The Good, the Bad, and the Giveaway - Is it worth it?

Wearing a dress I won from Shabby Apple last year.

First, let me say that this post does not feature a giveaway. I love hosting and entering giveaways, but lately, I've noticed that giveaways are becoming a liability and are no longer the asset they once were. Instead of rewarding loyal followers and creating goodwill between readers and a brand, giveaways increasingly create frustration, anger, and disappointment. As I posted earlier this year, sometimes the prize does not live up to expectations. Hosting giveaways on The Fashion Planner is my way of thanking readers as well as working to attract new followers, so it is frustrating when a prize I give away is a disappointment to the winner.

Giveaways can, also, be misleading. Companies hosting giveaways on facebook are a prime example of building hype only to incite anger when they cannot deliver the goods to their 20,000 new fans. I have seen several companies promise a "surprise" or a giveaway that gets followers in a frenzy only to fail to meet the demand or to offer a shamefully small discount. The sheer hatred that this creates between consumers and brands is astounding. While disappointed consumers may be suffering from disproportionate rage, companies do themselves no favors by enraging consumers and doing nothing to pacify the people they were trying to court.

Finally, I must confess my own giveaway disappointment. Yesterday, I checked my email to see that I had won a bag from a fashion site I liked. Needless to say, I was excited until I saw that I had been sent another message saying that if I did not respond in an hour they would be picking a new winner. Since I checked my email two or three hours after the last message was sent, I lost the bag. I have never heard of a winner being given three hours to respond to a message, and the distaste I felt for the fashion site was extreme, especially since I recently mentioned this site as a favorite. While one can argue that it is the site's right to run giveaways the way they choose, I have to wonder about the rational behind a system built to disappoint their giveaway winners. After all, how many winners were contacted before me and were just as unlucky to have not checked their email in that narrow time frame?

While I am still planning on hosting a few more giveaways this year, I am wondering about your thoughts on giveaways:

Do you like entering giveaways?

Do giveaways distract from the content of a blog?

What are your experiences (good or bad) with giveaways?

Kushyfoot Giveaway

Foot Covers

The Duchess of Cambridge may be bringing back pantyhose, but sometimes it's just too hot to incase your legs in nylon. Thankfully, Kushyfoot makes foot covers that are just right for shoes that require a stocking. What I like even better is that the foot covers have padding in the toe and heel to help cushion your feet. LiptonPublicity was nice enough to send me some foot covers to review, and while I found them a tad big (I have a very narrow foot), the foot covers are great to wear with close toed shoes.

One reader will win a pack (2 pairs) of Kushyfoot Super Ultra Low Cut Foot Covers in black. The foot covers are one size fits most (shoe sizes 5-9).

To Enter Giveaway:

1. Leave a comment below with your email

Extra entries:

1. Subscribe to The Fashion Planner

2. Follow me on twitter (@akaleistar)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

Giveaway open until midnight, July 31, 2011.

Open internationally.

Captain Wentworth's Boating Party Giveaway

Jane Austen Seaside by Icedivastar on Polyvore.com

Velvet of vvb32reads is featuring me in her Captain Wentworth's Boating Party event. Pop on over to her blog to read my advice on dressing for this seaworthy occasion. If your feet are tired from all of the festivities, enter below for a chance to win a pair of footzyrolls! The rollable ballet flats are compliments of the company, and the winner will receive the red snakeskin in a size 9/10. If this is not your size, the shoes will make a fabulous gift for your party loving friend.

To Enter Giveaway:

1. Leave a comment below with your email

Extra entries:

1. Subscribe to The Fashion Planner

2. Follow me on twitter (@akaleistar)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

Giveaway open until midnight, June 15, 2011.

Open internationally.

When the Prize Disappoints

You've commented and tweeted, and now you are the lucky winner of a... disappointing prize. Now what?

As a blogger, I enjoy hosting giveaways, and I like to think of giveaways as a thank you to my followers, so it's no good when the winner feels that the prize has quality issues. A recent situation has made me realize that there can be a real disconnect between the product I'm sent to review and the prize sent out to the winner. I, also, realize that even though I like a product it might not work for someone else. While I contemplated quality issues and varying taste, I was struck by inspiration - winners could review their prizes!

Eden-Avalon of The Reason for Tears has agreed to write the first prize review. In April, I reviewed the Romina from the Vedette Sensuale Collection and was quite happy with it. Eden-Avalon received the Danette from the store's regular line and found the quality lacking. I should note that the two other winners from the giveaway liked their garments, but I do not know what garments they were sent.

Eden-Avalon's Vedette Sensuale Giveaway Prize Review:

I received style #115 The Danette in black. I took Midnight Cowgirl's advice and ordered a size up, even though Vedette recommended I stick to the chart when I spoke to them on the phone. Unfortunately the item was still too small to really wear and I am quite used to shapewear. I called upon my younger sister, who was two sizes down from the size I ordered but it was also too small and tight for her. The partial body suit reduced my waist by 1 inch and hers by 0. It also reduced my hips by 2 inches and hers by 1. I'm afraid the elastic at the top has already started to wear down. Still - i'm thrilled to have won this item and big thanks to The Fashion Planner for the opportunity to try this out!

Eden-Avalon, also, posted a more in depth review on her blog, and it is worth checking out. Thanks to Eden-Avalon for being the first to write a prize review!

I'd love to hear other thoughts on posting prize reviews and if anyone else has won a blog giveaway and was disappointed that the prize did not live up to the hype.

If you've won a giveaway on The Fashion Planner and would like to do a prize review (positive or negative), contact me for details!

There is still time to enter the Perricone Skin Care Giveaway if you would like the chance to win a product of your choice (up to $150 value) and the opportunity to write a prize review.

Talking About Polyphenols Benefits and a Giveaway

Dr. Nicholas Perricone, The New York Times best selling author and world-renowned health aging expert, is at it again with a new line of skin care products derived from superfoods. SUPER by Dr. Nicholas Perricone is a line rich in antioxidants that fight aging so that you can enjoy beautiful, healthy skin.

So, what are polyphenols benefits? According to the SUPER website:

polyphenols are a potent yet gentle flavonoid found in olives that increase skin's moisture retention while guarding against free radical damage.

The Superhero Body Sculpting Serum tones, quenches, and nourishes skin thanks to the use of polyphenols from olives.

Another super food is Chia. Chia seed benefits come from omega-3, which is an anti-inflammatory. The Omega Moisture Nourishing Cream hydrates, nourishes, and replenishes skin thanks to chia.

I have yet to try this line but love that the SUPER products are more affordable than the ones from Perricone MD. I was sent the Perricone MD Cold Plasma Body to review and absolutely love it.

The Cold Plasma Body tones, tightens, and smoothes skin appearance with the help of DMAE, a nutrient found in fish. When I first got the bottle, I applied the lotion all over my body everyday. After using a sizable amount in just a few weeks, I scaled back to applying it only to areas that truly need help. The lotion does have a slightly fishy smell but that disappears soon after applying it. I can definitely tell a difference on days I use the Cold Plasma Body and days that I don't. While this lotion will not replace healthy eating and exercise, it will help your body look better this swimsuit season.

One lucky commenter will win a Perricone product

of her/his choice (up to a $150 value)!

To Enter Giveaway:

1. Leave a comment below with your email and

which Perricone product (valued at $150 or less) you want/need and why

Extra entries:

1. Subscribe to The Fashion Planner

2. Follow me on twitter (@akaleistar)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

Giveaway open until midnight, May 30, 2011.

Open to U.S. and Canada only.

Winner will be chosen by random drawing and announced on Twitter.

Thanks to Perricone for the Cold Plasma Body and the giveaway!

Vedette Sensuale Collection Giveaway

I may be going through a mild obsession with shapewear. When I read Princess Dominique's review of the Vedette Tatienne Waist Cincher, I knew this was a company I wanted to work with. After contacting them, the lovely people at Vedette generously offered to giveaway three pieces from their new Vedette Sensuale Collection as well as a garment for me to review.

I chose the Romina, a bra-less bodysuit with hook and eye closures down the front. I was super excited from the moment the package arrived. The packaging reminded me of a box of chocolates and inside was the elegant Romina.

The Vedette Sensuale Collection is about combining lingerie and shapewear into one garment, and I really think this is the prettiest shapewear I have seen. However, I would recommend ordering up a size as I found the Romina a bit too restrictive. I'm all for creating a flattering figure, but breathing is good, too.

Three lucky readers will win a garment chosen by Vedette. If you can't wait to see if you are a winner, Vedette is, also, offering all readers a $10 gift certificate good for the next month. All you have to do is attach a note to your order saying that you are coming from The Fashion Planner or you can email them before you place your order.

To Enter Giveaway:

1. Leave a comment below with your email

Extra entries:

1. Subscribe to The Fashion Planner

2. Follow me on twitter (@akaleistar)

3. Follow Vedette on twitter (@vedettestore)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

Giveaway open until midnight, April 30, 2011.

Open to U.S. only.

Winner will be chosen by random drawing and announced on Twitter.

Shopbop Clutches and a Giveaway

Much like the changing of the seasons, I feel the urge to reinvent myself every three or four months. Usually, the "new me" is heralded by a change in haircut or color and the splurging on a few key accessories. While I'm still not sure what I'm going to do about my hair, I've found a few clutches from Shopbop that will help me transition into this new reincarnation.

Lauren Merkin Handbags Dylan Day Bag

From bookstore to road trip, this Lauren Merkin bag celebrates warm weather and the beauty of everyday.

Alexander Wang Angela Small Pouchette

A night on the town calls for a sassy bag roomy enough for essentials. From shape to hardware, I love everything about this bag!

Whiting & Davis Bean Minaudiere Clutch

I keep hoping I'll have a reason to attend a formal event this year, and if I do, this jewel of a clutch by Whiting & Davis will look perfect in my hand.

Of course, there are so many other wonderful bags on sale at Shopbop, I would love to hear which ones have caught your fancy. Also, Shopbop is offering one of you lovely readers a $100 gift card!

To Enter Giveaway:

1. Leave a comment below with your email

Extra entries:

1. Subscribe to The Fashion Planner

2. Follow me on twitter (@akaleistar)

3. Follow Shopbop on twitter (@shopbop)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

Giveaway open until midnight, March 31, 2011.

Open internationally.

Winner will be chosen by random drawing and announced on Twitter.

CSN Stores Giveaway!

A taste of spring is in the air, and it feels wonderful to leave the house wearing just a light jacket. While snow is in the forecast for next week, I've already got the itch to spring clean. It's time for a room makeover, so I'm super excited to be hosting a CSN stores giveaway. If your in the mood for a room makeover, too, All Modern is a great place to look for office accessories, modern furniture, and contemporary lighting. CSN is offering a $35 gift certificate (does not cover shipping) good at any of their 200+ stores, so you're bound to find something you like.

To Enter Giveaway:

1. Leave a comment below with your email

Extra entries:

1. Subscribe to The Fashion Planner

2. Follow me on Twitter (@akaleistar)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

Giveaway open until midnight, February 28, 2011.

Open to U.S. and Canadian readers.

Winner will be chosen by random drawing and announced on Twitter.

FootzyRolls Giveaway

Standing around in heels can be a pain. Thankfully, FootzyRolls is here to help. With stylish, rollable shoes you can stash in your bag, FootzyRolls offers a comfortable escape when you need a change of pace.

From flip flops to ballet flats, there's bound to be a pair you'll love. Shoes range from $19.99 to $30. Here are some of my favorites:

Snakeskins in red will add a little spice to your outfit.

Footzyrolls Luxe Holiday Sparkle Collection in sparkle black is sure to go with everything.

Sizzlin Summer Snake Skins in tranquil tourquise is my favorite and is perfect for spring.

FootzyRolls is offering one lucky reader a pair of shoes!

To Enter Giveaway:

1. Like Footzyroll Rollable Shoes on Facebook then leave a comment on their wall about a time you had a painful heel experience. Comeback here and leave a comment below with your email.

Extra entries:

1. Subscribe to The Fashion Planner

2. Follow me on Twitter (@akaleistar)

3. Follow FootzyRolls on Twitter (@footzyrolls)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

Giveaway open until midnight, January 31, 2011.

Open internationally.

Winner will be chosen by random drawing.

Saturday Haul... and a Giveaway!

I love a bargain, so I find it hard to resist Christmas sales. The last few weeks have been full of temptation to buy cute things for myself while I'm out shopping for gifts for the family.

These boots from Target were too cute to pass up.

Thank you Velvet for Fireworks Over Toccoa!

Blameless was too good to pass up at Borders.

Saved $40 on my Ugg boots by shopping in the kids department.

My holiday job means I'm surrounded by temptation whenever I go to work.

Giveaway!

I'm offering a little giveaway to thank you all for following me this year. The winner will receive a mark Pretty Wild lip gloss in Candy Fix, a sample of HerCut The Shag Catalyst, a copy of First Act (a wonderful collection of poetry written by my mom), and a few other goodies as well.

To Enter Giveaway:

1. Leave a comment below with your email

Extra entries:

1. Subscribe to The Fashion Planner

2. Follow me on Twitter (@akaleistar)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

Giveaway open until midnight, December 18, 2010.

Open internationally.

Winner will be chosen by random drawing.

Chronicle Books Haul-idays Giveaway

When I saw Velvet's Chronicle Books Haul-idays giveaway post, I knew I had to do one, too. Who can resist the chance to win $500 worth of Chronicle Books? On December 13th, one blogger will win his or her list of books. Plus, one commenter will win the list, too. You have until December 10th to enter.

Picking out my dream list of Chronicle Books was tricky because there are so many wonderful titles to choose from. From fashion to fiction and fancy baking, here is my eclectic list of books I'd love to win.

Audrey Hepburn by Scott Brizel

The Art of Tangled by Jeff Kurtti

The Enchanted Dolls' House by Robyn Johnson

The Space Between Trees by Katie Williams

Ticket Stub Diary by Eric Epstein

Hieroglyph Detective by Nigel Strudwick

Griffin and Sabine by Nick Bantock

The Venetian's Wife by Nick Bantock

Windflower by Nick Bantock

The Crimes of Dr. Watson by John H. Watson, M.D.

The Marvelous Museum: Orphans, Curiosities & Treasures

by The Oakland Museum of California

Prisoners in the Palace by Michaela MacColl

Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey by Jill O'Connor

The Life & Love of Trees

Text by Lewis Blackwell

Allure by Diana Vreeland

I Love Macarons by Hisako Ogita

Cake Pops By Bakerella by Angie Dudley

Total: $490.52

Go to Chronicle Books to enter the Haul-idays giveaway and discover other bloggers who are participating. If I win, you could win, too, so don't forget to leave a comment below!

Also, there is still time to enter the Hem Gems Giveaway!

Hem Gems Review and Giveaway!

When I first heard about Hem Gems, I had one of those now-why-didn't-I-think-of-that moments. As a petite, I fight a constant battle with pants that are too long. Hem Gems are a simple but brilliant way to temporarily adjust the hem of your pants. Using decorative tacks, such as the Classic rivet or Pyramid stud, your hem is cuffed and held in place so you no longer have to worry about tripping or ripping pants that are too long. Plus, they are a cute way to dress up your pants and mean that the same pair of pants can be worn with heels and flats.

I reviewed a set of the Pyramid studs and liked how they worked with dress pants as well as jeans. Each set comes with eight in a pack and retails for $19.99.

I am giving away a set of the Classic rivet Hem Gems!

To Enter Giveaway:

1. Leave a comment below with your email

Extra entries:

1. Subscribe to The Fashion Planner

2. Follow me on Twitter (@akaleistar)

3. Follow Hem Gems on Twitter (@hemgems)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

Giveaway open until midnight, December 6, 2010.

Open internationally.

Winner will be chosen by random drawing.

Special thanks to Hem Gems for the giveaway and product to review!

Giveaway: Hair Fix--Not Your Grandma's Dry Shampoo!

I'm not one who likes to shampoo my hair everyday, so a dry shampoo is a must-have in my beauty arsenal. I am excited to be offering one lucky reader a bottle of Hair Fix Dry Shampoo in winner's choice of black, brown, or white. Hair Fix is totally vegan and is scented with a blend of 100% certified organic essential oils. Plus, it's talc-free. Hair Fix, also, supports non-profits such as Farm Sanctuary, Food for Life, WriteGirl, and Rocky Mountain Animal Defense. If you're looking for an almost entirely organic alternative to dry shampoo, Hair Fix is the answer.

To Enter Giveaway:

1. Leave a comment below with your email

Extra entries:

1. Subscribe to The Fashion Planner

2. Follow me on Twitter (@akaleistar)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

Giveaway open until midnight, October 31, 2010.

Open internationally.

Winner will be chosen by random drawing.

Special thanks to Hair Fix for the giveaway!

More giveaways on free!grechen.com

Ms. Taken Giveaway

When I came across Claire Trageser's article, "Faking My Engagement," in the October issue of Marie Claire, I was immediately intrigued by Ms. Taken, a company that sells fake engagement rings. No longer fear being hit on during your bus commute to work or your days spent working the counter at the mall now that Ms. Taken's "2 carats of pure deception" is your secret weapon. The Ms. Taken Femme Fatale Ring Package includes:

• Ms.Taken Classic 2-carat Australian crystal ring, set in a size-7 stainless steel band (jewelers can easily resize)
• Discreet keychain case with compact mirror
• Set of Playaz cards, to help you spot unsuitable suitors
• Enclosed in a high-quality jewelry case

I love Ms. Taken's packaging from the oversized jewelry box to the witty comments inside. I really wish that ring was offered in more sizes, but when I took the ring to the jewelry store to get it resized, I learned that you can get a temporary band placed inside the band instead of getting the band sized down. I went with this option since I will only wear the ring occasionally, and because the ring wouldn't fit in the keychain if I sized it down to a size-4.

I admit I felt a little funny running around town with an "engagement ring" on my finger, but I must admit that this little ring could be quite brilliant when you find yourself the object of unwanted attention. Just please don't wear the ring because all of your other friends are engaged and you feel naked without a ring on your finger, too.

To Enter Giveaway:

1. Follow me (@akalaiestar) and Ms. Taken (@MsTakenRing) on Twitter

2. Tweet: Reading The Fashion Planner and just entered to win @MsTakenRing to fend off unwanted suitors. Enter here: http://bit.ly/aUXzof

3. Leave a comment below with your Twitter name

Giveaway open until midnight, October 18, 2010.

Open worldwide. Winner will be chosen randomly.

Products for review and giveaway provided by Ms. Taken.

Enter more giveaways at free!grechen.

Goody Simple Styles Giveaway

When I first heard about the Goody Simple Styles updo kit, I was excited to try it because any help in creating a secure twist or bun is a blessing. The Simple Styles kit includes the Modern Updo Pin, Spin Pins, Volume Boost Comb, and Pony Pouf Clip. Also, included is a storage pouch and style guide. The kit I used is for dark hair.

The Goody Simple Styles updo kit

The Modern Updo using the Modern Updo Pin

Since I have thick, shoulder-length hair, I was curious to see if the Modern Updo Pin would keep this twist secure, and happily, it did.

The Soft Spin using the Spin Pins

The Spin Pins are like screws for your bun. My hair is a little too short and layered for these to work properly, but the pins will be great when my hair is a little longer.

The Pony Boost using the Volume Boost Comb

I did not notice much of a boost with the Volume Boost Comb, but my ponytail did feel more secure and that is always a good thing.

The Half-up Pony Pouf using the Pony Pouf Clip

My hair is too thick to use the Pony Pouf Clip for securing a ponytail, but this clip was great for the half-up ponytail.

Overall, my favorites were the Modern Updo Pin and the Pony Pouf Clip. If you would like to try the Goody Simple Styles updo kit, I am a giving away one kit for light hair.

To enter:

1. Leave a comment below with your email

Extra entries:

1. Subscribe to The Fashion Planner

2. Follow me on Twitter (@akaleistar)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

Contest open until 11:59 p.m., Monday, August 23rd.

For more giveaways, check out free!grechen.

Special thanks to the people at Goody who were kind enough to send me the Simple Styles kit to review and giveaway!