App Review: Spring

If Instagram and Tinder had a baby and that baby loved shopping, it'd be Spring, the latest mobile shopping app that expects to be a serious game changer in the e-commerce world.

With your Spring account you can follow brands and their latest products will display on your feed. From there you can like an item (to save to your "Loves" list), share an item with a friend, or buy it on the spot. Pretty cool right?



You can discover new brands or trends via the "Discover" section where stylists and lookbooks are displayed or you can browse via category or the master list of shops available on the app. Many name brands like Warby Parker,Vince, Mara Hoffman, and Joie, area already on the app but what's really cool is when you sign up, Spring also defaults you to follow a bunch of underground brands. While some might be a strike and a miss for your style, it is great exposure for the brands and helps any gal who doesn't want to dress like every other gal (aka a basic betch), discover new designers. Unfollowing brands is also as simple as click "Unfollow," which is what I am in the process of doing for anyone that is way over my budget, cough cough Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, etc.

Some of my new favorite and cost friendly stores that Spring helped me discover include:

giejo
USA based swimsuit company that uses vintage and reclaimed textiles to create their colorful styles.

Industry Standard
Minimalist skinny jeans that start at $95 (amazing).

Bing Bang Jewelry
Made by a former blacksmith, their jewelry is badass with a femine touch.

My biggest and only gripe with the app is that it's so easy to purchase and item once you put in your payment info and frankly I'm a little scared of what might happen after a few glasses of wine. Maybe I should email them and ask them to put in a passcode or some sort of intoxicated blocker...

To learn more about Spring visit these helpful links:

Spring

Quick Purchases, Sleek Brands, No Social: How New App Spring Looks To Crack Mobile Shopping (Forbes)

- Suzanne

(Images via Forbes)

Daily Read: Modablogi

Modavanti is an online boutique specializing in ethically produced clothing. I am obsessed with their store, but I am even more obsessed with their blog, Modablogi. Modablogi covers the latest news in fair trade fashion, interviews designers, and provides gorgeous boho-chic style guides. They also touch on some heavier-hitting sustainability issues like waste stream management and chemical concerns in cosmetics. I love the mix of topics and the upbeat "we can change the world" vibe. If you like their blog, I also highly recommend subscribing to their newsletter, The Weekly What, which is a fabulous celebrity-infused, socially conscious dose of newsbites to your inbox. Plus, the design is gorg.

As for their clothes, I'm currently crushing on this romper (even though my torso is way to long to ever wear it), this bag, and these badass antler earrings.

p.s. these adorable D'orsay flats were my first Modavanti purchase.

- Cameron

New JCrew Collaborations

via

initial necklace, $240

Mociun ball ring, $322

Jennifer Fisher cluster, priced by piece

twist stacking ring, $74

via

Let's be honest, J.CREW is a resource for any gal, whether you have the preppy gene or not.  The company has taken new creative directions as of late, and after scoping out the latest summer catalog, I have my eyes on a few of these dainty gold treats.  Sourced above, these Maya Brenner, Jennifer Fisher, Catbird NYC and Mociun pieces are classic wardrobe inclusions for years to come.  Bravo, yet again, to J.CREW for these brand collaborations!

- Meredith

Summer Beauty Routine

moisturizer ($55) // eyelid primer ($20) // corrective pen ($34)
eyeliner ($20) // highlighter ($38) // curler ($20) // lash lifter ($24)
brush ($54) // bronzer ($40) // mist ($36) // perfume ($80)

The thing with this summer humidity in Boston is that it doesn't make me want to wear makeup. At. All.  On the plus side, (safe) sun exposure provides a base so you can put that foundation away until at least September and keep it light!  Here are a few products that will still help you look put together but will not feel heavy on your skin.  You'll note two moisturizing products, something so important, in every season!

- Meredith

Latest Obsessions

Tory Burch Amira Dress $150  //  Forever21 Lace Demi Bra $14.80  //  Best Made Co Coal Bag $78  //  NARS Lip Gloss in Eternal Red $26  //  Anthropologie French Bikini Top $48  // Marc by Marc Jacobs Studs $48  //  Anthropologie French Bikini Top $48  //   Madewell Braided Sightseer Sandal $41.50

Latest Obsessions

1 // 2 (the only way to start a party) // 3 //
4 ($17!) // 5 (truth) // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11

Memorial Day Weekend is upon us!  This upcoming holiday is typically the kickoff for summer, which was especially long-awaited this year.  Before you party, check out this chic invite, J.Crew's latest collaboration with Paperless Post!  Ever since touring the NikeBoston renovations last month, I've had my eye on a pair of Frees, and love the hilarity of this Biggie bracelet.  I think I need to pickup that weekly calendar pad to stay organized this summer.  I recently purchased this perfume at Saks and it is the perfect light, summery scent!

Which would you want to pick up before your long weekend?  Enjoy, everyone!


- Meredith

Spring Skin Savers

Ever since meeting the lovely founder of Follain, the South End's eco-beauty boutique, the JUGs have been working hard to detoxify our skincare. As someone that's prone to the occasional zit, I've spent years applying all sorts of chemicals to my skin in order to keep "clear." Of course, I've recently discovered that non-toxic  remedies are not only healthier and better for the environment, they actually work better! Here is my secret recipe for truly clear skin:

1. First, rinse your face with warm water to open your pores. Then, use a cotton ball to apply Clairvoyant Beauty Refreshing Cucumber Toner. Though this product has not yet been rated (NR) by our favorite healthy beauty resources, The SkinDeep Database and GoodGuide, we know it is safe because we've checked the ingredients with the SkinDeep list, and everything looks good! (Note: be wary of any food or skin product that has ingredients that you don't recognize or can't pronounce).

2. Treat problem areas with OSEA Essential Corrective Complex. I am obsessed with this product. Not only is it a 0 on the SkinDeep database (no hazard), it smells amazing, and is highly effective.

3. If you are going somewhere soon and need to make huge zit look as small as possible before heading out, the miracle cure is the most natural of all: ice. Ice that bad boy for 15 - 20 minutes to help the swelling go down before applying makeup.

4. Especially if you are using products like toners and astringents (step 1), you'll need to moisturize. If you don't, your skin will go into overdrive and create excess oil to make up for the natural oils you removed with the toner. To battle this dilemma is Shamanuti Face Oil. Tara Foley, the founder and owner of Follain, recommends this product for people with "oily" skintypes. It is particularly good for acne-prone skin because it has sential fatty acids that help protect skin against infection and inflammation caused by bacteria. BONUS: Shamanuti is a Boston-based company!!!

5. The final step, of course, is to cover up the zit! RMS Uncover Up is the perfect chemical-free way to achieve a flawless face. The main ingredient is coconut oil, and the SkinDeep Database rated this product a 3 (no hazard). Impressively, RMS has received GoodGuide's highest rating of 10 because they don't use any ingredients in their products that could be considered health concerns.

Voila, now you have better skin than Natalie Portman. P.S. Don't forget the sunscreen!

- Cameron

Style Spotlight On: Mara Hoffman

One of my favorite designers as of late is Mara Hoffman.  The Buffalo, NY native started her education at Parsons and then to Central Saint Martins in London.  From simply visiting her e-commerce site, it is clear Mara is unlike many other designers despite her solid education and traditional path to the industry.  Her pieces have an obvious movement to them and they exhibit more than just a point of view.  Her earlier collections were a lot of hand-dyed fabrics and I love how her collections are not commercial.  The prints and colors she uses take the customer to an exotic land translated through each piece.

Between traveling for inspiration and showing at NYFW, she has a lot going on!  Mara recently told Refinery29 how she stays centered:

"Creating balance takes practice. It's work and it's not always easy.

Realizing when you are unbalanced and doing something about it is the most

important thing.  No one can be balanced 100% of the time though."

That is advice we can get on board with.  If you're not ready to pull the trigger on a statement bikini, dress or poncho, grab a geographic iPhone case!  You can find her items on her website, revolve and shopbop for starters.  We can't wait to see what Mara will be up to next!

- Meredith

photos from Mara's facebook, blog and pinterest

Love it or Hate it: Mirrored Sunglasses

from left  >  right:  1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

The latest item on my must-have list?  Mirrored sunglasses.  What do you think, love it?  Or hate it?

- Meredith

Latest Obsession

Last week's weather totally messed with my head, but as daylight savings is right around the corner I have to believe the warmer weather is too. Unfortunately with the warmer temps we will most likely experience Spring rain, which is why my latest obsession is a fashion staple - the classic trench. 

If you have yet to add one to your wardrobe I highly suggest you do as they are the mature gals rain gear and pair swimmingly with any outfit. Being an item that's good for Spring, Fall and Summer, you really can't feel guilty when purchasing one.

My Spring 2014 trench coat picks are as follows, but in no particular order:

1. Wander Trench $128  //  2. Peacoat Trench $298  //  3. Trim Trench Coat $129  //  4. All-Weather Hooded Trench $144  //  5. Double Breasted Raincoat $139  //  6. Zip Detail Trench $69

- Suzanne

True Confession: I'm Obsessed with Adam Devine

Every now and then, someone "new" in Hollywood surfaces, and you develop a crush.  Mine has become an obsession.  After the first episode I ever saw of Workaholics, I new I was in love.  Let me count the ways...

He has stunning good looks:

He knows how to diet:

Similarly, he knows how to stay fit:

He likes kids:

He keeps his friends honest:

He knows how to kick back:

And, he knows we're meant to be.  SIGH.

photo sources here and here.

Healthy Cooking and Easy Delivery via Instacart

Picture this, you're in your pajamas, your doorbell rings, and in your foyer is a delivery person with groceries you ordered a short one-to-two hours earlier (in a reusable shopping bag, no less).  You're not dreaming, this is made possible by a JUGs-approved service, Instacart.  It started in San Fransisco, quickly moved to Chicago and has grown at an incredible rate.  Needless to say, we're thrilled it is now in the 'hub!  Don't you wish you did this yesterday during your snow day?!  Well, we all tried this last week, and the process SO easy, we had to share with you!

1. Create an account on Instacart's website (or mobile app) and choose a grocery provider (Whole Foods (!)/Shaws)
2. "Search" for an item or browse isles through their user-friendly interface
3. Watch your cart fill on the right-hand side (you can even edit quantity/weight of items!)
4. Enter coupon code (see below) at bottom
5. Check out and choose delivery time

The Instacart team even gives you updates before they're at your door, so it is best to stay by your phone in case your delivery buddy has a question for you.  My list wasn't too specialized, but I was glad that they called me to confirm something before leaving the store.  

Now, what did I do with all of these ingredients, you ask?  My co-authors and I decided on a theme for our meals to be "healthy and affordable," two of our major goals when shopping and when we (attempt to) cook.  I made a few adjustments on a recipe I found via pinterest and after setting off the smoke detector 3x (hey, I followed the recipe closely!  Tip: only cook the 'sprouts at 350 F!), I was done!  I had honestly never had Brussels sprouts until a few weeks prior, and wanted to try cooking them myself.  The sprouts were great crispy, but I did shed a layer before adding it to the pasta.

Looks easy, right?!  WELL, because YOU are a loyal JUGs reader, Instacart is kind enough to offer our readers $10 off your first order with them!  Just enter coupon code JUGS10 at checkout or click here to activate the code. 

Here's a close up, and I know my family members are in shock at the finished product (and with only one attempt)!

You can even order wine (*adds to new cart*) and it's looking like the service will expand to offer Costco products.  A true savior for city gals like ourselves!  Stay tuned for Cameron and Suzanne's posts in the coming weeks!  

Thanks again, Instacart!

- Meredith

Most photos courtesy of Instacart, meal and screenshot taken by JUGs.

Crushing on Julian Edelman

Gronk is injured. Brady isn't getting any younger. We are ready for some new Pats obsessions, and we've found one in Julian Edelman! He is our reason for watching the playoffs. Enjoy this Tuesday pick-me-up.

- Cameron

Braids Resolve Winter Hair Woes

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Ugh, winter. Usually during this time of year I just give up on my hair. It gets insane static and gets caught in all of the scarves, hats, earmuffs, etc. I'm using to keep warm. Luckily, braids are a huge trend this year, and are not only super-flattering, but also look a bit more chic when they are imperfect. My pinterest feed has been blowing up with braid ideas lately, so I've rounded them up into three go-to looks. 

At Work: The Braided Updo

An updo keeps your hair out of your face and looks sleek and polished.

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At Brunch: The Messy Braid

Boston gals love nothing more than a Sunday brunch with the girls. But, lets be serious, no one wants to spend too much time on their looks by this point in the weekend. The messy braid is a life-saver here because they look complicated and classy, but only take a few minutes and mistakes are always accepted!

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On The Town: Half-Up Braids

If you usually wear your hair down on Friday and Saturday nights, braids are a great way to spice up your look and give you an excuse to put down the flat iron and curling iron. Heat styling your hair in the winter just aggravates already dry and damaged hair.

1 / 2 / 3

- Cameron