It is a Steve Madden Month! Ivory Clasp Review November!

I am always excited for my Ivory Clasp box! I mean a new purse delivered monthly, what is not to love and I heard that they had some top notch brands this month. I saw one woman's unboxing video and she got a Betsey Johnson bag. I asked to start receiving more leather bags, I like the feel and they tend to have shapes that I like better, and most important I feel like I am really getting my money's worth. I can totally understand though people who are vegan or who only buy cruelty free bags, and Ivory Clasp can accommodate that request as well.  This month  Ivory Clasp delivered! You can get 20% off your subscription with the link HERE

From Steven, by Steve Madden Meet the Elsa Golden Age Boho. I was literally so excited to start carrying this thing around I didn't take as many pictures as I normally do, so if you want to see more let me know in the comments! It is a metallic suede (Genuine Suede) boho style tote. I am loving the fringe and subtle shine on the fabric. It is real leather, I can tell by the smell and the feel. This purse is sitting next to me on my other office chair because I don't want to be too far apart from it. If you already are familiar with how IC works skip the next section and sign yourself up here. I have included some details about the bag below, including quality checks and the results of my Google Searches.

If you don't already know, Ivory Clasp is a monthly or bi monthly subscription box. They are fairly new on the scene but you have probably seen their facebook or instagram ads. In a nutshell, it is $45/month or bi monthly and they send you a new handbag, valued at at least $100, most valued at $120. The handbag is to keep. This is the 4th bag of I have received from them. The premise has always been that Ivory Clasp is not going to send you a coach bag for $45, what they are going to do is introduce you to a variety of brands and styles that are all in season and on trend. This might be changing, with a designer that I have not only heard of, but is well known, I think this could be a game changer. If any of you were early on the scene for Ipsy or Birchbox, these things start small. The more people who are subscribers the more designers want to get on the bandwagon. And as soon as a few well known designers are in the mix, everyone wants in.

Somethings to keep in mind: 

• These are new bags, no knock-offs and you get to keep them.
• They are in season, or for the upcoming season
• You do not get to choose which bag you receive each month, it is based on a style profile quiz that you take when you sign up. This also means if you and a friend both sign up you won't necessarily get the same bag. 
• You can choose monthly or bi monthly and your card is charged accordingly.

So why are these pricier bag going to you for cheap? Well often it has to do with minimum order quantity for a company. Stores like Nordstrom and Macy's will order a small quantity for each store. this keeps a bag exclusive. The total order to the manufacturer might need to be increased in order to get the best price. The extra, "overstocked" bags can be sent to a retailer like Ivory Clasp. This puts their product into new hands. As well as introduces a company to the right kind of customer, you. You are their target. Ivory Clasp doesn't and can't tell you who they are in partnership with because they are required to keep it a secret. These brands want to be seen as high end, and luxury. They don't want to be associated with a discount brand. This is supposed to be a gateway bag. One leads to more.

Like always my bag came expertly wrapped and protected. There is always a huge pile of recycling after I get one of these bags. They really take a lot of care to ensure that it comes to you in good shape.

      

I love the shape and especially the color! This bag is from the Fall line so perhaps a bit on the late end of season, but I chose to have by bag renew mid month because of when I get paid. All of the zippers and claps and fabric are in great shape and the materials are soft and feel like really great quality. The MSRP is $118. I found another version of this bag online on sale for $49.80, but it was such an ugly color that I can't imagine that anyone bought it. Here is the screenshot from Amazon.

I feel really stoked about this bag and I am so looking forward to showing it off all holiday season long! Did anyone else get a bag this month? If you are a new subscriber, use the link HERE to get 20% off!  

Lastly for all of you subscribers, did you know that IC has an affiliate program? You can start earning some money for getting your friends to sign up. This make the discount of your already bargain bags even better! See below for a picture of my cat, I couldn't resist.

Book of the Month- November

Happy November! I love starting my month off with a box of books, this month had so many amazing books to choose from that I had to pick three.

If you aren't familiar Book of the Month is a monthly subscription box that sends you a book of your choice each month.  I learned about it through a facebook ad, because I am s sucker. They have a variety of judges who pick a new book that they love.  Each month also has a guest judge; Anthony Bourdain was this month's guest judge. I love his show Parts Unknown so I had to get his recommendation.  The best part of this service is the price! When you buy a new hardcover book and Barnes and Noble you can expect to pay $30 or more per book. With BOTM you pay $14.99 a month and you can add two more books for $10 each. So I have three books for the price that I would pay for one book at a big retailer.

It is great to get recommendations for new books that I might not have tried out before. It is like an introvert's book club. Where I have a limited selection of 5 people's favorite new book and they pitch their choice to you. I was really sold on the books this round. I know with all of the holidays upcoming I will need some reinforcements to get me through all of the holiday stress.

Here is what I got:
Nicotine- Nell Smith. "Reading a good book offers the rush of a good smoke at half the price of a carton of cigarettes, and with none of the associated health risks"

The Trespasser- Tana French. "An intricately-plotted thriller and a love letter to strong-willed women."

A Gambler's Anatomy- Jonathan Lethem. "I’ve worked with geniuses, scoundrels and scumbags, and have said it before, but it bears repeating: I’ve seen some shit. "

Book of the Moth is also really great about sending freebies, which I love! This month they sent me an awesome magnet. It is going on my fridge right now!

So if you are jealous of my box and want one of your own Click this Link 

Tradlands Discount Code!

Hello to all of you!

I am so excited to announce that I am partnering with Tradlands to bring you an awesome discount! Sweet Petite readers can get $25 off their purchase of $100 or more ( not hard to do on Tradlands). Simply use code sweetpetite at this Link. 

I am a little obsessed with these button up shirts, I own four shirts and wear them almost constantly. They live at the front of my closet waiting for me each and every day.

Let me tell you about the only 3 shirts you will ever need:

The Waverly- A charcoal grey chambray is my go to when I transition; Fall to Winter, Night to Day, and Work to Play.

"You work hard, plain and simple. And with great work comes great rewards. Introducing the Waverly, our softest oxford shirt for women in our line. Designed for women who depend on the highest quality shirts, the Waverly is your go to button-up. Soft black oxford cloth comfortable enough for a days work that transitions easily into the dinner party you are hosting with friends."

 This Fall I have been living in the Arapahoe! As soon as this soft, thick flannel arrived on my doorstep it has barely had time to hit the hanger I wear it so often. i love that it is warm enough to wear for outdoor brunch on a weekend and breathable enough to wear for a casual hike.

"This heavyweight brushed flannel keeps you exceptionally warm as you enjoy the sun, snow, and mountains. After your last run cozy up to the fire at the ski lodge and enjoy a hot chocolate or Fat Tire to end a perfect day."

The Elms:

This is the quintessential white oxford. Unlike many of it competitors the thick sturdy material allows me to wear any colored bra underneath. Black, pink, blue no problem. It is tailored like they took my measurements and made it just for me. It is long in the back and fitted, but not clingy. I what button up has endless style options. I like it with black pants and a sweater for the office and light jeans and clogs on the weekend. Impossible to go wrong in this shirt!

So which Tradlands shirt will you start your collection with? Tell me in the comments and don't forget to use my code sweetpetite for $25 off!

Tradlands Arapahoe Flannel

I have been waiting for this flannel with so much excitement

Being from the Pacific Northwest, and being of the Sapphic inclination, I have clearly been destined to own a lot of flannel and a lot of plaid in my life. I own probably a dozen flannel shirts. Most of which I have lovingly collected from vintage stores, Goodwill, and garage sales. Not a single one really fits me, most are men's shirts that either dwarf my 5'2" frame or are too small in the hips or boobs to button correctly. That is why the Tradlands Arapahoe Flannel is an absolute dream! To find a shirt that is so well fitted and so comfortable and warm is simply amazing.


Just like all of their other button down shirts these are handmade in the USA. They pay their workers a fair wage and use quality materials that will last. Each of their shirts is an investment. I know that $167 might seem like a splurge, but keeping in mind the length of time you can wear a timeless classic like this,  years and years and years, Style it any number of ways, and be confident that this shirt is going to be around to see you through all those times. Mens wear is "trendy" right now, but a classic shirt that fits you well will never go out of style. Wear it all Fall with Jeans and all Winter under a sweater. It  carries into Spring worn open over a sleeveless tee, and with shorts for those cool beach nights in the summer. I travel a lot, both for my job and for pleasure, having clothing that packs well and is easy to style, in the office and out and about is so important. As I work towards a more minimal closet having timeless pieces that match a lot of things will keep me from chasing trends. Timeless is always in style.

My favorite way to wear this shirt is over a pair of girlfriend jeans. Double cuff ( or if you are short like me triple cuff) and then pair this look with some open lace brogues. I like the look best without socks, so I wear some of those little footies. 

I also have tucked this shirt into a pencil skirt and worn it with some chelsea boots, for a more professional look! and with skinny black jeans and my Birkenstock clogs for when I just can't be bothered.

Believe me, this is the Flannel that you need in your life!
To get $25 off your first order, use this link: http://fbuy.me/exfny Thanks for reading!

Ivory Clasp Review October

It arrived! Getting things by mail might be 50% of why I love subscription boxes. If you don't already know, Ivory Clasp is a monthly or bi monthly subscription box. They are fairly new on the scene but you have probably seen their facebook or instagram ads. in a nutshell, it is $45/month and they send you a new handbag, valued at at least $100, most valued at $120. The handbag is to keep. This is the 3rd bag of I have received from them. Ivory Clasp is not going to send you a coach bag for $45, what they are going to do is introduce you to a variety of brands and styles that are all in season and on trend.  Last month I got a red splendid tote and I have been carrying that beautiful bag ever since! It is gorgeous. It is not a bag I would have looked for or known about without this service, and I get to introduce myself to this brand at less than half of the price. Sweet Petite readers can get 20% off their order with code: WELUVAUDREY

Somethings to keep in mind: 

• These are new bags, no knock-offs and you get to keep them.
• They are in season, or for the upcoming season
• You do not get to choose which bag you receive each month, it is based on a style profile quiz that you take when you sign up. This also means if you and a friend both sign up you won't necessarily get the same bag. 
• You can choose monthly or bi monthly and your card is charged accordingly.

So why are these pricier bag going to you for cheap? Well often it has to do with minimum order quantity for a company. Stores like Nordstrom and Macy's will order a small quantity for each store. this keeps a bag exclusive. The total order to the manufacturer might need to be increased in order to get the best price. The extra, "overstocked" bags can be sent to a retailer like Ivory Clasp. This puts their product into new hands. As well as introduces a company to the right kind of customer, you. You are their target. Ivory Clasp doesn't and can't tell you who they are in partnership with because they are required to keep it a secret. These brands want to be seen as high end, and luxury. They don't want to be associated with a discount brand. This is supposed to be a gateway bag. One leads to more.

Ivory Clasp is a new company and it was founded by dudes, which is probably why some of the finer details are only now coming into play. The presentation of this box as compared to earlier boxes has some nicer touches. The tissue paper and the ivory clasp sticker. I am a sucker for the details and glad that they added them in. Ok, Here is the bag I received:

It can be found easily by Googling the company, it is the first result. The name and price on the website match the tag, $118 retail. For anyone concerned, bag and company are legit! Sorry about the Facebook bubble I was chatting with my Mom about this as well. :)

   

 Everything about the bag is as advertised. Coloring, shape, zippers, everything is in great working order and packaged to keep it safe during shipping.

I know what you are thinking, snakeskin? Is that still a thing? Actually, yes. It is coming back around, Louboutin has a $3,000 snake skin bag in its Fall Line and Coach and Michael Kors are also sporting snakeskin this season. Ivory Clasp is not sending you a trend after it has happened they are sending it to you as it is happening.  The bag is vegan leather, but unlike the Austin and York bag, that smelled like plastic, and created a lot of complaints, this one feels nice and is odor free. It is roomy and a great shape and size for office wear. Also there is something just great about saying the bag is python, without actually harming any animals.

I have a pretty minimalist, the look you see in these photos is basically my M.O. for a work week. Button down shirt and black pants, pair it with some basic heels, or ankle boots and run out the door. I like a bag with a pop or a zing. I don't shop a ton, so having something that isn't basic, that i know my friends don't have is a great thing for me. I really do love this service and look forward to having a bag at my door each month.

I am doing my Taylor Swift hand in the above photo, did you notice?

Here is how I styled the bag today! Having something new and fun makes me want to try harder! I thought the gun metal ankle boots and the silk trimmed blazer were great compliments to the bag!

The last thing I really want to stress is the customer service. I feel like I should buy Rachel Tish in customer service a drink for all the help she has given me. If you need something tell them, they want you to love this service. The over the shoulder strap on my bag from last month broke, and they tucked a new one with my order this time. Their notes are sweet and personal and i really appreciate the care that goes into each order.

So are you ready to sign up? Use code WELUVAUDREY to get 20% off your order and check out Ivory Clasp at http://www.ivoryclasp.com/

Book of the Month October

God I love Book of the Month! It comes every month to my door and is a little bundle of joy just waiting for me. Like every month you hop onto their website on the 1st of the month and they have a selection of brand new, up and coming novels. You choose your monthly selection and it ships for free. Monthly cost is $14.99, half the price of a new hardcover book at Barnes and Noble. Additionally you can add up to two extra books for $10 each. I love to read and I love a bargain, so this service is right up my alley!

They send cute little extras all the time! So far I have sunglasses, a tote bag, a wine coozie, and this month a tiny box of after book mints! Each book comes with a little note card that has some details about why the judge loved the book they chose. I seem to on the same wavelength as Liberty Hardy. This month I chose Good as Gone by Amy Gentry. From the description it is a mystery within a mystery. It is about a family with a daughter who goes missing and years later a woman who says she is the daughter appears on their doorstep. We begin to wonder if she really is who she says she it. I am only just a little ways in, but so far I am loving it! [Update] I just finished this book, and let me tell you, add this to your reading list. It is dark at times and emotional, but such a good read that kept me guessing is she or isn't she until the very end. Trigger Warning for sexual assault.

This month's quote is by John Green, "Great books help you understand, and they help you feel understood." As always I wholly recommend that if you are reader you sign up! For 30% off your first order and a free tote of your own use this link: https://www.mybotm.com/6vyuc5b9tzm8ia4i

Warby Parker Glasses Review

After my Warby Parker at home try on I found a perfect pair! I am still so excited about the price of these glasses. $95! I want to call Ossip the boutique I went and laugh.  Here is the pair I decided on.

These are the Laurel Peacock. I have been wearing them for about two weeks and they are great. I have gotten tons of compliments, and I think they are really on trend. The only thing about them is that the lens are plastic, not glass, and so they get dirty more easily than my previous lens. That being said I don't mind having to wipe them clean and the plastic is more scratch resistant. I could have upgraded the lens to a better quality lens, but I wear contacts too. If I wore my glasses 24/7 then I would have gone with the better lens.

They came in the mail in perfect little box. Inside with a cute card that said "thanks so much" was a dark grey cardboard box. I will absolutely save that box and repurpose it. The glasses cam in a white hard shell case with turquoise lining. I love that they included a soft cloth bag, it will be great for travel to ensure they don't get bumped or scratched. I want to see how these hold up but as of right now I am a big Warby Parker fan.