64. Buffalo Turkey Tacos with Cabbage, Carrot, and Celery Slaw and Gorgonzola

The blog contains affiliate links to support my blogging addiction!

So . . . due to the fact that I have been super busy at work (with end-of-the-year travel and performances), I had to take a little hiatus from my taco project.  When school gets out, I'll have some ground to make up.  I'm only a little behind.  I should be all right, but we'll be eating tacos A LOT this summer!  I've come too far to quit - I have to reach my goal of 100 original taco recipes in a year.

I made this recipe about two weeks ago.  Yes.  That's how behind I am.  My husband was attending an art conference down in Tucson.  I decided to go along.  My parents and my younger sister (along with her husband and two boys) live down in Tucson, so I thought it would be a fun weekend for me as well.

If you've read any of my other recipes, you'll notice that the plates in these photos are different!  (Finally, right?)  Well, I made these tacos for a Friday lunch at my parents' house.  It was fun to have my mom, my dad, my sister, and one of my aunts taste test them for me.  I love to make tacos for people that are not already sick of them!  Ha ha.  :)

I decided to keep this one fairly simple, as I was cooking in someone else's kitchen.  I made a quick Trader Joe's run, basically bringing everything with me.

I had originally planned on making Buffalo chicken tacos (with ground chicken), but Trader Joe's didn't have any ground chicken, so I went with turkey.  I'm sure ground chicken would be just as delicious!

When I get Buffalo wings, I always opt for blue cheese dressing over ranch.  If you're a blue cheese lover, I would highly recommend the Gorgonzola garnish.  If you hate blue cheese . . . well . . . there's also a layer of white cheddar, so you should be set.  Yes.  Double cheese.  No apologies for that.  :)

These came together pretty easily - they were a great lunch option!  Here's the recipe:

Buffalo Turkey Tacos with Cabbage, Carrot, and Celery Slaw and Gorgonzola

Serves about 4 to 5 (15 to 16 tacos)

Ingredients:

For the cabbage, carrot, and celery slaw:

2 cups shredded cabbage
1 and 1/2 medium carrots, shredded (assorted colors, if you wish)
1 celery stalk, cut lengthwise into strips and then finely chopped
2 scallions, thinly sliced

1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/4 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp. salt

For the Buffalo turkey filling:

1 tbsp. olive oil
2 to 3 tbsp. butter
2 medium garlic cloves, pressed through a garlic press
1/2 onion, finely chopped

1.5 lb. ground turkey
1/2 tsp. salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
3/4 cup Frank's Red Hot sauce (original)
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. chili powder of your choice

16 crunchy taco shells

A few ounces of finely shredded white cheddar cheese

A few ounces of  crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

Instructions:

1.  Make the slaw:  Place all of the slaw ingredients into a medium bowl.  Toss well to combine.  Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.  Cover and set aside.

I love the colors from the carrot medley that I bought at TJ's, but orange carrots would be just fine!  

2.  Make the turkey filling:  Heat the olive oil and 2 tbsp. of the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.  Add the onion, lower the heat a bit, and cook until the onion is soft and somewhat browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook for about one minute, or until fragrant.   Add the turkey, chili powder, salt, and pepper and increase the heat to medium.  Cook, stirring and breaking apart with a spatula, until the turkey is completely done.  Add the hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce and simmer gently until most of the liquid has been reduced/absorbed, about 10 minutes.  If the mixture seems dry or you want it extra rich, you can add an additional tablespoon of butter.  Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.  Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.

Yes, I know it looks greasy, but it's really not that bad.  It's just a strange look with the hot sauce!

3.  Prepare the shells:  Preheat an oven (or toaster oven) to 375 degrees.  Place the desired number of shells on a baking sheet.  Toast until hot and just starting to brown - about 1 to 3 minutes.  This could vary depending on your oven, so watch them carefully.  They can go from browned to burned very quickly!

4.  Assemble the tacos:  For each taco, place a shell on a plate.  Fill with some of the turkey mixture.  Top with a sprinkle of the white cheddar cheese.  Finish with some of the slaw and crumbled Gorgonzola to taste.  (The Gorgonzola can be skipped for blue cheese haters!)   Enjoy!

Well, these were pretty much perfect.  Spicy, crunchy, rich . . . We all enjoyed them quite a bit!  Three tacos seemed to be right on as a generous lunch portion.  I will admit - the filling is a little buttery/saucy, but they're supposed to be Buffalo tacos, right?  Just enjoy them and don't worry about it!  :)

I do wish that I had been able to get better pictures.  It was impossible to get these tacos to stand up!  Since I wasn't at home, I didn't have my little taco holders.  With crunchy taco shells, it does help to have them!  These aren't the exact ones that I have, but they're very similar:



It definitely helps make the pictures turn out better!  :)  Oh, well.  They were still delicious, even if the pictures were a bit sloppy!

I will definitely be making these again.  They're one of my quickest taco recipes thus far.  If you ever feel like driving out to Jack in the Box and getting tacos, well . . . don't.  Make these.  You'll be glad you did!

As I type this, I am currently working on recipe number 65.  It smells amazing!  It involves pork, rosemary, apples, and white wine.  Stay tuned . . .

Feel free to comment on this recipe!  Did you try them?  What did you think?

Thanks for reading!

Golden Tote Review and Link-Up - April 2016

Golden Tote Review and Link-Up -  April 2016

Note:  this post contains affiliate links to support my blogging addiction!  

After a lengthy try-on and photo session yesterday, I'm finally ready to reveal my April tote!  Well . . . actually, it's more like a do-over of my March tote.  I sent that one back.

When I logged on to purchase my April tote, I found that the new items I wanted most were already sold out.  (I'm discovering that this is a common occurrence with Golden Tote.  Fortunately, a few of the items I missed out on in March had been restocked so I just went with those.  It worked out well.  I'm pretty happy with this tote!  :)

I've been a member of Golden Tote since October of last year.  Overall, it's been fun, though there have been some misses along the way.  If you'd like to check out my previous totes, here are my reviews:

Golden Tote Review - March 2016
Golden Tote Review - February 2016
Golden Tote Review - January Mystery Totes!
Golden Tote Review - December 2015
Golden Tote Review - November 2015
Golden Tote Review - October 2015

I'm also a member of Stitch Fix, which is another clothing-by-mail service that is equally fun.  My history with Stitch Fix is a bit longer - I've been a member for over a year.  If you'd like to check out those reviews, here are some links:

March 2016 - #19
February 2016 - #18
January 2016 - #17
January 2016 - #16
December 2015 - #15
November 2015 - #14
November 2015 - #13
October 2015 - #12
September 2015 - #11
Stitch Fix Keepers
September 2015 - #10
August 2015 - #9

If you're interested in checking it out, please consider following my link to schedule your first fix!  (I just recently joined Stitch Fix's affiliate program, which means I get a small commission for anyone who signs up using my link.  However, my opinions are always my own and I pay for all of my own fixes!)

Finally, I have to post one more link.  There is another clothing box service called Trunk Club that I recently tried.  Why?  I don't know.  Because it was there.  That's all I can tell you.  Ha ha.  It was fun, though I ended up sending most of the items back.  Here's my review of that experience:

Trunk Club #1 Review - April 2016

By the way, I also hosted a link-up (with my review) for other Trunk Club reviews.  If any of you ladies out there are fellow bloggers with a recent Trunk Club review, click on the link above and check it out!  :)

All right - back to Golden Tote!

When you sign up for Golden Tote, you fill out an online style profile.  It's pretty short - you answer some questions about your measurements, typical sizes, and how you like your clothes to fit.  Here are a couple of pages from my profile:

As you can see, they show you a few different style types.  You can check/uncheck as you wish - it's easy to update if you want to try something different for the next tote.

You are also able to specify certain colors and prints that you would like to avoid, which is helpful if you are not a fan of something that is "in".  For example, I'm not crazy about most florals, and they are everywhere this spring!

You can also attach an image to further depict your own personal style.  From what I understand, most people create collages (as I did).  I just made a new one for this last tote (different than the one pictured above).  Here it is:

As you can see, I took advantage of the whole collage format to highlight more of my preferences by including text!

Note:  Golden Tote is implementing some policy changes next month.  The description below reflects what is true now - be aware that there will be some changes in the near future.  :)

You can order a tote at any time.  A lot of people buy multiple totes per month!  It's tempting, but I try to stick to one tote if I like the chosen items.  Sometimes I'll add on an item or two.  You can choose a small or large tote.  The small tote is $49 (this price is going up next month) and includes 1 item that you choose and another "surprise" item.  The large tote is $149 and includes 2 items that you choose and 3 to 4 surprise items (will only include 2-3 as of next month).  There is also an option to add on additional pieces from their online boutique for a reduced price.

The one drawback is that, if you want the bargain prices (around $25 per item right now), you have to keep it all.  You can send the whole thing back for a full refund (though you do have to pay for return shipping).  Basically, you just box it all back up, include the packing slip, and ship it back to them using the service of your choice.  If you just can't part with an item, you can keep it and send back the rest, but you will be charged the full boutique price, which is often quite a bit higher than the $25 average.

I ordered a large tote this month.  That's what I've always done in the past.  I love getting surprises!  My tote was styled by KB, who is one of the more popular stylists!  This is my first KB tote.

When I opened it, my first thought was. "Well, at least I didn't get any basics!"  All of my surprises were colorful prints!  I liked what I saw right away!

Here's what I got!

1. THML Senorita Top (chosen item)

This top was only available in purple when I ordered my March tote.  I gave it a try, but I really didn't love the purple.  When I saw the coral had been restocked, I had to do it!  I'm so glad I did!

It fits perfectly, and it's the cutest top.  It's a spot-on match to the coral earrings that I got in my February Stitch Fix box.  I think coral is going to be my thing this summer!

I was thinking about being creative and pulling out my white distressed skinnies, but in the end, I decided to style it simply - denim shorts and sandals.  That's probably how I would wear it, anyway!

I'm so happy with this top and so glad I didn't settle for the purple!  Love it!  :)

2.  Puella Swing into Spring Dress - Ikat Print (chosen item)

My second chosen item was also a restock from the March collection.  It seems like everyone goes nuts over these swing dresses by Puella.  I've never been a fan of the swing style.  I've never thought I could pull it off.  I was afraid of looking pregnant.  Well, since I'm 40, that ship has just about sailed, so maybe people won't automatically assume that.  Ha ha.  These swing dresses just look so cute on other people that I had to give one a try!

I learned that this dress runs a little big (based on comments from other reviews/reveals).  I'm tall and a larger medium, so I decided not to size down.  I think that was a good call.   It is roomy, but it's clearly supposed to be that way, so I think it works. 

I love that it's really comfortable and casual.  That's me during the summer!  :)

I styled it with the Brimming With Style Hat that I added onto my November tote and some crazy big Jules Smith earrings that I bought in the Golden Tote trading group on Facebook.  I think it's a fun look!

I don't know if I'm going to go crazy with swing dresses from here on out, but I do like this one!  :)

3. Collective Concepts Ruffle Print Top (surprise)

Collective Concepts usually works out pretty well for me.  I liked this top right away.  The print is beautiful - I like the combination of deep burgundy and grey.  I've got a lot of tops, but none quite like this.  It has a little tiny tassel detail around the neckline - it might be tough to see in the photo.  I styled it with my Liverpool Reagan Skinny Pants that I received in my January Stitch Fix box.  Here's a closer view of the print from the back:

I think this top will be very versatile.  I can wear it to work with nice pants, but I can also see it looking cute with shorts or jeans.  I will definitely be keeping this one!

4. Gilli Lace Back Tank (surprise)

As I was perusing the Facebook trading group, I noticed that a lot of other ladies are in search of this lace back top.  Well, I'm not going to be able to help any of them out.  I like this a lot and I'll be keeping it!

I'm not usually crazy about florals, but this is just bold and not-girly enough to work for me.  I love the colors.  The fit is great!  I think it will work with a lot of things in my closet.  This time around, I styled it with the Liverpool Harper Bootcut Pants that I got in my February Stitch Fix box.

Like the ikat dress, this top also has a bit of a swing to it, but it's not too much.  I don't feel like I'm wearing a maternity shirt and I feel great in it!  :)

5. Renee C Abstract Print Dress (surprise)

I think this dress is cute and I was really hoping it would work, but it just doesn't.  :(  The fabric has no stretch to it and it's too tight in the hips.  The waist also sits higher than I would like.  It just doesn't work on my body.

This is seriously the best photo I got:

It looks worse than that in real life.  Ha ha.  (On me, anyway!)

I love the colors and print, though.  What a great summer dress!

Fortunately, I've already been able to sell it.  In addition to the Golden Tote trading group, I belong to another Facebook group that focuses on Stitch Fix brand items.  Since Stitch Fix also sells Renee C, I was able to post it in that group and someone snapped it up right away!

6. Skies Are Blue Printed Palazzo Pants (surprise)

When I saw these, I thought, "Oh, no.  Palazzo pants!"  :(  I immediately went to my style profile and saw that I had NOT asked the stylists to avoid sending me wide leg pants.  I usually don't like them.  I updated my style profile so that I can avoid them in the future.  Then I took a closer look at the print:

It looks like little UFOs!  Ha ha.  How cute.  I figured I would try them on and see if they worked.

Well.  I couldn't get them past my hips, so . . . that's why I only have a hanger pic.  Hmmm.  Oh, well.  I have lots of Skies Are Blue items and they never seem to run small.  It kind of surprised me that I couldn't even get these on my body.

Oh, well.  I'm going to try and sell or trade these.  Someone will love them!

Well . . . I guess that covers it!  I had a great time trying on these items and taking pictures.  I definitely want to keep four of the items, and I've already sold one, so that leaves me with just one more to re-home.  :)  In my experience, 4/6 for Golden Tote isn't bad.  I liked this tote A LOT more than my March tote, which I ended up sending back.

If my blog post has inspired you to try Golden Tote, please use this referral link to sign up.  If you do, I'll get a small credit.  (In case you're wondering, I was not compensated by Golden Tote in any way for this post.  My only relationship with them is as a customer and I have paid for all of my own items.)

Golden Tote Review Link-Up - April 2016

If you're a blogger and you've posted a recent Golden Tote review/reveal within the last 30 days, please feel free to share it here!  All I ask is that you include my link-up image (below) and a link back to this page in your post.  (Blog posts that do not include the link-up image and a backlink will be removed.)  I'm excited - this is my first Golden Tote link-up!  Please consider participating and let me know if there are any issues linking up!

An InLinkz Link-up

Please comment?  What do you think about the items I received?  Did I make the right calls?  :)

Thanks again for reading!

Trunk Club #1 Review - April 2016

Trunk Club #1 Review - April 2016

Note:  This point contains affiliate links to support my blogging addiction!  :)

I finally did it.  I tried Trunk Club.  I told myself that Stitch Fix and Golden Tote have provided me with more than enough cute clothes and that I definitely did not need to try another clothing service.

Sigh.  It didn't work.  I gave in.  I've heard some great things about Trunk Club, so I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.  I received my trunk a week ago, and it has taken me this long to finish my review.  Why?  Because I received fourteen items!  Crazy!

As I mentioned, I'm also a member of Stitch Fix (since January of 2015) and Golden Tote (since October of 2015).  I am a fan of both, though they are different from one another.  I would highly recommend checking out either or both services.  I've thoroughly enjoyed them, and my closet isn't complaining, either!  If you like having cute clothes, but hate to shop, these will save you!  Ha ha.

If you'd like to check out some of those reviews, you can find links to them below:

Stitch Fix Review - March 2016
Stitch Fix Review - February 2016 (#18)
Stitch Fix Review - February 2016 (#17)
Stitch Fix Review - January 2016
Stitch Fix Review - December 2015
Stitch Fix Review - November 2015 (#14)
Stitch Fix Review - November 2015 (#13)
Stitch Fix Review - October 2015
Stitch Fix Review - September 2015 (#11)
Stitch Fix Keepers
Stitch Fix Review - September 2015 (#10)
Stitch Fix Review - August 2015

Golden Tote Review - March 2016
Golden Tote Review - February 2016
Golden Tote Review - January Mystery Totes
Golden Tote Review - December 2015
Golden Tote Review - November 2015
Golden Tote Review - October 2015

This list is getting longer and longer.  Can you imagine how much clothing I must have in my closet?  My husband is beginning to think I have a problem.  Ha ha.  I've never really been a clothes person, and now look what's happened to me!

All right - back to Trunk Club!

If you're reading this, you might already know a few things about Trunk Club.  If not here are the basics:

To get started, you go to their website, create an account, and provide your size information.  I found this step to be much shorter the sign-up processes for Stitch Fix and Golden Tote.  Basically, Trunk Club pairs you with a stylist before addressing the details.

After I was paired with my stylist, Stefanie, she sent me a welcome email with a questionnaire about my style preferences, my go-to options for workdays and weekends, and the current state of my wardrobe.  I was also able to describe the price points that I was looking for.  (Since Trunk Club is basically Nordstrom, this is important - they have some high end stuff!  This part actually took a little bit more time than the other two services.  There were no checkboxes - I had to type out all of my answers in my own words.  Maybe that's good - I was able to go into more detail and really try to describe my style.

Stefanie also asked for three things I'd like to see in my first trunk.  I said I'd like to try some new summer sandals, a casual swing dress, and printed shorts.  Shortly after that, she sent me a preview of my trunk.  One nice thing about Trunk Club is that you have the ability to remove items from your trunk if you're pretty sure they're not going to work.  For example, one item in my preview was a Lucky denim button-down shirt.  I thought it was too plain.  I like color and details!  Also, long sleeves are about a week away from not happening until late October!  Ha ha.  I was glad that I was able to remove it so that Stefanie could include something else instead.

Another great thing about Trunk Club is that there is no styling fee!  And no shipping charges!  It's basically risk-free.  If you like absolutely nothing, you can put it all back in the box and return it!

My trunk arrived pretty quickly (though it seemed like a long time because I was so excited about it)!  It was a pretty big box.  I have to say - the packing, at least for me, left something to be desired.  The shoe boxes had rubber bands around them, but the jewelry boxes did not.  There were two necklaces loose in the trunk.  I wasn't even sure which box each one had come in.  I found that kind of strange.  I'm glad nothing was broken or ruined.  Maybe that was just a fluke.

I also received an email from Stefanie at about the same time that suggested a few outfits for me to put together.  This part was a little confusing, because I was looking all over the packing slip for the suggestions, as I had heard that the stylists always put together a list of suggested outfits.  I had already tried on and photographed several of the items before I noticed it.  I didn't realize this information came in an email.  Now I know for next time!  :)

How did I like my trunk, you ask?  Well . . . here's what I got!

1.STATE Cold Shoulder Peasant Top - $89.00

This top was one of the things in my trunk preview that I was most excited about.  I'm kind of digging the cold shoulder look, though I don't think I'd wear it to work.  Especially not this top.  It's practically strapless!  O.O  

Wth - it's April.  It's almost summer vacation, so I'll soon be able to wear whatever I want!

I styled this top with my Kut from the Kloth jeans that I received in my very first Stitch Fix box!  I still wear them pretty regularly.  I also added the Kendra Scott necklace and Lucky wedge sandals that you'll read about later.

I love the coral color of this top!  I think coral might be my thing this summer.  Sadly, however, this top doesn't work for me.  It isn't comfortable.  The sleeves seem to fall way too low, and the fabric has no stretch to it.  Every time I lifted my arms, I felt constricted.  You can see the fit issues better in this picture.  See how it's halfway down my arm and baggy in the underarm area?  No.  Life's too short.  We're already uncomfortable enough during the summer.  (115 degrees will do that.)  Ha ha.  No need to make it worse!

Oh, well.  It wasn't a bad choice.  It is my style.  I'd probably keep it if it fit better!

Verdict:  RETURN

Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace - $50.00

Here is a close-up of the necklace that I wore with the cold shoulder top.  The pendant is a shiny black and the chain and accents are gold colored though, not as yellowish as some gold jewelry can be.  The chain is quite short, but it's adjustable.  It's a pretty cute necklace.  It probably wasn't the best choice for the top, though.  It got rather lost.  I should have chosen a larger statement necklace!

I don't think I love this enough to justify keeping it.  $50 is enough to make me hesitate on a piece of fashion jewelry.  I would have to think it was special in some way.  This is just . . . nice.  I'm going to pass.

Verdict:  RETURN

Lucky Brand Katereena Wedge Sandal - $69.00

All right.  Now we come to the hands-down winner in my trunk.  These shoes!  When I saw the preview, I wasn't sure about them.  I wanted some summer wedges, but the black made these look a little . . . dressy, maybe?  I live in super casual clothes over the summer (usually shorts) and I wanted some shoes that I could wear with anything.

Well, the fact that the black strip is woven material kind of dresses these shoes down for me, which is good.  They're pretty comfortable, too.  I wore them to school the very day after I received them!  The black material rubbed the tops of my toes just slightly, but it wasn't bad.  I think they just need a breaking-in period.  They're easy to walk in!

Here's a shot from the back:

And from the other side:

Can you tell I love these shoes?  Ha ha.

Just for fun, I looked them up on Amazon to see if they were available (and what the price difference might be from Nordstrom's website).  Look what I found!



These aren't exactly the same, but they're pretty close, and much cheaper.  Well . . . as I said, I've already worn them, so that ship has sailed for me.  Ha ha.  However, if you're looking for a cute pair of summer wedges, give these a try.  What a deal, right?  :)

Verdict:  KEEP

Free People Layla Floral Print Shorts - $79.00

and 

Free People Sydney Tank - $38.00

Let's deal with the shorts first.  I did ask for printed shorts.  I appreciate that Stefanie did her best to find me a pair.  There are just so many things wrong with these (for me).  Since I am a new customer, she would have no way of knowing that!  Anyway, these shorts are longer and pleated with a stretchy waistband and a long tie.  I hate pleats.  For my body, pants and shorts need to be flat front.  Elastic waistbands usually don't work for me either.  I feel like they always add bulk.  I like fitted shorts with a button/zip fly.  These also seem pretty roomy.  Does Free People run big?  I found a few of the Free People items to be looser than I prefer.

This print is so not me!  Here's a close-up:

The dusty pink, light purple, and rust color combination is not my thing at all.  I like bright, primary, and jewel-tone colors.  I'm also picky about floral prints.  This is just too "girly" for my taste.

I feel kind of weird posting such an unflattering picture of the back, but here we go:

How frumpy is this look?  Ugh.  I'm sure these shorts would be cute on a lot of people, but they're not cute on me.

The rust colored tank top was paired with the shorts as one of my suggested outfits.  In my opinion, the tank is just OK.  It fits well at the top, but the bottom seems a little baggy.  I couldn't figure out what to do with it - tuck it in?  Leave it out?  Another issue with the shorts is that the tie around the waist creates bulk unless you tuck the shirt in.  In the end, I tried it both ways.  I didn't like either . . .

I'm sure the tank top would have been fine with jeans, but I just don't like the color that much.  I wear red lipstick almost every day!  This muted, earthy color palette thing just doesn't work.  Also, $38.00 is a lot for a tank unless you love it - right?

Verdict (shorts):  RETURN

Verdict (tank):  RETURN

Dolce Vita Jasmyn Ghillie Sandal - $89.95 (now $67.46)

These sandals . . . hmm.  Well, they're OK.  I've decided I really don't like this drawstring type of design.  It makes a pair of shoes very annoying to put on or take off. 

I don't have anything against the brand.  I received a pair of Dolce Vita Brannon Loafer flats in my last Stitch Fix box (black with white polka dots!!!) and I love those!

These sandals fit.  I don't love them.  I don't think they are particularly cute on me.  I'll just wear the Lucky wedges.  Ha ha.

Well, here's the whole outfit:  shorts, tank top, sandals.

Nope.  Not working for me.

Verdict (shoes):  RETURN

Caslon Drawstring Linen Short - $48.00

I also received these printed shorts.  Unlike the others, they do not have pleats in the front.  I like the length and, though they do have a drawstring/elastic waist, it's not too bunchy.  It doesn't have the huge tie/bow that makes me feel like I should tuck the tank in.  (I hate tucking in shirts.)  It could work for me.

Here's a close-up of the print:

Again with the rust.  Meh.  The pattern is pretty - I just don't think the color would work with much in my closet.

These were close.  I could see myself keeping something like this if the colors were more my style.

Verdict:  RETURN

Kendra Scott Rayne Stone Tassel Pendant Necklace - $80.00

So, I was sharing the draft of this blog post with one of my sisters, and she immediately noticed this item and said "I love that necklace!"  Apparently, she received it in a recent Rocksbox shipment (I have yet to try Rocksbox and shudder to even think of getting started with another subscription box!  Ha ha.)  Anyway, she said she wore this necklace with everything.  

That's funny, because for me, this necklace goes with nothing.  It's cute, though.  I liked the preview, though I couldn't see the color of the stone very clearly.  If so, I would have asked for a different color.  Pink is not my thing.  

It was included with the rust colored tank as part of one of my suggested outfits, but I don't think it works on me.  The necklace seems way too dressy for the tank.  I don't know.  I probably don't know what I'm talking about.  I have been enjoying long necklaces, though.  I could see this working with a blue or black stone and a dressier outfit. 

I just know I'm not going to wear this enough to justify the price tag.

Verdict:  RETURN

Free People Emma's Embroidered Swing Dress - $148.00 (now $88.80)

 
Wow.  This dress.  I did ask for a swing dress, but I was hoping for a more gentle swing cut.  Lately, I have become envious of the cute swing dresses that I have seen other women receive from Golden Tote.  I've never been a fan of the swing cut.  I always feel like I'm wearing a maternity dress.  I've been wanting to give this style another try, though.  They look cute on other people.  Maybe???

Well, this dress is not what I was looking for.  It's a little big.  And so much fabric!  It's heavy and fully lined.  A summer dress this is not.  It's also super short!  I would have to wear tights or leggings with it, and that's not happening during our summers.

The floral print is OK, but I really don't like the mauve color.  Not my thing.

Verdict:  RETURN

Free People Mesa Verde Tall Gladiator Sandal  $138.00

I almost vetoed these sandals when I saw them in my trunk preview.  They're just . . . too  much.  I live in a super casual place.  I know these ARE casual, but they're also a little over the top.  It's almost like I would be trying too hard!  I figured I might as well try them on, though.  I was curious.

Well, remember what I said about the drawstring style?  These are twice the height (compared to the other sandals) and twice as annoying.  The ties kept slipping down my calves.  I could not wear these.  Hate.  Hate.  Hate.  Where are my new Lucky wedges?  Yes . . . those make a lot more sense for my lifestyle!  :)

Verdict:  RETURN

Free People Midnight Flowers Split Hem Dress - $168.00

So, this dress looks harmless enough, right?  The sweater material is not a thing that's going to happen for me during the summer, and the print is a bit odd.  Still, it's not bad, right?

O.O

This dress has virtually no back.  And no sides.  You know those dresses that size zero actresses have glued to their bodies to wear to the Oscars?  Yep.  This is that kind of dress.  The problem is that I have a 40-year-old, size 10 body - which I have NO problem with, by the way.  Unless I try to wear something like this.  Ha ha.

I suppose if I had looked at the preview a little more closely, I could have figured out that this dress wouldn't work for me.  It looked OK from the front, so I didn't think to investigate further.  My mistake.  After I received it, I went to Nordstrom's website.  If you click on the preview, you can see the back and sides (or lack thereof).  Oops.

Don't laugh.  I wanted to show the back and sides of the dress, but I just felt soooo weird about it.  I pixeled the most revealing parts out of the picture.  I mean, nothing was really showing, but it just wasn't flattering.  I couldn't do it.  But you get the idea.

Where would I wear this?  Not to work (obviously)!  This dress is the polar opposite of my lifestyle.  If I picture myself wearing this on a Thursday evening at McMasher's (our favorite local watering hole), I have to laugh.  Seriously, if I wore this in public, everyone that knows me would think I had lost my mind.  Ha ha.

I felt so naked.  Not in some positive, transcendent, meaningful way.  In an awkward way.  Umm . . . NO!

Verdict:  RETURN!!!

Kendra Scott Sophee Textured Drop Earrings - $50.00

These earrings are cute.  You can see them in my first photo of the Free People Midnight Flowers dress.  They're definitely cuter than the dress!  Ha ha.

There's nothing wrong with these.  I've just gotten some similar earrings (at better price points) lately and I didn't think it made sense to keep them.  (Look at these and these from recent Stitch Fix boxes!)  I do like them.  Lately, I've been accumulating a lot of cute items, though, so these are going back!

Verdict:  RETURN

Free People Love Potion Floral Print Sleeveless Knit Top - $88.00 

I don't understand this top.  What does one wear underneath it?    I tried a white camisole.  I'll admit that white might not have been the best choice.  But . . . ???

The sides go down so low that a strapless bra is not an option.  Whatever is under this top is going to show.  Not a fan.  Unlike some of the other items I received, the floral print and colors aren't bad on this one.  I like burgundy and purple.  It's just too flowy and weird, though.  The fit is a dealbreaker.   It's a no.

Verdict:  RETURN

Free People Time Out Tank - $38.00

I wasn't going to keep this tank.  It's expensive for such a basic item, so I wanted to reject it on principle alone.  But . . . coral is going to be my jam this summer.  I think.

And look at the back:

The details are cute.  I love the color.  The material is thick and substantial.  It seems like a quality item.  Do I like it enough to wear a strapless bra with it?  Apparently, the answer is "yes".  I got sucked in.  I kept it.  I'm not sorry!

Verdict:  KEEP

Well, that's it!  Overall, I had fun with this experience.  I only kept two items, but I'm not too disappointed with that, considering that this was my first trunk!

I did leave some feedback for each item and also on the trunk in general.  Here's a portion of my note to Stefanie:

"This trunk was way too boho/hippie for me. I love boho style, but less flowy and flowery. I like a more fitted, eclectic, edgy kind of boho. The color profile was all wrong, too. In general, I don't like warm and earthy. I like primary or bright colors, jewel tones, and black. I'd like to try again at some point. I love the Lucky wedges and the coral tank. I'm going to post a blog post with more details and I will definitely send you the link in case you're interested. Thanks, Stefanie!"

I think that sums it up.  I really do appreciate how the stylists for these different services try to determine what we want from a combination of style profiles, verbal descriptions, photos, and maybe even a bit of mind reading!  I'm sure it's not easy!  This wasn't quite right, but I love the items I kept.  I think next time will be even better!  :)  These trunks contain a LOT of items.  I don't need another one right away.  I have a feeling I'll be tempted to try again soon, though!

Trunk Club Review Link-Up

If you're a blogger and you've posted a recent Trunk Club review/reveal within the last 30 days, please feel free to share it here!  All I ask is that you include my link-up image (below) and a link back to this page in your post.  Blog posts that do not include the link-up image and a backlink will be removed.  (This is my first time hosting a link-up.  I'm so excited!  Please consider participating and let me know if there are any issues linking up!)

An InLinkz Link-up

Please comment!  Did I make the right calls?  Have you tried Trunk Club yet?  How did you like it?

Thanks again for reading!