Vox Box- Dessange

 

I have posted in the past about how awesome Influenster is!

 

If you don't know, it is a website where you can test products and provide reviews for free.

I've been luckly enough a few times to get to sample some stuff and this month I received a box of 3 hair cleansing products specifically designed for blondes by  Dessange, which is now sold at Target.

 

 

What I got:

 

1. Illuminating Shampoo

2.Illuminating Conditioner

3. Brass Color Correcting Treatment

 

Overall:

 

Positives-

Good lather, easy to rinse out.

Left hair feeling soft and clean.

 

Negatives-

Did not see an improvement in my color- blonde did not look any brighter as it claims.

Very strong floral/perfume sent.

 

Note:

I did not use the color correcting treatment. I get my hair professionally highlighted and it is not brassy. I did not want to take the risk of unnecessarily using a product and having it alter my hair!

 

Opinion:

 

I'm a Redkin girl...I absolutely love their blonde glam line as well as their volume line. I have also used Alterna and Pureology for a while, but have been most impressed with the Redkin lines. Products are really going to have to work for me to switch!


**I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.**

Baby Update

Pregnancy is not an easy thing, at least to me it's not. Lots of worry and stress and a lot of lifestyle and body changes, but I've definitely tried to keep up exercising and have gotten really excited when it comes to planning and shopping for the nursery, clothing, etc. Lucky for me my husband is AMAZING and has been so helpful along the way.

 

We can't wait to meet our son, Jackson Colt this July!

 

Yes that's the name! We came up with a few, but this one really stuck with us and I love it!

IT'S A BOY!! Our first family photo- 16 weeks

:)

The growing bump!

22 weeks, ran Rock and Roll DC 5k

Maternity Wardrobe

So at about 21 weeks I had to break down and shell out money (a lot) on maternity clothes. Up to this point, I was rocking leggings, which had become insanely uncomfortable, tight, and not flattering. Many of my shirts were too short and again, not comfortable.

Here's how I built my maternity wardrobe:

I bought staple bottoms and where I shelled out the most money. I wanted good jeans and work pants and got these from  A Pea in the Pod. The closest store was Bethesda, but it was worth the drive. Again good quality, but pricey, however they fit nice and look good so at this point that's all I wanted!

Dark Wash Jeans, Boyfriend Style
HERE

 

Crop "Work Pants" in Tan
Similar HERE

Black "work pants" Crop Cut
Similar HERE

 

Skinny Jeans
Similar HERE

Next I searched for tops. My go to were my purchases from Gap.com I bought basic t-shirts and tanks. The big difference from non-maternity is the rouching- which when you are pregnant is your best friend! This helps hide your belly button and any bulges. Also the length is longer to cover your bump and you don't have to constantly keep pulling down your shirt.

 

Definitely recommend fitted. Anything big, looks terrible. Tighter the better so you look pregnant and not like a huge massive person in a drapey top!

 

 

I bought these V-necks in all three colors! Super soft and comfortable. Used a promo code and got for $11 each

HERE

 

 

Again super affordable and simple tops- just in tank version.

HERE

 

Next I went for dresses! Needed a few good things for weddings, showers, and work events. Found a lot at ASOS.com and loved the fact they have free shipping both ways! Only issue I had was the sizing, but once I figured out what fit best, I was super happy with what I got. Anything that I ordered that was not form fitting, got returned. Again the loose stuff looked like a tent on me and was super unflattering.

 



HERE



HERE



HERE



HERE

Next I ordered some linen pants, similar to what I had seen shopping at A Pea in the Pod, but for WAY cheaper. From Old Navy (online) I bought a very similar linen pant, for only $21 each (sale plus promo code) with shipping. They are so comfortable and cannot wait to wear them!

 

 

HERE

 

I also picked up these cheap basics:

 

HERE

HERE

 

Next I hit up Target.com for some basics. 

I used Pinterest for inspiration then I got a few close matches to styles I liked.

 

Inspiration: Ms. Tatum rocking a striped tan maxi

 

HERE

 

Inspiration: Gisele Bundchen rocking a casual black shirt dress

 

Non-Maternity HERE
 

Maternity Workout pants: Although my pre-pregnancy still fit, but fall down (since I am wearing below bump)
HERE

another basic item HERE

 

After reading a fashion blog, I learned the need for these, especially with those tight dresses!

HERE

 

Okay so last bit of searching came way of Ebay. Really liked some things I saw that were really high priced at Nordstrom or sold out. So with a little search, I was able to score an Isabella Oliver Navy Dress, Nicole Miller (MOM) teal maxi, and H&M sleeveless print dress.

 

 

The hardest part about buying maternity clothes was getting all the basics to make multiple outfits as well as get some pieces to wear to events- all having to be comfortable and flattering- no easy task.

It's also different than typical shopping since you don't want to invest a lot of money into stuff you aren't going to wear for long. I don't plan on more children, so I looked at these items as short term wear. Most stores have maternity clothes, but ONLY online (Loft, Nordstrom) or what is in store is a really small picked over selection. I found the best deals online especially when using promo code.