Reviews by Cole » Shopping

What’s In Style, May 2012

Cole — Tue, 22 May 2012 08:55:41 +0000

I’ve spent a good amount of time shopping lately, and I’ve noticed some definite trends. I don’t know if I haven’t shopped enough before to realize them, or if they’re just extremely noticeable now, but there’s some definite collaboration.

The ’80s Are Back in Style

We're Tying in Front Again?

Entire stores pretty much look like this. Neon colors are everywhere. I’m still not super comfortable wearing every color and, even if I was, I’d probably only wear them as accents. It’s just too much, too bright. Lace is also big. In fact, there’s many tops that are both lace and neon. I’m slightly more of a fan of lace, though. I wouldn’t mind a nice lace cardigan. I’m also drawn to the one-shoulder tops that are making a comeback. I have yet to find one that I love, however. Another throwback to the cocaine era is large t-shirts that are usually off the shoulder or quite short tops that tie in the front. None of these are actually flattering to any body type, of course. What’s up with that?

Animal Print is In

I can do animal print. I tried on a black and white top with spots. The top was weird, but the color was nice. I’m also seeing a lot of mix and match patterns, like the bra I got from Smart & Sexy.

Tiered Tops

The tiered tops trend seems like it’s not going anyway. Tank tops and off-the-should tops are especially common in this style. I haven’t found one that I like, but I’m not necessarily against the trend. It might not work with every body style or shape, of course. There’s some interesting tutorials I’ve seen on Pinterest that highlight this trend.

Those Sleeves Are Huge!

This is another throwback to the ’80s, really, but I wanted to list it on its own. Sleeves are really long, as in the armholes. I tried on a shirt and felt like I had wings. I didn’t find it comfortable or flattering. It’s all over, though. Some tops even have decoration to make it look like the sleeves are longer than they are!

The Maxi Dress

Giant Sleeves and Awkward Waistline?

Listen, I’m short, so I can’t rock this look but, even if I could, I wouldn’t. It makes you look like a hippie. It’s just not my style. Put it away, please? No? Damn.

UltraLow Waists

A lot of shirts tie or have elastic bands at the hips. The rest of the fabric hangs down loosely from the waist. It almost always looks like two shirts were sewn together, to me. It’s definitely meant for someone thinner than I am. I can see it working but it doesn’t look pretty on the hanger.

To-Done!

Cole — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:12:44 +0000

It’s not often that I feel caught up with shopping. I’m not talking about consumables. I mean, I’ll always need toiler paper or hand soap, but it’s not often that I feel caught up with things that are useful but not necessary. With an advertisement payment, I was able to buy a few things that I had wanted to buy. After clearing up that list, I won’t feel bad if something catches my eye and I decide to pick it up in the spur of the moment, I can. It’s an awesome feeling.

Saving Face

Cole — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:14:55 +0000

Yesterday I was in Walgreens, smelling all the pretty things and just wasting some time. In the cosmetics section, they always have promo photos of the models and other famous people who are the current face of a brand. As I was looking at one picture, I though “Hmm, Katy Perry sure is more photoshopped than ever.” Then I saw the person’s name and realized it wasn’t Katy but Zooey Deschanel, instead. Now, I do think these two ladies look alike, but the reason I made the mistake was because of the combination of the makeup and digital editing gave the photo a too-smooth and fake look that Zooey rarely has. In fact, even after knowing it was her, I kept looking at the picture, shocked that it was her.

I imagine that I am like most women when shopping for cosmetics. I want something that will smooth, balance, highlight and perfect but without stripping me of my natural identity. I’m not a drag queen nor am I some crazy cosplayer. I just want a little help, not a mask. To me, this sort of advertising gimmick does more harm than help for these brands. The women they use as the faces of their brands become even more removed from me and this type of promotional material doesn’t realistically help me decide of a certain cosmetic is right for me.

And isn’t the point of using a well-known model or actress as your spokesperson so that people can recognize them? How can you possibly be helping to sell more product if the consumers have no idea who they’re looking at? I have this thought every once in a while, when I spot advertising that makes this mistake. I don’t know how these ads, but I’m not the first to say “WTF?!” to Rimmel’s ads with Zooey. The one I saw is below, what do you think?

What to Buy!

Cole — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:14:53 +0000

Now that taxes are done, and I’m expecting a little extra money thanks to advertising, I have some money I can spend on the things that have been on my wishlist but had a low priority until now. Luckily, I don’t have to pay for my own home maintenance costs, so I’m not the one who has to deal with round rock water extraction services. No, the purchases I’m thinking about making are a little more personal. There’s much in terms of big things on this list, really. I mean, I already bought my Kindle Fire. ;)

Sheets. I’m thinking high-count cotton in black, because the satin ones I bought last year just haven’t been as practical as I’d hope
Some yoga/lounge pants for around the house. I’m having a hard time finding fitted cotton and not nylon ones.
New shoes. I could use a new pair to replace my Converse and perhaps one or two pairs of dressier shoes or wedges.
A cat scratcher/furniture. This should actually be higher on the list.
Pjs. I don’t really need any, but I’d sure like a cute matching set.
A new iPod Touch. But, when I say “new,” I really just mean new to me. Mine is old and laggy and I don’t need a new one but I’d really appreciate one.
A new purse that is more functional than the one I have now.
A couple camis to replace the ones I have which just wore out.

Welcome to Narnia

Cole — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 19:13:02 +0000

You know in the opening credits of the Simpsons, how Bart has to write something 500 times on the chalkboard? If I had to do something like that, it would probably turn out to be this.

I do not need anymore body wash or lotion.

I do not need anymore body wash or lotion.

I do not need anymore body wash or lotion.

Yea, I think you get the point.

One of the fantastic things about being a reviewer, is that I often get things for free. Sometimes I love them and, other times, not so much. I currently have two almost brand-new bottles of body wash that I don’t really like. I may consider gifting them away. I don’t know. I also have a bunch of lotion that I really do like. I just don’t have enough skin. Surprisingly enough, I got a lot of this surplus from EdenFantasys. The site doesn’t just sell sex toys.

On a couple occasions, I’ve referred to my bathroom cabinet as the wardrobe to Narnia. Whenever I am out of anything — shampoo or soap — I just reach further back to find some more. It seems like I always have an extra bottle or jar of something. The reason it, I always try new things but I rarely like them. I use them for a couple weeks but wind up going back to the products that I know do work for me. The less-than-stellar products wind up in the cabinet and I only use them for another week or so when I run out of the good stuff or, maybe if my skin or hair decides it needs a break from what I’m currently using. This is why I’ve had the same bottle of shampoo in my shower for almost a year!

Zenni Optical

Cole — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:08:52 +0000

Whenever the subject comes up, I always tell people that I should have had glasses years ago — and it’s true. My sight isn’t horrible but things would be a little clearer if I wore them, especially when driving. This is part of the reason why I do not like to drive at night. A few years ago, I got a prescription and I visited at least four eye glasses stores but I either couldn’t find anything that I liked or within my price range. I couldn’t see myself paying upwards of $100 for glasses I’d only wear some of the time. I wish I had known about sites like Zenni Optical then. They offer prescription glasses with a variety of frames for bottom-line prices. One of the lowest-priced options are $6.95 prescription eyeglasses. That’s less than I spend on Mountain Dew in a week! Some of the more “expensive” frames are $12.95. That’s not a price about which I can complain!

Plus, Zinni offers options like Oleophobic coating to deter fingerprints, oil and dust so that you can spend less time cleaning your lenses. This same coating also reduces reflection, which is always a plus. That would be great for me, if I were wearing glasses while driving at night. The coating itself isn’t that expensive either.

Even though I need a new prescription, I cannot help but browse the site and I’m surprised at how many frames I like. I’m definitely going to be playing on the site before I go to bed.

I Smell Like a Cupcake!

Cole — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:06:26 +0000

Today I received an entire box full of cupcake scented goodness.. manufactured by the company known for the great Coochy Cream. Lots of toy companies are branching out to include sensual gear, including massage candles and lotions and potions and companies like Classic Erotica are continuing to expand their line-up of sensual and sexual health and body products. I, for one, cannot complain. I love having more options because I feel so much better when a) I smell good or b) my house smells good.

So it’s kind of cool that EdenFantasys is now carrying a whole bunch of fragrance options. I also love that they’re carrying the entire cake line. I still love my Milk Made body froth and I want to try both of the scents of their Supremely rich bath and shower froths. I’ll probably get some of the Milk Made sugar scrub, too.

Principessa Beauty is another new company and while I have not yet tried its products, the lotions, lip glosses, body washes and perfume oils all call to me. When did I become such a girl? So whether I want to spruce up my hair and skin or show off the girls or invest in some sex toys, EdenFantasys definitely offers a variety of options this Valentine’s Day.. even if it’s likely I’ll be spending it alone. d=

No More Rack

Cole — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:29:07 +0000

I’ve been seeing a lot of links and posts about discount sites like No More Rack. I haven’t signed up yet but the premise seems pretty cool. If you have the time, it could be worth it (like those penny auction sites, except a lot less hassle). Certain items, including brand names, are available for just 24-hours at a discount price. The items are also generally limited in quantity so first come, first served. One of the coolest factors is that packages only cost $2 to ship, which is a steal if you purchase, well, pretty much anything.

I’m pretty set in my ways but I took the time to check out some nomorerack reviews and a lot of people, like me, enjoy the idea but haven’t signed on yet. I know I’m always hesitant to sign up for another website because I have so many accounts on the Internet already and I already receive soo many emails. If I had heard of the website before Chritmas, I probably would have signed up and kept my eye on some of the high-end items. We know how I’ve been wanting an iPod Touch for just about forever (and I have yet to win one in any giveaway).

Have you signed up for No More Rack Yet?

Give it to me

Cole — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 10:34:53 +0000

I have a bias against a certain kind of gift. It’s a type of last minute gift. The type of gift someone purchases when they know nothing at all about you or perhaps if they have little money left. The latter is no one’s fault but the former is annoying. So where do these people head? They head to a section especially created for this type of shopper for a few weeks out of the year: the holiday gift section where everything is conveniently priced in whole numbers like $5 or $7. Yay!

Except not because, even when something seems interesting, like a fragrance or lotion, it’s some no-name brand that is absolutely the cheapest quality ever. The shelves are filled with other things that are even less useful. Cheap plastic massagers. Bath kits. Men’s cologne. Aftershave. Pjs. Knock-off candy. Hot chocolate with year-old marshmallows. “Collectible” tins and bowls and cups. Pencils. One hundred million count makeup palettes. Pooping reindeer.

Basically, it’s stuff that no one would ever buy during the rest of the year and I sure as hell don’t want you to buy it for me the rest of the year. Most of this stuff gets regifted, thrown away or lost in the back corners of closets, attics or basements to collect dust until you have to move. If you honestly think I’d really like any of that cheap stuff, you don’t know me well enough at all and, if for some reason you are obligated to buy me a present, I will find it more practical of you to simply purchase me a gift card that I can use for either something practical or that I can use to splurge on myself.

There’s nothing worse than being stuck with something that is not only impractical but also says “I don’t know enough about you to purchase something you’d like and I don’t care enough about you to ask.” It’s downright offensive because if it’s the thought that counts, there’s nothing to count there.

LOLMart has new shirts, makes Cole a sad panda

Cole — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 07:55:00 +0000

I waited for 6 weeks, six!, for my Ninja Catnarok shirt showed up and, when it did, it was huge. Apparently, LOLMart has mostly moved to a “true fit “style of shirt. Except, I do most of my shopping in the juniors section and I like the slimmer cut of the babydoll style so the cut I got was a size or two too big. In their defense, I did miss the small print but I sent an email anyway and they were awesome enough to refund my money and let me keep the shirt so I have something else to wear to bed. Very cool of them.