Review: House of Alyssa Smith, Alyssa’s Mystery Box

The House of Alyssa Smith recently released two limited edition jewellery/ gemstone mystery boxes. There was a medium version which contained 6 items and large which contained 10. I purchased the large (£55) as I thought it would make a great prize as I try to get back into blogging after a recent mental health collapse.

The website did state it could take up to 10 days to arrive and would contain 10 items that cannot be found/ bought individually on her website. Items could include charms, necklaces, gemstone pendants, bracelets and keepsake crystals and each box would contain different items.  My box included a blue crystal stone, 3 bracelets, a heart necklace and earrings. I didn’t open the three items in the envelopes as I couldn’t see how to open then seal them up again without spoiling the wrapping. The items came nicely packaged in little yellow net bags. The selection of jewellery is well thought out and would make a great gift for someone just starting to build their jewellery wardrobe. 

I don’t think I would purchase a box for myself, not because I didn’t like it, I do. I think jewellery mystery boxes are a great concept. I still miss the Astrid and Miyu ones from years ago. I  been so ill and lost so much weight bracelets just fall off me so most of the items would be wasted on me. 

I purchased this item myself and the views expressed in this blog are my own. 

 

Primark: Brass & Glass Mirror Jewellery Box

This Primark Brass & Glass Mirror Jewellery Box retails for £7 and is great value. Measuring 6"(L)x 7" (W) x 3"(H), the largest compartment inside the box measures 7"x3" and the smaller  two compartments 3.5 x 3.5".  The bottom has a glass mirror.  It is very elegant.  The only small design flaw is the lack of a chain to prevent the lid opening to far back.  I like being able to see my jewellery in the box and have bought a few of these boxes as gifts for friends.

I purchased this item myself.

Vintage Style Triangular Brass & Glass Jewellery Box

I Purchased this vintage style brass and glass open fronted jewellery box from EBay UK.  It cost £14.79 and was from a Chinese seller. The item arrived within 3 weeks, which was well within the estimated time scale, was well packaged in polystyrene and a box and the seller told me when it was posted etc. 

The box has two layers or display areas.  The whole case measures 15x15x20 cm and the top tier 9x9cm. The box could also be used as a display case for very small ornaments - although the triangular shape means that the glass sides make the space narrower towards the top and it may be difficult to fit items in. 

I like the item, the customer service and delivery were great. I would not hesitate to recommend this item to others. 

I purchased the item myself and all views expressed in this blog post are my own . 

Available here

Paul & Joe Limited Edition 15th Ans Anniversary Makeup Collection: Review

I remember when I bought my first Paul & Joe cat shirt and matching lipstick case for my PhD graduation. 13 years on Paul & Joe Beaute are celebrating their 15th Anniversary and they have released this set, available at Asos, to commemorate their birthday.  It is £55 and includes a gift/jewellery box, 6 shimmering cat shaped eye shadows, cat shaped makeup bag, decorative tin and coral cat head and top hat lipstick.

   

The gift box doubles as a jewellery box as well.   It is quite large and sturdy with an adorable cat shaped handle.  The drawers are quite deep so you certainly could fit quite a lot of jewellery in there.

  

The cat and top hat lipstick is a universally flattering coral shade.  Normally P&J lipsticks can be taken out of the casing, but in this case it is fastened in.  The lipstick container has cats on it.

 

The cat makeup up bag is padded, has ears and has the Paul and Joe logo embossed on the zip and stitched on the bag.

The 6 cat shaped eye shadows are are not fragile - I dropped one and it didn't break!

Three shadows can be put into the little travel tin, if you want to make them portable (I just want to look at them!).

   

All this comes packed in a cube box and you certainly get a lot for £55.  Bon Anniversaire Paul & Joe!

     

I purchased the items myself and the views expressed in my blog are my own.