Monday, September 28, 2015

Bundles of Joy September 2015

Rating: Love It!!!!
Cost: $36/month

My daughter's Bundles of Joy box arrived last week. I'm always excited to see what she gets each month and I don't look at spoilers for this box, so it's always a surprise! This month's box was inspired by Fall, but still had some summer items. I'm not ready for Fall/Winter yet, so I'm still holding on to all the warm weather we've been having.


Bundles of Joy always includes a letter with the retail value of everything in the box and a hand written note with why everything was chosen. I say it every month, but I really love the customization of this box.


The first item we received was Ring Flash Cards-Counting Fruits and Vegetables. Retail Value $13. My daughter loved these and we need to work on her counting, so these are perfect. I love anything with fruits and veggies, so I thought this was adorable!


We also received Little Foot Boutique Floral Headband. Retail Price $12. This is so cute! It looks great on my daughter. She was a fan of it right away!!!


The Trendy Treehouse "Flowers in Her Hair" Tee is adorable! Retail Price $24. This is very soft and very nice. We will get as much wear out of this as we can while the weather is still nice, and then she can wear it under a cardigan through the Fall.


The final item we received was my daughter's favorite! It was a "Mix It Up" book. Retail Price $15.99. This had her laughing like crazy. She loved mixing all the colors together and she made me read this over and over. We don't own "Press Here" yet, but I've seen it and thought of buying it. Now I think I'll have to pick it up for her. She really loved this!


Bundles of Joy boxes are always great! My daughter loves everything month after month. And I love that we get different items we don't already have. I can't wait to see what we start getting as we head into Fall/Winter. This box never disappoints!

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Popsugar Must Have September 2015

Rating: Like It!!!
Cost: $39.95/month

I received my September Popsugar Must Have box this week. It seems like it arrives later and later each month and I'm not sure why. I've been a subscriber for a real long time, so I'd think at some point my box would get delivered earlier in the month. I always look at spoilers before I actually get my box. I just can't wait that long. I couldn't wait to see everything in person.


Popsugar Must Have always includes an information card explaining everything in the box. This month's inspirations were Travel, Refresh, Fashion Fix, Beauty Recovery, To-Go Snacks, XOXO. 



The first item I received was a Hudson & Bleecker Labyrinth Onyx Travel Trio. I love these type of bags for traveling and use them all the time. These bags have tags for shoes or lingerie, so you know what to use them for. Love that! I always put my shoes in bags when traveling, so they don't get my clothes dirty. And I also like to keep my lingerie separate, so it is easy to find in my suitcase when traveling. These are perfect and I will definitely use them. I could never have too many of these types of bags.  



I also received Kris Nations "XO" Stud Earrings. These are really cute and totally my style. I've been receiving quite a few earrings in subscription boxes lately, which is a nice change. I don't wear earrings often, but I really should. My ears are pierced and I really like how they look. I especially love dainty jewelry, so these are perfect for me! Some subscribers received a bracelet. I would have been happy with either. The packaging is so cute too!


Popsugar Must Have announced one item from the September box as a spoiler before the boxes were sent out. The spoiler item was the Too Faced Cosmetics Brow Envy Brow Shaping and Defining Kit. I was so excited to be getting this. I don't have anything like this and I am tired of getting eye shadow or lipstick in subscription boxes, so this was a welcome change. I will definitely use this and am happy to finally be able to shape my brows correctly with the tools provided in this kit. 


I also received Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave In Conditioning Spray. I haven't tried this yet, but I really like these types of products. I've never tried anything by this brand before, so this will be totally new to me. With Fall/Winter coming up very quickly I will definitely need this.


Another item included was NCLA So Rich Vitamin E Enriched Cuticle Oil. I don't have any cuticle oil and can definitely use some as the weather gets cooler and my hands get dry. I'm happy to receive products I need as the seasons change. 


The snack item included this month was Nourish Snacks Almonds to Cherries. I loved these! It was a small package of almonds and dried cherries. The cherries were just sweet enough. This was a great snack and I wish the package would have been larger, because I would have loved this type of snack to bring to work. It's the type of healthy snack I would buy at the store! And I will be looking to get more.


Popsugar Must Have also included two $10 Coupons this month to give to friends to subscribe. I'm not sure who I'll give mine to yet, but I'm sure they'll be happy about it.


The September Popsugar Must Have box was nice. I like everything and will use everything that was included. Nothing stood out as spectacular this month, but I will use every item, so that's always good. I'd love to see more variety in the boxes from month to month and among subscribers. This month some subscribers received earrings and others received bracelets, which was a nice variation, but I wish there was more. It'd be nice if different colors of items were included each month, or other slight variations. It seemed like there was more variety in the past, but now all the boxes are the same. 


Popsugar Must Have released a spoiler for the October box. It's Mindy Kaling's new book. And 25 subscribers will receive signed copies! Subscribe now if you don't want to miss out.


*This subscription was purchased and financed by me, unless noted otherwise. Posts may contain referral links and I totally appreciate it when you use them!

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Relish Clothing Closet Clean-out Bag September 2015

Rating: Love It!!!!
Cost: $60 + shipping for 4 pieces of clothing (no longer available)

Relish Clothing had a sale on Closet Clean-out bags for Labor Day. You received 4 pieces of clothing for $60 (I think, the sale sold out and is not available anymore). It was only a weekend sale, but then it was extended a couple days. And one day I received an e-mail that the Closet Clean-out bags were marked down to $20 for 4 pieces. Well, of course I jumped at the chance and bought two bags. At that price I figured even if I only liked 2 pieces out of 8 it would be worth it. And I could try to trade everything I didn't like or give to friends.

The box arrived last week and everything was packaged in a green bag. I couldn't wait to see what was inside.


Here is everything I received. Eight pieces of clothing for $40 + shipping. Can you believe that deal?!? If Relish Clothing ever offers this deal again, even at $60 per bag, it is totally worth it! I loved the color immediately!


I didn't take styled pictures, sorry about that. But I figured since this was no longer available, I'd still post pictures of the clothing, so you can get an idea of what type of items you may receive. The first item was a Vanilla Bay Floral Maxi Dress. I loved the color of this dress and it will transition nicely to Fall, with the browns and oranges. It will look great with a denim jacket and ankle boots. This dress is very comfy and has pockets. I love that!


The next item was a Banana Poppy Skirt. This is a fancy skirt, because of the satin material. I'll need to find an excuse to wear this. It fits perfect and I love the full shape!


I also received a Peppermint Chambray Drawstring Dress. This is cute and I think it will transition nicely to Fall with a cardigan and boots. This is a thick and comfy material. The only thing I'm unsure of is the collar, but I think if I style it right, I can make that work. It also fits a bit large, but I think it's supposed to and I'll wear it as is.


Here is a close up of the fabric and print.


The next item was an Ellison Plaid Open Cardigan. I was happy I received this. I had seen it in other reveals and was hoping I'd get it too. The sleeves can be worn long or rolled up. It's very light and I love the mint color I received. I have to work on styling this one, because it's not something I would normally wear, but I really like it.


My favorite color to wear is cobalt blue, so I was so happy to get a Pomelo Cobalt Blue Tank with Crochet Detail. This is so cute! It fits a bit large, but will be great with a blazer or cardigan for work. This is something I would have purchased in the store and would have paid at least $20 for. I already knew at this point I had received a great value from these Closet Clean-out bags.


The next item was a Potter's Pot Striped Slouchy Tee with Pocket. This item I didn't think I'd like right out of the bag. When I tried it on, it was comfy and slouchy and I think this will work great with leggings for Fall. I know this will be one of my go to shirts. I love receiving items I would never pick up in a store that just end up working so well.


This Miley and Molly Navy/Tan Blouse is amazing! I would have purchased this in a second if I found it in a store. Navy is my neutral color that I wear most! This is exactly the type of shirts I wear to work. I love how it can be dressed up or worn casually on weekends. I was so excited I received this!


The final item I received was LeShop Striped Dress. I normally do not like anything bodycon. I prefer styles with fabrics that are loose and flowy, or a fit and flare, or shift styles. I was ready to put this up for trade, but then I tried it on. And this dress is definitely staying with me and will be a welcome addition to my wardrobe. The stripes made it so flattering! This looked great and would make the best date night dress!!!


I absolutely loved everything I received and didn't have to trade anything. After trying everything on, I loved it all and know I will wear everything. It really made me think that I've been going about these surprise clothing boxes all wrong. I always try to put tons of comments to ensure I get items I like and for the most part, I'm not happy with what I'm sent. This was an un-curated bag, everything was picked for me without any idea of my likes/dislikes and it was the most successful surprise clothing package yet. So, from now on, I think I should not say anything about what I like and don't like and just see what is chosen for me. I won't be shopping for awhile, because my closet is over flowing right now, but Relish Clothing really delivers when the need for new clothes arises.

Friday, September 18, 2015

Birchbox September 2015

Rating: Love It!!!!
Cost: $10/month

I received my Birchbox for September last week. I've been using all my samples and was happy with what I got to try this month. September is Birchbox's anniversary month and they were celebrating subscribers this month. All the boxes had a 20% off any purchase coupon.


Birchbox always includes an information card explaining everything in the box.


Here is a first look at the box.


The first item I received was Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser. I've tried this cleanser before and I knew I already loved it. This is the facial cleanser I use when I travel. I have a whole set of Malin + Goetz travel products and I've never tried one I didn't like. As a bonus they also sent Vitamin E Face Moisturizer. The cleanser makes my face feel very clean and it smells great. The moisturizer is nice and is unscented.


I also received 100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream. I'm not a coffee drinker, but I love the smell of it. It was an odd scent for an eye cream though. This also didn't provide any miracles for dark circles or puffiness. It was a different product that I would have picked up in the store if I saw it though, so I was happy to sample it, even if it isn't for me.


Another sample I received was Dr. Brandt Pores No More Cleanser. This is the item I chose this month in sample choice. I tried other Pores No Mores products, but never tried the cleanser and wanted to. This worked well and my skin felt clean.


I was happy to receive the Mally High Shine Liquid Lipstick Pen in Mauvelous. This is a great color for Fall and had a lot more pigment than I expected it to. I like that it was like lipstick, but also had some gloss to it. And I like the brush application. And I believe this is a full size product, which is always a great value to receive in a Birchbox.


The final sample I received was Rusk Elixir Mist. This spray protects your hair color, provides thermal and UV protection and enhances shine. This works well and I really like the subtle scent of Rusk products. I was happy to see this included in my box.


My September Birchbox included some great products. I love being able to sample everything each month and then using my points to buy the full size products I can't live without. I can't wait to see what October brings. Sample choice for October is already out there and it's all about Breast Cancer and lots of pretty mascaras for next month!

*This subscription was purchased and financed by me, unless noted otherwise. Posts may contain referral links and I totally appreciate it when you use them!

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

The Zoe Report Box of Style Fall 2015

Rating: Love It!!!!
Cost: $100/quarterly box; $350 yearly subscription

My Zoe Report Box of Style Fall box arrived today! I couldn't wait to see what was inside. I thought I'd be getting my box early, because it seemed to ship awhile ago, but it took a long time to get here (or it seemed like a long time to me). I didn't look at spoilers because I wanted to be surprised. I knew what the hero item was already, so I knew I'd love the box! When the box arrived today I was so excited to open it!


I love how luxe this box is! It really feels like a special gift each quarter. Here is a first look.


The Box of Style information booklet is one of the best I've seen in subscription boxes. It includes Rachel Zoe's thoughts on the item and tips and retail prices of all the products included. I had to take pictures of all the pages to show you.






If you look at the booklet, it'd spoil the surprise, so when I opened this box I set that aside and opened everything up first. Then I looked at the booklet after. This picture is a little blurry, but this is how everything came packaged in the box. Everything is wrapped in black tissue paper. From the first look I could kind of tell what one of the items was.


Then I pulled everything out and took a pic before I unwrapped them all. Now I definitely knew what one of the items was.


The hero item is released when the Box of Style goes on sale. This item is the most expensive piece in the box. For Fall it was the Cluse La Boheme Rose Gold Watch with Dual Straps. Retail price $132. I loved this watch when I first saw it, and it is even better in person. I love rose gold! The black face is perfect for Fall and I love the over-sized face. I have a small wrist, but I still love large faced watches. This is amazing because it comes with two sets of straps, one set grey and one set black. And they are so easy to change! Plus it came in a beautiful pouch. I love everything about this timepiece, EVERYTHING! If this was the only item in the box, I would have been happy! Oh, and the grey band totally matches my new Kate Spade bag that I recently purchased for Fall. Yay! 


The item I could tell right away was the Topshop Classic Fedora. Retail price $48. I guess it's hard to hide a structured hat in a subscription box. This hat is a felt olive green fedora. I'm not a hat person, mainly because I have a tiny head and they never fit me unless they are kid sizes. I have a niece who loves hats, so this will be going to her. She'll love it! It's great for Fall and went nicely with this box, but just isn't for me (because it doesn't fit). I can totally see Rachel Zoe looking amazingly chic in this hat for Fall though.


Another item included was One Love Organics Gardenia + Tea Antioxidant Body Serum. Retail price $39. I received this in a Popsugar Must Have box before and I use it all the time. It's really moisturizing and makes my legs smooth and slightly shiny without feeling greasy. It also smells beautiful! I was just thinking I was going to have to buy some because I'm almost out, and then this showed up like Rachel Zoe was reading my mind. This is a MUST HAVE for me. I love love love it!


I also love the Shashi Noa Rose Gold Ear Climbers! Retail price $55. They are perfect! And yet another item that made me feel like Rachel Zoe channeled my thoughts and sent exactly what I wanted. I love rose gold as I already mentioned. I love delicate jewelry and I don't already own ear climbers, but love how they look. I've wanted some for awhile now. And these are exactly the type I would have picked for myself with little crystals and rose gold. Delicate, beautiful, and lovely! I tried these on immediately and I'm pretty sure I'll be wearing these every day now! At this point it didn't even matter what else was in the box, I was already beyond excited! 



The Laundress Fabric Fresh Classic was the next item I opened up. Retail price $8. I haven't tried this yet, but I'm sure I'll love it to freshen up the house or car. I've tried other Laundress products and they smelled nice, so I'm sure this will too. I'm happy this was included instead of more make-up products, because I'm over loaded with make-up lately. This is a nice change and definitely something I'll use. The booklet says you can use it on clothes, home linens, or upholstered fabric. I think it'll be great for towels also!


The final item included was Sloane Stationary Custom Notebook Set. Retail price $40. I really like notebooks and I should use them more. I have a habit of writing things on sticky notes and leaving them in random places in an attempt to try to remember something, but misplaced sticky notes doesn't help me remember. I will be keeping one of these in my bag, so I can write things down in an organized manner! These are perfect for Fall. The red one says "it's everything" and the black one says "shut it down". The paper is lined too, which I need!


I loved the Zoe Report Box of Style Fall box! I'm being completely honest when I say this box is worth the price. If I had seen a Cluse watch in a store, I would have bought it at retail price without thinking twice. I feel like a lot of subscription boxes inflate prices to make the value seem higher. And I am okay with that, as long as the price I pay for the box is worth it in my opinion. This box is and more! I won't use the hat, but I know it will make my niece happy. And even without that item, I am ecstatic with everything else included. The watch and earrings are gorgeous and everything else is just bonus! Actually, if I opened this box and only saw that watch I would have been happy, seriously! I can't wait to see what the hero item for Winter is!!! I hope they announce it very soon. 

If you are not subscribing yet, why not?!? You can use my link to save $10 on your first box. 

*This subscription was purchased and financed by me, unless noted otherwise. Posts may contain referral links and I totally appreciate it when you use them!