//gone verde

I'm telling you, Shakti never fails to please. 

It's always exciting when I get an email from them asking to review another product, and I definitely scored big (again!) with this gorgeous little number!

I apologize that my photos are not the best quality for this review. It was a bit rushed, which I kind of regret, but oh well. 

eShakti clothes are awesome because they're guaranteed to fit you no matter what shape or size you're rockin'. 

Every time I get a new dress from eShakti I know it's gonna fit me like a glove, and flatter my figure in all the right places! And I'm never disappointed! 

(still haven't really figured out the whole modeling thing, but I can't take myself too seriously, right?)

This dress is SO comfortable. It's a soft, slightly stretchy material, very similar to this one - a heavyweight jersey cotton blend, I think? Could be wrong there, but that's what it feels like. It's not flimsy by any means and I know it was made with high-quality standards. Another pro about getting dresses from eShakti! 

At the same time, I'm not sweating my butt off from it being too thick of a fabric. And living in the Sunshine State, I can fully testify that it gets hot here!

My camera was about to die at this point so it was like "hurry, try and get in as many shots as you can!"

Throwing in a vaguely pin-up inspired pose because it just felt right at that moment.

My makeup routine was the same as what I did for my other retro eShakti dress photoshoot.

Pretty simple and typical for the 1940s. Just my favorite Besame lippie, some blush, concealer, and a smidgen of mascara. I experimented with a new hairstyle, too, which I'm pretty happy with. Maybe one day I will advance on to those much-envied victory rolls. 

To complete the 1940s look, one absolutely must have tights or at least the appearance of tights! Which I know I still need to add to my 40s ensembles...*cough* if anybody wanted to send me some to review I wouldn't complain...*cough

In fact, women would even draw a line down the back of their legs to give that imitation, if they couldn't afford tights. Me? I was running out of time today so didn't want to put that extra effort in...oh the shame!

The "I have no idea what I should do next here but at least I'm having fun" look.

Overall, I'm in love with this dress! The cutouts in the front give it the perfect little touch without being over-the-top. I absolutely adore the shade of green. So classic!

If you love vintage-inspired clothing or the idea of clothing you can actually customize to your own measurements, you should definitely check out eShakti. It's the only company that offers this kind of service for sizes 0-36W! 

They also offer $25 off to new customers! 

(Be sure to tell them that I sent you!)

//details//

dress: eShakti

shoes: ModCloth

vintage gloves: gift from my late Aunt Ruth

 lipstick: Besame in 1946 Red Velvet

blush: Cowgirl Dirt in Buckle

in love with the verde? let me know in the comments what you think of this look!

Note: I was given this product in exchange for my honest review. 

EnlightenedStateApparel Burnout Tanks {review + GIVEAWAY!}

 

Do you love to work out? (I know some of you may be laughing at that question, like, how on earth can somebody /love/ working out... well, hey, before you start rolling your eyes, take my word for it: it's totally possible!) Looking for lightweight, comfortable clothes to wear during your training sessions? Tired of looking bleh while you work up a sweat?

 

Okay, so whether you love working out or not, Enlightened State Apparel is an awesome Etsy shop. Not to mention, it will totally give what you're looking for if you answered yes to the above questions.  

 

Basically, ESA is a line of fun, sporty racer back tanks that are both lightweight and cute. They come in bright, pop-y colors that make you think energetic thoughts just looking at them. Oh, and they have motivational saying on the front. Nice, right?

 

 I was sent the Train the Same or Remain the Same Tank. Love that saying! And I really liked the color combo. Sadly, my pictures don't really capture the blue very well. Blegh. I apologize for the picture quality in general because it is so evidently lousyyy. Fact is, I've been ridiculously busy as of late and haven't had the time for writing up product reviews even though I'm very behind on them. But, please, don't mind my excuses.

 

 I ordered a bit bigger than necessary, anticipating something more form-fitting, which it wasn't. (If you buy something, just make sure you order your natural size, don't go a size higher in fear of it being too tight.) So it hangs a bit lower on my chest than I'd like, and is pretty baggy everywhere else. I can live with that though. It's not like it's something I'm going to wear to the conservatory or when teaching. It's a work-out shirt, and supposed to be comfortable for that reason. (The one condition here being that you can't really wear a regular bra with it and have it still be 'modest'. Time to whip out that sports bra!)

 

Well it definitely is comfortable!

Overall, I like this shirt, and in the Florida summer months it's truly perfect for a good long run in the sun.

Now for the exciting part.......what do we have next? You guessed it - a giveaway! That's right, it's no illusion!
 You can enter to win your very own ESA tank! You even get to pick which tank!

How nifty is that!? If I were you peeps, I'd be putting in as many entries as I could right now. So get hopping!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Once Upon A Time #SNOWING Necklace! {review}

 

Ugh, it's been a while since I last posted...life just hasn't really permitted me lately to post on this blog, this year. I recently began classes with the Ocala Piano Conservatory, and I'm also trying hard to finish my studies with ICR so I can get started with college stuff. Ayyyyy, and those are just two things.

 

Anyhoo, it's also been a while since I did a review here on Apassionata.

 

So guess what we have today!? Something really cool and unique from Love Infinitely Gifts!

 

It's an OUAT Snowing Shipper necklace! In case you don't know what "Snowing" refers to, well....actuallyyyy, you probably won't care about this post at all in general, if you're not an OUAT fan. Haha. But anyways, Snowing refers to the 'ship name' of Snow White/Mary Margaret and Prince Charming/David.

^_^ I love deeez peoplessss so much. They are positively adorable! And contrary to the 'traditional fairy tale romance', their story isn't all just smooth-sailing and fluff. What they've been through to be with eachother....gahhhh.  <3

Some of the other OUAT couples I don't care for, *coughCaptainSwancough* but these two? I shipped them so hard from the moment they both got on screen. And what's even cooler is that the actors actually got married in real life. (I hope they stay together!)

 

I have mixed feelings toward the screenwriters of Once Upon A Time. On one hand I'm kinda aggravated they decided to include Frozen in this next season. I'm also mad how they murdered most of my favorite characters (is that anything new, though?) and ended up pairing Emma with Hook.  But one thing they got right was Snowing. So I guess I can forgive them.

 

Anywayyys so now that's out of the way, let's get to the review shall we?

 

I was so excited to see a whole collection of OUAT-themed jewelry on this Etsy shop. And then I saw this piece....

 

 

It's just so gorgeous! I love everything about it. It's constructed well, easy and lightweight to wear, and all around perfect, really.

 

 

As the Etsy description says, it truly is a beautiful piece in person. The sword and snowflake really pop out at you.

 

 

Ever since I got in in the mail I've been wearing it everywhere, with everything. New favorite fashion statement!

 

I have no complaints here. Nada. Nothin'. Zip.  

You should go check out the OUAT Inspired Pieces collection for yourself. End of story. 

 

I don't agree with some of the stuff from this shop, but I really like the OUAT collection.  And if you're into this show then I know you will too. So what are you waiting for?! Go give it a peek already!

 

 

Note: I was provided this item in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed remain mine and mine alone.

 

Cowgirl Dirt Natural Cosmetics {review}

 

I didn't use to wear make-up.

 

 In fact, the concept is really still very new to me.

I first started wearing some light concealer and foundation last year, to help with covering the acne when I was out in public. Truth is, that's really all I will do most days when I go out.

 

I've always believed that God has given us gals natural beauty that doesn't require make-up to enhance it. We were made in His image, after all! And His design of the human body/face is certainly nothing to be ashamed of/want to cover over with excessive amounts of cosmetic products.

 

That being said, I have indeed come to enjoy using light amounts of make-up for special occasions and such. Notice I said *light* amounts. I can't stand to see when women and girls pile on the stuff like it's sunscreen!

 

So I just wanted to clarify that, for anyone who wondered.

 

Anyway, today I'm reviewing some NATURAL cosmetic items from Cowgirl Dirt. As most of y'all know, I'm a huge supporter of anything natural, homemade or organic. So I was pretty excited to find this company. So many big cosmetics companies today use ingredients which are harmful and even toxic.

 

The samples came in a cute burlap-sack style pouch.

 

I was sent samples of these products:

• Wild West Blush, in "Ponderosa" and "Buckle"
• Dusty Bronzer in "Arena"
• Eye Shadow in "Rhinestone", "Alfalfa", "Barnwood", "High Ho Silver"
• Southern Belle Cream Foundation "Warm, 4"
• Silverado Cream Eye Shadow in "Milk Jar"

 

Both blushes were nice. I personally don't know much about application of blush as I've only just started using it. I like it because it can give a somewhat vintage/retro look. "Ponderosa" is slightly darker than "Buckle" in hue. Both are lovely, relatively mild blush colors. They're easy to apply, also.

 

The "Arena" bronzer is a nice shade as well. It takes some practice to blend it just write, but that's what foundation is for...at least, as far as I know anyway!

 

My favorite of the eyeshadows is "Rhinestone". It's a very light, shimmery powder/sky blue and I think it's a great color for eyeshadow. It doesn't make you look overly dramatic or vampire-like, as some shadows tend to do.

It's more of just a fun, mild hue for when you want to add a little shimmer but not go overboard on the color.

 

The cream foundation is very easy to apply. Cowgirl Dirt offers it in multiple shades, to match each person's skin best. I got in it "Warm, 4" and it seems to match my somewhat-tan/sunkissed skin.  

 

Overall, it looks like Cowgirl Dirt makes some great, high quality products. And they're made in the USA! Love to support home-country based businesses.

I'm glad to know that when I put on this makeup, it's not riddled with junk and chemicals.

 

I definitely recommend checking out the shop for yourself. You can get samples of your own for just 99 cents each! And if you're already a make-up user, why not support a locally owned business?

 

Note: I was sent these products from Cowgirl Dirt in exchange for my honest review.

Labradorite Viking Knit Necklace {review}

 

Hola amigas y amigos!

 

It's time for a long overdue review!

 I trust y'all have had a restful weekend? I have...for the most part. Took a small break earlier in the week, when my family and I had a short beach hiatus. It was pleasant, and I didn't write or edit for two days which was verrrry nice considering all the craziness involving the screenplay lately! Beach breaks can do a world of good y'all.

 

So, today I'm reviewing a unique handcrafted necklace from Odds and Ends by Kaley.

 

 

 It's a Labradorite Double Viking Knit necklace. It originally caught my eye with the title alone. I mean "double Viking knit". That tells you something right there doesn't it? Being a major fan of medieval and ancient styled things, I was immediately interested.

 

Unfortunately my pictures don't capture the beauty of this necklace.

 

According to the Etsy listing for this piece, "The technique used to make this necklace is called Viking Knitting, which has been around for centuries. This ancient method of weaving metal wire, forms an intricate, flexible chain, that looks like very detailed chainmaille. The stone paired with this hand woven chain is labradorite- believed by the eskimos to have the northern lights trapped inside.

This necklace was woven with a double viking knit weave in copper. The pendant at the base of the necklace is a gorgeous piece of faceted labradorite with a stunning flash blue flash (some green/gold/purple too!).  I have oxidized and polished the chain to give it an earthen finish. The necklace ends in a handmade S clasp that is easy to work yourself."

 

This is truly a piece that I would wear in my medieval garb/wardrobe. In fact, everything about it screams medieval to me! I absolutely adore the S clasp. It's one of my favorite things about this necklace.

 

The labradorite pendant is lightweight and lovely, and depending on how the light catches on it, it can

sport a number of varying hues. Beautiful!

 

And of course, the wire working is extremely intricate and I can't honestly say I've ever seen anything like it.

 

Overall verdict? It's a fascinating, lovely piece. If you are into medieval styled jewelry you should definitely check out Odds and Ends by Kaley! There are many other similar pieces, and also some contemporary themed accessories.

 

Hope everyone is having a blessed summer! I know a lot of people are starting up school once again. It's a crazy thought that the year is more than half-way in, isn't it?

Garb For The Screenwriters {review}

 

Buenos dias, y'all!

(Ha that's a funny pairing of word choices, isn't it?)

 

I have another review for you today. A little while ago I was sent a Screenplay t-shirt from TheShirtDudes on Etsy.

 

As y'all probably know by now I'm a big fan of t-shirts. They're practical for a regular day (not to mention comfortable!)  of going about the typical routine, going to the store or doing practically anything that requires casual-wear.

 

So yeah. I like t-shirts.

 

 

 

I like this t-shirt for obvious reasons.

 

Obvious reason #1, it mentions screenplays and yes, I like this because I'm a screenwriter. It's kinda amusing - on the Etsy page for this shirt it says "Inside each of us, we are writing an epic cinematic screenplay. But just like life, it's ongoing and hardly seems to finish. Hang on you're almost there! Maybe you'll find new characters to your plot when you wear this unique shirt!"

Obvious reason #2, the design is cool. I like the little ink-well and feather pen paired with the swirly calligraphy loop under the text. The color scheme is a nice contrast, too.

 

Obvious reason #3, this is a very comfy shirt. Very durable/soft/breathable fabric.

 

Obvious reason #4, it's a t-shirt. How could it not automatically be a win?

 

 

 

The bottom line? Me gusta esto, mucho. (I like this shirt a lot!)

 

You should totally check out the TheShirtDudes for yourself. They have a wide, wide variety of different t-shirt designs. I think they'll also send you a cool vinyl sticker if you order something. (I have this "You've CAT to be KITTEN me right MEOW" sticker from them on my desk right now. *grins*)

So there you go. Plenty of reason to take a look at the shop! xD

 

 

Note: I was sent this item from TheShirtDudes in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed remain mine and mine alone.

AssafPelleg Summer Fashion {review}

 

SO, we're smack-dab in the middle of summertime. The heat's upon us, and in Florida, that means you can expect 100% humidity to go with it. It can be a less-than-comfortable end result, for climate.

When faced with this sort of weather, what does one wear? Something light, comfortable and summer-y of course.

 

The shop Assaf Pelleg sent me a fun summer tank/tee and it certainly fits under the above description.

 

 

One of the most awesome things about this review is where it came from.

 

 

That's right, Israel! I was so excited to get a package from one of my favorite countries. It's not every day you see a package with Hebrew written on it! ^_^

 

 

The shirt came with this pin, at least, that's what I think it is. Personally when I first saw it in the box, it looked like packing material. I think it's rather strange for a pin honestly, but I guess somebody, somewhere wouldn't mind wearing it.

 

 

The shirt is extremely lightweight, and very see-through - I added a black tank underneath for modesty.

I simply adore the pattern. It's so cute, and so perfectly summer-y! I don't think I've ever seen a shirt that had sunglasses covering it.

This is probably my favorite thing about the top, and it's also what first caught my attention in the beginning while browsing the AssafPelleg shop.

 



 

There's only one thing I don't like about this shirt.

 

You can't really tell in these photos, but the blouse has a fold of fabric that crosses the midsection diagonally, and while some women would be delighted with this addition, for covering their tummy regions, I am not a fan of it personally.

 

Actually, at one point my aunt said she had thought I'd gained a little weight, wearing this shirt.

(I'm not one to go making decisions based on what others say/think about it, but...The last time somebody told me I looked like I'd gained some weight...I can't even remember that time if it was in existence at all. So, yeah...)

 

It's not the pattern, or fabric itself. It's that fold running across the front. My mom said she would gladly wear a shirt with that kind of fold to help cover her abdominal region better. For me, it just poufed out and made me look pregnant...which I'm not.

 

So. This would be the perfect summer top if not for that fold. It does have a cute pocket on one side of the chest, which I like, but otherwise I'd totally opt for a version of this shirt without that extra  bit of fabric.

 

That's just my take.

 

I'd still recommend this store, however. I'm a huge fan for a number of reasons right now. One, the clothes are made right in Israel! Two, it appears to be quality stuff. Three, very professionally-presented and organized. I could go on, but that might get boring for you readers so how about you just go check out AssafPelleg for yourself?

 

 

Note: I was provided this item from AssafPelleg in exchange for my honest review. All opinions remain mine and mine alone, and I am not paid for presenting any of them. I employ no means of flattery or falsehoods in my reviews.