleeve length and dress length.  Even better than that?  They cater to women from sizes 0-36W (can you say #GIRLPOWER?)!


I chose this super cute Umbrella print dress.  I can't think of anything that screams summer with such a fun print like this dress does!  I went with the sleeveless (as shown), knee-length, v-neck option.

There are seams right under the bust and then at the waist that creates a band separating the top from the skirt.  To me it's my favorite type of shape for a dress because for my body type it's the most flattering (plus, it highlights the waist and hides your stomach, lol).

The seam on the side where the zipper was made it a little hard to zip up, but with some quick help from my sister it zipped up fine.  Once it was on I instantly felt happy: the dress gave me an awesome shape, the fabric was a good quality and it was super comfortable!  I love the v-neck, because it flatters my chest nicely and doesn't give it a weird shape as some necklines do to me.  The knee-length skirt was the perfect length because I'm on the taller side (5' 7") and is work-appropriate as well (so I'll get more use out of!).  And my favorite part?  It has pockets!!


I'm already in love with this dress.  It's kind of a fit-and-flare type of dress and it just makes me feel good (seriously, look how small my waist looks!)!  :D

*dress c/o eShakti

Since it's not quite warm enough to wear anything sleeveless, I paired my umbrella dress with this GAP mint boatneck sweater.  It's warm enough for the changing weather, and casual enough for everyday.  This look is definitely one of my favorite looks of 2015 so far!  :)

I've gone through the site and rounded up all of my favorite picks (which I wouldn't mind magically appearing in my closet, lol, #wishlist) to share with you guys!  And if you use the code 'classicallycait' now through April 9th, you get 10% off!*


Scallop Trim Poplin dress: The scallop hem dresses up what would be a plain dress, gives it some character, and the color is a nice pop to any wardrobe!
Bow Belted Stretch Faux Wrap dress: In my opinion, wrap dresses look good on pretty much any figure.
Ruffle Front Leaf Print dress: I love the structure, the print, and the ruffle going down the front of the skirt.
Anna dress: Navy and ruffle, the ultimate prep combination.


Bold Stripe dress: The bold black and white stripes make this dress super versatile: dress it up, dress it down, and add a pop of color.
Laser-cut Polka Dot dress: I love laser cut designs in clothing, it gives the piece a little something extra.
Polka Dot Jacquard Colorblock dress: The color block on this dress will definitely give you the illusion of a banging hourglass silhouette.
Moto-style dress: One of my favorites.  I love the mix between edgy and girly!


Gingham Check shirtdress: This would look super cute with a pair of riding boots and a vest.
Shawl Collar Sash Waist Gingham check dress: Probably the perfect BBQ dress around.
Crepe Faux Wrap dress: Quick and easy chic in one dress!
Bold Stripe Floral tunic: Definitely a cool statement coverup, perfect for any warm weather getaway.


Mesh Insert Poplin skirt: The mesh insert is a cool feature of this skirt and could definitely transition from the office to happy hour.
Pearl Embellished Faux Leather skirt: This skirt with a cool graphic tee?  Yes please!
Scallop Hem Chambray skirt: What prepster doesn't love chambray and scallops?
Faux Wrap skirt: Simple yet interesting makes this skirt a wardrobe staple for sure.


White Eyelet full skirt: This spring/summer I'm all about crisp, white eyelet.
Embellished Pencil Skirt: Just enough embellishment to give this black pencil skirt some spunk.
Floral Sequin Pencil Skirt: Every girl loves sequins, right?  ;)
Floral Blues Print full skirt: This is not your grandma's floral.


Embellished Bib Voile tunic: This embroidered bib tunic is a summer must!
Beaded Mesh tank top: Totally Gatsby.
Laser Cut Illusion Peplum blouse: The laser cuts make this black top ten times more fashionable.


Chambray Denim Scallop Trim shirt: More chambray and scallops?  I'll take it!
Split Neck Stripe top: Aye, aye captain!  Definitely a cute, yet subtly nautical top.
Copper Embroidered Voile tunic: A sparkly, more grown-up version of the tribal trend.

Sequin Peplum blouse: Because it's five o'clock somewhere!
Peplum Faux Wrap top: Love that wrap tops are reminiscent of ballerinas (plus they give you a nice cinched waist!).
Notch Neck Contrast Trim blouse: This would look amazing paired with a cool leather moto jacket.


I can honestly say that there were only a few downsides.  One, because the pieces can be customized it does take a while from the time you order to the time your item arrives at your door (my dress took almost three weeks, so if you need something for an important event, give yourself plenty of time to order and receive you item).  And two, I pride myself on being a very budget-friendly blogger, and try not to post anything that is too expensive; that being said, some pieces are more on the expensive side.


All in all, I'd definitely say to give this site a look (and check out their social media)!




*Code has to be entered in the ‘promotional code’ box.   It is not case-sensitive.  
Code can be used any number of times until the validity period. 
It can be clubbed with any other promotional offer, gift coupon or gift card in the same order unless explicitly specified otherwise in the offer conditions.
This discount code is not applicable on clearance / sale, gift cards & overstock categories.
Not applicable on previous purchases.




Sunday, March 8, 2015

Eyelet Dress

Just found the perfect spring/summer dress through one of my favorite bloggers, Carly over at The College Prepster (seriously, check out her awesome blog and her Instagram)!

Now I hardly ever buy white pieces (and by hardly ever, I mean that I have a few white tees in my drawer) because I'm always scared of spilling on and staining them (I'm a bit on the klutzy side).  But I bit the bullet and bought this Old Navy eyelet dress in white because a majority of my closet is black (although I might have to go back and order it in black too!) and this dress is just uh-may-zing in white (and just think of how awesome it's going to look with a summer tan)!!  :D

Eyelet Dress (also available in black!)
I'd definitely add a pop of color to the dress with these pretty pink suede wedges (which give you just enough height without going over the top--and potentially toppling over!).  And this perforated faux-leather tote is perfect for any warm weather outings (excuse me while I daydream about filling this tote with flowers and other farmer's market finds *sighs happily*).



And speaking of sun dresses, I also have this super cute, umbrella-print dress from eShakti (stay tuned for a review!) that I can't wait to wear once the weather gets warmer.  I fell in love with this super fun pattern that kind of reminds me of J. Crew.

So as much as I love looking at the snow and how pretty all the trees look covered in snow, I'm totally ready for warmer weather (and not having to wear eighteen layers just to leave the house).

What are your warm weather dress picks?

Monday, February 23, 2015

Pearls, on pearls, on gold

Nothing beats a fresh manicure to start off your week!

Classy girls wear pearls...sometimes even on their fingertips!  Today I combined two of my favorite things into one polished (pun intended!) mani: pearls and half moon nail art.  I used a soft gold polish with pearl nail studs on top; it's classic but fun at the same time.


Here's what you'll need:
  • base coat
  • top coat
  • nail color
  • nail studs--pearls
  • nail glue
  • tweezers




1.  You want to start with a clean slate.  Cut, file, and shape your nails, and then wash your hands to get any dust off.  (And I always double check for any nail breakage or cracking--you don't want your nails breaking after you just spent all that time making them look pretty--fix any of that before you start painting your nails.)


2.  Base coat.  I always use Sally Hansen's 'Miracle nail thickener'.  It gives your nails a nice layer of protection and I really believe it's helped strengthen my nails (they certainly don't break as easy as they used to and they don't feel brittle).  Wait a good five to ten minutes for the coat to dry.  I'm extremely cautious when I do any kind of nail art (you don't want to get impatient and then ruin your manicure).


3.  Stickers.  I use binder paper reinforcements (I got a pack of 200 from Staples for about $3).  One reinforcement at the bottom of each nail (at the cuticle end), and gently press to make sure there aren't any gaps (you want to avoid any nail color leaking under the sticker).  The way I place the stickers is with the top inside of the sticker just above the cuticle line.



4.  Color.  Two coats of whichever color you choose (I'm using Nicole by OPI 'On A Gilt Trip').  Let the first coat dry completely before applying the second coat.  Once both coats are completely dry, carefully remove the stickers.



5.  Pearls.  Right on the top of the half moon, place a dab of nail glue.  Then, using either a wax pencil or a pair of tweezers pick up the pearl (for this manicure I prefer the tweezers because the pearls are a bit slippery and the tweezers have a better grasp and make placement easier) and place directly on top of glue dot.  I waited a few seconds and then using the tweezers, gently press down on the pearl to make sure it stays firmly in place.


6.  Using the nail glue, I cover the pearl and it's sides for extra hold (did I mention I'm super cautious about my nail art? lol).  Immediately after, I apply my top coat.  This allows me to smooth the glue out so that it dries nice and neat (without any lumps or bumps).

7.  Let dry, and voila!  Subtle, yet classy half-moon manicure!  :)



Here are some of my past Manicure Monday manis:

What A Stud!!  //  Good As Gold  //  Star Studded  //  Tape It  //  Stellar Manicure  //  

Sunday, February 15, 2015

NYC Recap


Valentine's Day was celebrated by exploring the city this year with Richie.  It was super cold (...and we also missed our train, so we had to hang out at the station for an extra hour), but it was most definitely worth the trip!

Our first stop was a little touristy--Madame Tussaud's--but how fun is it to take selfies with celebrities?  Even if they are wax figures, it's still loads of fun!  Plus, there's so many great photo ops that make some pretty funny pictures (you can even get on a bike and snap a photo with E.T., just like in the movie)!
I'm a little sad I didn't get to take a picture with Kate Middleton and Prince William (they must've been at a different location), but Richie and I still got some pretty fun shots nonetheless!

Then we braved the icy cold and headed downtown for dinner.

For a while now, we have wanted to try the Sugar Factory (the NY location happened to be in the Meat Packing District).  While the name would make it seem like it's only a candy shop, it is so much more.  It's a bar and restaurant, with a little candy shop at the front (so if you don't get enough sugar during your meal, you can get some sweets to go).  You can get breakfast, lunch or dinner; or even just go for drinks which are certainly the main event!  There are a wide variety of candy inspired drinks, and even more popular, are the goblet drinks (60 oz!!), which I definitely recommend sharing with a friend, lol.


We tried the Energy Bear goblet, and oh my goodness it was delicious!  Between the watermelon vodka and the big gummy bears at the bottom it tasted exactly like a Jolly Rancher (plus, the Red Bull will keep you going for the rest of the night!).


Confession: I love bruschetta.  Fresh tomato, grated parmesan, balsamic vinaigrette and garlic; you just can't beat it!


Hands down, my favorite thing we ate were the fried macaroni and cheese pops.  Macaroni and cheese is great on it's own, but, fry it and pair it with a creamy tomato basil dipping sauce, and takes it to another level.  To me it was homey, it reminded me of grilled cheese and tomato soup, just like when I was a kid!

For the main course, we both got burgers (Richie got the house special, and I got the bleu cheese bacon).  You definitely won't leave this place hungry.  The burgers were humongous and delicious (plus, the mound of crispy fries will certainly hit the spot).


We got downtown early, so we did a bit of exploring before our dinner reservation. And to my excitement we actually stumbled across one of Warby Parker's locations!  I've done their in-home try-ons a few times, but I've never before been in one of their stores. I just had to go inside and try some frames on. The staff there were super nice. Even though I wasn't buying frames that day, they were still incredibly helpful (I actually have an in home try on on the way, so one guy explained how the whole ordering process worked).


As soon as we walked in I got excited.  I really need new glasses since my prescription got stronger, which means new frames are in order.  

Don't mind the faces--I was trying to discreetly take selfies in just about every frame I tried on, lol.

Laurel in Tea Rose Fade

Nash in Crystal

Hardy in Striped Pacific

Marshall in Rum Cherry

These Burke frames in Tennessee Whiskey are classically cool with the half tortoise, half clear frames.


These Daisy frames, in Aurelia Tortoise, are my top choice!

I've got my eye on the Daisy frames.  I'm in love with the Aurelia Tortoise color!  It's bold, but doesn't go overboard; plus, the colored tortoise reminds me of warmer weather, and it's uniqueness is fresh and fun!  :)


Richie was a good sport and modeled some glasses too! 

If you're ever in the area, definitely check out these places.  Sometimes touristy isn't bad, it's exciting to relax and just act like a kid.  And trying out new places is always an adventure (for me it feels like I'm crossing something off my bucket list when I try something new)!

What are some great spots in NYC that you've stumbled across?  :)