Lugz Women's ZROCS Review and Giveaway

So we all know how loved the boyfriend shirt was, for both comfort and style. How about the boyfriend shoes? There is nothing like  a comfy pair of sneakers to start the summer with. You know I am a shoe lover and when I saw the beautiful crisp look of the Lugz Women's ZROCS I was giddy with excitement.

The design of this Oxford sneaker is perfect for casual wear and has some really neat design elements as well. I like the pretty metal lace eyelets, they really pop on the white. Speaking of white, I also love that the permahide upper is mostly white with only the slightest color accents, that makes it pair so easily with anything I want to wear. The accent is a metallic inset L with a hint of color. The shoes I picked have pink for the accents, of course.

Aside from the upper there is also a burst of pink just at the bottom and peeking out from the inside. There is a comfy cushioned insole that make these not only super cute, but also super easy on feet. Also for comfort they have a padded tongue and collar.

So far I have worn these everyday for over two weeks and I can honestly say they are comfortable, even on days when I have been on my feet for extended periods. I have paired them with shorts, jeans and even slacks.

Also, make sure you connect with Lugz on Facebook and Twitter so you never miss a new style!

Lugz has kindly offered one of my readers the chance to win a pair of their own Women's ZROCS. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Open to US residents 18 and older. Winner has 48 hours to respond before another winner is drawn.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers. My Empty Nest is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Three More Novica Goodies

I am back with three more pieces of jewelry from Novica! The first piece is a pair of earrings called Moonlight Sand by Nyoman Rena of Indonesia. These are made from .925 Sterling Silver and have 6.5-7.0 mm pearls in the center of each earring. These are drop style earrings that have fishhook backs. I really like this take on the common dangle earring. I think that the solid wire adds a bit of uniqueness that would be lost had these been suspended on a chain.

This pair of earrings is amazingly shiny and catches light beautifully. They are so reflective that they are almost mirrored, as you can see in the pictures. I really like the simple details that these have. The two lines in the top half of the circles add some definition while the small silver beads add a little flair to the bottom half. Also, worry not, though these are on the larger side, these are super lightweight and very comfortable!

You know I couldn't leave Josh out so I picked him up the Flowing Water bracelet by Komang Wijayana who is also from Indonesia. As you might have noticed from the other pieces I have bought him, he is a huge fan of braids and knotwork. I knew that this simple cuff bracelet would be right up his alley!

It is made from .925 Sterling Silver and comes to 6.75 inches in length. The cuff style makes it very easy to put on and take off and it is also somewhat adjustable, though I wouldn't go tugging on it too hard. It is sturdy but you wouldn't want to harm the beautiful braid. It fits Josh's small wrists great and I have noticed that he has been wearing this one quite a bit (he wears one of his Novica bracelets almost everyday). 

Since Novica has the best earrings, hands down, I wasn't able to get just one pair. I saw the Extravaganza earrings by Narayani of India and I just couldn't resist! I mean, look at them! Novica easily has the most unique earrings! These feature onyx and freshwater pearl accented by .925 Sterling Silver.

With such a growing collection of Novica earrings, this is getting harder to say, but these are definitely at the top of my favorites list. They are simple, yet elegant and can easily be dressed up or down. I love the versatility that these offer. The onyx compliments the pearls beautifully and they both play nicely with the silver hardware. Pictures simply don't do these earrings justice! You really need to see them in person to truly appreciate the attention to detail that was put into making these.

You already know that I love everything that Novica stands for, but just in case you haven't yet, be sure to read their mission statement HERE. Also, if you would like to purchase any Novica item, you can do so on Amazon, or their website!

Disclosure: I received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

Novica Jewelry

I am back again with some more great jewelry pieces from Novica. The first of which is this beautiful necklace called "Serpent Quest" by Wayan Asmana of Indonesia. This pendant hangs from an 18 inch, leather cord that has a lobster clasp closure. The leather is very soft and comfortable, which is great for all day wear. I also really like where the necklace falls on my chest.

The snake pendant is .925 Sterling Silver and features 18 carat yellow-gold plated eyes. Just like with the majority of Novica's other jewelry, this piece is wonderfully detailed. Having to carve out each scale must have been very time consuming! Novica's artisans truly are superiorly talented individuals who never fail to amaze me with the detail and care that they put into each item!

The second item that I picked up is a first for me! The "Mystic" anklet by Narayani of India is my first anklet and I am so glad that I decided to pick it up! I have always loved the way anklets look, but never had one for myself. I was worried that this one might be a little too much for my first, but I am happy to report that it is super comfortable!

This anklet is 14 carats but is surprisingly light on your leg. The moonstones are stunning and look great with a wide variety of outfits. I also think that the stones look fabulous with the .925 Sterling Silver accents. It has a standard lobster clasp closure with 3 different size rings. I like the size options so that I can customize the tightness depending on my footwear or preference that day. Also, with a total of 61 stones, this piece really catches attention when you wear it!

You already know that I love everything that Novica stands for, but just in case you haven't yet, be sure to read their mission statement HERE. Also, if you would like to purchase any Novica item, you can do so on Amazon, or their website!

Disclosure: I received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

Novica Romantic Red Tennis Bracelet

Surprise! I am back to talk about another wonderful piece of Novica jewelry! Alright, it's probably not a surprise, but you guys know that I have to share things that I love with you! When I saw the Romantic Red Tennis Bracelet by Bhavesh from India, I knew that I had to have it! I mean, look at it! Isn't it stunning? As always, it came packaged in a beautiful gift bag with a story card. These really make the perfect gifts!

This bracelet is .925 Sterling Silver and features 12 garnets with a total weight of 5 carats. It has a standard lobster clasp closure and three rings for different size options. I have a 7.5 inch wrist, and I wear this on the smallest ring comfortably. Though it's design is simple, this might be my favorite Novica piece yet! The simplicity makes it beautiful and also really easy to pair with a bunch of different outfits!

You already know that I love everything that Novica stands for, but just in case you haven't yet, be sure to read their mission statement HERE. Also, if you would like to purchase this bracelet, or any other Novica item, you can do so on Amazon, or their website!

Disclosure: I received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

Loving Lee Jeans for Valentine's Day

As I am sure you saw, my mother and Andrew will be spending their Valentine's Day together, both wearing a comfortable pair of Lee jeans. For me, holidays mean business and business means I will be at work. No worries though because even though I will be in the world of business casual on Valentine's Day, Lee has me covered! Did you know that Lee offers trousers? Neither did I! Be sure to check out the Lee website because they offer so much more than just jeans!

After a lot of hard decisions, I finally opted to pick up a pair of the Curvy Fit Maxwell Trousers in Black. You may recall how much I loved my Curvy Fit jeans, so I was really excited to see a pair of trousers in that same line! Just like the jeans, these sit lower on the waist and have a no-gap waistband. Since I wear flats to work, I opted for the petite length. I am only 5' 2" but I do believe I could have gotten away with the regular length as well. Either way, I love the way these fit! Just as comfortable as my jeans, but acceptable for work!

Since I will be spending my Valentine's Day in the corporate world, I am opting for maximum comfort. These trousers paired with a flowy, red sweater with hearts seemed perfect to me. After browsing the Lee website, I see quite a few other styles of trousers and slacks that I cannot wait to try on! Now I can wear Lee's and be comfortable no matter what day it is!

As always, I loved my new Lee's. Have you tried either of the new lines yet? If you haven't already, head on over to Lee website and see all of the great styles they offer. Also, follow them on Facebook and Twitter to never miss any news!

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

Even More Novica Goodies!

Novica has been quite a popular brand on here lately and I can tell you that they will probably continue to be! Hopefully that makes you as happy as it does me! I have two more pieces to share with you today. First up is a pair of earrings. These are the Origami Fox earrings by Sainamphung Chuntakowso, or Ying, from Thailand. These are so dainty and cute! It totally blows my mind that these are handmade!

These are .925 Sterling Silver and have a standard post setting with a friction back. Since I work in management, business casual is my daily wardrobe. That being said, it doesn't leave much room for personality so, I like to add in a little bit with the jewelry that I wear. I think these are a great way to add a little cuteness to your outfit, without it being totally obvious upon first glance. I love these!

The next piece is for my boyfriend. After the other items I have bought for him, he has become a Novica fan just like myself! I saw the Bangkok Weave bracelet by Khun Boom of Thailand and knew that he would love it; he loves leather pieces like this! This is made of five pieces of leather, braided together to create this beautiful bracelet.

The closure is also made out of leather and very simple to use. This bracelet is 8.5 inches long but fits my boyfriend's 7 inch wrists without falling off of this hand. He said it is very comfortable on as well. Just like with the other bracelets he has received, this one is great to wear with any of his outfits. Soon, the toughest decision for him will be which bracelet to wear that day!

If you would like to browse their selection and learn more about their products and the artisans that create them, please visit the Novica website or Amazon, where you can purchase any of their goods. Also, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter to never miss any news! 

Disclosure: I received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

Lee For Me This Valentine's Day

When it came time to purchase new outfits for our special day together, it was so easy for me and Andrew to decide what we wanted to wear this Valentine's Day; The same things we wear every day and love. In fact, check back and see what Jackie wears with her Lee's! We are a Lee family and will all be showing our Lee love this Valentine's Day.

Andrew  was so in love with his Modern Series jeans that when I asked him what style he wanted for his new outfit, he, without hesitation, said the same as last time. I told him to be daring and he said okay try a new color. This time we tried the Blue Devil wash, which he loves because, as he says, they already look well loved and there won't be that awkward new jean look. Did I mention he is my soulmate? He decided to pair his new Modern Series jeans with a layered white tee and brown suede button up, which will be dressy enough for the romantic dinner we have in mind. We've been having particularly warm weather for this time of year so layering worked perfect. 

When I ask him why he loves these jeans so much, his reply is that they last through my hardest works and are still comfortable for lounging around. They are his one size fits all wardrobe piece. They are a regular fit with below the waist rise. There are five pockets and the back pocket has detailed stitching. The material is denim with just enough spandex to give it a good fit. They have a slight snug fit but are still very comfortable. They allow for good, non-restrictive movement, and look generally awesome on him but let's not tell him that, considering his ego and all.

For me, it was also an easy choice. You know Lee has been with me during all of the phases and body shapes as I have lost weight. I always find a pair of jeans that can flatter me, even when it would seem impossible. Even though I am getting close to my goal, I still have curvy issues, mostly that my stomach is huge and my legs continue to get twiggier. Very hard to flatter. However the Curvy Fit Miranda managed to make me fell pretty inside and out when paired with a lovely, clingy, red asymmetrical blouse. I finished the look with a string of classic white pearls and am ready to be treated to romantic night out.

As with the other Lee Curvy Series jeans I have tried, I love the tilted rise of these. The front is a midrise and the back swoops up to add to give better, fuller coverage. The leg construction allows for more room in the back, which extends through the hips, seat and thigh. What that means to you and me is you have room to breathe but your jeans fit like a glove in all the right places. Love yourself this Valentine's Day by looking and feeling comfortable in your skin and jeans.

I am looking forward to seeing how you show your #LeeLove this Valentine's Day. Make sure you Tweet or Facebook so I take a look! 

As always, Andrew and I were thrilled with our new Lee Jeans. Have you tried either of the new lines yet? If you haven't already, head on over to Lee's website and see all of the great styles they offer. Also, follow them on Facebook and Twitter to never miss any news!

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

More Bracelets from Novica

I know that I keep talking about Novica, but I just can't stop! I am so beyond impressed with this brand! This go around, I opted to get myself and my boyfriend some new bracelets! I chose the Protective Tranquility bracelet. It is made from braided cord which holds three, circular, onyx stones; two green and one black. The adjustable, sliding closure makes this a breeze to take on and off and also allows it to fit a wide variety of wrist sizes.

The artist, Ritu Aggarwal from India, also places two green onyx stones on the closure strings, as well. This bracelet is simple, yet beautiful. It is super comfortable on and I like to pair it with my Just Glow bracelet that is also from Novica. Green is one of my favorite colors and I think that the greens from both bracelets play very well together.

While I went simplier, I thought that it would be nice to get my boyfriend a "dressier" bracelet. I finally decided on the Dragon Braid bracelet. Wayan Sarjana from Indonesia takes four strands of .925 Sterling Silver and braids them together to create this beautiful piece. The bracelet has a toggle closure and it fits great around my boyfriend's 7 inch wrists. It is 8 inches long though, so it could easily fit a larger wrist.

As you can see, my boyfriend's arm is quite hairy but I am happy to report that this does not pull on his hair. He really likes it and I really like that it looks good with whatever he decides to wear! I should also mention that instead of a gift bag, this bracelet comes in a great little cushioned gift box! As always, Novica never fails to deliver great jewelry pieces!

If you would like to browse their selection and learn more about their products and the artisans that create them, please visit the Novica website. Also, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter to never miss any news! 

Disclosure: I received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

Two More Goodies From Novica

Today is very exciting because I am bringing you not only one, but two, new things I picked up from Novica! Up first are these beautiful Dewdrop Leaves earrings. These fishhook style earrings are by Komang Wijayana of Indonesia and, like all Novica jewelry, come in a gorgeous gift bag with a great little story card. 

These are .925 Sterling Silver and have 18k gold-plated centers. The intricate design around the gold middle is beautiful and definitely makes these stand out. They are also wonderfully shiny and play beautifully in the sunshine. They are very comfortable and can be worn all day with no issue. If you do want to wear these everyday, worry not because they go great with any outfit!

The second item is the Friendship bracelet by Chaloemphon Krasear of Thailand. I figured it was finally time for my boyfriend to enjoy some of his own Novica goodies and what is more fitting than a bracelet symbolizing friendship? He is my best friend after all! I am happy to report that he loves this just as much as I love everything I have received from Novica!

This bracelet is made from leather strands and has two carved beads made from bone on the sizing strands. It is very easy to put on and even fits my boyfriend's small, 7 inch wrists. This can easily fit larger wrists, up to 8.75 inches, as well. The simple design and color scheme makes this a great addition to my boyfriend's wardrobe. He can wear it with anything and has been wearing it everyday since he got it! 

If you would like to browse their selection and learn more about their products and the artisans that create them, please visit the Novica website. Also, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter to never miss any news! 

Disclosure: I received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

Novica Enchanted Dragonfly Earrings

Have you figured out that I am absolutely in love with Novica yet? What's not to love? They have beautiful products which are created by artisans who are fairly treated and supported from all over the world. This go around I happened across the Enchanted Dragonfly earrings by Komang Wijayana from Indonesia. I got the amethyst pair, but these are also available with blue topaz stones. I might get those too since these are so adorable! 

These fishhook style earrings are made from .925 sterling silver and have a total gem weight of 0.20 carats. I am really impressed with the intricate design. Not only is there pretty scrolling in the wings, but these little dragonflies even have eyes! I love when pieces have those little details; they really make them stand out! As always, the gift bag and story card round these out to make the perfect gift for a loved one or yourself!

If you would like to browse their selection and learn more about their products and the artisans that create them, please visit the Novica website. Also, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter to never miss any news! 

Disclosure: I received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.