Le Tote Review

Hi!

I'm bringing you another subscription service review! As you know I am a big fan of Stitch Fix and a former stylist so I LOVE fashion subscription boxes. I have heard of Le Tote for awhile and decided to finally give it a try.

Would you always like HAVING SOMETHING NEW TO WEAR?! If so, I have a referral code for $25 off your 1st Le Tote below!

Get 3 garments and 2 accessories delivered to your door - unlimited times each month.
Wear everything. Send it back. Receive your next set of options days later!

What is Le Tote?

Le Tote is a women’s fashion rental service offering UNLIMITED boutique style apparel and accessories. Available in the 48 contiguous United States.  Get 3 garments and 2 accessories delivered to your door - unlimited times each month.
Wear everything. Send it back. Receive your next set of options days later!

http://letote.com/

How It Works:

• $49 a month
• Each Tote contains 5 items (3 garments and 2 accessories)
• Garment choices: tops, pants, skirts, dresses, cardigans, jackets, sweaters, tunics 
• Accessory choices: purses, rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, scarves
• Fill out style profile
• Add your favorite items to "Your Closet" 
• You will receive an email with pictures of your styled tote and you'll have 24 hours to approve or restyle the entire tote yourself!
• Refer Friends and get $15 credit

My Tote:

Maison Scotch striped semi-sheet t-shirt from Le Tote | Price $44 (Retail $59)

Jeans Stitch Fix | Street Level Tote Stitch Fix | Sandals Modcloth | Necklace Stitch Fix

Of course, I liked a blue striped shirt. I LOVE BLUE! I did not keep this t-shirt because it was quite sheer and didn't seem worth the price, but I enjoyed renting it. 

 

Noir Tessa Color Block Tee from Le Tote | Price $44 (Retail $58)

Just Black Skinny Jean Stitch Fix | Sandals Modcloth | Necklace BaubleBar

I liked this edgy t-shirt and I was excited to finally wear my bauble bar necklace for the 1st time. However, I didn't like the fit of the t-shirt. It was too flowy for my taste so I did not purchase it.

Ava Paige Printed Dress from Le Tote

I don't have a picture of myself fin this dress because I never wore it. I tried it on and didn't love it. I probably could have styled it casually with sandals and a jean jacket, but overall I didn't like the fit and the print/colors made me feel about 8 years old. 

Sam Edelman The Albuquerque Stud Price $24 (Retail $30)

These earrings were very unique and fun. I am a fan of Sam Edelman in general. Sadly, these earrings were very large on my ears and quite heavy so I never did wear them. 

 

Clement Houndstooth Necklace Price $28 (Retail $36)

I had a co-worker help me model this necklace haha. Don't you love her purple pedicure?! I put this necklace in my tote thinking it would look nice with a royal blue dress I planned on wearing to a wedding. It didn't work with the drastic V neckline of the dress so I never wore it. It did get caught and tangled on itself often, so I was not interested in purchasing it. 

My Thoughts

I like that Le Tote gives you unlimited totes per month, but you really have to return your tote each week in order to make the $50/mo worth it. 

Le Tote comes across more professional and serious based off their brand identity. They are definitely geared towards working professional women who need an ever changing wardrobe for work and their every day life. Imagine a professional career-driven woman who works with high profile people who would look down upon seeing each other in the same exact outfit repeatedly. (I know...that sucks).

I love that Le Tote lets you see their actual products and gives you the opportunity to customize your tote. Sadly, this does take away the surprise element that Stitch Fix gives you. 

Oddly enough, I never received an actual TOTE in my boxes. I've watched Le Tote unboxings and those women always had tote bags in theirs. So what's the point of being called, Le Tote?

 I dislike that Le Tote makes you receive 2 accessories in every box. Stitch Fix lets you opt out of that so you will receive 5 clothing items instead.

Le Tote's necklace and earring inventory is pretty extensive, but their bags/purses inventory is extremely limited and not impressive. 

Le Tote does carry a lot of popular and recognizable brands that can be found at Anthropologie, Nordstrom, ShopBop, Lord & Taylor & more! They also make it very convenient by washing the clothes for you. So just throw your worn items in the bag and mail it back!

If you want to give it a try

CLICK HERE for $25 off YOUR 1ST LE TOTE!

Rocksbox #2 Review

*Post Contains Referral Code for 1st FREE Rocksbox

 I'm so glad I gave Rocksbox another try. I sent back my 1st Box and received my 2nd one just 1 week later! They definitely were closer to my style of jewelry this time. =)

For those of you who don't know:

Rocksbox is a jewelry subscription box that mails you premium jewelry for you to wear on loan or buy at a discounted price. Their idea is to enhance your style with an ever-rotating selection of jewelry, chosen for you, and sent directly to your door.

You can return your Rocksbox pieces anytime and as often as you like. Every set has 3 pieces of designer jewelry, worth an average of $200 per set.

Subscription Price: $19/mo

On their website you fill out a style profile letting them know the types of jewelry you like and want to receive. You then can 'like' actual pieces (rings, bracelets, earrings, & necklaces) and add them to your wishlist. Most people receive an item from their wishlist plus 2 other pieces hand picked by a Rocksbox stylist.

Earrings: Kendra Scott | Parker Studs in Iridescent Drusy | Original Price: $60 |

 | RocksBox Price: $48 |

THEY SENT ME DRUSY!!!! AH! I was so excited. I finally got to see this beautiful stone in person. I immediately put these on and I am wearing them as a I type this. I will most likely purchase these from Rocksbox. Now, I want some drusy stones in pretty COLORS.

 

Earrings: Margaret Elizabeth | Mini Studs in Turquoise | Original Price: $55 |
| RocksBox Price: $44 |

These studs were cute. I am a fan of turquoise, but they seemed a little too big for my ears. I'll probably wear them a couple times and return them in a few weeks.

Sorry for the bad photo quality! The necklace blended into my dress I wore that day.

 Necklace: House of Harlow |  Ascension Pendant Necklace in Turquoise | 

| Original Price: $45 | RocksBox Price: $36 |

I actually had this necklace on my "Wish List" so they sent it to me. I like the long boho style. It will look pretty layered with other necklaces I have. I probably won't keep this necklace, but it's perfect on loan. ;)

Overall, I am very happy with this Rocksbox! I know the stylists will get to know my jewelry style better with each box I receive. It's so fun getting surprise jewelry in the mail! 

If you want to try out Rocksbox:

Please use my Referral Code 

ashleybff772

 YOU WILL GET YOUR 1st ROCKSBOX FOR FREE! 

=)

Golden Tote Review | May 2015

Yup, I am bringing you ANOTHER subscription service review. =P

Golden Tote is a fashion subscription box that ships to your door every month. Each box includes a "golden tote" with a different design each month filled with clothing items. 

How it Works

1. Choose your Tote

New totes go on sale the 1st Monday of every month at 9AM PST. It takes 2 weeks from the purchase date to be shipped to your door.

 2. Pick your Favorites

Golden Tote gives you the option of pick one (for the $49 tote) or two (for the $149 tote) items from their boutique to include in your tote. If there are other items (ie, jewelry, accessories, other clothing items) that you love you can also purchase them as an "Add-On" to your tote.

3. Create Your Style Profile

Since every tote is hand-picked it is very important for you to complete and be as detailed as possible. Your style profile describes your body type, sizes, how you like your clothes to fit certain areas of your body, things to avoid (clothing types, colors, prints, etc). It also tells the stylists your style from these choices: 

The Negatives

Golden Tote is not like other clothing subscription services like, Stitch Fix, where you have the option of trying on the pieces and sending back the ones you did not like. Golden Tote is an all or nothing subscription service. So, you can be stuck with some items that you don't like, but can not return them. This caused me to return my 2 previous totes because I did not like enough items to justify the cost.

Golden Tote DOES have a Facebook trading group where you can sell or switch items with other people. Unfortunately, I think Golden Tote makes it too difficult for this neat idea to work. First, they make it a closed group which took me a long time to be 'approved' to join. Secondly, they have SO MANY RULES about how to post and sell items to other members. So I didn't even bother and just returned the items. 

I suggest when returning, to have a tracking number just in case. One of my returns was left in a funky spot but my tracking number helped the employees find it.

 My Experience

I'll be honest, my experience with Golden Tote has not been the greatest. I just happened to buy my 1st tote the same month they totally redesigned their website. They have had many problems ever since. Golden Tote must be incredibly popular because every 1st Monday @ 9AM a flood of people hop on the site to purchase their totes causing the site to crash.

This is my 3rd Golden Tote I have received and the 1st one that I will NOT be returning. I purchased a $149 tote in March and was only in love with a few pieces, so I returned it. I then tried the $49 tote in April and received only 2 pieces that were...just okay.  I checked out the May boutique options and saw 2 dresses I liked so I knew I would have to purchase the $149 tote and give it ONE last try. I was quite happy with this one so I wanted to share it with you! =)

Your bundle of clothes come nicely folded with an elastic inside your tote. **I had already opened the tote excitedly before taking these photos so this does not do it justice.

These are the 2 dresses I chose from the Boutique.

 Dress: veryJ

 Obviously this dress looks silly just laying down flat, but I knew it would look really cute with this wide belt I purchased from Anthropologie (link). And it has pockets!

Dress: Puella

This dress is very interesting. I loved the colorful panels down the sides. This brand is known for its wide, flowy dresses and tops that can also be purchased at Anthropologie (link). I will most likely wear this dress with a more simple loose belt.

Now for the surprise pieces!

 Tank: misslove

 Tank: Le Lis

T-shirt: style loft | Dress:Skies are Blue

Bracelet: Jules Smith Designs

I was also sent this bracelet as bonus gift from Golden Tote as a thank for sticking with them during the website issues they've been having. So, that was nice of them!

RocksBox Review

My Facebook knows me so well... It advertises lots of subscription box services because it clearly knows I love trying them. RocksBox has popped up many times over the past year so I finally gave it a try! 

RocksBox is a jewelry subscription box that mails you premium jewelry for you to wear on loan or buy at a discounted price. Their idea is to enhance your style with an ever-rotating selection of jewelry, chosen for you, and sent directly to your door.

You can return your Rocksbox pieces anytime and as often as you like. Every set has 3 pieces of designer jewelry, worth an average of $200 per set.

Subscription Price: $19/mo

On their website you fill out a style profile letting them know the types of jewelry you like and want to receive. You then can 'like' actual pieces (rings, bracelets, earrings, & necklaces) and add them to your wishlist. Most people receive an item from their wishlist plus 2 other pieces hand picked by a Rocksbox stylist.

 I liked my personalized name as soon as I opened the Box!

Earrings: Kendra Scott | Dee Earrings in Cobalt Cat's Eye | Original Price: $45 | RocksBox Price: $36

I have heard of Kendra Scott and I know this brand is nice, but I wasn't digging these earrings. I love blue, don't get me wrong, but I knew I'd never wear these. They are a bit too long for my taste. I learned that I'm picky-er about earrings than I ever knew!

 

 

Earrings: House of Harlow 1960 | Trapezio Drop Earrings | Original Price: $68 | RocksBox Price: $54

These earrings are not my style. I thought they were pretty ugly right out of the box.  I thought they were heavy and gaudy. =\

 Necklace: Gorjana | Lula Pyramid Necklace | Original Price: $110 | RocksBox Price: $88

If I had to choose a favorite piece it would be the Gorjana Necklace. I actually already own another Gorjana necklace from styling my Stitch Fix boxes. This brand is really nice, but kinda expensive. I thought the necklace was a great layering piece, but I just wasn't excited about it.

So overall my 1st RocksBox was not a home run. I believe they will get better with time after they learn my style and start including pieces from my wishlist. So I'll be returning this entire box tomorrow and hoping for some pieces that match my style within the next 2 weeks.

Drusy stone necklace

 I'm currently OBSESSED with this stone called "Drusy." Have you heard of it?! I never have, but its a gorgeous sparkly stone that I've seen on necklaces, earrings, and bracelets lately. They seem to be available in every color. I added many drusy stone items to my wishlist and I hope to receive one in my next RocksBox. =)


If you are interested in trying out RocksBox please use my
Referral Code: ashleybff772
Thank you!

 

Stitch Fix Review - Nov. 2014

Hey ladies! (This blog post is for you...or possibly some amazing person that would make the big effort to fill out a style profile and purchase this for their significant other or friend)!

Ever heard of Stitch Fix?

If not, it is an personal shopper website that is super convenient and fun. You fill out a thorough style profile (sizes, style preferences, likes and dislikes, etc) and you can leave your stylist a personal note asking for a specific item or a style you are wanting to try. What is great about Stitch fix is that you can link your Pinterest board, Twitter, and Linkedin for your stylist to look at and get a better sense of who you are. I give my stylist direct links to pictures of outfits I like and they do their best to send you something close from their inventory.

I just received my 5th Stitch Fix box in the mail. I have my boxes coming every 2-3 weeks (you can also choose monthly). I thought I would make my photos festive with my Christmas Tree I already put up. I was excited. Plus recieving a Stitch Fix box is kinda like getting a Christmas gift every month...so It's fitting. (See what I did there? haha)

Here is what the box looks like:

Every Stitch Fix box includes a prepaid envelope to send back any items you do not want FOR FREE!! It's so convenient. I love it. Also, your stylist includes a note and photos of outfit ideas for the items she sends. Every box includes 5 items, usually 4 apparel and 1 accessory item (necklace, scarf, bag, etc).

This month I let my stylist know I was heading to Portland for Thanksgiving and would like some warmer/fall pieces of clothing to wear there! This stylist (Stephanie) really listened when I asked for a soft plaid scarf and those aztec printed cardigans I see everywhere now!

You also receive a list of the retail price of each item. Every box is a $20 styling fee. If you keep 1 or more items you minus $20 from the retail price! So it is an incentive to keep at least 1 item so you don't lose your $20! If you love and purchase all 5 items you get 25% off! 

Stephanie included 4 apperal items and a plaid scarf I asked for in this Stitch Fix box. 

My November 2014 box included:

1. Viper Plaid Split Neck Blouse (Red Plaid flowy shirt)

2. Faye Skinny Gray Skinny Jean

3. Galvin Short Sleeve French Terry Gray Dress

4. Shelbie Graphic Knit Aztec Printed Gray) Cardigan

5. Alpine Plaid Wrap Multicolored Scarf

I love trying on all the pieces and deciding what to keep and send back. 

She did include a lot of gray in this box, so I will probably note that or check gray as a color to not include in my style profile on StitchFix.com. It is VERY important that you write feedback about each piece when you check out on StitchFix.com. That way the stylists will get to know you better each time and pick out pieces you will love. 

1. 

I know I wont be keeping the Viper Plaid Split Neck Blouse (Red Plaid flowy shirt because it isn't my style. It is very large and flowy. I don't like oversized shirts that hang on me. It isn't flattering. The shirt was also pretty low cut. 

2. 

I won't be keeping theFaye Skinny Gray Skinny Jeans because they were a bit expensive and also too long. They fit my waist but seemed to be the length for a taller person. The jeans scrunched up too much which gives an illusion that I'm shorter than I really am. 

3. 

I appreciated her picking out the Galvin Short Sleeve French Terry Gray Dress. It is very different and I liked that it had pockets, had interesting asymmetrical detail, and was a sweater type fabric for autumn.  Unfortunately, I just didn't like the fit. It was a bit odd. I felt like I was wearing a potato sack that became tight around my thighs. I would suggest this dress for someone else and could see them wearing it with cute leggings. 

4. 

I am currently on the fence abut the Shelbie Graphic Knit Aztec Printed Gray/Black) Cardigan. I like the print, but it is a bit thinner fabric than I wish it were. It is also a little long on me. So I am going to compare to another sweater I will be getting soon and decide to keep it or not. It is very cute though!

5. 

I definetely will keep the Alpine Plaid Wrap Multicolored Scarf! It's very soft and long. I recently found one at Target I love, so I will either keep this scarf for myself or give it as a Christmas gift. ;)

I have 3 days to decide and send back the items I do not want. 

As always, I'm already looking forward to my next stitch fix box. I will have to think about what to put in my note for things I'd like to include in my next fix!

If you are interested in ordering a Stitch Fix box please use my referral code! 

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/4006385

Please let me know if you give it a try and what you think! =) 

Obsessed with Lulu's

Hey ladies! (This post is definitely for you).

I've recently become obsessed with this fashion site: http://www.lulus.com/ 

Hayley and I on my 25th birthday!

I've known about it for years, but just gave it a real try before my birthday last year. I know ordering online can be kinda risky and hard to do, but I lucked out with my birthday dress. Everyone loved it! It is one of the most re-pinned (359 times) and most liked (68 times) items I posted on Pinterest. Unfortunately, it is no longer on their website for purchase. =(

My dress even inspired my friend Hayley to write a blog post on her own Fashion Blog site: http://vogueinthevalleyblog.wordpress.com/category/looks-i-love/
You can see a picture I posted from Lulu's and the review I wrote for the site.
Check it out!

That's a great thing about Lulu's! They have a review section that allows people to post what they thought about their purchase, their body type, height, and if the item runs big or small. It really comes in handy. Modcloth, another great fashion site, does this even better by allowing customers to post pictures of themselves wearing the item. It's always great to see a dress on an actual human rather than a model or body form.

My most recent successful purchase was a blue dress from Lulu's. I needed a blue dress for an Alice in Wonderland themed birthday party, but I also wanted a dress that I would wear over and over again. I LOVE THIS DRESS. It is so comfortable and cute. I am a fan of structured dresses with a fit and flair style. They are so fun to spin around in. [Girls, you know what I mean]. 

I've worn this dress many times since then. I even got stopped by a random lady on the street asking where I bought my dress. That always makes ya feel good. =) I may even wear it on the 4th of July (if I'm not working) and add some red accessories.

Price: $42 
Direct link to the dress:
http://www.lulus.com/products/home-before-daylight-bright-blue-dress/127402.html#tab-description
There you can see the dress on Lulus. Click on the review tab and scroll down to see my review of the dress along with 24 others! It also comes in other colors! 

I received these two lovely dresses in the mail TODAY! 

I've been wanting to invest in a mint dress and who doesn't need a Little Black Dress? I plan on wearing the mint dress to a bridal shower and the LBD for a night out for a bachelorette party. With my purchase Lulu's gave me a 15% off, so I will definitely be using that on one of these beautiful dresses below! 

My Wishlist

Lulu's also has a wishlist section that you can add any item to! Mine is full of all these dresses that I LOVE and wish I could have in my closet right now. So in the meantime, I'll just pin them on my dream closet "Pretty Little Things" Pinterest board: http://www.pinterest.com/iheart0re0s/pretty-little-things/

Why I Recommend Lulu's:

1. TONS of cute Dresses and Tops

2. Affordable & Great Quality

3. Review Section is great

4. Customer Service is FANTASTIC! (Early today I was exchanging some dresses for a different size over the phone with a nice young lady. I feel like everyone working for Lulu's are young women like me).

5. Live Chat, 24/7 Email Contact, and Toll Free Phone Number options

6. Wait. Did I mention: Exchanges and Returns are FREE by the way! 

**HUGE plus when you are trying online shopping. I never know what size I am going to be. I'm like a half size in everything. 
7. Updates for when items are Back In Stock! You can ask for an email alert for when an item is restocked or your size is available. It has been very convenient for me!

8. Located in Chino, California (nearby for me!)

Website: http://www.lulus.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lulusdotcom
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lulusdotcom/
Twitter: @lulusdotcom
Tumblr: http://lulusdotcom.tumblr.com/
Instagram: @lulus