Five Year Anniversary Giveaway!

{THE ENTRY PERIOD IS CLOSED. Check back later for the winners!}

This is a few weeks late, but Looks Good From The Back had it's five year anniversary on March 11th! We think that calls for a giveaway, don't you? We have two different prizes and all you have to do is leave a comment (with your email address) stating which prize you'd like to win. (And yes, you have to pick one or the other, not both.)

Prize #1:

magic!

A full-sized tube of Bliss Micro Magic treatment ($48 retail) along with an assortment of beauty and skincare samples I've been hoarding away.

Prize #2:

shiny! 

A Giles & Brother Encrusted Large Archer Cuff ($185.00 retail value). Brand new and very, very shiny. Just a note: This is the large version and isn't adjustable, so if you have small wrists it will fall right off. 

This giveaway is open to everyone and it ends tomorrow night (April 1) at midnight. I'll announce the winners on Thursday, April 2. Thanks for reading! 

Review: Fairy Drops Volume Burst Mascara.

I recently got an email from Ampersand (she of the Asian sunscreen recs) and she was raving about a mascara she'd just bought, Fairy Drops Volume Burst Mascara:

Immediate length- but with tons of volume- a feathery fringe, and it is absolutely hands down the easiest mascara I've ever used.  Putting it on is like living in a mascara commercial.  Or like using Fairy Drops I guess.  

I won't rave like a lunatic, just get it. 

I mean, duh, of course I did. It was in my Amazon cart immediately and it arrived last week. Now, I've already explained that I have a...problem with mascara. I am kind of inept at applying it (plus I have hooded eyelids and short, straight lashes. The total sad package!) so I was pretty sure it wasn't going to be the easiest I'd ever used because there is no such thing as easy mascara when you're me. I will say right off the bat that it was the cutest mascara I've ever bought:

Fairy Drops Volume Burst Mascara

The package states that it was "created by a TV caster. Look like a Brilliant Sexy Hollywood Star!!" I mean, who wouldn't want that? Nobody, that's who. I opened it up and this is what the brush looks like:

Eep. That looks advanced. This mascara is quite a thing - fancy curvy brush, fiber bits, waterproof, bursts of volume, what can't it do? I've used it a few times and I have to admit,  I am impressed. For me this is a two-coat mascara. I didn't get crazy volume from the first coat, but after two it looks pretty fantastic. The fibers make it super lengthening and I was left with fluttery long lashes that stayed that way all day. Here is a truly terrible photo:

I am the worst at taking mascara pictures and this doesn't look very impressive, but I promise Fairy Drops Volume Burst Mascara is really nice stuff. I haven't had any issues getting it off and my contacts don't seem to mind the fiber bits. It's not the cheapest mascara but I'm really happy with it.

Of course, my mascara obsession is never satisfied. I've been hearing a lot about Maybelline Lash Sensational so that'll probably be my next purchase. I am also super intrigued by Shiseido Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Mascara, though the brush-comb thing looks Very Advanced. 

Have you tried any fantastic mascaras lately? Please, feed my obsession, by all means. 

Weekend Window Shopping: Awesome Flat Sandals

It's currently 46 degrees and raining right now. It might snow tomorrow. I am bereft of spring! BEREFT, I TELL YOU. The only solution is to pick out some new sandals right this second. Here:

Friday #GoHugo

Why yes. I will absolutely go your way, Lenny Kravitz. 

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): More Piperlime Nonsense.

Another 30% off from Piperlime with code SPRINGCHIC (plus 4.0% cash back with eBates.) There are some exclusions but I was able to apply it to these beautiful things (which are already on sale) that I'd buy in a second if I could:

Kate Spade New York - Regal Plume

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Pegg 

DOLCE VITA Pavari

I'm really going to miss Piperlime when it closes...

Really?

source: The Sartorialist

A: Really. REALLY?

L: I assume these are the back legs of a horse, yes?

A: Definitely hoofy.

L: OK, I'm going to have sympathy for a moment: I never get things hemmed because I'm lazy but also SHORT.

A: Do you let your pants drag on the ground all up under your shoes? Because this is an epidemic:

source: Trendy Crew

source: The Sartorialist

L: Sadly, I can't say I don't do that (more with maxi dresses than with pants). But I can promise you I am not making a statement by doing so.

A: I am abnormally concerned about the filthy hems of fashion people. I DON'T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT YOU TOO.

L: I should probably also tell you that I don't launder my clothes as often as I should. Not even the floor draggy ones. And the New York City streets? Who knows what happens on them.

A: I am very, very bad about dry cleaning things, it's okay. I just can't stand the long-pants hoof. AND, it's distracting me from this disturbing trend:

source: Trendy Crew

L: Is that a.... sports bra.... under there?

A: I didn't even notice, all I see is her gigantic shoes.

L: No doubt going for that timeless, pre-spring 2015 look.

A: I'm already looking at Fall 2016. Pre-Spring 2015 is sooooo Fall 2013.

L: Ain't that the truth.

Adrien: Spring Wish List.

As per usual, I want All The Things. It's that magical time of year when I desperately want spring clothings but a) everything in the stores is a super terrible shade of fleshy pink and b) it's still 43 degrees outside. Mother eff.

But! I still want and I'm trying to be strategic about it. I AM TRYING. Here are the things currently on my spring wish list (and you'll notice a lot of it is the same as what I wanted last year. At least I'm consistent.)


One Really Great Pair of Shoes.

I freaking love these:

Chie Mihara mystery shoes

So so much. Enough to save like a crazy person to buy them. There's just one problem - they only exist on that one website and they're sold out of my size. They have a (way more expensive) yellow-heeled version but my heart wants red and only red. This is not a real problem, I know, but I love them and I can't have them and it's irritating.


Easy Floaty Blouses.

Maeve Pintuck Peasant Blouse

If I had a uniform, it would be this - skinny jeans, floaty blouse, cute shoes, jacket. I am having a hard time finding blouses I like that don't cost eleventy million dollars. I am okay with synthetics but I am not okay paying eleventy million dollars for synthetics.


More Everlane T-Shirts

Everlane Cotton V

I love my plain white v-neck t-shirt a lot and now I want all the glorious sad-hipster colors too.


A New Casual Spring Dress. (Or Two.)

Relaxed Holiday Dress

I have a couple of casual dresses from last spring/summer that I think are about done, so time to find replacements. I want to find some easy, cute options that are also decent quality. Boden comes to mind, I just need to bite the bullet and order a few. This pintuck dress looks like it would be a great easy summer option and the t-shirt dress has been tempting me for a while.


Cobalt Blue Jeans

Jen7 Skinny Jeans

I've been seeing bright cobalt blue jeans in the stores lately and I am pretty sure I need a pair. Maybe this pair of Hudsons. That is all.


A Neutral Hobo-Style Bag. Specifically this one: 

Too Hot To Handle Hobo

I know I just talked about this bag but I'm convinced it's the the perfect spring-summer version of my black Hillier hobo. Slightly obsessed.

Weekend Window Shopping: Off 5th Finds.

Do you guys ever troll the Saks Off 5th site? They don't generally do discount codes but the automatic percentage off discounts are pretty freaking great right now and code SHIP75 gets you free shipping with a $75 purchase. And, don't forget 4.0% cash back with eBates. (My referral link.) Here's what I am digging for spring:

Friday #GoHugo

Well, hi there Chris Hemsworth...and Chris Hemsworth's arms. (I think we can all agree that he's the hottest Hemsworth, way hotter than Liam or Lesser.)

Reviews: Clinique Take The Day Off Balm and Benefit Roller Lash Mascara.

New stuff! I am always looking for the next best thing, mostly just for blog science. And because I like trying new stuff. So, I've been using DHC Deep Cleansing Oil for a while and I like it just fine, but I was nearly out and that seemed like a good reason to try something different. I've been wanting to try Clinique's Take The Day Off cleansing balm ever since I read Caroline Hiron's review of it. She's tried everything under the sun and loves this stuff, which is good enough for me.

I'm amazing!

I bought it and have used it every night for a week and you know what? She's totally right. This is a freaking great cleansing balm. It's unscented (a plus for me) and it feels amazing on, gets rid of all makeup and rinses clean without stripping my skin. My face seems to be really happy with it so yay for that. Lovely stuff that's popular for a reason.

Now, on to the mascara. I got a deluxe sample tube of the new Benefit Roller Lash mascara in my latest Popsugar Must Have box and I was pretty excited to try it. According to the website, "The eye-opening Hook ‘n’ Roll™ brush grabs, separates, lifts and curls…while the instant curve-setting formula holds for 12 hours."

meh.

I cracked it open, curled my lashes as usual and went to town. And...huh. I was completely underwhelmed. This stuff gets rave reviews on Sephora but I'm not feeling it AT ALL. Am I doing it wrong? I mean, it's fine, it does the normal mascara things, but I didn't notice any kind of magical lifting, curling action and a few hours later my lashes were back to their normal stick-straight sadness, despite my having curled them anyway. I am calling bullshit on this! It's just mascara with a dumb fancy brush. Wah. Pass.

BUY THIS (Part Two): Banana Republic Coated Denim Jacket.

I'm sorry! I know! I'm not trying to be a total enabling jerk today but I just saw that the BR Coated Denim Jacket is on sale with an extra 50% off using code BRSPRING.

coated denim jacket

I'm not randomly recommending this - I actually bought it last weekend during the F&F sale. It's SO GOOD, you guys. It's a super dark navy and the coating gives it a little leather-jacket edge that is really appealing and cool. Plus, it's got stretch so it's comfortable. I'll do a proper review and outfit soon, but I didn't want anyone to miss out on a great price.

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): MBMJ Ligero Bucket Handbag.

Quickly! This one will go fast. This beautiful MBMJ bag on Piperlime is marked down to $265 and LUCKYME will get you an extra 30% off. Plus, 4.0% cash back with eBates! Go!

MBMJ Ligero Bucket Handbag

My Brain Is Exploding.

Hey! Anyone who was interested in the tiny pyramid stud necklace I reviewed last week, BR is now offering an extra 50% off sale styles with code BRSPRING. Yay!

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

L: Cannot. Make. Brain. Figure. This. Out. How does bag work?

JumpFromPaper

A: I don't gettttt ittttt.

L: This is a far more important thing for us to figure out than the black/blue white/gold dress ever was. How.

A: Witchcraft?

L: I feel like I get it for a second when I see them holding the handles, and I LOSE it.

A: I can't see them real. NOT REAL THINGS.

L: I even tried going to look at where they sell them hoping to see something unzipped. And still, nope.

A: That makes it look MORE FAKE.

L: Yes! Like, these are Marge's handbags. (PS - don't google Marge Simpson. A disturbing number of Marge nudes show up.)

A: You know what's next, right? Pop-art clothes. People walking around looking like actual cartoons.

L: No doubt about it.

A: WAIT. Are the flat? Like leather envelopes?

L: Oh snap. Did you just figure it out?

A: Look at them with that in mind and it...almost makes sense. Mostly nope.

L: MOSTLY NOPE.

A: #IAMOLD


L: *receives AARP card with #GenX affixed*

Weekend Window Shopping: Spring Jackets.

You know what? Enough with cardigans. Maybe what we all need is cute jackets instead.

Friday #GoHugo

You know what? Even in a stupid hat and a button-down shirt David Beckham is still really really ridiculously good looking.

BUY THIS (I Already Did): Tiny Pleasures.

One of the things I bought on super-sale recently from Banana Republic was a teeny-tiny pyramid stud necklace. I generally go for more obvious pendant-type necklaces so this was a bit of a departure for me. It's perfect - just a tiny little golden gleam of something going on.

I'm sure it will layer well, though I generally don't try layering because I'm terrible at it. How can you be terrible at wearing more than one necklace? I can't explain it. It's just the way things are. 

Personal Edge Pyramid Necklace

It also comes in a fancy diamond-y version which is also very pretty. This necklace, while lovely, isn't really worth the sale price so definitely wait for an additional 30% or 40% off code like I did. Also, an unstaggering 2.0% cash back with eBates. Whee.

Mind the Sartorial Gap. (Actually, I Do Mind.)

source: The Sartorialist

A: Someone should tell the Shobbit he's not actually funny. At all.

L: UGH! Why?

A: The fact that he even KNOWS the term "thigh gap" is highly suspect.

L: This is a man who definitely prefers all his woman to achieve unreasonable "standards" of beauty.

A: CAMILLA. THIGH CHECK.

L: WHERE ARE YOUR COLLARBONES, CAMILLA?!

A: CAMILLA, DO I SMELL GELATO?

L: NEGATIVE CALORIES, DAMMIT!

A: GIVE IT, CAMILLA. STOP HOLDING IT SO HIGH! DON'T MAKE ME JUMP FOR IT.

L: CAMILLA, I SEE YOUR NOSE HAIRS!

A: CAMILLA! YOU KNOW I CAN'T REACH THE FREEZER.

L: A man with such limits should be very careful where he treads with his "jokes".

A: He is definitely short on humor.

*high five*

(More) Things I Want To Buy.

Shopping budgets suck! Who's idea was this? Mine? Ugh, what an asshole. A lot has been tempting me this week and hopefully if I talk about it I won't want it so badly:

First, this top is just pretty. I don't know if it's "me" or whatever but isn't it pretty? Wouldn't it be nice to wear a floaty sleeveless tank, all carefree and un-shivery? One day.

Anthopologie Anapia Tank

Hey, quirky new mascara with your big promises! I feel it's my duty to try you out even though your packaging makes you look like a sex toy.

Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash

I love red and purple together and we won't talk about who ruined THAT combo. But this dress is so aggressively cheerful that that just keep on stalking it.

Diane von Furstenberg Freya Dress

Oh hey, yeah. So this necklace is kind of similar to my G&B hook, sure, but it's also totally and completely different and stuff. Seriously. Shush.

Madewell wishbone lariat necklace

I have these clog sandals in black and LOVE THEM. I've been trolling for another color and was very, very taken with the aubergine, even though the natural leather version would probably be a more practical choice. But man, aubergine. So fancy.

Lotta From Stockholm Peep Toe Clogs in Aubergine

I've been thinking about replacing my old Hillier hobo with the updated "Too Hot To Handle" style in black and then while innocently wandering through Saks I spied it in this color. It's such a good greyish-tanish neutral (yet somehow not boring at all) and would basically work with everything. All the things. I really, really like it. A lot. So much. Ugh.

Marc Jacobs Too Hot To Handle hobo in cement

To be honest, I don't really know what "brightening eye base" does or if it even works but who the hell cares. IT'S SO ADORABLE. LOOK AT THAT PANDA. (There is also a bunny that does some sort of thing.)

Tony Moly Panda's Dream Brightening Eye Base

That's all I have for now. I'll just be over here in the corner quietly crying.

Cheap Thrills: Real Techniques Expert Face Brush Review.

I’ve been getting free samples from PINCHme lately and one of the things they sent me was the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush.

I'm a foundation brush.

This is not an expensive brand and I was like, “Eh. Cheap brush. Pass." because this is the kind of terrible person I am. Then I decided to give it a try anyway and holy crap, this is a really good foundation brush. I generally just slap my foundation on with my fingers and call it done, but the finish I got using this brush was beautiful. I even took a selfie to try to capture it:

#nofilter

Obviously this is not the best quality brush I’ve ever used so I have no idea how it'll hold up over time, but for that price, who cares? It gives me a perfect, even, poreless finish and my foundation seems to last longer. It’s a game-changer! It’s available on Amazon (25% off) which is nice. Real Techniques has a whole line and travel kits, so if fancy brushes aren’t in the budget (or even if they are) I’d check these out.

Just to be clear, PINCHme sent me the brush along with some other samples - I was under no obligation to write a review of any kind but this brush impressed me and I like to review inexpensive things that impress me. 

Say "Palazzo Pants" Without Cringing. I Dare You.

Source: The Sartorialist

A: I am too old for this.

L: All I can think of is how dirty her pant cuffs must be. Clearly, I am too.

A: I just don't understand. HELP ME UNDERSTAND.

L: You need step by step instructions. First, you are what one can only assume is a tall, skinny Italian. Potentially, a Spaniard.

A: Of course I am! Next step.

L: Next, you don't give a second thought to layering chunky knits. These are prerequisites.

A: I...okay. I'm in.

L: Next: accept that brocade was in then out then in then out over the last 200 years, but that it is now decidedly IN. Get brocade palazzo pants. Give zero fucks.

A: I'm out.

L: I thought that might be where I lose you.

A: Palazzo pants! BYE BYE! 

L: Yeah....what really gets me is sweater upon sweater!

A: I just...assume her giant pants were expensive, so why not pay the extra $20 to get them hemmed?

L: Maybe we're so uncool that we don't even know that feet are out this season?

A: Gross. Feet are so 2014.

L: #FAS2014

A: #IAMOLD

Weekend Window Shopping: Fun Workout Tights.

I've been seeing a lot of crazy fashion print tights and capris at the gym lately. At first I was sure I could never pull something like that off (all my workout tights are black) but I'm starting to get into the idea and some of the prints are ridiculous in the best way:

Friday #GoHugo

I never really "got" Matthew Goode until he showed up on Downton Abbey last weekend and then I was all, OH. GOT IT. Allen Leech is a bonus. Here they are celebrating the good news about Hugo: 

Happy Friday! 

Adrien: Review: Banana Republic Chambray Shirtdress.

This was originally going to be another "should I keep or return this item" post but once I got a look at the pictures I was pretty confident it wasn't a keeper. I'd had my eye on this Banana Republic chambray dress for a while - it looked like the perfect winter-to-spring transition dress (and it could be) but it's just not meant for me. See if you agree:

It's not a terrible dress, it's just not doing me any favors and makes me look more high waisted than I actually am. I even tried it with a belt instead of the tie and that didn't work either. I'm not sure why the tie is sitting so high, but that's where it ended up after a lot of fussing and this is the kind of dress that should be easy. On a different body type, it totally would be. 

Another negative: it has pockets which I find infuriating. Pockets are great in a dress with a full skirt, but for something like this they just add bulk where you don't want bulk. I love this dress so much in theory! Just not on me. And not so much from the back either: 

All that said, it seemed well-made and the fabric and color is fantastic. I'm not giving up on the idea of an easy denim shirt dress - Boden has one that looks very similar (but has cuter detailing) and I'm tempted to try it out for science. This one at J Jill has that art-teacher-casual-cool look that appeals. There are options!

On to details. I'm wearing it with my vintage LV red satchel (this DKNY version is so good) and Frye boots (similar to the Frye Jane):

This House of Harlow necklace gets me so many compliments and you can just see the edge of my encrusted Giles & Brother bracelet:

What do you think? Is it a bust or am I being too critical? 

(PS. Despite the tag, I should explain that this wasn't my actual outfit of the day! I just wore the dress long enough to take pictures. I'm not that kind of jerk.)

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Shopbop Sale.

This is a pretty big code if you're a Shopbop customer. I love this site for it's many pretty things and good customer service even if I can't generally afford to shop there. Here's the deal:

15% Off Orders of $250+
20% Off Orders of $500+
25% Off Orders of $1000+.

Use code BIGEVENT15 at checkout plus get 3.0% cash back with eBates. (My referral link.)

So, if I were considering a big purchase this would be a good way to go about it. My beloved Hillier Hobo is finally, after five years, showing it's age and I'd love to replace it. If I weren't on a tight budget, I'd be very tempted by the sleeker version:

Marc by Marc Jacobs Too Hot to Handle Hobo

Also, the updated style of Hillier Hobo is on sale in a really gorgeous blue and the code would give you an extra 15% off the sale price. Just saying:

Marc by Marc Jacobs New Q Hillier Hobo Bag

Finally, if I were going all crazy and buying myself a fancy bag I'd probably throw these Kate Spade earrings in my shopping cart because HOW COULD I NOT:

We are adorable!

Mischief managed. You are welcome.