Le Tote clothing subscription

Yes, another monthly subscription service. There's makeup, clothes, groceries, coffee, shaving kits, etc. What's next? The trend of the decade is subscription services, so of course I have to hop on.

How is the service advertised to work? Le Tote styles your tote based on your input. Then, you can change items and decide what ships. Le Tote will send your tote to your door with free 2-3 day priority shipping. Wear your clothing and accessories out and about, for as long as you’d like. Keep the pieces you love for up to 50% off retail and return the rest.

The number of items in each tote depends on what membership plan you have—Le Tote offers both clothing and accessories options. You can change your plan at any time, and if you ever want to add extra clothing or accessory items, you can pay a one-time fee to get another item in your tote.

They offer women’s clothing and accessories (jewelry, bags and scarves) for rent. Le Tote has thousands of on-trend and classic styles—for the workday, the weekend and everything in between. There are also maternity styles if you’re expecting. They carry hundreds of brands like Calvin Klein, Vince Camuto and French Connection, and our sizes range from 0-16 (XS-XXL).

By rating your items, they learn your style and size, and make better suggestions. If something doesn’t fit or isn’t quite right, be sure to share your feedback so they can make each tote better than the last.

I've just signed up to the service. Expect an update and review soon!

Three minimalist jewelry for professionals

Minimalistic jewelry is key when it comes to accessorizing for work. Simple and timeless jewelry can be worn to the office, for a night out, or even to a wedding.

We've been obsessed with this Raw Rose Quartz Gold Dipped Mermaid Studs by Borcik.
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Add a bit of customization with this Dainty Personalized Wrap Ring by LayeredAndLong.



There are endless possibilities to layer your necklaces when you pair them with a delicate piece like this Gemstone Bar Necklace by Urban Carats Jewelry.



What are some of your basic or versatile accessory pieces?

Madewell: personal and casual fashion

It still surprises me when I tell people about Madewell, my favorite brand, and am met with blank stares. Better known as JCrew's sister store, Madewell is less known, but in my opinion, far superior in style.

Less polished... more personal

What makes Madewell so special? “Even though it’s a mass brand, the pieces feel unique,” said Jodi Sweetbaum, president and managing director of the agency Lloyd & Co. “While less polished and finished [than it's J.Crew sister], it’s more personal. And in a time when off-duty [style] is a bit more universal than it’s ever been, this works well.”



The denim is casual, but literally made well. “It’s really important for us — not only with the product, but the way our stores look, the way our Instagram looks — just to keep a common thread of this lifestyle image that I have in my head, and that I think is in our team’s head,” said Somsack Sikhounmuong, Madewell's creative director of nearly two years. “The pieces themselves are not overly designed. It’s about finding that little bit of fashion so that it doesn’t run too basic.”

Madewell is personal and casual fashion without ever being just basic. If you haven't checked out their stuff, consider this a public service announcement. Check out Madewell, look into their  promotions, and remember that students and teachers always get 15% off in store.

Trending oversized cardigans and 2017 New Years Giveaway

Soft, oversized cardigans make for an easy, relaxed fit for both the home and office. Cozy and surprisingly feminine, oversized sweaters are a popular for casual wear fans. Oversized cardigans are perfect for draping over outfits on rainy days, cozy weekdays and lazy weekends.

An undying trend, street style has always favored loose cuts, boyfriend knits, and loose sweaters. Oversized can look sloppy, so it is important to find the correct type of oversized clothing to look well put-together. It's not as simple as borrowing your grandpa's sweater.

Below are some of our favorite oversize cardigans from this season. Interested? Keep reading to learn how you can win a $50 Uniqlo gift card to buy your own oversized cardigan!

[caption id="attachment_3880" align="aligncenter" width="680"] This oversized MOHAIR BLEND LONG CARDIGAN (retails $39.90) from Uniqlo is a super-seasonal long cardigan made from soft mohair. The soft mohair material features long naps for a cute style. A long design lets you create stylish looks by simply slipping it on. The loose cut matches the laid-back feel of the material. Ibbing on the cuffs and pockets adds a style accent.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3881" align="aligncenter" width="680"] This oversized MOHAIR BLEND LONG CARDIGAN (retails $39.90) from Uniqlo also comes in beige.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3882" align="aligncenter" width="680"] This Silence + Noise Kendall Maxi Sweater (retails $79) from Urban Outfitters is a super slouchy longline cardigan for throwing over everything + anything by modern staple label Silence + Noise. In a soft medium-weight knit with a rolled collar, open front and oversized fit, finished with pouch pockets and mini side slits.[/caption]

$50 Uniqlo Giveaway

One random US reader will win a $50 gift card to Uniqlo. Simply retweet this blog post, with hashtag #handmadereviews or @handmadereviews... This giveaway ends 1/31/17 and the winner will be contacted via twitter shortly thereafter. Only one entry per person, per twitter account. No twitter? Reblog this post on your blog or instagram instead and leave a comment below with the link.

Trending oversized cardigans and 2017 New Years Giveaway https://t.co/FBfFzOVoVl

— Katherine (@handmadereviews) December 27, 2016

Instagram to follow: Jessica Stein

Jessica Stein is a travel blogger who travels as far as her legs are long. Originally from Sydney, Jessica travels internationally and documents the beautiful sceneries, food, and culture. Her outfits and poses are always perfect, which inspires us greatly!

[caption id="attachment_3687" align="aligncenter" width="972"] Follow this travel blogger and model @tuulavintage on instagram![/caption]

Last week, we featured the beautiful fitness inspiration, Laura Henshaw as the instagram to follow. Remember to recommend your favorite instagram posters to see them featured here!

Instagram to follow: Laura Henshaw

Laura Henshaw sounds almost too perfect to like. She is a professional model, law student, and health and fitness inspiration. As the other co-author of Keep It Clean, Laura is a healthy cook and business entrepreneur. Follow Laura's modeling progress, fitness workouts, and healthy adventures @laura.henshaw on instagram.

[caption id="attachment_3683" align="aligncenter" width="966"] Follow Laura's modeling, fitness, and healthy adventures @laura.henshaw on instagram.[/caption]

Last week, we featured Laura's partner in crime, Steph Claire Smith, as the Instagram to follow. Which instagram accounts are you inspired by? Share your thoughts on our social media or comments and you may see it recommended on Handmade Reviews!

Instagram to follow: Steph Claire Smith

Today's instagram to follow recommendation is @stephclairesmith of the wonderful Stephanie Claire Smith. Steph is an Australian based model and co-author of the popular Keep It Clean cookbook we reviewed. Her instagram details her fun, honest, and beautiful life and adventures. Follow if you are a fan of fashion or like to be inspired by healthy lifestyles, fitness, and good eats.

[caption id="attachment_3677" align="aligncenter" width="978"] Follow Stephanie's beautiful life @stephclairesmith on instagram[/caption]

"Dreams are important because without them we would never be driven to succeed in anything."

Portland made donut ring accessory and donuts

Every armoire needs to include a subtle and playful accessory piece, right?

I picked up an adorable and delicate gold ring from the MadeHere PDX store while I was in Portland this week. MadeHere sells a lot of local handcrafted gifts and accessories made by local artists in Portland. I opted for the gold ring with "donut" inscribed because I had just eaten at Voodoo doughnut. It's a cute and fun piece; and my favorite accessory of the moment.

[caption id="attachment_3632" align="aligncenter" width="680"] Donut ring paired with a Blue Star donut[/caption]

I didn't have a chance to snap a Voodoo picture, but I quickly made up for that by getting a Blue Star donut, which I find superior to Voodoo.

[caption id="attachment_3633" align="aligncenter" width="680"] Donut ring paired with a beer flight from a Portland brewery[/caption]

What are some of your favorite fun accessories?

Fashion Friday: Remembering David Bowie

In remembrance of David Bowie, who passed away earlier this week, we celebrate what Bowie has done for music and fashion. Bowie's influence transcends music and fashion and touches many lives. He didn't simply wear what looked good; he dressed to feel good. That is a philosophy we can all use in our lives.









 

Ray-Ban sunglasses: how to spot fakes

The website prettyrb.com (update: now inactive) is an online sunglasses store that boasts the Ray-Ban: genuine since 1937 logo on their storefront. More recently, the website has been advertising Ray-Ban sunglasses on Facebook for the holiday season. We have been getting a lot of questions on the legitimacy of the product this website sells. At less than $20 a pair, people are rushing to buy their holiday gifts without checking the trustworthiness of the sellers!

[caption id="attachment_3467" align="alignright" width="300"] prettyrb.com low prices hint at knock-off Ray Bans[/caption]

We cannot recommend that you purchase from this retailer. The website makes no such disclosure, but the website is based in China, not the United States. While that does not necessarily make the products dupes or knockoffs (China hosts many legitimate Ray Ban resellers), it does bring to question the honesty of the business. For Ray-Ban deals, check your local stores and outlets. Groupon currently has legitimate ones selling at $49.99, which is at least half off the original price.

We ask that readers give us feedback if they have purchased from unknown online retailers before. At this point, we can only assume that this website sells Ray Ban knockoffs. Even at that, we do not know how reliable the product or shipping is.

Be careful with your credit card information this holiday season and stay safe.

Nordstrom: Two Left Shoes & Beauty Brushes

I don't own black boots because I always end up buying the brown pair. Black boots are a lot more practical, but somehow the brown ones just look better on their own. I finally got down to looking pass the lovely mahoganies settling down on a pair of black Steven Madden boots from nordstrom.com. I was ecstatic when it came it and tried to wear it out that first night. My whole evening outfit was ruined when I realized that I had been sent two left shoes!

I vented on Twitter, which was met with a response from Nordstrom to help me locate another pair I could order. I would have to front the additional money and return the two left shoes in order to get my money back. It was the minimum that they could have done and I am not dissatisfied, but still very annoyed. I hate dealing with returns; but more importantly is my opportunity cost. I am currently at a negative for money with no boots to show. Fronting additional money for boots I already paid for is just frustrating. And those boots would have been perfect for date night.

On a semi-related note, I just realized that Sigma brushes are available at Nordstrom stores. (Though Sigma Black Friday deals are only valid at sigmabeauty.com.) Life would be easier if I had a Nordstrom nearby.

Kendall Jenner Fashion: Shirt Dress Giveaway

Kendall Jenner is difficult to ignore these days. As a culture, we've watched her grow and change from an ordinary looking kid into the paparazzi's favorite fashion model. There are some controversy around her changing looks, but we have to admit that her fashion sense is definitely turning heads.

And here is your chance at turning heads! Let us know your must haves for this season for a chance to win one of Kendall's Shirt Dress! We've read the feedback (complaints) on lack of giveaways and hope to make up for that throughout November and December.



What are you shopping for this Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Is there a store you have been waiting all year to buy from? Is there a particular product (stereo, game, boots) you are eyeing but doesn't have good enough deals? Give us the details in the comment section below for a chance to win one of Kendall Jenner's Shirt Dress.

[su_highlight]Giveaway has ended! Thanks for participating! Winners will be contacted and announced.[/su_highlight]

One commenter will be randomly picked to win the shirt dress displayed above (retail value $44 from Kendall + Kyllie)! This giveaway is open internationally! The winner will be contacted via email to choose a size between XS-L. (Sorry, XL is limited at the moment but the shirt dress is versatile and accommodating to most body types.) One entry per person, per email. You can comment as much as you want, but only one of your comment will count towards the selection process. (Our randomizer ignores duplicates.) Giveaway ends November 20th at midnight EST.

For your privacy, please include your email where it says email and not in the actual comment. We won't spam you and we have to make sure no one else can either! If you enter through Facebook commenting, we will message you if you win so keep an eye out.

On Thursdays We Wear Red

Slip into scarlet for formal wear or casual holiday parties. Here are some trending red dresses of the season. It's all about color this season.



 

If you had to pick just a color to wear for the rest of the season, which would it be?

Fashion Friday Urban Outfitters Flat Giveaway

Happy Fashion Friday! We got our claws on a bunch of Urban Outfitters Overdyed Cotton Mary Jane flat. So what are we going to do about that? How about a giveaway?!

We are giving away two pairs this week... but maybe we will give out more next week - pending enthusiasm?

Best Dresses for Summer Weddings

Everyone always talks about not overshadowing the bride on her wedding day, but don't we all secretly want to? Summer weddings are beautiful and bountiful, but we know that struggle to look put together under the scorching sun. Here are some beautiful, refined dresses that will make you look hot without actually being so temperature-wise. And the bride? Well, she still has the groom.

[caption id="attachment_3206" align="aligncenter" width="680"] Halston Heritage Blush Imprint Dress (retails for $395 and available on Rent the Runway for $65)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3208" align="aligncenter" width="680"] BCBGMAXAZRIA Lavender Brandy Gown[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3209" align="aligncenter" width="680"]Shoshanna Petal Lace Valeria Dress[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3210" align="aligncenter" width="680"]Hunter Bell Watercolor Dive Dress[/caption]

Wear Sunglasses to Suit Your Face Shape

Sunglasses for Round Faces: If your cheeks are full and you have a rounded chin with few angles in the face, you should consider a more angular glass that will give your face dimension. Round faces have proportional width and height, so you want to wear rectangular and oblong sunglasses to elongate and make your face look thinner and longer.

Sunglasses for Oblong Faces: For the face that is longer than it is wide, with a long nose, high cheekbones, and tall forehead. Use a tall frame or rim to make your face look shorter or more rounded.

Sunglasses for Oval Faces: Similar the round faces, but usually accompanied by high cheekbones with balanced proportions. Most sunglasses will suit oval faces. Consider rectangular or abstract sunnies that can add angles to soft curves of your face.

Sunglasses for Square Faces: Square faces are strong, with defined lines. Soften the angles with round or oval frames. Look for sunglasses with defined temples.

Sunglasses for Diamond Faces: Large at the top sunglasses, cat eye looks, and aviators, will all look nice for diamond faces.

Sunglasses for Heart Faces: Broad forehead and wide cheek bones that narrow into a smaller chin. Many glasses will suit the wide cheek bones and tiny chin heart face, but bottom-heavy sunglasses will add a nice width to the lower face.



 

Don't forget, June 27th is National Sunglasses Day! Wear your favorite sunglasses proudly, regardless of face shape and rules. They shield your eyes from UV rays and make you look and feel pretty awesome.

 

Fashion Friday: Kicks and Dresses

A favorite fashion do is kicks and dresses. Pair your dress with your favorite tennis shoes, loafers, converse, vans, keds, whatever. The kicks play down the dress for a more casual vibe.



Don't be afraid to mix it up!



How do you like to wear them?

Summer Office Outfits

It's easy to pile on layers, sweaters and cardigans during the fall and winter. As much as we hope to see the sun and daylight during those seasons, we always have the comfort of hiding ourselves. Now that summer is approaching, we have to put away the cozy oversized sweaters and proper dress pants. No more long-sleeve portofino shirts to cover our arms and shoulders. What now? Luckily, office appropriate summer outfits are easy enough to find nowadays.

Layer a breezy sweatshirt over a shift tank and tuck it all into a slik drawstring skirt.

This pinstripe jumper can be dressed up or down, depending on your mood. For the office, wear a dress top or a light t-shirt to stay cool this summer.

Shorts, skirts, dresses, whatever it is you want. It's all the pattern.

Everlane: Designer Quality without the Designer Price? Or...

Is Everlane truly worth it? Does it provide quality without the designer price? You would be right to be skeptical.

Everlane boosts the sale of designer quality clothing and accessories without the designer price (or brand name). I'm unsure what they mean by designer quality without the designer costs because the prices are still astronomical. Yes, they are much cheaper than a lot of the brand names, but don't be mistaken in thinking they are cheap by any means.

If you're a crafty shopper, you can get designer clothing for just a portion of the retail price. For example, many J. Crew things goes on sale and then there is that additional 50% off final sales at some point. Combine that with the occasional deals or the amazing 15% discount if you are a student. Not a student? Send your teenage kid to do your shopping. ;)

I will have to give Everlane a try at some point to test the quality and design, but I can't say it's something I'm excited to try. "Basic" should not have to cost this much unless it is going to last me many years. And from what I've gathered from my reading, "many years" is not something I should be expecting from Everlane or most cotton basics.

Style.com says of Everlane: “We just never understood why the most beautiful and simple products needed to cost so much. We’ve just cut out the middlemen so we can take smaller margins without sacrificing on quality at all.”

Have you bought anything from Everlane.com? Would you ever?

Disclaimer: Images belong to Everlane.com. Opinions are those of the author only.

Spring Office Outfits and Makeup Ideas

Spring is here despite what our beloved groundhog may want to admit. And what's necessary with every new, supposedly warmer season? How about revamping that closet a bit? Toss aside the bulky sweaters, heavy blazers and suits. We've got some better things in mind.

This Silk Cargo Shirt from Madewell is the epitome of office comfort. The clean-cut, effortlessly cool shirt has a textural, lightly washed feel that makes it undeniably special.

Scallop is always the way to go. Try this Scallop Crepe Dress by J.Crew to add some texture to your outfit. Timeless and tailored, this faux-wrap silhouette is made from signature matte crepe, which drapes beautifully and flatters just about evey figure.