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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LUSH COSMETICS BODY SCRUBS YOU NEED!

LUSH COSMETICS is all about natural ingredients and helping give back to our lovely planet. Everyone flocks to see the adorable bath bombs and zillion bubbles from the bubble bars but everyone is missing this diamond of a product! I personally feel their line of shower scrubs is one of the best products they carry.

Continue reading to hear why YOU NEED a body scrub from LUSH!

On a recent visit to LUSH, I was telling the associate about how I enjoy blogging and from time to time I blog about LUSH. She asked what is one of my favorite products (which is the rub rub rub shower scrub) and she loaded me with samples of their other 'tubbed' scrubs to review about.
*These scrubs are all in the classic black tubs that LUSH packages their products in. There's also solid scrubs that you can purchase as well - package free. Today I was only reviewing items that will be sold in the black tubs.*

Mama Mia - it's a bright pinky color scrub that has a kick of grapefruit. Reminds me of the same texture and results I get from Magic Crystals. It has fine Sea and Himalayan salts as its exfoliant.
Cost: $28.95 21.8oz

Magic Crystals - A fun minty scented scrub with Epson salts and sea salts. The bold purple color gives me total Halloween vibes.
Cost: $17.95 10.5oz

Scrub Scrub Scrub - total sister to the rub rub rub. Same buffing effect but the difference is color and scent. This has some cleansing charcoal mixed in + salt for its exfoliant and the scent is a berry-sweet scent.
Cost: $17.95 11.6oz

Rub Rub Rub - Like mentioned above, similar to Scrub Scrub Scrub but light blue color and floral scented. This has fine sea salt as its exfoliant. My ultimate favorite.
Cost: $22.95 11.6oz

Ocean Salt - Super salty scrub that has an ocean like scent to it. You can use both on face and body; though its main focus is for the face. Honestly, my least favorite on the scrub collection - but the first scrub I ever tried. I might revisit this beaut down the road to see if I notice any difference.
Cost: $21.95 4.2oz

FACT: The prices versus the size of the product might be different compared to others. Remember the prices is based on the ingredients used.

TIP: Anytime you're near a LUSH drop by for a sample or two! You can even test the product in-store! The first time I tested Rub Rub Rub I was in-store and the associate gave me a full hand/arm massage with it.

I hope you enjoy this post and as always follow Instagram for daily posts! Your follow on IG will bring me one step closer to goals I hope to reach!
- Brittney

Lifestyle - Technology Clean Up!

Today its all about ways to clean up our technology! Currenlty my phone has 300+ emails and a constant reminder that I'm out of cloud space, my phone hasn't been backed up, and to purchase more storage. If your phone, laptop, or any tech gear sounds similar to mine continue reading on some of my technology clean up tips!

De-clutter + Unsubscribe emails
A chore I dread doing is de-cluttering my emails. Every few months I take a good 45 minutes to focus just on deleting old un-needed emails and ‘unsubscribe’ link to get off email lists that blow up my inbox 5 days a week. Seriously, once this chore is complete my emails are easier to load and no more random promotional emails!

Save your photos and free up data space
I panic when my phone tells me the photo storage is full and needs space. I recenlty linked phone and MacBook so my photos automatically store into my computers photos file! Now I can erase them off the cellphone! If you can't link your phone and computer like me purchase a photo memory card and photos up as often as possible to free up data space. 

Delete any Apps you haven’t used in 3 months
My rule is if I haven’t used it in 3 months, take it off the phone. It helps so much with your storage space! And no worries cause if you ever want to upload again its in your purcahse log!

Delete anything you don’t need or want
I have tons of untitled documents I started to type and stopped. Or lists I made on my phone. So deleted anything thats just sitting and taking up space. Notes, Documents, videos, powerpoints, etc. 

Bye Finger Prints!
Get a glasses cloth and clean the screens of all your devices. If you scroll for hours and then talk on the phone you’ll be surprised how much germs go from the screen to your face. Wipe your screens as much as possible.

Clean behind the cases
An area I forget to clean is behind the cases. So when I do I am shocked at all the dirt and dust that has coated behind the case. 

Lastly, turn off the phone!
Doing this will help your phone reupdate itself. And if there was a glitch slowing it down the restart will repair it. I try to turn my phone off at least 2x a month. And I turn my phone off anytime I'm inside a plane or in a location I dont want my phones speaker collecting information of (yes your phone speaker is always on and listening!)

I hope these tips will help you on your next technology clean up! And if you’re not following the Instagram please click this link and follow along! I post daily on fashion, beauty and lifestyle! I appreciate all the love and support from everyone.

- Brittney 

Beauty + Skincare EMPTIES

Its that time again where I grab up the basket of "empties" and go over how I felt about the products! I've been really enjoying this because I can really sit back and dissect the product (from packaging, quality, short/long term results, etc). The best part is I'm using up items I've had sitting around and making space for new items to try!

If you would like to hear what EMPTIES I have and what products I plan to repurchase continue reading!

- Kristin Ess Extra Gentle Shampoo & Conditioner
So shocked. I used up an entire set of haircare products! Honestly didn't see anything 'amazing' when I used these the first few times. The results were 'eh'. Depending on the weather  conditions the product would either do its job or leave my hair extra oily and flat. The smell is also a bit too perfumey for me. I do think the packaging was nice. The bottles have some natural weight to them which feels pleasing. For the price, I feel you should just go to Ulta and buy a Salon set.


- Eyelure Wispy N152
When I have the time to wear false lashes I love em. This brand has always been an affordable favorite and the wispy is so great for a 'natural glam' look.


- Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water *Pink Bottle*
Best product ever. I have to stress the pink bottle because I did a repurchased but grabbed the blue bottle (and I'm not enjoying it as much.) The pink is an All-in-1 and good for sensitive skin. I also love it comes in smaller travel size bottles!

- Too Faced Shadow Insurance
I have been slowly using this up for ages. It really does lock in the shadow and keeps it from sliding or melting off (which says A LOT because I live in Florida!). I will probably repurchase down the road but I'm currently wanting to try out a few new brands of eyeshadow primer.


- Ole Henriksen The Clean Truth Foaming Cleanser
It has a good foaming pump. Citrus scent. And removes dirt easily. Worked great with my Clarisonic. This is a cult classic but I doubt I'll repurchase because I'm in need of a cleanser that fits all my needs.


- Sephora Collection Avocado Face Mask
This mask was in a collection set I purchased and wow I'm so glad I got to try this! The way the mask was packaged is 100% high quality. I felt the mask is like most sheet masks as in there was a lot of product and the results were normal. I'm going to look more into Sephora's sheet masks next time I'm in-store.

- Abercrombie & Fitch Perfume Sampler
I was given this sample set on a trip to the store. Was super excited to try 3 of their newest perfumes and the package even had a $10 off coupon! The samples had a good 7-9 pumps in it which is great! Ellwood is definitely a beautiful scent.

- Batiste Dry Shampoo "Cheetah bottle"
Like most Batiste Dry Shampoos this one did what was expected. I like the packaging and the scent wasn't too bad either. Definitely, plan to restock on some dry shampoo in the near future! Also watch for this, you can get them at Tjmaxx for much less!

- Dr Jart+ Ceramidin
I received this in a Sephora Play! Kit. It wasn't too terrible of face cream. But definitely isn't my Charlotte's Magic Cream or La Mer. I don't plan to repurchase because I have so many face creams I need to test out and the results from this wasn't that amazing.

- Dirty Works Coconut Body Scrub
Not sure where this came from... It was in my basket of shower scrubs and I thought it was worth using. Definitely had amazing exfoliants in it! The scent felt like a vacation and the exfoliants knocked all the dry skin off in one use! If I could find this product again I would definitely repurchase for prepping my skin for tanning.

- Chapstick
I mean, its Chapstick. Classic. Everyone uses it. Will always have one in my purse!

- Benefit's Bad Gal Lash
I love benefits products - Hoola Bronzer is my jam. But I'm not a fan of this mascara. The brush was very chunky and I felt the product didn't transfer off well. It seemed really clumpy at times and for the cost, it's not worth it.

- Two Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes
I live for these things. Especially when I visit the spa. But I will warn everyone to not skip on using a face cleanser or wiping down your face with some water. These wipes remove makeup but there are some oils and perfume that will leave a strange film-like layer on your skin. If you apply makeup after using one of these it might alter the appearance of your makeup too.

As always don't forget to follow the instagram! I post daily style, beauty, and lifestyle posts! Also when I reach my 'speical' goal I plan to do a huge giveaway! Thanks for all the support! 

- Brittney

Surprising places to buy trendy ‘influencer’ style decor pieces *and cheaply!*

Today's a fun post on where to buy those trendy 'influencer' style decor pieces. I love looking at 'influencers' home and office decor, but I'm not at the level of getting free merchandise or discounts at Pottery Barn for a blog post sponsorship. Therefore, I gotta be creative when I want to decorate like an influencer. 

Below you will see some surprising stores you can buy “trendy” “stylish” or “Influencer level” decor

Dollar Store + 5 Below - Dollar Stores are my ultimate go to store to grab accessories for my beauty shelf like cotton pads, Q-tips, even Acrylic trays! (yes you heard me right; they sell Acrylic trays!) They also carry some cute storage containers and perfect spot to grab cards at too. 5 Below is very similar to a dollar store but everything is $5 or less. I love shopping here for decor pieces, containers, and even makeup brushes! 

Hobby Lobby - WOW this store has some super ‘influencer’ style home decor. From tropical pictures, trendy phone cases, and adorable planners - note pads - desk decor - and more! (plus go online and print. 40% off coupon!)

Target *Dollar Bins* - We all know Target is the place to grab your random things needed but check the dollar bins for some of the best little pieces all under $5! From coasters, cards, workout gear, and beauty items.

Hallmark Stores - My most recent trip to Hallmark left me in awe. I was so surprised at all the stationary items they had that were ‘it girl trendy’. I always assumed they just carried cards and Christmas ornaments but they carry a lot more! 

Bed, Bath, & Beyond - If you want to get a good cheap rolling rack to hold all your clothes or glass bowls to store your bath bombs in hit up this store. I mean, I never considered BB&B because I always associated the store with plates and bath towels. But total game changer (plus print a 20% off coupon!)

TjMaxx/Marshalls/HomeGoods - these stores are no brainers. You can get literally makeup mirrors, decor pieces, stationery, and even a few outfits in these stores at very affordable prices.

Amazon Prime - Amazon is amazing for finding just about anything. But the best part is you can find great look-a-likes at deep discounts. So instead of dropping massive money on a makeup organizer at Nordstrom check the Amazon site for similar pieces! 

I hope this post gave you some ideas on surprising places that you can purchase trendy, stylish and chic pieces just like an 'influencer'.
Don’t forget to follow the Instagram! @brittneymillsblog; I post daily on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle! Just click this link! Thanks again for all the support as I try to grow this side hustle.

- Brittney

Ulta VS Sephora - Which is Better?

Which is better to shop at, Ulta or Sephora? As a huge, and I mean huge makeup + skincare fan I have shopped both stores countless times and realized there's quite a difference and I will say - "the best store" depends on what you want/need from your makeup experience.  Below you’ll see the reasoning and details on Which is Better - Ulta VS Sephora. 

Drugstore or luxury.
If you’re on the search for a drugstore mascara or some of the well known skincare items (like netrogenia makeup wipes) you best go to Ulta! The store has half high end and half drugstore/affordable products. From Elf cosmetics, Makeup Revolution to Urban Decay, MAC cosmetics. 

But if you want the best of the best (I’m talking Dior, YSL, Gucci, Kat Von D, etc) you need to visit Sephora. Also, don't forget that Sephora is owned by a Luxury Retailers LVMH - So you'll definitely only see the best of the best. 

Store Collection - Which is Better?
Both Ulta and Sephora have their own personal collection. Ulta seems to always do bogo sales on their collection while Sephora does random promotions on select items but generally both are at affordable prices. I personally prefer the Sephora over Ulta. I feel Sephora’s formula is better quality cause it is competing with all the luxury brands within their store. Also, it's founded in Paris with Louis Vuitton as its parent organizer. While Ulta is simply competing with drugstore brand like Revlon.

In-store treatments.
Both stores have trained associates to do special in-store treatments. Ulta has a hair salon, skincare bar, brow bar, and makeup bar. Sephora has a makeup + skincare bar. If you want a mini spa day stick with Ulta. If you want a smokey eye before your dinner date - go to Sephora.

Sales and Promos.
If you’re looking for good deals or special promos Ulta is the one. You can look online or in your newspaper for the Ulta flyer. From bogo items to special pricing. Sephora does have a sale section online and sometimes a small sale tower in store but their items are all high end which rarely gets marked down. And while Ulta does an amazing 21 days of beauty sale and amazing promos on Black Friday; Sephora simply has a few items marked down, a few percentages off specials (which rarely happen) and that's about it. 

Free Samples.
Ulta has testers you can sample in store.
Sephora has testers you can sample in store and you can request samples to try at home on practically any item that can be made into a sample (even perfumes!). Sometimes even at the register, I’ve made a purchase and they'll throw a deluxe beauty sample into my bag ‘just because’. 

Gift With Purchases.
Ulta has tons of gift with purchase items. I will say you need to remind them at the register because they will forget to give you the gift!
Sephora doesn’t have any special gift with purchase. Sometimes they'll have a spend $35 or spend $50 in-store you will get a sample bag of treats. But I stress on sometimes; because it rarely happens. 

Membership perks.
Both stores have special membership clubs. Both have uniquely different perks. I’m going to go over each in detail.

Ulta - the Ultimate Rewards. Regular membership is getting a 1 point per dollar on all purchases. Points can be gained and used to take a dollar pricing off your purchase (even high-end items). Example -> 100 points turn into $3.00 off.  Ulta credit card gets double the points off each purchase per dollar spent. So 20$ spent = 40 points. There are also double points on your birthday month. Random bonus point days. And a birthday gift. Points expire in a year unless you reach tier two (spend $450 in a calendar year).

Sephora - VIB membership. Dollars spent turn into points that can be used to get deluxe size sample/travel items. Sometimes they do special events where your points can be used to enter into contests. Points never (and I mean never) expire. They sometimes do double points days which you'll see in the Sephora App or online. When you reach tier two and tier three there are special gifts and you can get more points per dollar spent. Birthday gifts during your birthday month as well. 

Verdict.
The conclusion is both stores have their wins and losses. It honestly depends on if you are on a mission for samples, drugstore makeup, luxury makeup, bulk/gift with purchase items, in-store spa/beauty treatments, etc. 

I hope this break down on what each store offers helps on your next beauty journey! 
- Brittney 

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). 

Beauty EMPTIES!

Today's a quick post on some beauty products I emptied. When I’m bored I’ll check up on my favorite bloggers when they make this style of post because I always love reading about products and getting new recommendations! So today I thought I’d do the same.
This post is going to be simple and sweet. I’ll list where I purchased each item as well in case anyone wants to try these!
 As always follow the Instagram for daily posts on fashion, beauty and lifestyle!

1. Bastiste Dry Shampoo - This worked well when my hair felt oily or sweaty (especially in the summer time!). Love the scent and the packing is super cute. I’ll be mentioning in more details about this in a future post. Purchase anywhere beauty items are sold!

2. HUM Collagen Pop - At first I didn’t enjoy this. In fact I wrote a negative review about this because of the taste. After day 6, I was able to handle the taste and plan to get more. Its a 10 day drink mix tablet. I’ll be mentioning more on this in a future post! Purchased at Sephora.

3. Clarins Hydra-Essential Eye Mask - This lil’ guy was a sample from a Nordstrom purchase. I actually got 5 solid uses from it! Overall it's nice. I feel if I purchased a full size I would see more results on my under eye area. Considering purchasing again soon at Nordstrom.

4. 14 Karat Gold Rush Tanning Lotion - This is my go-to tanning lotion. The smell is heavenly and the amount of bronze color you get is amazing! Purchased at Amazon.

5. Sexy Little Things Perfume - This was my signature scent throughout college! Once I got married I felt I needed a ’signature scent’ change (but wanted to finish using my stash of S.L.T. Perfumes I built up in my closet!) This is now Discontinued.

6. MakeUpForEver HD Primer - The quality this primer gives is 100%. I’m definitely going to restock on this one soon! Purchased at Sephora.

7. Clinique Mascara - This mascara is surprisingly a good one. It doesn’t do a lot of volume but it's a great lengthening mascara. I’ll most likely get another small size with my Sephora points; but probably won’t purchase a full size. Purchased at Sephora.

8. Pacifica Kale Detox Face Wash - I really enjoyed this face wash! I even made my husband use it! The only downside is I couldn’t stand the smell (its the least pleasing smell in the Pacifica Collection) but the product WORKS wonders! Purchased at ULTA.