Pre-Birthday / Fall Fashion Haul (NEW CHANEL, Saint Laurent, Manolo Blahnik) + $100 NORDSTROM Gift Card Giveaway!

SO Happy to have teamed up with Ebates for another GIVEAWAY for you guys! 

Watch the Haul Video HERE: 

SIGN UP HERE: http://bit.ly/1BnTjJQ 

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A 

$100 NORDSTROM GIFTCARD!!!

DOUBLE CASH BACK STORES you may be interested in! 

Nordstrom 6%

Neiman Marcus 8%

Saks Fifth Ave. 8%

Ulta 8%

Sephora 8% 

Piperlime 4%

Macy's 6% 

Forever 21 4%

PacSun 6% 

Important: 
In order to be eligible for this giveaway you HAVE to sign up through the above link. That is how Ebates is choosing the winner! If you have signed up through me in the past then you do not need to sign up again HOWEVER if you already have an Ebates account not through me unfortunately you will need to sign up for another account >_< I know it's a pain in the bootayyyy but it's the only way they can keep track of all the entries. 

- I will announce the winners in a blog post here as well as on Facebook.

- You have until the end of the month to enter! 
(September 30th, 2014)

- Ebates will be in charge of choosing a winner as well as issuing the prize. 

I am so happy to be doing this giveaway for you guys! As you know I am a HUGE Ebates supporter! I have been a user since 2007 (before I even had my YouTube account!) and I think it is THE BEST service to use for online shoppers! 

How Ebates works: 

Basically if you are planning to shop online go to Ebates first and see if the store you are looking to shop at is an Ebates participant. There are an INSANE amount of stores that have teamed up with them so it's worth just doing a quick search on the site!

Once you find the store you were looking for (Nordstrom, Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Kohl's, Amazon, etc.) you will see how much cash back is offered as well as any promos or coupon codes available on the site :) 

Click SHOP NOW and you will be redirected to the store's official website. From there, just shop as you normally would. (Every time you click to go to a store through Ebates they will show you a tracking ticket number, that gets saved to your account as a log of the stores you've shopped at/browsed so you can receive credit!)

THAT'S IT! 

You will earn whatever the cash back percent offered is on your purchased (pre-tax)! 

Ebates sends you a "BIG FAT CHECK" at the end of the earning period - so about every 3 months, which is nice because it gives you some time to accumulate earnings : ) 

Or you can choose to receive payment right to your PayPal account!

I have used this service for many years and I can tell you it is 100% legitimate! I have gotten THOUSANDS of dollars back on my purchases since I joined. 

(given of course you earn based upon what you spend! #shopaholic)

If you ever have any questions or issues always feel free to ask me and I will be more than willing to help in any way that I can. This is a site that I love and believe in so I am happy to be of assistance : ) 

(I literally would work there if I could! LOLL) 

Their customer service is also wonderful at answering and fixing any issues you may come across and there is even a section for you to file yourself if for some reason a purchase falls through the cracks. It happens sometimes especially if you are saving your shopping cart for too long. It's simple enough, just go to the tracking ticket area and file a claim - they usually credit your account within a couple of hours or less. 

I will also attach a video I've done in the past for those of you not interested in reading hahaha. (Start at 3:00 for specific Ebates info) 

[Fashion] For the Love of Mint. #MINTspiration

From left to right: Christian Louboutin So Kate, SJP Collection Bobbi, Manolo Blahnik BB Pump

So it should be no big secret that Mint is one of my favorite colors! It's just so pretty, feminine and it really pops on my skin tone.

Not sure if you've ever noticed but mint is one of the most difficult colors to find in shoes! Especially better quality shoes. 

Photo from hollyannaeree's Instagram

If you follow me on Instagram you've seen my most recent mint purchase - "Bobbi" from the Sarah Jessica Parker x Nordstrom collaboration - that gave me the idea for the group photo which gave me the idea for the blog post and here we are. : )

I wanted to show you some of the mint shoes I've found from some of my favorite designers and give you some info on them. (All are Full leather, Italian Made shoes)

Christian Louboutin "So Kate" in Aqua - $625

"So Kate" is currently one of my favorite styles from Christian Louboutin (Instagram write up HERE) - it's for sure one of the more comfortable 120mm no platform shoes I've tried. (Keeping in mind it's still a 5" heel with no platform - it's never going to be like wearing flip flops no matter the brand or price!) The fit is also much better than the previous style of Pigalle (they have changed the Pigalle recently to have a better fit, more like the So Kate yet the new Pigalle falls short for me. Photo comparison HERE and Pigalle vs. Pigalle write up HERE). They are suppose to fit more true to size yet I still find that I need a 36.5 in these (37 is my true size). The patent version of this shoe is a bit difficult to break in, yet the suede I find to be very comfortable right from the start and only get more comfortable with time. For patent So Kate I currently own a black pair and this "aqua" pair - the black broke in quite easily after a few wears around the house while this aqua pair...well I'm still working on it. 

(On a side note: as much as I love Louboutins I am kind of taking a break from them - there are other styles that I am just getting into more right now and I am a little over the red sole. Sometimes it's a cool pop but sometimes it's just too much! I don't always want to be so flashy. Who knows, months from now I could be back on the CL train but those are just my thoughts at the moment. It doesn't help that brands like Saint Laurent and Manolo Blahink are about 1000000000X more comfortable (generally speaking).)

SJP Collection for Nordstrom "Bobbi" in Mint - $365 

(says Mint on the site yet Blue Suede on the box)

Of all the pairs I tried on at Nordstrom (they didn't have every style at the store I went to) the "Bobbi" seemed to be the best quality. The style and overall feel of these are very similar to Manolo Blahnik, not that I'm surprised given who her partner for SJP Collection is. The regular leather styles I tried weren't as luxe in my opinion - especially for the price. I just wasn't overwhelmed with the quality of the leather on most but I am however always pleased to find a shoe with a soft leather sole. 

Normally I do not buy such open sandals (open toe d'Orsay) with no ankle strap because I have a narrow heel and it is often difficult for me to keep the shoe on but I really could not pass these up. I am a big Sex and the City fan and really wanted something from this collection. (Not to mention these just scream SATC to me!) As far as fit I did need to size down 1/2 a size, not surprising (although I prefer a 7 in Manolo Blahnik's Sedaraby) - what was surprising is that for a 3.5" (relatively low) heel these aren't overly comfortable. I have not worn them out and about yet but have given them a hour or so in the house - it seems like what is making them not so comfy for me is that my foot is working a bit to hold the shoe on, forcing me to unintentionally try and grab onto the shoe with my toe/ball of my foot area. These are the best fit I can get with this particular shoe, they don't slip off the back while walking but just something to keep in mind if you've never tried this style before. Also there seems to be a bit of friction on the ball of the foot closest to the toes - a small ball of the foot pad can probably fix that although I hate adding anything to my shoes. 

Other than that, a really pretty and feminine shoe - great price point and I LOVE her grosgrain detailing on the back of all the shoes! 

Manolo Blahnik BB Suede Pump in Mint - $595 (current Patent Mint style)

Not much to say about these - hands down Manolo Suede BB Pumps are the most comfortable pointy toe pumps I own. I have several pairs and love collecting the different colors that come out every season. (Lime Pair featured HERE on my blog) With a 4" heel (I am most comfortable with 4" for heels) and a leather sole that is almost as soft as the suede itself, I could walk forever in these. Not the sexiest shoe on the planet but for sure a classic.

Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman currently have a deal with Manolo where you can customize your BB pumps! You choose the color, material and heel height. One of these days I want to try for a 115mm heel - as much as I love the comfort of a 100/105mm heel just that little extra really makes the shoe look so much better to me! 

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read this post. I know I am not on a regular schedule with these (or anything!) but I appreciate those that follow and enjoy. 

I hope this was helpful to some of you and if nothing else a bit of eye candy. ; )

Love,

Holly 

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[Addicted to Amazon]

Just to add some SPARKLE to your day. [Window Shopping Chanel]

Just for fun.

Saw this at my local Nordstrom Chanel Boutique a few weeks back (maybe a month or so) - Not sure what the story was behind this because it's from Fall last year (2012). I kind of think it was a return but the sales associate would not confirm. 

Satin bag COVERED in some of the most sparkly sequins I've ever seen.

BEAUTIFUL 

...but not worth the price.

$3,400 

It was leather lined in the flap and through the chain but that was about it. 

Not a horrible price, not even one of Chanel's more expensive bags but for the materials and the amount you'd actually be able to use this bag (unless you are Carly Christman lolll) it was just too high of a price, for me anyway. 

Just thought I would share this rare find with you. 

(I did go back to check on it the next day because...well...I have a problem..and it was gone. Someone scooped that baby right away (despite the scratches on the leather on the inside flap and the mangled Nordstrom sticker on the tag (obviously a return lol idk why the SA wouldn't just tell me straight out. haha.)

Hope you all enjoyed. 

I promise I will be back to blogging very soon! (Just got back from Korea if you didn't know :)

Love, 

Holly 

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Last Day for 14%-28% CASH BACK! 20% OFF Karmaloop + Free Shipping (AND 14% BACK!) Also stores like Nordstrom, MACY's, Piperlime, GAP, OLD NAVY + More!

Hey Everyone! I just wanted to remind you all that today May 20th is the LAST DAY in the Ebates 14th Birthday Celebration where you can earn anywhere from 14% - 28% CASH BACK on a ton of participating sites!

For a FULL List of participating sites CLICK HERE

**** Starting Today Karmaloop is 20% OFF + FREE SHIPPING on orders over $49 with Promo Code: 

EBATES20

On top of that Karmaloop is one the participating stores offering 14% CASH BACK!****

SHOP/SIGN UP HERE

Now I have talked about Ebates before in a couple videos as well as previous blog posts but if you missed any of those I will link some info below : )

I've been an Ebates member since 2007 (been doing YouTube since 2009) and I can tell you it is 100% safe, legitimate and WORTH IT! 

How To Use Ebates:

Basically if you have an online site you want to shop on just go to Ebates first!

Search to see if that site is an Ebates participant.

If they are just hit SHOP NOW 

It will re-direct you to the stores official site and from there.

Just shop as you normally would! 

A couple days later after your order processes you will see it show up in your cash pending section of your account summary. 

SO SIMPLE! And since you are still buying from the stores official site it's totally safe!

If there is anything else you have questions on feel free to comment below and I will be happy to answer them for you based on my personal experience. I have also linked a video that may help you gain a better understand of how Ebates works, how they are able to offer things like cash back, etc.

Checks are issued every 3 months  so if you are an online shopper it gives you plenty of time to earn. And even if you're not a frequent online shopper free money is free money! You're shopping the same site you normally would, buying what you normally would but earning a little in return! 

On top of that Ebates is a completely FREE service as well! 

SHOP/SIGN UP HERE

Thanks so much for reading! Happy Shopping : )

Also look out for another blog post in the next day or two talking about an amazing event I fortunate enough to attend on Sunday at the home of Anastasia of Anastasia Beverly Hills! ^_^ 

Talk to you very soon!

Love,
Holly 

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Check out my Latest Video! Hits + Misses will be the next one up this week : )

Fashion Finds and FREE Chocolate ^_^

I haven't really purchased any normal clothing items in a while believe it or not. It's mostly been leggings and sweatshirts so I tried looking for a couple things yesterday. 

This is what I found. 

Chunky Knit Sweater from ANGL $42.99

The cut on this is super interesting - kind of like a mixture between a sweater and a poncho. 

Can't wait to show you in an OOTD post. 

This sweater is so soft and cuddly!

 Typically the items I've found at this store can be a little on the cheaply made side yet still kind of expensive for what you are getting but this piece was not only great feeling but a reasonable price considering how nice it feels. (I mean if it was less expensive that'd be great but I didn't mind paying the price since it felt so nice.)

Low Draping Studded Tank from BP in Nordstrom - $32

Now I know this doesn't look like much just hanging here but I think it could be really cool on. (I haven't tried it on yet) It drapes really low in the front and on the sides so it will be a great thing to wear with a fun bandeau! (Think Kendall and Kylie Jenner style) 

Love the flat top stud detailing and of course you know I love cream/white and gold. It's just always so great to layer. 

OOTD to come! 

'LOVE' White & Rose Gold BCBGeneration Bracelet - $18 at Nordstrom

I couldn't help myself. 

(pictured here with the one I purchased last week?)

Still keeping my eye out for ones that are a little more true to me (I mean come on who doesn't 'DREAM' and 'LOVE' appeal to) but I do want to stay within colors that I would normally wear which seems to be the difficult part right now. 

(More BCBGeneration Bracelets HERE)

I just know these will go with so much of my stuff!

Lastly I just wanted to let you know about a promotion Victoria's Secret is having right now.  

A FREE box of Vosges chocolates! O_O (with any $75 purchase)

I love this brand! Well, I haven't had them in probably almost 3 years but I loved them when I had them! (The ones I tried were different - cool, weird flavored truffles (The Ginger Wasabi - OMG)- so I'm not sure how these will be but for free with purchase I can't complain. Plus the box is cute.)

OMG never mind I just tried one - Still delicious. If you get this box try the 'LOVE' Chocolate - SOOO GOOD!

Also a neat little fun fact - Many of the chocolates in this box are named after Victora's Secret lines - i.e. Very Sexy, Dream Angel, Fabulous, etc. 

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Also if you are a chocolate lover sign up for the Godiva membership! It's free and you can go in and get a 100% FREE piece of chocolate every month! I rarely go in and grab mine but if you want a little indulgence while you are shopping around definitely stop by.

Victoria's Secret PINK Yoga Sports Bra - $32.50 

Here is what I purchased from Victoria's Secret if you are wondering but I'm not sure how you guys feel about showing that kind of stuff so I didn't post a full out picture of them. 
(personally I don't see anything wrong with it since they are sports bras but idk.)


They are definitely the SEXIEST sports bras I've ever tried. Upon trying one on I immediately felt like a Pussycat Doll LOLLL. They come in XS, S, M, L type sizing - I purchased a Small (I wear a 32C bra at VS for reference) and I think they fit wonderfully! Not much stretch around the band so it can be a slight struggle to get on but once you get it on its great. Wish the material was a littleeeeee softer but hey I'm happy with them!

via hollyannaeree's Instagram

Also wanted to share my LOL Outfit of the Day from Instagram. 

Forgot it was Saturday and went to the mall in sweats >_< - I had just finished filming a tutorial so the makeup was done but I was only going to run errands (returns and to pick up presents) so I thought nothing of it. There were a TON of people there.     -__- Me and my pink pants. *le sigh* 

But by the end of the night I was owning it though!

 (well I was only there for 2 hours but you know what I mean)

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Anyway I hope you are all having a great weekend! I should have some Outfit of the Day posts this week possibly with my new stuff : ) so look forward to that.

I will hopefully see you back here tomorrow!

I have still been posting on EEVEE's blog (more so than here) so check it out if you're interested in my fur baby! : P

-Holly

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Little Luxuries - A day of firsts. (Haul - Nars, Dior, Sara Happ)

This actually goes along with yesterday's post as it is the rest of my haul from Sunday. 

After I went to LUSH I stopped by Sephora to visit one of my subscribers that works there and also passed through Nordstrom. 

Now truth be told I have not used most of these products yet aside from testing them at the store so this post will strictly be a haul - NOT a review but you can look forward to hearing my thoughts on these products in my February Hits & Misses on my YouTube channel. : )

NARS Limited Edition 'AND GOD CREATED THE WOMAN' Palette - Available at Sephora

First up we'll start with NARS - now this is my first and only NARS eye palette but for obvious reasons I could not resist! 

It looks like it will be a great neutrals palette to travel with and I am obsessing over it's slim size! (It's about the same size as the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette (which I also love) but looks a bit more narrow to me.)

I don't own many NARS shadows (I have 2 single shadows) but this set had one color I already knew I liked, Galapagos, and one color I was planning to buy as a single shadow, Coconut Grove. There was also a lighter matte color that looked like it would be great for the crease and lower lash line! 

This kit also comes with a small #3 brush and deluxe sample size primer.

NARS Limited Edition 'AND GOD CREATED THE WOMAN' Palette - Available at Sephora

Colors Include: 

Alhambra, Bellisima, Kalahari, 

Galapagos, Coconut Grove, Night Clubbing

NARS Limited Edition 'AND GOD CREATED THE WOMAN' Palette Swatches for hollyannaeree.com

My only fear with this palette is that it may be too dark for my regular eye looks but I won't know until I try it out! I'll keep you posted : )

NARS Limited Edition 'AND GOD CREATED THE WOMAN' Palette  Available at Sephora

Retail $59

NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder (Pressed) in Translucent Crystal

Another thing I thought was pretty neat is this 'Light Reflecting Setting Powder' in Translucent Crystal. (Don't you just love the name?!)

This comes in two forms, loose or pressed, I chose the pressed for connivence but both are the same price. 

Description from Sephora.com - 

What it is:
A weightless, translucent powder for all skintones that creates a soft matte finish that looks luminous in any light.

What it does:
This setting powder enhances the look of foundation without a trace of color, extending makeup wear thanks to the NARS exclusive Light Reflecting Complex™, which optimizes light-reflection on the skin. Its silky powder is infused with Photochromic Technology, which diffuses light and adjusts to new sources of light throughout the day. Soft, silky and luxurious to the touch and undetectable on the skin, this weightless formula applies evenly and blends effortlessly. One of the best parts? Fine lines, wrinkles, and pores optically fade as skin is visibly smoothed. Additionally, revolutionary microfine mineral powders are loaded with glycerin and antioxidant vitamin E to help guard against dryness and keep skin comfortable all day. Ideal for touch-ups, it helps regulate shine throughout the day and seamlessly sets foundation. This product is paraben- and fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.

     Now when I swatch this it feels a lot like an HD translucent setting powder (a little grittier) where it gives a bit of a slick feeling to the skin and it really does look pretty invisible! (It does not look shimmery)

NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder (Pressed) in Translucent Crystal

Not sure how I am going to like this product but I am eager to test it out! I did see a post on this yesterday by my friend, Jessica of Beautezine, and now I am regretting purchasing the pressed over the loose. I'll link her post HERE so you can find out why. She's got some great shots and additional information on the product so check it out!

NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder in Translucent Crystal

Retail $34

Dior Dior Addict Lipstick in #214 Tulle

The last thing I purchased at Sephora was this Dior Addict Lipstick in #214 Tulle.

 I've never owned or tested one of these before but was totally inspired by one of LisaLisaD1's recent videos. Again. 

(lol. we have very similar taste so anything she loves I always want to try out!)

Dior Dior Addict Lipstick in #214 Tulle

Dior Dior Addict Lipstick in #214 Tulle

This is described as a light beige on the Sephora site but I would say it leans with a bit of pink as well. 

I did try this at the store and really loved the way it looked on! Not totally obsessed or anything but it's a nice, natural lipstick that's no muss no fuss! 

No need for liner or gloss just a pretty lipstick to throw on and complete your look. 

Dior Dior Addict Lipstick in #214 Tulle - swatched for hollyannaeree.com

From the colors I've seen I think this one suits my taste the best but there were a couple others that grabbed my interest as well. 

One of the things I love most about this lipstick so far is the way it feels! Sooo creamy and smooth like a really great lip balm. 

I've also heard people say these are comparable to the Revlon Lip Butters and I would say yes, they are close in texture and give a similar look. Not total dupes but similar. The thing that most sets the Dior apart from the Revlon (aside from the price) for me is the color selection! The colors that were available from Dior just flattered my skin tone more and overall gave me the type of look that I like. I really struggle with the Lip Butters to find colors that I LOVE. (Out of the 20 Lip Butters I only like about 5)

Dior Dior Addict Lipstick in #214 Tulle

Retail $31

Sara Happ - The Lip Scrub in Peppermint

Lastly, I was finally able to get my hands on the Sara Happ Peppermint Lip Scrub when I went to Nordstrom!

I am currently using the LUSH Mint Julips Lip Scrub (per yesterday's post) and I love it but I really wanted to see what all the hype was about! 

(Really looking for the Sara Happ Lip Slip but that was sold out. I was happy to find this scrub though because the Peppermint flavor was sold out online when I tried to purchase it before. You know me and my mint! Gotta have it.)

Sara Happ - The Lip Scrub in Peppermint

Now I was able to try this out after I took these photos and I have to say I am not 100% sure that I like it yet.

It is definitely softer and less abrasive than the LUSH but seems a lot more moisturizing.

You can tell there is a lot of oil in the product, I'd say more oil than scrub, and also the peppermint is not as strong. 

The Sara Happ is 1 oz. while the LUSH is .08 oz - not a huge difference but the Sara Happ is more than double the price. 

My lips seemed too look a little better after using the Sara Happ vs. the LUSH since it was less abrasive and left them more moisturized after I wiped off the excess but I'm still not completely sold. I will need to keep trying this product. 

Probably the saddest thing for me with this new scrub - the directions don't say to eat it. LOL. 

(I actually don't think it's gross - I know there is a lot of debate over that but you ingest the skin on your lips (not to mention your lip products) anyway and if you are someone that exfoliates regularly or your lips aren't super chapped not much really comes off. 

But LUSH Mint Julips tastes so good! 

(for a while when I first got it I was basically just eating it. >_<) I did lick my lips a bit with the Sara Happ just to try it (I mean it comes in so many flavors it seems almost cruel not to be able to taste it!)and the flavor was very subtle. Disappointing. Also with all that oil in there it really wasn't too pleasant. : ( I definitely don't recommend eating or tasting these because I don't think ingesting all that oil would be a good thing. Even though it's a small amount it just doesn't feel right to me. Plus the directions say to wipe it off. Womp wommmp. 

I will test it further though and give you a more definite opinion after I've had some time to use it more regularly.

Sara Happ The Lip Scrub in Peppermint

Retail $24

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Hope you have enjoyed reading this post! That's it for my Hauls for a bit. I hope to start doing some more fashion related posts soon (OOTD, Shoe Reviews, etc.) as well as posting more videos! : )

Thank you again for taking the time to read and follow my blog - it is much appreciated!  

Also since I am blogging daily now I have started a blog for EEVEE that I hope to keep up with! (I figure if I'm already blogging every day it shouldn't be hard to post a picture of her at the same time)

We've decided to call it 'EEVEEinu - Your Daily Dose of Shiba'- so I hope some of you will check it out! It will be a lot easier for me than running her Instagram since I won't have to sign out and back in, etc. (But I do plan on continuing to post on Instagram for her so fear not lol)

Have a wonderful day and I will talk to you tomorrow!

-Holly

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