REVIEW: Jill-E 13" Sasha Laptop Bag: Style and Functionality for the Woman On-the-Go

Disclosure: A complimentary media review sample of the Jill-E Sasha Bag was provided by the manufacturer to facilitate this review. All opinions are those of the reviewer...

The Jill-E 13" Sasha messenger style Bag is designed with the stylish woman in mind, says guest reviewer Bev...

As a busy woman on-the-go, I was very happy when I was asked by FREEISMYLIFE to review the Jill-E 13" Sasha Laptop Bag.

First let me say I was thrilled when I saw this bag is so BEAUTIFUL and I quickly began loading it up with my technology - starting with my huge Samsung Galaxy Note 4 phone which to my surprise fits in the front zip pocket (located on the flap of the bag) with no problem. I then attempted to slide my "not so tiny" smartphone into the interior pocket and again " surprise, surprise" it fit with no problem.

Love those Feet!!!
The Jill-E Sasha bag has nice deep pockets that will keep your items safe and secure. Another stylish touch are the feet on the bottom of the bag - I love that extra touch. The feet are made of the same brushed gold metal as the zipper pulls which makes for a very sturdy bottom on this bag that you don’t mind sitting on the floor.

The bag is comfortable on the shoulder and I like the cloth cross body strap. Most messenger bags have leather straps that tend to stick to the neck when the weather reaches 80+ degrees as it is here in Metro Detroit.  I also love that this bag is lightweight even with my iPad inside.

Stylish whether you wear a suit or jeans...
The flap on the Jill-E 13" Sasha Laptop bag is nice and helps to safe guard my items. A couple of times I forgot to zip the main compartment zipper but my items remained intact because the flap was closed.

The bag is designed in a way where it looks great whether I am in professional business attire or jeans. On the back of the bag there is also a pocket that can be used to store items or you can open the top and bottom pocket zippers to slide the case over the handles of your rolling luggage. I didn’t travel during the time I reviewed this bag but I can see where this feature can really come in handy.

Although the PROS are many with this bag, I did find a few CONS as well.

I was thrown for a loop that this bag only fits up to a 13” device (Editor's note: Jill-E does make a 15" version of this bag in addition to the 13" version). I know a lot of people carry small devices for business, but  I use a 15” laptop so I was not able to really utilize the padded laptop section of the bag between the hours of 7am – 5pm. But I do own an iPad which I use in the evening and on weekends so I did get the opportunity to carry this bag in the evening. But truthfully at the price point of $169.99 I would want this to be the bag I use for business and pleasure (all day).

A little more color please...
As I sat back and thought about the fact that this bag was designed for a woman I couldn’t help but wish the bag was more colorful, maybe a red or colorful paisley lining made of a satiny finish (just a thought). But overall, the Jill-E Sasha Laptop Bag is designed with the stylish woman in mind and and will impress no matter what your lifestyle.

The Jill-E 13" Sasha Laptop Bag retails for $169.99 and is available at www.jill-e.com

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About our reviewer: Bev is a stylish Metro Detroit mom on-the-go who loves fashion, technology, and hunting for a great bargain.  She has been carrying the Jill-E Sasha around since her review, and although her oldest daughter tried to take it from her, Bev says she is not letting go of this bag anytime soon...

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BARGAIN HAUL OF THE DAY: Chanel 4188 Aviator Sunglasses and Chanel Rouge Allure Lip Gloss

Me in my Chanel Aviator Sunglasses wearing Chanel Rouge Allure Lip Gloss

Yes, you can own Chanel products at a great price...

Since I am not finding anything good to watch on network or cable TV these days, I have picked up a new secret passion: watching designer fashion haul videos on youTube.  I started out watching tech videos (you all know how much I love tech products) until one day by chance I happened up on a handbag tag video by TheLuxeBabe and discovered the whole fabulous world of designer accessory hauls being videoed by youTube fashionistas.

Out of all the designer hauls, Chanel products seem to be the most popular.  So I watched with wide eyes as gorgeous Chanel handbags, wallets, jewelry, sunglasses, and beauty products were unboxed in their full glory. Even though I am cheap frugal, I still love owning beautiful things. So watching all that Chanel finery made me want to own a few pieces of my own, especially a pair of Chanel aviator sunglasses.

So I fired up the eBay app on my iPad and watched auctions for "gently loved" Chanel Sunglasses for a few days until I found a few auctions that were just right.  I was looking for an authentic pair of Chanel aviator style sunglasses in great condition that came with a Chanel quilted leather case and also the dust bag and cleaning cloth.  Oh, and I wanted them to be under $100.

I have been using eBay now for 12 years, and my eBay tactics for getting a true bargain is to check out closed auctions for similar products to see how the prices are trending, deal with sellers that have perfect (or near perfect) feedback, buy from private sellers as oppose to discounters, check out the sellers old auctions to make sure that their story about the product pans out, and totally not deal with any sellers shipping products out of countries known to export fake luxury goods.  In 12 years, I have had only 1 major problem, but I went through eBay's arbitration process and eBay sided with me so the seller was forced to refund my total purchase price.

These are my elegant Chanel 4188 Aviator Sunglasses 

After I had done my research and was ready to buy, I tagged a few auctions to watch that fit my criteria and then lucked up to win a pair of used authentic Chanel 4188 style Aviator Sunglasses with gradient lenses (which retail new for $295) with a quilted leather Chanel case and dust bag for only $71 - SCORE!!! And since I had bought an eBay gift card at 10% off right before the auction, that gift card discount brought my actual cost down to $64 - and on top of that I got a 1% cash rebate using SHOPATHOME - HOLLA!

I love my Chanel 4188 Aviator Sunglasses, especially the price :)

My "gently loved" Chanel aviator sunglasses are near perfect with no scratches on the lenses nor the frame. The only visable wear is a scuff on the leather case, which I buffed out with a little black leather polish. A love the size of these sunglasses because I have a small face and the Chanel 4188 style of aviator sunglasses is more compact than the popular Channel 4195q aviators with the bigger lens and the lambskin leather arms. Chanel makes some truly quality products that are meant to last and these sunglasses are no worst for the wear and just scream quality.

I have found that using eBay is a wonderful way to find luxury goods at great prices, but even I was surprised by the bargain that I was able to get this time round. My Chanel sunglasses make me feel like a true fashionista every time that I wear them, but the price was bargainista all the way!

I am wearing Chanel Rouge Allure Lip Gloss in the shade 18 Seduction...

More Chanel under $35...
Just after winning the Chanel sunglasses auction, I received another great Chanel product in the mail.  About a month prior, I signed up with People StyleWatch to be a member of their Style Hunters panel and they delivered a box to my home with the first style product for me to review - a complimentary Chanel Rouge Allure Lip Gloss.

Having watched all those Chanel cosmetic haul videos on youTube, I knew that Chanel makes some wonderful lip glosses that come in fabulous packings and the Chanel Rouge Allure Lip Gloss is so pretty that it could be given as a gift all by itself.

When I opened the box, the Chanel Rouge Allure Lip Gloss was presented in the same packaging that I would get in a retail Chanel store. The product was beautifully wrapped in Chanel branded CC logo tissue paper and sealed with a Chanel CC logo sticker. It also came with a beautiful Chanel dust bag - WOW!

Chanel Rouge Allure Lip Gloss is luxury all the way. It you have ever been afraid that the top of your lipstick will come off and get product on the inside of your purse (which has happened to me), you don't have to worry with the Chanel Rouge Allure Lip Gloss.  The gold top is spring loaded so when not in use, you push on the top and it recesses into the tube - IMPRESSIVE!

The Chanel Rouge Allure Lip Gloss is marketed as having the color intensity of a lipstick with the lacquered shine of a lipgloss and I found that to be true.  I don't use lipstick very often these days so I love a lip gloss that gives shine and color to my lips and is long wearing.  And the Chanel Rouge Allure Lip Gloss does all that while also being hydrating.

The Chanel Rouge Allure Lip Gloss comes in 10 shades and retails for $34 both in-store and on chanel.com and would make the ultimate stocking stuffer gift.

Between my Chanel Aviator Sunglasses and my Chanel Rouge Allure Lip Gloss, I feel like a million dollars - but I am glad that I don't have to spend a million dollars to feel this good.


Enjoy!

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TECH REVIEW: Zenus Lettering Diary Case for iPad Air from GearZap.com

Protection and Style in 1 Beautiful Case...

Special thanks to GearZap.com for providing a complimentary Zenus Lettering Diary Case for review.  All opinions are my own...

Recently, I decided to upgrade my 2 year old 16GB iPad2 to a 32GB iPad Air due to a real deal that I got from Target price matching a $75 off deal from Best Buy, combined with an additional 5% off from using my Target Red Card, and topped off with selling my iPad2 for a great price - HOLLA!

All of my electronics are in pristine condition (which really helps with resale value) because I keep them protected in cases.  One good drop and an expensive piece of technology can become a useless pile of screws and circuit boards. So good cases are a must for my heavily used electronics.

But I don't like to carry just any old case.  I like my cases to be both protective and very stylish. So I was very happy when GearZap.com sent me for review the Zenus Lettering Diary Case for iPad Air which provides tons of protection in a beautiful case that is totally functional and very stylish.

The moment that I took the Zenus Lettering Diary Case for iPad Air out of the packaging, I just fell in love with how it looks.  Last year, I reviewed the Zenus Edge Diary Case for Nexus 4 and loved it, so I already knew that Zenus makes some very desirable tech cases.

The Zenus Lettering Diary Case -

- fully encases the iPad Air for great protection on the front, back and sides
- snaps shut on the front with a strong magnetic closure
- clips the iPad in place with a plastic see-through enclosure attached to the folio style case
- has a soft suede like material on the inside where the case comes in contact with the iPad screen
- has beautiful lettering embossed into the front, back and sides of the folio style case
- has an inside pocket where you can keep a few business cards
- turns off the iPad when the case closes
- has all the necessary cuts outs for the camera, speakers, mic, volume and switches so that the iPad is fully functional while inside of the case

In addition to looking good and providing protection, the Zenus Lettering Diary Case for the iPad Air is also a stand that allows the iPad to be used in adjustable landscape positions for watching movies and more.  If it also allowed me to stand my iPad in the portrait position for reading magazines, this case would to perfect.

The Zenus Lettering Diary Case for iPad Air provides protection, style and function in one great case, is available in Brown, Orange and Black, and sells for around $55 US which is cheaper than most plain, generic iPad cases that you find at local retail stores.

Find out more about the Zenus Lettering Diary Case for iPad Air and other great tech accessories over on GearZap.com and MobileFun.com.


Enjoy!


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GIVEAWAY: Dearfoams Slippers bring Comfort and Style to the Holidays and beyond - ENDS 12/13 (CLOSED)

Dearfoams allows you to kick back in comfort - and style!

Play the Dearfoams’ Perfect Pair Instant Win Game now thru Christmas Day....

Thank you to Dearfoams for providing complementary product to facilitate this review and for sponsoring the prize for this giveaway...

December is my favorite month of year because it is the month when I take a large number of vacation days so that I can de-stress.  My family is always running here and there and going to so many events, that I love when we can take time to just lounge at home and kick back with our feet up. If you’re looking to kick your feet up over the holidays and want to be comfy but also stylish, I have found that Dearfoams has something just for you.

Dearfoams’ newest slippers feature fashion-forward designs and a variety of colorful styles including moccasins, boots/booties, clogs and more – all of which are stylish and sturdy enough to be worn with your favorite outfit but have the comfort that Dearfoams has specialized in for more than 60 years. A pair can make a great gift for a loved one (guys included), but they’re great if you’d just like to treat yourself, too.

My son's father likes to be stylish even when just kicking back at home. And he got to try out the Dearfoams Color Blocked Penny Loafer Men's Slippers which he found to be very comfortable and also very stylish.  These $39 microsuede slippers have a comfy terry lining and color blocked outsole which adds a little extra personality to this classic slipper style.  These Dearfoams look so much like real shoes that is is hard to tell they are machine washable slippers!

I also like my comfortable clothing to be on the stylish side and I fell in love with two of the Dearfoams ladies slippers styles that look like comfy cable-knit sweaters.

The Dearfoams Sweater Knit Clog slippers are cute and cozy like your favorite cable knit sweater, but also washable and durable with the skid resistant TRP outsole.  These slippers retail for $26.

And the $40 Dearfoams Sweater Knit Booties will interest all age women with their soft pile terry lining and cable sweater knit design with gem buttons.  These booties are super cute!

Play to Dearfoams’ Perfect Pair Instant Win Game now thru Christmas Day...

To have a little fun with this mix of comfort and chic, Dearfoams recently launched the Perfect Pair Instant Win Game on their Facebook page. Between now and December 25th, fans can play once per day, clicking three game pieces to “unwrap” the presents on screen.

Each day, one lucky winner will reveal a matching pair of slippers and win their own pair of Dearfoams, just in time for the holidays. All who play — whether or not they win the daily giveaway — will be entered to win the grand prize: $1,000 for themselves and an additional $1,000 charitable donation to a charity chosen by the winner.

So be sure to check-out the Dearfoams' Perfect Pair Instant Win Game and also keep reading to out how one FREESMYLIFE reader will get to try out a pair of Dearfoams slippers for FREE....

GIVEAWAY
One FREEISMYLIFE reader will be sent a code good for $35 off and FREE shipping to buy the product of your choice on the Dearfoams.com website - HOLLA!!!

TO ENTER

- Fill out the information in the form below.

- One entry form per person please. Duplicate entry forms will be removed.

- USA addresses only. No P.O. Boxes.

- The contest ends on Friday, December 13, 2013 at 11:59 am EST.

- One winner will be selected by random number generation.

- An email containing a Dearfoams.com $35 off code with free shipping will be sent to the winner. The winner can chose a style that is $35 or less so that the purchase is free or chose a style that is more than $35 and pay the difference.  The code MUST BE REDEEMED on Dearfoams.com by December 25, 2013 or the prize will be forfeited. No exceptions.

(7) EXTRA GIVEAWAY ENTRIES

- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for following FREEISMYLIFE on Instagram.

- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for following FREEISMYLIFE "And the Winning is Easy" Board on Pinterest.

- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for following Dearfoams on Facebook.


- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for following FREEISMYLIFE on Facebook.


- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for following the Dearfoams on Twitter.


- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for following FREEISMYLIFE on Twitter.


- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for tweeting the following message on Twitter "I entered the @freeismylife GIVEAWAY to WIN a $35 pair of @Dearfoams Slippers for the Holidays http://ow.ly/rynG0 "


Random.org has spoken!!! Out of 138 entries, Random.org has picked #32. Congratulations to the winner of the $35 Dearfoams merchandise credit - Sandy A. of Roseville, MI!!!


Enjoy!

TECH REVIEW: TYLT VU Wireless Qi Charger

Charge your smartphone wirelessly and with style using the TYLT VU Wireless Qi Charger...

Special thanks to TYLT for suppling complementary product to facilitate this review...

I think smartphones are one of the most wonderful devices ever invented.  And since I am a blogger, I get to try out all the newest smartphones and accessories and determine which ones are worth the money.  Smartphones have come a long way since I did not first tech review back in 2010. But despite all the great advances that we have with smartphones, they are still useless when the batteries are dead. So owning proper charging devices is just as important as the smartphone itself.

Earlier this year, I wrote reviews for a great powerful portable charger and some fashionable portable chargers great for gift giving made by a company called TYLT.

TYLT makes durable and fashionable tech chargers that are perfect for all your charging needs. In addition to the products that I reviewed, TYLT introduced some new and innovative products in January at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Vegas that I have been waiting with anticipation to try.

Fashionable tech  - TYLT VU Charger!

One of their new chargers is called the TYLT VU Wireless Qi Charger and it is the most useful and fashionable charger that I have ever used.  The TYLT VU Wireless Charger is a beautiful combination of technology and fashion.  The TYLT VU measured 3.25" high, 3.5" wide, and 7" long is made from a durable mat finish material in the shape of a stand that holds your smartphone at a 45 degree angle so that you can see the screen while the phone charges.

The TYLT VU Wireless Charger comes in a traditional black color as well as fashion forward colors including red, blue, and lime green and the modern design makes this one charger that you will be glad to display on your work desk or the side table next to your bed.  I used the TYLT VU to charge my Nexus 4 smartphone and and found the VU charged my phone just as fast as using the supplied charging cord, but with a whole lot more style.

I would sum up my review of the TYLT VU as follows -

PROS -
- Beautiful design that looks like a piece of art
- Comes in fashionable colors that are fun and stylish as well as traditional black, making this charger a product that is appropriate for teens and adults
- Charges just as fast as using the smartphone wall charger
- Charges the smartphone no matter the position you lay it in the charger

CONS-
- Pricey, like most qi wireless chargers

The TYLT VU Wireless Charger retails for $69.99 and is available for purchase on the TYLT website as well as retail stores including Spirit, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Nordstrom, REI, and Bed, Bath and Beyond.

If you are looking for a smartphone charger that would make a great gift for the tech lover with a smartphone that has wireless qi charging capability, look no further than the TYLT VU.

Part of the 2013 Holiday Gift Guide

Enjoy!


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FASHION: Metro Detroit's Fairlane Town Center is ready for Fall with Designer Looks for Less

Get the $1600 A.L.C. look for only $158 at Fairlane's Cache store

Get the $1900 Jason Wu look for only $158 at Fairlane's Cache store

Get the $350 Michael Kors bag look for only $40 at Fairlane's Icing store

Fairlane Town Center holds digital fashion show with trendy looks at every price point....

It is hard to believe that fall is here already.  I don't know where the year has gone so fast. As the weather is slowly changing over to the need for more heavier clothing, fashionistas everywhere are adding the newest fall trends to their wardrobes.

To celebrate the new fall fashions, Fairlane Town Center mall in Dearborn, MI recently held a "digital" fashion show for local Metro Detroit bloggers showing us how to get fall's hottest high end designer looks at every price point. Since you know how much I love a good bargain, this was my type of fashion show.

"What we are hearing from our customers is that they love fashion, really like the runway fashions, and would love to be able to do some of those things but (they) need to do it at a price" says Fairlane Town Center General Manager Catherine O'Malley.

So Fairlane Town Center staff put together a digital fashion show narrated by Catherine which showcased all the trends we have seen on the recent runaways - but at affordable prices.

The Sears Leather Peplum Top $32 and Express Sequin Mini $60 are on par with the $500 Washed Leather Peplum top look from Theory Elleria

Lt: Forever 21 Herringbone Dress $18, H&M Cardigan $20, Express Skinny Belt $25
Right: Charlotte Russe Dress $25, Express Stretch Belt $30

Left: Charming Charlie Blue & Green Necklace & Earrings $15
Right: Icing Wine Stone Necklace $16.50 and Bracelet $9.50

Left: Gymboree Pink Cape, $50, Polka Dot Top, $20, Floral Denim, $33
Center: The Children’s Place Denim Jacket, $25, Purple Top with Bow, $17, Floral Skirt, $30, Studded Leggings, $13
Right: Gymboree Fox Tunic, $40, Teal Denim, $36, Shoes $33

From the black & white look, to animal prints, to feather clutches, to skinny jeans, statement necklaces and more, Fairlane Town Center stores including Macys, Charming Charlie, Icing, Wet Seal, H&M, Cache, Express, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, JCP and Sears showed us local bloggers that they have all the trends at prices that will not break the bank.

My favorites from the show were the statement necklaces from Charming Charlie that retail for only $15! I think Charming Charlie is going to be my new favorite store at Fairlane Mall.

After the fashion show ended, Fairlane Town Center General Manager Catherine O'Malley treated us to lunch at Fairlane's Bravo! restaurant where the food was as fabulous as the fashions. There is nothing like a great meal at a Fairlane Town Center restaurant after a day of shopping - even if it is just window shopping.

We were shown so many fashions and accessories from Fairlane Mall stores that it was hard to pick which to show in this post, so I put together a video of the hottest looks included in the fashion show. Take a look at the video below and then go on over to Fairlane Town Center to see them all for yourself.

Click here if the Fall Fairlane Town Center Fashions video is not shown


Fairlane Town Center
18900 Michigan Avenue
Dearborn, MI 48126
(800) 992-9500
www.shopfairlane.com
www.facebook.com/FairlaneTownCenter



Enjoy!


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FASHION: Get Fall Fashion Style on the Cheap at Meijer #MeijerStyle

Fall Fashion ideas abound at MeijerStyle.com...

Special thanks to Meijer for providing a copy of the Meijer Fall Fashion Look Book and complementary promotional items to facilitate this review..

I believe that style has nothing to do with the amount of money that you spend or if the item carries a designer name brand. I have a handbag fetish and out of all the handbags that I own, the one that I have received the most compliments on I purchased at a gift shop at a local water park.  So I am always on the look out for stylish pieces no matter where I go.

A new Meijer store just opened near my home and today I made my way there to check out the store and see what bargains I could find. Even though I mainly go to Meijer for the food deals, my cart still made its way over to the women's fashion area since my wardrobe is definitely in need of a few new items for fall and winter.

I love the shape and I don't have a bag this color of gray...

Since I love me a new handbag, I made my way over to the accessory section to check out the selection and a gray handbag with zippered pockets of each side really caught my eye. I loved the color and square shape which would definitely go well with items in my existing wardrobe.

Purple is my favorite color for accessories!

I love this ring!

I love jewelry and I had no idea that Meijer sold fine silver plated jewelry.  Two pieces that really caught my eye were both by Cellini - an oversize silver ring and a purple bead bracelet (purple is my favorite color).

The ring was priced at $20 and the bracelet at $25. But I found out from reading the Meijer Weekly Ad that the bracelet will be on sale for $10 starting Sunday, September 22nd thru Saturday, September 28th so you know I will be returning to get that deal!!

This coat fits me like a glove...

One thing that I really need in my wardrobe is a new winter coat. Last winter, I walked 3-4 times a week outside during my lunch break to keep in shape and my current winter coat is on it's last leg after 6 years. So when I noticed a very cute winter coat out of the corner of my eye, I made a beeline over to try it on and check out the price.

This stylish silver coat (see photo above) fit me like a glove. The coat was retail priced at $50, but with the 40% off fashion coupon that was on the back cover of the Meijer Fall Look Book, the coat's price dropped down to $30 - TOTAL DEAL!!!!

I could not buy that coat fast enough. Now I will be stylish and warm on my walks this winter. Thank you Meijer ;)

So if you need a few new items for your wardrobe for fall, be sure to check out the Meijer Fall Fashion Look Book at www.meijerstyle.com and visit the fashion department on your next trip to Meijer.

ENTER TO WIN 1 of 5 $100 MEIJER GIFT CARDS WITH THE MEIJER FALL FASHION "PIN IT TO WIN IT" CONTEST

Want to win a $100 Meijer Gift Card?  Sure you do.

If you have a Pinterest account, all you have to do is fill out the Meijer Fall Fashions contest entry contest form, follow Meijer on Pinterest and repin 5 or more items from the Meijer fall fashions Pinterest board to one of your Pinterest boards using the hashtag #MeijerStyle for your chance to win. Winners will be chosen the first week of October.

This contest ends on September 29, 2013 so hurry over to enter


Enjoy!


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