Abercrombie & Fitch Haul

As many know, I love Abercrombie. Not because I spent a decade working for the brand; but I truly enjoy the quality, style, and diversity this brand has. Spending so much of my live involved with the company I saw some amazing growth and changes that I feel shows the brand can handle changing target markets in a mature and respectful manner.
Recently the store was doing 50% off on pratically their entire summer collection well - except 5 pieces I REALLY REALLY wanted. But today I will show you the items I did purchase and give a honest review on. * There actually is some items I didn't like!*

Continue reading to hear about my Abercrombie Purchases!

Strappy Slide Sandals $38

These shoes are super trendy for summer. They come in 4 colors (I want the white so so badly!). These are a defintele must but to warn everyone to try them on before purchase (or online order your regular size and the next size up) I noticed the bands are really tight on my feet; I'm a 7.5 but the size 8/9 fit me more comfortably. 

Pleated Denim Shorts $58

These shorts I have a love hate relationship with. I purchased them LOVING THEM. But after wearing them 2x I noticed the pleated front detailing makes my stomach area look big (which isn't good for someone who is already uncomfotable with their belly area.) These are highwaisted too which I wasn't expecting. I would return if I didnt remove the tags. Do I recommend? Eh, I would try them on and really think about the style before purchasing. *Had to go up 1 whole size too!!!!*

Low Rise Shorts $58

I ended up returning these online exculsive shorts because the sizing was off, I needed a size larger. *The shorts are sized odd this year*. I plan to reorder these because the look is really nice overal. 

White Drapy Top $18

I really really love this top. I plan to purcahse more and all the colors. The fabric is super soft and the draping detail is perfect to wear with jeans or tucked into highwaisted bottoms! 

Low Rise Clearance Jeans $19

These might be the softest jeans I own. Even after washing these jeans are still super soft. I love the ankle detail and these fit true to size! Definitely recommend shopping their jean collection the next time you want a good soft pair of denim!

Drapey Trench Jacket Clearance $90

This jacket I purchased last year in a mint green color and I wear it all the time time. Perfect for spring and summer looks at nighttime. This blush pink would be darling with a white dress or even white denim!

Tote $40

I'm amazed at how light, easy, and trendy this tote is. It holds so much items and doesnt loose its shape! Defintely a must for your summer collection (and perfect for poolside!)

This was my recent Abercrombie & Fitch Haul! I hope you enjoyed this post. If you're interested in getting some outfits on a promotion similar to mine sign up for Abercrombies emails! Also check the Abercrombie APP or go online to see what online exculsive sales they're hosting. 

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5 MUST HAVE ACCESSORIES for Summer!

Today I'm diving into the 5 MUST HAVE ACCESSORIES for Summer! With so many new trends and how quickly items are selling out, this will be a major 'go-to' post to read before your next trip to the mall! *As always the pieces I'll showcase will be affordable, todays pieces are ALL from Red Dress Boutique! But you can find similar items at different price points!*

Continue reading to hear what my 5 MUST HAVE ACCESSORIES for Summer are!

1. Leather Band Sandals/Woven Leather
Last year these sandals hit many stores and this year I feel you can find a similar style literally anywhere! (from high end to Target!). The best colors to stick with are timeless colors: white, tan, cognac, and black. These shades will compliment all summer fashion choices.

Cost $24

Cost: $26

2. Bamboo Bags or Straw Bags
Last year all the 'it influencers' had the Cult Gala bamboo bags (the price is RIDICULOUS on these!). But luckily this year you can find these bags at TJmaxx, Red Dress Boutique, and Abercrombie! Grab up one (or 3) in some classic tan colors or be bold and grab a colored Straw Bag!

Cost: $52

Cost $54

Cost: $80

Cost: $40

3. Quay Sunglasses 
This past year this super chic and quite an affordable brand is what every influencer is rocking. Most of their sunnies are about 65$ but the quality is just like Ray-Ban. If you're on the fence about dropping $150+ on Ray-Ban or Quay definitely go with Quay!

Cost: $60

Cost $65

4. Beaded Jewelry
This trend was in style last year and I'm so happy to see it again this year! The bright bold beaded earring, necklaces, and bracelets. You can find anywhere from Red Dress, Baublebar, Target, and F21. These fun pops of color can dress any look from casual to night. (And I must say - wear all white with a pop of teal beaded earrings it's so so chic! Bonus points if the earrings have some bamboo woven dealing too!)

Cost: $18

Cost: $20

5. Hair Scarfs
Dress up your ponytail with a silk hair scarf, tie the scarf around your neck for a nautical look, or glam up your straw tote bag with a scarf tied on the handle. with countless ways to use a silk scarf, the endless prints, and styles - I'm sure you'll look like a trendsetter with this accessory.

Cost: $12

Cost: $12

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What to Buy: It Cosmetics *And What Not to Buy!*

Today I wanted to dive in on what is worth buying from the “It Cosmetics” line. Over the years I’ve been testing many of their products and noticed some major hits while others aren't reaching the “you must own this” mark. Here are the products I feel everyone needs in their makeup and skincare bag.

Continue below to see What to Buy: It Cosmetics!

Buy

- Confidence in a Cleanser 
I really enjoy using this product. The overall texture of this cleanser is nice and I feel for the price its totally worth it.

- Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer

Seriously this concealer is amazing. I noticed a major difference with my under eye area when I used this. I also use this concealer to touch up small areas that need extra love as well.

- Bye Bye Under Eye Cream
I’m currently using this and so far I’ve enjoyed the product. I will have to update it the future. Currently, it does do the job on some under eye wrinkles but as of now it doesn’t irritate my skin, has little to no fragrance, and leaves me feeling positive about my future results. 

- It Cosmetics Foundation

My girlfriends all use this product and all claim its worth the investment. I personally haven't tried it yet because I'm currently on foundation overload but as soon as I empty one of the foundation bottles I will hop on the 'it cosmetics foundation' bandwagon and grab me some too!




Avoid

- Brow Power Universal Eye Pencil

I honestly didn’t see much amazement in this. I felt it was like a regular eye pencil that if you wanted to make darker you just needed to press down harder. Stick with a Covergirl pencil and save your money.

- Super Hero Volumizing Mascara

I bought the full size of this hoping to do wonders. Honestly, I didn’t see much difference and noticed it had a weird odor. In a recent shopping trip, I was given a small deluxe sample which I plan to try again and see if they improved the formula.

- Confidence in a Cream:

This product is generally an okay product. But I didn't notice much of a difference compared to other drugstore face creams. 

- Bye Bye Melting 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm
Seriously this is my #1 on the worst things to get. Maybe better for someone with dry skin that needs an oily/balm-like product on their skin but for me it sat on my skin and didn’t melt the makeup off. I plan to keep trying the product but I haven’t enjoyed it at all. And super scared to use my Clarisonic with it. 

I hope this post gave some insight into what I feel is the hits and fails of the It Cosmetics collection! Now I would like to ask everyone; What to Buy from It Cosmetics that I didn't mention! I love trying new makeup so drop me some suggestions! 

Also don't forget to follow the Instagram: @brittmcadenmills! I post daily fashion, beauty, and lifestyle! I appreciate all the love and support as I try to grow this side hustle.

- Brittney 

What Makeup Products to Splurge on

When it comes to makeup, I feel there are some products you need to invest a little in and some you don’t have to invest a lot in. Today I will talk about Makeup Products to Splurge on! 

Continue reading to hear what Makeup Products to Splurge on:


Foundation - This is a product I always invest in. Foundation is on your skin all day and is something you don’t want moving or fading after a few hours. There are some low price foundations that work well but my most favorites for all day wear are higher priced.

Cleanser - This is one of the most important products I recommend investing in. Your skin cleanser takes all the dirt and toxins off your skin. If your skin cleanser isn’t doing the best job then your makeup won't sit well and look good. 


Lotion - Another major skincare item I invest highly in. Your lotion is protecting your skin from the elements and is helping reverse signs of aging. Invest in this product if you want your skin to be healthy, balanced and glowing for your makeup canvas.


Deep color lipsticks/lip stains - I’ve always had a hard time finding low price lip stains and lipsticks that stay well throughout the day. When I need a stain or deep color I invest a bit in the product.

Eyeshadows in shades of purple - I mention this because, in the makeup color world, purple colors are challenging to get right. I watched a Youtube video where Jeffree Star spoke about how purple pigments sometimes don't transfer well. 

Eyeshadow with large glitter pieces - Makeup glitter is totally different from craft store glitter. Craft glitter is sharp-edged while makeup the glitter has to be rounded (so if there's any fallout into your eyes the glitter won't cut your eye!) I tend to shop higher quality with super chunky glitter shadows just because of how serious this health safety is. 

FAST TIP: I love finding affordable products. Be EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS when shopping at off-price retailers (Like TJmaxx, Ross, Etc) sometimes the makeup could be expired or opened. This also goes for products you might find at Ulta's clearance rack. Make sure the products aren't opened and once you take the item home do a smell test.  *I plan to do a future post about tips on beauty products; similar to this tip!*

In a future post, I'll speak on products you don't have to splurge on. So watch for that post! And as always, if you’re not following the Instagram please click this link and follow along! I post daily fashion, beauty, and lifestyle! Thanks again for all the support as I grow this side hustle.

- Brittney

Go to Product to Repair Nails

Do your nails sometimes get discolored? Have a chalky like color to them? Feel weak, dry, or just ‘unhealthy’? I struggle with this. Every time I take my nail polish off the nails just lack the clean and healthy look. To resolve the issue tried countless different nail treatments and none did the trick (some even made my nails look worse). But one day, I found the 'go to' product to repair nails!

Read below to hear what my Go to Product to Repair Nails is!

I had a Nail Technician give me some advice, she said: “Go to a store that sells nail products and purchase a treatment that has Kerien Oil in it”. I went to Ulta Beauty and found this treatment: Nail Tek Nail Nutritionist 'Keratin Nail Treatment'. I noticed it was more costly than the other nail treatments but I was ashamed of my nails and worried my nails might be getting ‘sick’. The fear of a costly medical issue developing if I don’t reverse this problem sunk in... So I purchased the product and after 2-3 uses, my nails did a 180! 

How I use this 'go to' product to repair nails:
I typically remove my nail polish at night before I hop in the shower. So once I remove my polish I use some mild soap with no fragrance and a nail brush to scrub my nails clean. Then I apply the Keratin Nail Treatment by Nail Tek on my nails - once it's dry I go to bed. The next morning the first thing I do is apply another coat - let it dry and then my nails are ready to be painted whenever! I like to give my nails a good night to breathe without the new polish color so the Kerien Oil can do its job in recovering my nails from the polish. Also never forget a good base coat! This helps your nails too! 

Okay! I hope this post helps anyone who needs a go-to product to repair nails! And if you’re not following the Instagram please click this link and follow along! I post daily fashion, beauty and lifestyle posts! Thanks again for all the support as I grow this blog!

- Brittney 

LUSH HAUL - Using my Own Tips!!!

Good Morning everyone!
The other day I took a trip to LUSH Cosmetics and used my own tips to grab up a few items. Below you'll see all I purchased! (FYI - I purchased all of this for only $100!)
In total, I got 12 bath and bubble bars, 2 samples, and an 8oz bottle of shower gel (not pictured because my Husband is already using it!) all for under $100!

The gift set "Orbital" was a great deal! It was actually cheaper buying this gift set instead of purchasing each one separately. I did get a few bath bombs I've never tried before and so far I love them! (this was one of my tips).
I also got 2 samples! (one of my tips again!) The soap bar is a good size that I can use multiple times. And the small black jar has a shower scrub that will be at least 2 uses!
I also purchased some holiday items which were limited edition and there was a buy one get one free promo! (another great tip!).

As you can see some of these tips really did pay off! I had an amazing experience shopping the store!

Testing a Monthly Subscription Kit: PLAY! by Sephora

For years now there’s been monthly subscription kits (the Fab Fit kits, Birchbox, Boxycharm, Sephora, etc). And I’ve always wondered if these kits are truly worth it. The first thing is to decide on a kit. Some are devoted to jewelry, some makeup+skincare, and some for lifestyle.

Today I had the opportunity to test a monthly subscription kit; a Play by Sephora kit. Now a cool fact on Sephora; you can sign up for the monthly subscription or just purchase a “Play Smarts” kit (which informs you in advance what’s in the kit). The “Play Smarts” are usually themed and I have purchased “Play Smarts” kits in the past and loved it. [Image below is of my “Play Smarts” kit. It was a kit based on Age 30’s skincare. Like I said, I LOVED it.]

So when this opportunity to try the regular monthly subscription kit for FREE came around I felt I must try and compare. Now the only difference from the two kits is being aware of what you’ll get versus a kit that is a complete surprise. Both kits came with 5 products + 1 extra bonus, 50 points card to use on your next purchase, and the online how to use video. 

Below you will see images of the regular Play by Sephora kit I received. 

Overall, this kit was alright. For the price you pay you do get a good amount of items. The sizes are deluxe samples/travel sizes so you get more than 3 uses; which I love. There was some nice products and some that I didn’t care for (since the kit is a surprise without me knowing what’s inside a few of the items doesn’t work well with my skin/I already had in my collection.)

If you’re on the fence about trying a monthly kit I recommend doing the homework and reading reviews on if the products were legitimate, if the kit has a ‘personal profile’ so you will get items custom to your needs, and if you can purchase something that you already know whats coming to you (like the “Play Smarts” kits by Sephora). 

Newest Spring Break Swimsuits

Today’s post is all about the newest swim that has hit the shops in time for Spring Break destinations! As a stay at home mom, I no longer get to indulge in the “Spring Break” trips but that doesn’t mean I don’t know my way around some swimmies! (Living at the Gulf Coast has given me tons of "swim attire" experience).

As a casual reminder before you scroll down the see what the new swim trends are PLEASE follow the Instagram page! I post daily on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. I also give some peeks into my daily life living in the Gulf Coast.

Ready to see the Newest Spring Break Swimsuits -


American Eagle - This store has swim for all body types. From one piece, bikinis, to cheeky and Brazilian cut. Size range is amazing and if you can’t find your size in store have an associate order one for you with free shipping to store! I noticed a big trend is bold colors.

Abercrombie & Fitch - This store is a personal favorite of mine (not because I worked there for a decade) but because their swim is high quality and the styles are always on-trend yet preppy. My local A&F was stocked with tons of sizes and they do free shipping when ordered in store. The associates at my local store was super friendly and gave me tons of swim to try on.

Red Dress Boutique- This shop I’ve recently became a fan of. I noticed their swim is very boho and also super girly. The sizes are a bit odd (only small, medium, and large) so look closely at a size chart.

Everything But Water - This store is literally all swim. So the associates know what the trends are and how to direct you to the best fit. Their swim is of nice higher quality brands and a lot of their pieces have a classic feel.

Forever21- One of my favorite cheap thrills places. I would grab swim from here if its for a quick and carefree trip. Never expect a F21 swimsuit to last ages. This is a fast fashion store so its garments are made to be worn only a few times. They do keep up with the newest trends and they have some bold ’show stopper’ pieces.

H&M- This store is also known as a fast fashion store. So the swim isn’t going to be the quality of a store that invests more in their products. This year I noticed a lot of banded detailing and unique cuts in their swim (look below).