JustDon't - A Not So Fabulous Review of JustFab

Whenever a college student is told they can have something for free, we generally don't mind going one extra mile if it's worth it. This was my mindset when I received an email from shoe subscription company, JustFab (formally known as Justfabulous), telling me I could get a free pair of shoes. Of course, I immediately read the fine print. I had to sign up for VIP membership and I knew I would have to pay for shipping. However, their website told me I could cancel my membership at any time with their 24 hour customer service. So I figured I would order my pair and cancel as soon as they shipped. Not surprisingly, only select styles were valid for the offer, but I found a pair I liked enough to pay five dollars for. Little did I know, those shoes would cost my bank account and my sanity much more!

Timeline of My Experience

Friday, March 7th...
I received my shoes in the mail and promptly cancelled my VIP membership. Customer service was a pain, as they desperately try to keep you on board even after telling them, "Yes, I know I can cancel anytime. That's why I'm canceling now!" It took twice as long as it should have, but I didn't mind it too much since I'd just gotten myself a $5 pair of shoes.

Six days later...
I get an email from JustFab saying, "Congratulations! You have a credit on your account!" At first, I was thinking they'd sent me a nice little present to beg for my return. Nope. My card was automatically charged $39.95 because I hadn't "picked my shoe for the month," even though I'd canceled my membership before that time was up. Thanks to this lovely gift, my account was now in the negatives. I called customer service right away. They told me there had been "a glitch in the system" and my cancellation hadn't processed. They would cancel my membership right away and process a refund to arrive in my bank account in 5-7 business days. I told them seven days wasn't good enough and asked to speak to a supervisor. They weren't able to get a hold of said supervisor but told me they would call my bank and get my refund to me in 3-5 business days.

Six more days later...
Nothing was in my account yet and I was growing more impatient everyday. I called them again to ask what was taking so long. The customer service representative told me my refund hadn't processed yet because there was yet another "glitch in the system." She immediately processed my refund and told me it should be in my account in 5-7 business days. I was furious. How was I to trust them when apparently their "systems" couldn't handle my account? I told her how upset I was and asked for a supervisor. I actually got a supervisor on the phone this time! She was apologetic, blah, blah, blah...but I told her how dissatisfied I was and demanded she do something else. She dodged around the problem with scripted PR words until she finally said she could speak to my bank representative. Of course, I was talking to her at 11pm, so there was no way to make this happen until I visited my bank the next day. She gave me her name and work hours and that was that for the time being.

The next day...
I arrived in Boston for the weekend and visited my bank. They gave me the line to call for electronic claims that's open 24/7 so I could talk to them at my convenience. I was busy settling in and visiting friends so I put that phone call off for the time being.

One more day later...
I finally received the refund in my bank account, without having to call my bank. I was so relieved to finally be finished with JustFab and all their "glitches."

The Shoes

I ordered a pair of sandals, called Ernesta, in size six. They were cute for five dollars, not much more. The materials were cheap -- the suede was fake, the satin thin and the woven-style platform was shedding its fibers. They were slightly big and fit closer to a six and a half. They looked cute on me though, and were surprisingly comfortable. But they were certainly not worth two weeks of high anxiety and a low bank account balance.

Packing Tips From a Neat Freak

          It's easy to get overwhelmed when you're faced with an empty suitcase to pack for a long trip. For me, it's an exciting time to invent new outfits and play dress up! I'm all about organization, so I used a simple way keep everything neat and minimal when I packed for NYFW last month. I'll be packing for another trip to Albany and Boston this weekend, so I figured it was an opportune time to share my packing tips!

1. Plan your clothes in outfits and actually try them on. I can't begin to remember all the times I've packed a top and bottoms I thought would look great together, just to find out during my trip that they didn't work at all! This also minimizes the amount of clothes you'll need to bring. If you've already tried on your outfits you'll know which ones need an an extra layer and which ones don't. There's no use in throwing a bunch of random tees or shoes in as back-ups if you already know what you need. Lastly, this method is super helpful when you're in a rush during your trip. Simply pick whichever ensemble fits your mood or the weather, and you're ready to go!

2. If you want to get super organized, you can plan each outfit for a specific day. I used my Page-a-Day calendar to lay out my clothes, then looked up the weather report to sort my outfits accordingly. (In most cases this ended up being a general guideline due to changes in weather/temperature/mood, but it's a great idea if you have big events to plan for).

3. Pack a rotation of jewelry and accessories, with a few key pieces. While it may be more exciting to pack different accessories for each day, it becomes a lot to keep track of. Only bring a few simple necklaces, rings, earrings, belts, etc. that you can rotate through during your trip. If you have room, add a couple statement pieces that you're only going to wear once. Not only will this keep the amount of small, easy-to-lose pieces to a minimum, but it also creates a collection unique to your trip. Well after your trip is over, these pieces will be more special because they'll remind you of your travels.

4. Bring one pair of shoes for every three days you'll be gone. Shoes are my weakness when I pack, yet they take up the most amount of space. I always think of all the scenarios I might need a bright pump or a chunky platform, then I end up wearing only half of the shoes I bring. A girl only needs a few basic shoes. My theory is that the longer your stay, the more shoes you'll need. (I'm also willing to make an exception if you have a wide range of events to attend, from super fancy dinners to walking through slush and snow for a meeting).

5. Even if you aren't flying, bring all of your toiletries in travel size. There is no reason you will need a full sized bottle of shampoo. And if for some reason your stay evolves into three months, it isn't hard to find more shampoo. You'll be amazed by how much more space you'll have in your suitcase once all your creams, washes, and hair products are in 3oz. bottles.

Latest Obsession: Jason Wu's Pre-Fall 2014 Collection

           Just as everyone is getting over the S/S14 collections, Pre-Fall pops up with a fresh perspective. While shorts and sundresses are far in the future for most of us, this handful of shows brings us back to the reality of layers and earth tones. We can actually apply the styling to our current outfits and gather inspiration for our winter shopping.

           That's why I'm loving Jason Wu's Pre-Fall 2014 collection. I has everything I want from a fall/winter wardrobe, by balancing thick knits and leather with thin lace and silk. He applied simple layering techniques that all of us on the East Coast can appreciate, like wearing a big sweater over a flowy dress. Nothing is too complex about his pieces, just clean, comfortable clothes that are beautifully understated. His gowns are divine! Who wouldn't want to wear one to a holiday party? And I'm all about his sweater and leather jacket combo. You get the rigidity of a leather moto jacket, with all the cozy warmth of a sweater.

            Another thing I really like, while subtle, is his pairing of neutrals. For anyone who doesn't believing in wearing brown and black together, Wu proves that it can be done. Breaking the "rules" can be refreshing, especially in the winter when your biggest concern is staying warm. Lastly, the pointed toe is here to stay and his double buckle, ankle strap heels and booties are a must-have.

photo credits: Fashionista.com

Fashionable Christmas Gifts That Give Back

          Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year! Not only because of what it means to me, but also because of how long it lasts. A whole month full of baking, decorating, music, friends, family, and shopping! You get every excuse to stay in and watch movies with hot chocolate or shop all day long for the right gifts. I still write the wishlists I've made since I was a kid. In case you haven't caught on yet, I'm very much a list person! While my wishlists have more clothes and fewer toys now, I still put the same amount of effort into making them perfect.

          In the spirit of the holiday season, I decided I wanted to do something a little extra this year. Some fashion brands are willing to give back with every purchase, a concept many call One for One. Stores like Warby Parker and Toms pledge to donate one product to charity for every product purchased. I figured this is a great way to spread the joy! If friends and family will be gifting anyway, why not give a present that donates another in return? I've considered getting new glasses for a while now, so instead of just one pair for myself, I'm asking for a Warby Parker pair to give back at the same time! Not only are they stylish, but they'll be helping out someone who can't afford eye care.

          Whether you're giving or receiving, consider adding these charitable and fashionable gifts to your holiday shopping!

Out of Print - Madeline Women's Tee - $28

          "In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines, lived twelve little girls in two straight lines." These books were among my very favorites when I was young and I can't imagine any little girl not growing up with them. Unfortunately, there are so many impoverished communities where kids don't even have the ability to lose themselves in a good book. That's why for every shirt sold, Out of Print donates a book to an area in need, in partnership with Books for Africa.

Toms + Tabitha Simmons - Blue Cricket Stripe Women's Desert Wedges - $168

           As one of the most successful, charitable brands, Toms' mission is no secret. However, a great new collaboration with shoe designer, Tabitha Simmons, has heightened their fashion appeal this season. Inspired by her own sons, Simmons' collection also features kid's sizes to fit the smallest of trendsetters! As always, with every pair sold, another will be given to an underprivileged child in one of over 60 countries.
 

Warby Parker - Chamberlain Eyeglasses - $95

           Warby Parker has become the hottest place for eyewear. Almost every magazine editor has a pair and their Instagram account has 85k followers. Plus, they make ordering online just as breezy as in person by sending you five pairs to try on before you buy. Glasses have never been so cool! But how did they make their brand even cooler? They partner with non-profits to improve low-income eye care and donate a pair of glasses for every pair sold.

KITE - UWEZA Pencil Pack - $10

          KITE teaches us not to underestimate the power of a pencil. Pencils can be the beginning of stories, learning, creativity, and even careers. These pencils are made in the USA and with their fun patterns, they can also be an unexpected fashion statement. A statement that enables children to attend school and better their lives. For every pencil pack sold, KITE gives a pencil to a child in need, including 13 million kids in the US and over twice as many around the world. That's really something to think about the next time you jot something down!

NYFW: Samantha Pleet SS14 "Arcadia"

           My second show during New York Fashion Week wasn't actually a show, but rather a film premiere party. Held at The Wolverine Company in SoHo, Samantha Pleet revealed her Spring 2014 collection with a short film called "Arcadia." Guests were led to a room in the back of the store to experience the movie on screen. I had the pleasure to meet Samantha and interview her about her designs.

            This was a really fun way to present a collection, especially as the day was ending and everyone had certainly been itching to get away from runway monotony. The pieces had a perfect island getaway vibe, while still being wearable in a city. There were jumpsuits, cutout dresses, shorts, and shirt dresses in bright, playful colors and patterns. My favorite print was a mountain stripe. From far away, it looks like a typical, nautical stripe, but as you get closer, you see little mountains. These whimsical details in Samantha's garments are just right for a girl who doesn't take herself too seriously.

You can read all about her collection  and see the full film in my article for Papercut Magazine here:

Samantha Pleet Premieres "Arcadia" Film at NYFW

Designer Samantha Pleet

The Bombings at the Boston Marathon - My Experience

On Monday, April 15th, two bombs exploded at the Boston Marathon finish line. 

     It's been one whirlwind of a week. While this semester has been crazy enough for me, Monday marked a new level of crazy. I've been living in Boston for two school years now and I have always felt safe. I knew coming here from a small town would be much different and that I would have to be more cautious. But it felt like home right away and I quickly learned how to be safe, ignore sketchy people, and what places to avoid. 

     No one could have been prepared for what happened on April 15th. Boston has never faced such terror and no one could imagine this kind of attack happening in our city. This is my past week from what happened at the 2013 Boston Marathon to trying to move on to the weeks ahead of me that I am incredibly grateful I have.

Monday

     I recently started my job at Club Monaco and went in for my fourth or fifth shift on Monday afternoon. Emerson gets the day off from classes because it's a state holiday. As I took the T to work, the train passed by the closed stop at Copley. Little did I know that stop would be closed for much longer than a day. 

     I knew what the scene at Copley Square would look like because I'd gone to cover the marathon last year for one of my journalism classes. They blocked off several streets and sidewalks so it takes you at least 15 minutes just to get to the other side of the street. As you walk around, it feels as though half of Boston is all packed into a five block radius. While this congestion is annoying, there is still an overwhelming feeling of happiness and pride among the crowds. People cheer for their loved ones, runners push their limits to reach an amazing goal, and visitors have come from around the world to be a part of the biggest sporting event in New England. This day is also Patriot's Day, a time to celebrate the people who have made sacrifices for our country.

     I got to the Prudential Center around 12:15 pm, got dressed in my "Club clothes," for work, and was assigned "Zone One" for the day. This meant I'd be in the front of the store greeting people. It wasn't busy for the first couple hours because most of the city, I expected, was at the marathon. A couple runners had already finished the race and came into the store. 

     It was almost 3 o'clock when I heard a faint rumbling noise. It sounded like someone was moving furniture on the floor above us. I  heard it again a few moments later. I thought it must've been the store's speakers glitching. Then about three to five minutes later, a wave of shoppers came running in my direction. Everyone in the mall was frantic and looking for the nearest exits. My first thought was that there had been a shooting. I ran to the back of the store by the registers to tell my managers. They saw everyone running and didn't know what was going on either. They shut the doors and ran out to ask a security guard. Someone said something had collapsed and that we had to evacuate. We fled for the back room, grabbed our things, and ran outside. 

     As I was leaving with my co-workers, I called my boyfriend, Andy. I told him that I was okay, were evacuating the mall, but I didn't know what was going on. He asked me if he should came get me, and I hesitantly said yes. I didn't want to put him in danger but all I wanted was to be with him. Our store stayed together across the street from the Prudential and we waited as more and more people gathered. Andy called me to tell me he was on his way and that he'd found out there were two explosions at the marathon. I thought it could've been an accident, like an electrical fire from all the wiring at the race. 

     Then, it seemed like every emergency vehicle in the area was going to Copley. Motorcycles, ambulances, and SWAT trucks raced by us, almost running over people crossing the street. I started to see people coming from the race in tears and realized this was bigger than an accident. Something smelled like batteries. Every dog I saw looked nervous, their tales low to the ground and their eyes alert. My managers told all of us that we could go home if we had a way to get there. One of my co-workers also goes to Emerson so she and I decided to walk back together. I kept calling Andy to let him know where I was going, but at that point, service was really bad and I couldn't get through. Newbury St. and Commonwealth Ave. were closed so we had to go a couple streets down. All of my family and friends were texting me to make sure I was okay and I was only able to get texts out to some of them. As we traveled further from Copley, some people were frantic and others seemed clueless. 

The bombings took place between Copley Square and the Prudential Center. 

     I finally, reached Andy and we agreed to meet on the bridge in the Public Garden. My co-worker made sure I got to the garden before she kept walking back to campus. The bridge was filled with people, most of them didn't seem to know what happened and were just going about their days. I didn't see Andy so I waited. I looked at my phone and opened a text my older sister had sent me asking me if I was okay. Part of her message said, "Please answer me so I don't have a panic attack." I read that and instantly teared up. I didn't care if bystanders saw me break down, I was beyond caring about composing myself. Then I heard Andy call my name. I couldn't run quick enough and I wanted to just push everyone out of the way. I finally reached his arms and didn't want to let go. He was cold, tired, and had blisters on his feet. I was so happy to be with him and I felt safe for once.

     We slowly walked back to campus. The college was on lock-down so they were asking for IDs before we entered the building. When we got to my suit, my suit mates were watching the news. It was surreal to watch the explosions at the finish line. I couldn't believe it had happened a block away from me and only a few blocks from my school. But I felt even worse for the people who were actually there. I couldn't imagine the horror those people felt and the devastation of those who were hurt. Even worse, the most horrible feeling of losing a loved one. 

     We couldn't leave the dorm for the rest of the day, so Andy and I went up to our friends' suite. Their window looks out to the Common and we saw several National Guard troops create their base there. We all hungout and watched the news until late at night. It was nice to be together while we waited.

 Tuesday

On Tuesday, I wore my Puma sneakers in honor of the marathon runners and Boston's spirit to "keep running."

My outfit while my boyfriend and I walked around downtown.

     Classes were canceled again so we could have time before getting back to work. I had planned to use this day to get started on some final assignments but I didn't have an ounce of motivation. Andy wanted to take pictures around where everything happened so we went for a walk. Troops were still in the Common and reporters were everywhere. Dozens of news stations were set up on the corner of Boylston and Arlington - a block away from Copley Square. We walked as far as we could down Boylston until gates stopped us. Troops stood behind the gates while people placed flowers, signs, and flags in front. You could just barely see down the street where the explosions happened and the entire street was a mess of debris. We walked around Newbury and while everything was a little calmer and quieter, most stores and restaurants remained open. It was nice to see businesses running the day after an attack. It was their way of saying that nothing can bring our city down. 

Flowers, signs, flags, and marathon medals were placed at the gate blocking off Boylston St. 

     Andy asked me if I wanted to take out a pen and paper and start interviewing people, since that's sort of what I do. But that was the last thing I wanted to do. I saw so many people who were grieving and still in shock, and I just couldn't bring myself to ask them to relive their experience so soon after it happened. Not many people are comfortable with reporters shoving a microphone or pad of paper in their face after they've gone through something traumatic. I finally understood why. I would much rather talk to someone as a citizen to another citizen in a time like this. I walked into a boutique, and that's just what I did. The manager asked how I was and we started talking about where we were when the attack happened. It was just a natural conversation and it felt better than interrogating someone to get a news worthy story.

Reporters have been at every street corner. Here, there were hoards of reporters at the corner of Arlington and Boylston. 

We looked for Anderson Cooper, but couldn't find him. 

     Through all of this, I've realized the kind of journalist I want to be. This is much deeper than wanting to be a fashion journalist or lifestyle writer. One of my professors talked to my class about insensitive media coverage on the bombings and told us that we don't have to be that kind of journalist to be successful. He said we could still be good, considerate people in this competitive industry. I know now that I don't want to sacrifice any of my ethics or values just to get a good story. I still love journalism. I know that it's still the career I want to pursue. But I know breaking news, broadcast, and insensitive media isn't me. I don't want to add to victims' despair by bombarding them with questions. People who have experienced a horrible event don't need more questions. If they are glad to talk that's their decision. I would much rather give people time to process everything and then do a more in depth feature piece a few weeks later. 

     That night, there was a candlelight vigil in the Common to mourn and pay tribute to the victims of the bombing. People placed flowers, signs, and Samuel Adams bottles among the candles lying at the base of the gazebo.

A candlelight vigil was held in the Common on Tuesday night. 

Students paid tribute with candles, flowers, signs, and Samuel Adams bottles. 

Wednesday

     It was our first day of classes and things started to feel a little closer to normal. The news reported that a suspect of the bombing was taken to federal court and then there was a bomb threat that evacuated the courthouse. However, these reports were misleading. No suspect was in custody and no bomb was found. 

Cops and military blocked off several streets from Newbury to Mass. Ave. 

     I went for a run on Beacon Hill after my 10am class. It was my first run of the year because the weather was finally nice enough. Beacon Hill is one of my favorite places in Boston and it's a serene area to go running. I enjoyed the beautiful houses and blooming trees. People were walking their dogs and shopping down Charles St. I felt relaxed and happy when I got back.

Thursday

     During the day was pretty uneventful because I was in class from 12-8pm. All of my professors had discussions of the week's events and it was nice to hear what other students had to say, especially from journalistic perspectives.

While military troops were all around the Boston Common, citizens went about their days.

      Andy and I spent our night watching Mad Men to escape from things for a little while. But the second we turned to the news, things got more intense. We learned that an MIT officer was shot, a 711 in Cambridge was robbed, and the suspects of these crimes were in a dangerous chase with the police. We watched for a few hours as a local reporter was only feet away from gunfire and explosives. I eventually went to bed but Andy kept watching until 5am.

Friday

     The next morning, the first thing we did was turn the news back on. They had determined that the two men in the last night's chase were the suspects of the bombing and that the first one had been killed. The cops continued to search for the second suspect. Law enforcement confirmed the suspects names and that they were brothers from Russia who had been living in the US for quite a few years. 

     Since they hadn't found the second suspect, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the mayor called Boston and the surrounding towns to shelter in place. Work was canceled and our campus was told to stay inside with the doors locked. Everything in Boston was quiet. No businesses were open and no cars were on the street. Everyone in the city stayed inside, watching the news and praying they would find him. 

My boyfriend, Andy.

     Finally, after almost 24 hours of news coverage, police found Tsarnaev in a backyard boat in Watertown. People gathered in the Common to celebrate his capture and thank the Boston Police Department. Andy and I went out to take pictures where hundreds of college students were chanting "BPD" and sang "Sweet Caroline." While it was exciting to watch, I didn't really feel like joining them in cheering. I was glad Tsarnaev was in custody and very proud of our law enforcement, but it still didn't change what happened on Monday. 

     Nothing will give Krystle Campbell, Martin Richard, and Lu Lingzi their lives back. Nothing will be the same for the victims who lost arms and legs. So while catching one of the suspects is a triumph and provides an ounce of closure, I'm not ready to celebrate. I am, however, extremely proud of our city's police forces and all the work they've done this week. I am also proud of the FBI and National Guard troops who have helped protect our city. 

     There were cops all around the Common keeping an eye on the crowd. When we were done taking pictures, Andy and I walked over to four cops huddled by their cruiser to shake their hands. It felt good to thank each one personally. Most of the time, we take for granted the things cops do to protect us and I'm sure it means a lot to them when citizens thank them for their service.

Saturday

     Things seemed to settle down in the city on Saturday. We had a suspect in custody, not as many cops were around, and everyone seemed ready to go on with their weekend. It was time for me to go back to work. That afternoon would be my first time going back to work since the marathon. Andy was scheduled to work next door at Copley Place a bit later, but went with me so he could find someone to cover his shift. 

Everyone will keep running in Boston.

     The Copley stop was still closed down and was one of the only reminders of the bombing that I'd seen all day. As the T reached the Prudential stop, I started feeling sick. I had a headache and I felt no motivation to work. He walked with me towards the back entrance of the store and I felt overwhelmingly nervous. He kissed me goodbye. I told him, "Text me when you know if you're..." and then I couldn't hold it in any longer. Tears streamed down my face and I moved away from the hall where people could see me. I told him I didn't know what was wrong but I really didn't want to work. I was positive nothing bad was going to happen this time, but just knowing that it could happen made me nervous. 

     Andy encouraged me to talk to my manager and stay home. My manager was understanding and told me to take the day off. Then, Andy and I walked through the mall and into Copley Place to go to his store. It made me feel a little better to see how busy both malls were. Clearly, there were plenty of people confident enough in their safety to be out shopping. I was still tired though, and my headache wouldn't go away. Andy found someone to cover his shift and we went back to campus. I slept until dinner and felt a bit more refreshed when I woke up. 

     I've missed my family more than anything this week and I am really looking forward to finishing school and going home to them. I need a while away from work and assignments to relax and enjoy time with them.

----------------------------

Events like these make you incredibly grateful for the people you love. 

     What happened on Monday has been hard to deal with, but I can't imagine how hard it has been for people have been more directly affected. I pray every day for those who have been injured or have lost a loved one. I am also so thankful for the people in my life who make me happy. My family, friends, and boyfriend make every day worth living. The community within Boston has come together in so many ways to demonstrate its strength. My favorite story in this whole event is how many marathon runners continued to run to nearby hospitals to donate blood after they finished the race. When you think about all the good things people are doing in the world, it helps to overcome the sadness of the bad things happening around us.

Photo credit: Andrew Cahill