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How to sample fragrances online

pictured: Twisted Lily Best Sellers Sample Pack c/o Twisted Lily /

Have you ever wondered how to sample fragrances online? It can be challenging to see a perfume online and wonder what it smells like. Should you commit to a full bottle by spending a few hundred dollars? Should you wait to check it out in person but finding the time to go to the mall doesn’t seem to happen? Yup. I’ve been there! While I know which fragrance notes I love in perfume, it can still be a gamble to order a full bottle without testing it first in person. Thankfully, Twisted Lily sells sample packs!

The sample packs online at Twisted Lily take the guesswork out of online fragrance shopping. They have tons of sample packs to choose from on their website! So, when Twisted Lily offered to send me their Best Sellers Sample Pack, I was thrilled! This sample pack features best sellers from their website, and some of them are niche, so they are hard to find in person and sample. This is the best way to test them out! Love!

Most of the fragrances in the pack are unisex, so it’s easy to use one pack for the whole family. We had fun testing the same fragrances on all of us and seeing how they smell different on different people, as well as the difference between how they smell on men vs. women. For example, Montale Parfums Arabians Tonka smelled warm and rich on me yet light and spicy on my husband. It’s amazing how one perfume can react differently on different people. Nevertheless, we both loved how it smelled! I believe my husband is now hinting I invest in a full bottle.

Although the Twisted Lily Best Sellers Sample Pack is sold at a modest price, there will be a coupon sent to you after purchase it which can be used towards a full bottle of the scent you fall in love with. So, it’s actually a great deal! Not to mention super convenient for online fragrance shopping. Love that!

The Twisted Lily Best Sellers Sample Pack includes both famous and niche fragrances which are best sellers at Twisted Lily. Here is a list of what I received: MAISON CRIVELLI Hibiscus Mahajad Extrait, VILHELM PARFUMERIE Poets of Berlin, JUSBOX PERFUMES Carioca Heart, MANCERA PARFUMS Amore Caffe, ROJA Elysium Parfum Cologne, MONTALE PARFUMS Arabians Tonka, FUGAZZI Angel Dust Extrait, CASAMORATI Dama Bianca, MATIERE PREMIERE Vanilla Powder, ETAT LIBRE D’ORANGE Story of Your Life, XERJOFF Torino 21, and MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN Baccarat Rouge 540.

In addition to using this sample pack to test out fragrances before investing in a full bottle, the samples are perfect for travel. They are the perfect size to thrown in our clear bag of beauty products in our carry-on that we use to go through TSA. Love that!

So, if you have been wondering how to sample fragrances online to help you shop for fragrances online, this is the best way!

Thank you for stopping by, and I would love to hear which fragrance you sampled and loved!

XOXO

Cathy


How to shop your closet for spring 2026

wearing: gold earrings (similar here) / necklace / navy shirt dress (also in petite!) / gold bracelet (similar here) / spring nail polish / black handbag / Mary Janes (similar here) /

Spring has sprung and it is time to get our wardrobes in order. It is always a good idea to shop our closets before spending too much on a new wardrobe and accidentally duplicating something we already own. So, let’s dive in!

There are new and continuing trends for the spring 2026 season, so let’s pull out what we already own and place these items front and center, then, make a shopping list!

Color: Neutrals and pops of color are hot this spring/summer season. Pull out shades of white, shades of brown, navy, shades of blue, and black. In addition, the hottest colors to add to your neutral looks will be blue, green, pink, and yellow.

Handbags: The anonymous handbag reigns supreme. So, steer clear of logos! Pull out your IT bags from the early 2000’s including the Fendi Baguette, Balenciaga City, Chloe Marcie, and Chloe Paddington. In addition, the belted tote, classic shoulder bag, drawstring pouch, and east/west silhouettes are still hot. Rock those bags!

Jeans: Wide legs are still hot as well as classic cuts, flares and bootcuts.

Footwear: Black boots on cool days are perfect. Continue to wear Mary Janes, ballet flats, loafer slides, quiet street sneakers, classic pumps, and slingback kitten heels. Woven slingbacks are hot this year, if you have a pair, pull them out!

Accessories: Dangle earrings, brooches, scarves, and pearl jewelry are hot this year. Pull them out or add them to your shopping list.

Tops: For spring 2026 we are seeing floral tops, puff sleeves, and horizontal stripes. Pull them out or add them to your shopping list too!

Well, that’s it! Get these styles out from the back of your closet and enjoy wearing them this spring season. Now, you can make your shopping list! Be sure to add woven slingbacks to that list if you already have a pair!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


Holiday online shopping tips 2025

‘Tis the season for online shopping! There is nothing better than sitting comfortably at home, away from the crowds and crazy drivers, while getting all of the holiday shopping done. Love!

Most retailers offer free shipping, so sitting at home and avoiding crowds is my favorite way to shop! In addition to free shipping and peace, there are other ways to sweeten the deal when it comes to online shopping.

So, without further ado, here are my five top tips for online shopping!

  1. Check for credit card offers. Most credit cards partner with retailers and offer cash back promotions for a limited time. Before shopping online, check your credit card through their website or app, and clip all of the offers from retailers and brands you frequently shop at. You’ll find a variety of offers at online shops, streaming services, and more! The catch is that you have to clip them; just supermarket coupons! Wondering how to keep track? I keep a list next to my laptop so I know which credit card to use at which retailer.
  2. Shop from your cart. It can be easy to overspend when everything is a click away. So, in order to make thoughtful purchases and not impulse buys, I always place items in my cart and then walk away. This way I can think about what I am purchasing and ensure I am making the right decision. This is helpful when gift shopping since it gives you time to make sure you are picking the right gifts for your loved ones.
  3. Think the best deals are on Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Think again. The best deals are the two weeks before Christmas. But, buyer beware. If you are eyeing something popular, it might sell out before the best deal hits. So, if you want to make sure you will get your hands on it, and there is no second choice, then buy it when you see. You can watch the price and always request a price adjustment from the retailer if it’s within the adjustment period. Always check the terms on your receipt.
  4. Make sure you are clicking real links! The links in my website are real, so they are always safe to click. When looking outside my blog, be sure to google the retailer and check your spelling. I recommend using an in browser extension which tells you if a link is safe. I recommend McAfee Safe Browsing. It gives you green check marks for safe websites, so you can rest assured the link is real and safe when you click through Google.
  5. Shop early! If you can, try to buy as much as possible before Thanksgiving. This way you can relax during the holiday season knowing your shopping is done. Unless of course, you are waiting for a specific sale! Then, let’s do this!

Well, there you have it, my five tips to an efficient, money-saving, peaceful holiday shopping experience.

Thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned for holiday gift guides, style, beauty, and more!

XOXO

Cathy