Ivory Clasp Replacement Bag

If you read either of my previous posts about Ivory Clasp you will know I requested a replacement bag because of some imperfections of the bag I received in my first month. You can see the first bag below:

I messaged them about the issues with the bag and they sent me out a replacement. Here is what came in the mail yesterday.

This is a nice bag. I like it a lot! It is a great full shape in a bright red. The leather is real and the dye work is flawless.  The bottom is a red suede. The brand is Splendid, one that I have heard of an often looked at while shopping a Nordstrom. As with before the bag was wrapped impeccably and the shipping box was sturdy and solid.  

The bag retails for $128 and absolutely fulfills all the requirement of their promise. I am so glad that Ivory Clasp made this right and sent me a bag way better than the first one! See more photos below! Anyone else receive this bag? If not what did you get? Use my code WELUVAUDREY for a discount!

Everlane T Shirt Review

Everlane is company I have recently started shopping at, it is known for its radical transparency. Know your Factories. Know your Costs, Always ask why. I like being able to see the cost breakdown for any item I buy. It is nice to know where the costs come from and where your money is going. I like Everlane because i am paying for the shirt, not for the brand name. That philosophy is their brand.

Their T Shirts are totally affordable and made of the softest material. I wear them to yoga, out for drinks with a statement necklace, to the office with a blazer and heels. The white shirt is sheer, though and you will need a cami underneath if you aren't wearing your good bra. These shirts are basic, basic, basic. Classic simple lines, scoop neck, crew, V. They are the simple soft basic shirt of your dreams. 

This shirt is all about the comfort. It doesn't have a lot of structure and it doesn't retain that first out of the box shape. Though it might if I took a bit more care and line dried and ironed, but I am not about that life. These shirts have a soft lux feel and that is their best selling point. 

These shirts retail for $20 each and that is pretty standard across their shirts. The shirts are made in LA, they are pre shrunk and have a relaxed fit cut. I think they are pretty true to size. I wear a medium in pretty much every brand. I do have a pair of DDs so it can get a little cleavagey in this shirt. So if you are like me layer something under in more conservative company, or don't. 

Here is their cost break down below:

Do you own any of these shirts? Feeling Pro Everlane or have some complaints? Tell me all about it in the comments.

Thinking of getting your own Everlane: Click here for a link to sign up and we both get a deal! Thanks in advance!

Tradlands Shirt Review

Let me tell you this shirt is everything promised! And they promised a lot, "The best button up shirt you will ever own. Guaranteed. " Granted I have only owned this shirt about 20 minutes, but I am so in love.


Think of every button up shirt you have ever tried on. It gaps at the boobs, fits everywhere but the hips, it looks like a box, the shoulders are too tight, the fabric is see through. Not this shirt, I mean it this shirt is EVERYTHING. I am ready to break up with my girlfriend and take this shirt down to the courthouse. Tradlands: You delivered! Thank you.




Ok so all that being said, I am sure you can imagine that I have been waiting for this shirt to come for awhile. I first learned about this brand via facebook ad, which seems to be where I learn about everything these days. I love the photos on the website, but these shirts are expensive -like hella expensive- I waited a good long while before ordering one. I read reviews and looked on the website. I read all of the descriptions and thought about, pondered my finances and decided that if this shirt is everything it claimed to be it would be worth it. My best friend's mom taught us that if you are concerned about price divide that number in half every time you wear it. If you are only going to wear it once, then a $167 shirt is not worth it. If, on the other hand, you plan to wear a shirt regularly then it is worth it. I am in a place in my life where I am trying to focus on quality and when possible clothes made in the USA.

This shirt delivers on every aspect. My body shape is both curvy and petite, I normally must buy a huge shirt to make sure that it buttons over boobs and hips, which leaves my waist swimming in the middle. That is not the case here. The fit is great!  The other thing I love about this shirt is the weight of the fabric. It is thick, and is the kind of fabric that just gets better with time. The best part is that I am wearing a black bra under this shirt and I won't need to layer a cami underneath. All the shirts come with their promise of quality. Here is the shirt I am wearing, The Elms.

• 8 oz. White Oxford Cloth
• Gently Tailored and Relaxed Fit
• 8 Button Front = No More Boob Gap
• Double Stitched Extra Thick Pearlized Buttons
• Sewn in the United States
• 100% Mid-weight Japanese Cotton
• Ships Free via 2-3 Day USPS Priority
• Machine Wash and Gets Better with Time

I wear a size Medium. I am 5' 2" and weigh about 135. 

This is going to be my go to shirt. Work and play, under a sweater, with jeans, with a scarf, with pearls. It makes me feel like I look so put together and classic. As soon as it came I ordered two more during their summer sale. It is something that you may need to save for or plan for, if you are on the fence I am telling you go for it. You can use this link to get $25 off your first purchase: http://fbuy.me/edLf3 I also get a discount next time I buy, so if you do decide to order, Thank-you! I would love a closet of these shirts. I will be saving for awhile to get another!  Have you tried one of these shirts? Thinking about it? Let me know in the comments!

Everlane Silks Review

Everlane is one of those companies that I love get emails from. There clothes are always just a little different and interesting, but their colors are always neutral. There aren't a lot affordable silk shirts on the market, and these silks are great for every day. I wear them with jeans on the weekend and slacks or a pencil skirt during the week.  Thanks to my girlfriend for shooting these photos for me! Their website is found here

This is the silk sleeveless shirt. It retails for $65. I am wearing a size medium which is my usual size. My hips are curvy so the bottom button doesn't button, but it buttons over my DD's which is a major plus. The material is really great, for work I wear it tucked into a skirt or with grey slacks. 

 

My other silk shirt is the silk pocket. It also retails for $65. I had my eye on this one for awhile. The shape is very straight and again I can't button the bottom one.  From the website: 

"A sleeveless silk top with a chic point collar. It features a raglan seam detail on the shoulder. The fabric is a washed crepe-de-chine that shows a subtle lustre on darker colors."

It is a bit long, but I always wear it tucked into my jeans or slacks. It is very sheer, I always wear a camisole underneath. 

From the website:

"Easy, polished, and casual—the perfect everyday silk. The fabric is a washed crepe-de-chine that shows a subtle lustre on darker colors. The shirt features 2 oversized chest pockets and a center backseam."

Like everything that Everlane sells you can see the breakdown of cost on their website and where all their fabrics come from. These are made in Hangzhou China. Photos of the factory found here. I really appreciate the transparency both of cost and of the production. Both of these shirts can be found at this link, it is my referral link, so if you do make a purchase thanks!

Turns out that taking photos for a blog was really awkward. It felt like senior pictures all over again. These were taken with a nice camera and touched up for lighting. It is a good reminder that photos we see are all taken of imperfect people, like me. Photo credits: Megan Huckaby.

How to be a Mystery Shopper

As a shopper and a lover of things I occasionally need some extra cash to help supplement my income. I have found that when done right being a mystery shopper has been a great way to make extra money without a ton of extra time. Like everything that you do always be smart about who you give your info to and always read company reviews, in addition to this one, before signing up. I signed up with a few companies when I was saving money to go to France this past July. I found that in my area, Second to None, was the company with the most open "shops" in my area.

Here is how it works:

You need to first apply, this really means just signing up. I don't know that anyone has ever been denied. It does ask for your bank info. You can send them an email to get a response from a human before signing up if you feel nervous. I signed up and have had not issues with fraud on my accounts. 

Once accepted you will be able to view open shops in your area. You can search by city, state, or radius. I usually search within 100 miles of my location. Sometimes it can be worth a drive to Chicago for me to shop, get dim sum, and do 5 or 6 mystery shops in a day. As a newbie you won't be able to sign up for more than 4 or 5 in a day. As you successfully complete more shops you will be able to assign your self open shops without a waiting period.

Selecting Shops: Being a mystery shopper wasn't quite what I pictured. My mind always produced images of me in huge sunglasses talking to make-up counters or shopping in big malls. I have found that most commonly the shops are not at your classical retail establishments. Most of my shops have been collecting info and brochures from pop up tables trying to sell internet services. Others shops have been purchasing cigarettes, even though I don't smoke, and checking to see if the cashier asks me for ID. In that case I was reimbursed up to a specific amount for what I purchased. Recently I have done a few retail ones where I go to a store and try on athletic shoes to see if the associates try and sell me insoles or laces as a compliment to the shoes. I did not get to purchase or keep the shoes. I have done a few food ones but I find they pay the least and have a lot of steps that you must complete. 

How much do you earn: This is designed to be extra income. I don't think it would be possible to support yourself as a mystery shopper, and if you don't live in a city or have a car it can be challenging to get to enough shops. For me it is only secondary and a fun way to get a little extra money. Right now there are 56 open shops within 100 miles of me. They range in payment from $8-

$35. The high dollar ones are often for banks. These shops take longer than your average grab brochures and ask about a service. In one instance I was given a role and I had to stick to that while in the bank and converse with a banker about my options. But 2 $35 shops on a Saturday is $70. 

Getting paid: Second to none pays out for shops on the 17th of the following month. So for shops completed August 1-31 you will be paid out September 17th. I have made over $200, doing this in a very relaxed manner. I could have absolutely made more than that if I done these every weekend.

Taxes: I have not yet filled out taxes since being a mystery shopper but I will have to this year. I have made over $200 and this does count as income, when tax season rolls round I will need to fill out a form for an independent contractor. Second to None provides this on their website. 

Ever thought of being a mystery shopper? Tried out a different company? Any other ideas for a side job? Tell me about it in the comments!

Book of the Month #2 "The woman in Cabin 10

I am always so excited to get my Book of the Month Box! It was perfect timing as i had recently finished my book from last month. You can see my previous review here.  Here's a quick recap of the box! On the first of the month you are presented with 5 options. Each book is selected by one their Judges. Each month has a guest Judge, July was Arianna Huffington. Each Judge summarizes their book and why they loved it. and then you get to select the book of your choice.

Your book ships out to you by the 6th of the month (unless you are a new member, in which case it comes as soon as you choose).

Here is my box on my grandmother's quilt, I was so excited I nearly forgot to take photos. Each box so far has always included a little note printed on high quality card stock with a graphic.

This month they sent me a wine koozie! I am am so in love with this. While I am primarily a red wine drinker in this humidity and heat you need the chilled wine! I don't like adding ice because it dilutes the alcohol.... and the flavor. I know it get their branding out there, but I am a sucker for anything free. 

This month I have an exciting mystery novel to read. I wouldn't normally choose a mystery, but it is set on an exotic cruise ship. The first 50 pages remind me of "Girl on a Train" with the narrator who can't quite get her life together and the feel of something important in the future. She is also British and references her flat. Imagining her with a British accent improves even the best novels.

The book mark quote is Lena Dunham this time! I am totally a sucker for her and the projects she is involved in. What I love, other than having new highly rated books on my doorstep is all the little things that go into making these boxes. Monthly challenges, a newsletter for people who are reading the same book as you. Simple but cute packaging to ensure that the book arrives in good shape. I save all the little cards and book marks that come with my books. Just a quick shout out to Book of the Month, thanks for ensuring I don't have to leave my apartment to read a great book!

Interested in signing up? Here is a Link, it is my referral, Thanks in advance!

Are you a subscriber? What book did you pick? Thinking of joining, send me your questions in the comments below!

Ivory Clasp Update

On Sunday I posted a review of my first Ivory Clasp box. If you have not read that post just scroll down one post for photos and a review of the bag I received. I, like many of you, still had a few questions for Ivory Clasp. Here is the bag I received.

 I reached out to their support team via FB messenger and received a reply this evening, afternoon West Coast time.  They have been very helpful and very accommodating of all my questions. Here are the answers I have been looking for below in blue:

 How are bags chosen/ Do we all receive the same bag? "We have a stylist that manually styles each customer based on what we have in our inventory and each individual's style quiz. Not everyone receives the same bag, but based on your personality quiz, it is likely you receive a similar bag to others in your "style-class"(as we have limited inventory each month). So Sheryl, who commented earlier and got the same bag, is in the same style class as me. You have great taste Sheryl.

Are bags current or last season: All bags are current season. It looks like the Austin and York bag I received is from their upcoming line. I think that is actually really awesome!

MSRP of Bags: Must have an MSRP of 100+

Small imperfections: "As for small imperfections-- ABSOLUTELY NOT. This is unacceptable, please reach out to support@ivoryclasp.com and someone should get back to you shortly. Imperfections (however small) should not be found on a bag retailing over $100 and we will be absolutely certain to make this right!"

Above photos from my original post. I will be sending the bag back into them and awaiting my new one. I want to state clearly how much their customer service really shines. They were so helpful with my questions and concerns and answered in a full and complete way. I have every confidence in the women running this company and look forward to many new bags in the future. 

Updated 8/16

Their support email got back to me within 2 hrs! They are sending me out a new bag because of the paint on the strap. It seems like the tag is correct and that is the way it was designed. I asked how to return my bag and instead was told I should donate it to an organization of my choice! I think that is an amazing company policy!

Ivory Clasp Box Review

I am a huge sucker for a Facebook Ad. So when Ivory Clasp showed up on my news feed I immediately had to pause and see what this new subscription was all about. It is a great concept, for $45 every month, or every other month they send you "one of our latest, in-season handbags."  On their homepage it states receive a $120+ handbag for $45. You take a short style quiz and then you are all set. If you are thinking that this is too good to be true, then we are in the same boat. I set out to find some reviews on this company, as I do for any subscription style service, but found nothing. So I decided to jump in and give it a try myself. I saw a coupon on their Facebook for 20% off, so that brought it down to $36, so I figured I would give it a try. Their Facebook is HereThis is a fairly new company, started in May 2016, so I expected that there might be some kinks to work out, website found here.

I put in my subscription on August 8th, the box shipped on the 11th and arrived on August 13th. Their team was very responsive to emails and got back to me quickly at every step of the communication process.

It arrived standard USPS and the tracking number provided in the email was accurate as to the arrival date. The box was nothing fancy.

Inside the box was this note, stuck down at the bottom. It is standard office copy paper with their logo printed on the top. The text is "Hi Audrey, Welcome to Ivory Clasp! We hope you love your bag! XO Team Ivory Clasp. It is signed by 4 members and has a label with their address. It is rare to receive anything handwritten anymore. It felt personal and charming. Like BFFs sharing clothes.

Without further ado, here is what I received.

 

It is a brown bucket bag from a company called Austin and York. I have never heard of this brand before, and if you just Google Austin and York there are no results that lead to this company. Luckily the tag and their full web address on it www.austinandyork.com. The brand does exist and they have a nice website. It is also a new company, based in LA.  From their website:

 "Austin&York is all about the intersection of style, fashion, quality and durability. All of our handbags are 100% genuine faux-leather and designed with the utmost focus on quality and precision. All our designs are created and inspired by nature and beauty with a particular emphasis on durability and style.  Austin&York is built for the fashion-forward youth, who wish to stand out in the sea of trends, while maintaining a healthy balance of beauty and class"

I think the phrase 100% genuine faux-leather is a hilarious statement, but ok.  Their bags range from $108-$198, so it is safe to assume that Ivory clasp fulfilled their promise in terms of retail price. I say assume because this particular bag is not on the website. I can't find it anywhere online. Austin and York was founded in 2016 and have only one collection. I would like to think this bag is upcoming in their Fall line, maybe? I tried to Facebook the Austin and York, but when you click their Facebook link and Twitter link you are taken to Shopify's Facebook.

All that being said, the bag is pretty nice. I like the shape. I have been sort of looking for a bucket bag. The color and shape should be really nice for Fall and I love that the inside is red. It came wrapped very nicely, stuffed with paper and all of the bits wrapped in paper or plastic so that none of the metal was dinged. Clearly care was taken to ensure this bag came to me in good shape.

The bag has some faults though. It has a strong smell that I am sure comes from the material being rubber based. I am sure that in time with use and exposure to the air it will dissipate, but coming out the box it is strong. Though this is common for many bags that are made in China.  Additionally the bag had a few small flaws. I am perhaps being a bit picky, but when it comes to bags I always look at the details. If a company is charging a high price it had better be for quality not just the name.

As you can see in the two photos above and the one below the tag has an embossed stamp in gold. The gold lettering did not fully transfer and is a bit hard to read since the brown "100% genuine faux-leather" is visible underneath. Additionally on the strap there is mark of color from when the trim was added to the strap. These are minor and in no way make the bag unusable or unattractive.

I still have some questions about this bag, so I reached out to Ivory Claps with the following Facebook message:  

"Hello, My bag came in the mail yesterday and I am getting ready to write a review, I had a few questions I was wondering if someone was around to answer. How do you pick the brands that go out? Are they current, last season, I cant seem to find the bag I received anywhere online. I am hoping to show a price comparison on my blog, since a big draw to you is the price, do you know what my bag retails for? It is a brown Austin and York bucket bag? Does everyone get the same bag? Lastly my bag has some slight defects on it, Is that a common thing to expect? Are these small imperfections the reason that a subscriber can get a $120+ bag for the cost of subscription? Thanks for your time"

I am still waiting for a reply, to be fair I am blogging on a Sunday, and I will post an update with the response as soon as I get one. [Update: I did receive a response that post can be found here] The bag is nice, I like it and plan to keep it. If they offer to replace it without any defects I will send it back for replacement. If they don't offer to replace it I will still keep it. I think the bag is absolutely a steal at $35 dollars and if Austin and York take off as a brand I can see the bag becoming a popular item. I would not have paid $120+ dollars for this bag though. I think the price suits what it is. I am looking forward to getting some compliments on the bag and seeing how it holds up with my use. I plan to keep my subscription, I chose bi-monthly and we will see what I get in October. 

Are you a subscriber to Ivory Clasp? I would love to see what you got! Tell me about it in the comments! Any questions for me about the bag or Company? I would love to answer them.

Full disclosure I offered to write a review for a discount on my next month.