Poshmark - An Honest Review on the Plunder and Payouts

Poshmark, the app where you can buy and sell fashion at greatly reduced prices, has definitely gained popularity since I joined almost three years ago. Being the serial shopper that I am (don't judge me) I originally joined purely for the purpose of finding more things at great prices - a la eBay but without the bidding wars and seriously inflated prices.

As far as spending money goes, I purchased several items at pretty reasonable prices. There were not all sunshine and rainbow experiences but it wasn't enough to sour me.

Before I outline my pros and cons, here is a snippet a few things I've purchased:

Lauren Conrad Fringe Sandal

Vera Wang Glitter Ballet Flat

Zara Glitter Sandal

J. Crew Sequin Top

 Now, my thoughts...

Pros:
- Easier to negotiate prices with the seller than on a site like eBay
- Once packages are shipped, it's two day priority shipping
- More likely to find unique and hard to find items that may originally have had big ticket prices
- Shipping cost is all the same no matter what you buy
- Discounted shipping can be an incentive for a seller to make a sale if they lower an item price
- Poshmark is very responsive if you are unhappy or if the seller is dragging their feet

Cons:
- Some sellers are not as engaged and responsive to questions and and offers
- Some sellers can be extremely slow shippers
- No free shipping
- Their still is price gouging as you find on eBay


After some time Poshmarking as a shopper, and seeing this IFB post, I decided I needed to start purging my closet (that's another blog post entirely). And my thoughts on that....

Pros:
- You don't have to worry about shipping prices questions or whether to offer it free or not, because it's set by Poshmark
- Money you've earned can be held to use for Posh shopping or can be easily direct deposited into your bank
- There's no seller bashing
- It's pretty quick and easy to post items using their template
- There's no reposting if it doesn't sale within a given period of time, it will just continue to be in your closet

Cons:
- Like a lot of social media sites, it's the popular kids who get most of the action
- Along with the the popular kids your closet also has to compete against the closets that often have the bigger brands (but everyone's not looking for that so don't get discouraged)
- It can be frustrating to get a lot of likes on an item but no sale, even when it's priced more than reasonable
- Some Posh shoppers are extra needy and then don't even leave decent feedback
- Like any social media site, you have to spend a considerable amount of time promoting items in your closet and participating in Posh parties, so that can be time consuming


And one final overall note, you can only shop and post through the app, even though they do have a a website, it's just for browsing.

I consider myself a Posher at this point. My personal tips for selling are to post items to both eBay and Poshmark, just be sure to keep up with your inventory. If you have a big brand item (i.e., Kate Spade, Kors, etc) you may just be better off posting it on eBay where you can possibly get more, Poshmark is more for haggling. Between the two sites, I managed to make enough to pay off a sizeable bill. So it certainly can be worth it, as with most things you just have to take the good with the bad.


I'm curious of what you other ladies think of Poshmark from either a buyer or seller perspective, please leave a comment below on your experience!

For the Notorious Overpacker - PurseN to the Rescue!!

I should belong to Overpackers Anonymous, seriously. Because I have no idea how to just pack the essentials for any trip, not a weekend trip, not an overnight getaway, not a five day escape. Not apologetic, I'm just stating the facts. And for those of you who are like me, here's a little something that just might make your day - it certainly made mine!

Meet the PurseN! A nifty origami-like jewelry case to use when you travel:

I couldn't quite decide whether I needed the Vacationer size, which is intended for longer getaways, but decided to go with the Tiara size, which is considered a weekender case. Since ultimately I was looking for ways to satisfy, not feed my addiction, Aaaaand I'm kinda cheap...so I went with the little one.

The Tiara is intended for small to medium sized jewelry and has  6 attached pouches and 4 removable pouches, with clear view windows and zippered closures. There are 2 middle straps that snap in order to hold the removable pouches in places and a padded ring strap, that also secures with a snap. The overall quality feels very good and it is well put together.

Even with all the pockets, I was slightly concerned because I wear a lot of chunky jewels, necklaces especially. So I wasn't sure if I could get those types of things to fit.

I tried to pack it realistically, according to the types of things that I might actually take away with me. Here's what I was able to comfortably fit in:

6 necklaces - 2 which were quite chunky
4 bracelets - including a set of thicker bangles and one with oversized baubles
4 pairs of large size earrings
5 rings - which included one super big one

And I managed to get it all zipped up!

Plus, the bottom expands in order to accommodate your larger jewelry!

You could certainly pack more, depending upon the size and placement of pieces. For the purpose of this demonstration I went with the bigger stuff.

I feel I made the right choice with the Tiara and I love that they offer the cases in a variety of colors and prints, which speak to any diva's personality. I rate the PurseN Dazzling Diva Approved!



Please Note: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own and merchandise was purchased with my own funds.

Battle of the Black Masks: Boscia Luminizing Black Mask vs Kerstin Florian Clarifying Moor Mud Masque

I love a good facial mask, and by good it has to actually feel like there's been some benefit. There's an improvement of some kind - a noticeable glow (even if I'm the only one who notices), improved clarity, or even a lasting soothing effect. What I don't want is for my super oily skin to be left feeling as dry as the Saharan desert and tight as a drum... No bueno.

More recently I've developed an affection for black masks. It started as intrigue really, as I'd mostly been used to using masks that were green or clear. So I decided to try something new, neither of the products are new to store shelves, they were just new to me. And I feel I've been using them long enough to give an honest and critical opinion of both.

Enter my two contenders: Boscia Luminizing Black Mask and Kerstin Florian Mood Mud.


First up, Bosica Luminizing Black Mask! Which I purchased at Sephora.

Price: $34

Looks: It comes in a simple shiny black tube. And when you squeeze out the product it's actually quite lovely - the deepest black, with a super smooth texture and a lacquer like shine.

Use: Apply a thick, opaque, even layer to clean, dry skin. Keeping it away from eyes, eyebrows, hairline, and lips. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes or until completely dry, then gently peel off mask in a downward motion from outer edges and rinse off any residue.

Application: I feel like you have to squeeze out a lot of the product in order to get that "thick, opaque, even layer," which makes the price tag pinch a bit. It isn't very easy to spread and I feel like you have to move quickly, because it begins to dry fairly fast and I try to apply in large sections in order to have better "peelability" (yup, totally just made it up) once it's dry. And I definitely recommend doing this in a mirror in order to stay away from the aforementioned hairy places.

Removal: Um...ouch. Ok, so I pretty much feel like I'm pulling tiny layers of my epidermis off. BUT for some, it may not be nearly as bad...because I have to admit I'm a fuzzy girl. There I said it. And so peeling off this mask from my fuzzy face is practically akin to like 50 Band-Aids. Hence the reason you want to keep it away from your delicate eye area. And if you have sensitive skin, just stay away altogether.

It looks a little like chicken skin, right?

Now, for me removal never comes off in one clean peel. This is where how thick or thin your applied it will come into play. Thin - you'll be there for a while and be tempted to just wash it off. Thick - hello, extra large Band-aid! But I admit it's also kind of cool!

Results: For at least ten minutes after, my face definitely felt tingly and alive! So following up with some type of soothing moisturizer is nice. But I can't say I notice any major difference, but my skin does feel smoother and there's a bit of a cooling sensation left behind. Glowier? Might be. Tighter pores? Maybe. But I just went through a lot of trouble, so I do feel some sort of satisfaction.


Next up, Kerstin Florian Clarifying Moor Mud Masque. I was introduced to this product line during a fabulous facial in a swanky NYC spa a couple years ago.

Price: $38

Looks: Also rather shiny, but slightly lumpy texture, which you feel more as you apply it. But hey, the ingredient list is short: moor mud.

Use: Apply to moist, clean skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave on 3-5 minutes. It is suggested that the masque is kept moist by spraying face with Neroli Water or applying in the shower. And it can be removed with a warm washcloth.

Application: Also in a squeeze tube, but I don't feel like I have to use a ton. It's messy (as most mud typically is), so I apply in the shower. On days when I plan to use this I was my face first, instead of last, then apply this, move on to washing my body and letting the steam do its job.

Removal: When I'm done I just stick my face in the water and let it rinse off. Outside of the bit of messiness, I just rarely use a washcloth on my face.

Results:  I honestly do feel like my skin is brighter afterward. And as bad as this sounds, this is my go to mask after if I happen to fall asleep in my makeup. *blink blink* Yes, I know, I know that's a cardinal sin! But just the same, I do feel this has saved me.


Winner??
Hands down, the moor mud is my fav. It's faster and easier and I feel that I get immediate results. Yes, I do still use the Boscia Black Mask, but that's when I'm going into all out self pampering, and I prefer to use a facial steamer prior to applying the mask, I think it just works better. Or at least that's what I tell myself!

Pretty on Parade

Here in the northeast (and even the south!) we're getting crushed by blustery winds and bitter cold temps, but don't let your look match your mood (seasonal depression, anyone??) There's no need to tuck away your perky brights and shroud yourself  in blacks and grays! Transitioning your bright and patterned pieces into the colder seasons can be a mood lifter.

Here's my tips on getting the job done in three easy steps: 

 

1.  Start your base with a vibrantly patterned piece, like this lovely frock by ModCloth. A great way to take this dress, which is great for summer strolls on the boardwalk, into brisker temps is by grounding the look with other pieces that have a more substantial feel. Top off your base item with a heavier knit pullover, which will allow your dress to work as more of a skirt (a two-for-one deal!).

2.  Then add in your winter friendly favorites like opaque tights, ankle booties and chunky belts. Work with pieces that are color complimentary to tones found in your dress, especially if it's printed. As you see here, sage tights are a welcome change from basic black and brown, yet work as a neutral that doesn't compete with the print. And the buckle detail on the boots lends a more contemporary feel when paired with this wonderfully retro design. Using a belt allows you to define your shape through your layers, by cinching in your waistline, while also adding some visual texture to the look.

3.  Complete the look by adding finishing accessories, like a scarf, bag and jewelry. You can pull out colors from your dress and repeat them in these pieces to keep the look cohesive with out being overly matchy. Here, I chose to maintain the whimsical feel of the repeated pattern on the dress and add in circular earrings - that happen to have a nautical theme. I mean, we're all dreaming of summer right!


In the end, you've got a cute and cozy outfit that says the winter blues ain't got a thing on you!


Stay warm, lovelies!!