Thursday Thoughts

I'm linking up with Jen from Ramblings of a Suburban Mom for Thursday Thoughts.

I don't know why all my packages get delivered on the same day. They all ship from different areas on different days and some get here quick and some sit in certain states for days, but they all end up on my doorstep on the same day. This month it's Friday! And also Valentine's Day, so it should be eventful for me. I love opening everything up, even if I have already looked at spoilers!!!

So, I need to rave for a minute about how great Wantable's customer service is. I was sooooo disappointed with my Wantable Intimates box for February. (I was really hoping for some cute nighties) Check out my review here, if you want to see what I got. I emailed Wantable customer service inquiring about returning my box, because I wasn't sure it would be as easy as they describe on the website. Well, it was that easy...click the return button in your account, print a label that they email to you, and send it back, all free, no questions asked! And they're sending me a replacement box, hopefully including items I suggested. So I'm happy! It should arrive Friday and I can't wait to see what I get. 

Now for a few tips from Wantable, and many of you probably already know this, but it was new to me. I noticed there is a place to review the items in your box on the Wantable website in your account. It shows up by the tracking  and where you would click to return a box. (Not sure how I overlooked this) I always heard others talk about how they could customize their boxes and make requests, but I wasn't sure how they were doing that. So, from now on I'm reviewing every item. Also, they said you can  request specific items and they will try to include them in your box. After you receive the notice that they're putting your box together for you and it will ship out shortly, you can email them with requests. I wish I would have known this sooner, because there is always something I'm hoping for (like when they add a new brand I need to try). 

And now...I have a great subscription box deal to share with all of you for a subscription box called Co-Ed Supply. This is a subscription box geared towards college students and sends care packages including all the essentials; healthy snacks, personal care items, and entertainment. With their #sharethelove campaign from now until February 28th, you can get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Use the code LOVECLASSIC to get 3  months of the Classic box for $30 (regularly $60). Use the code LOVEDELUXE to get 3 months of the Deluxe box for $52.50 (regularly $105). Both boxes also include free shipping. Subscribe here today.

But that's not all. For every subscription, Co-Ed Supply will contribute a portion of their profits to send care packages to foster youth in college through this fantastic foundation called Rise Above. Their goal is to send care packages to over 100 of these foster youth in college next month. Help them by subscribing today!

What are your thoughts?

Wantable Intimates February 2014

Rating: Not For Me!
Cost: $36/month

I received my February Wantable Intimates box today and I was so excited to open it! I was hoping for something cute, like all the adorable chemises I had seen in other reviews. It looked like the February boxes were a little more flirty than normal and I was really looking forward to that. Most of the reviews for Wantable Intimates I've seen came shipped in a black box, but mine have always been white. Any idea why this might be?!? Just curious...

Here is the first look.

I couldn't really see much at all. I will share with you the quote on the back of the 'Hello Again, Beauty!' insert. It was cute and I enjoy reading them.

So, now onto what was in my box. I need to start off by saying I looked at the order sheet enclosed and was very disappointed. I had changed my profile settings to try to receive more flirty pieces and was really hoping for lingerie for Valentine's Day. It didn't look like I was getting anything like that.

The first item was Alo Yoga V-Neck Tank in navy/pacific/white. Retail Price $21.00. Well, I don't work out or hang out at a gym or anything, so this is useless to me. Not exactly something I'll wear outside of the house or probably even around the house. Just totally not my style, at all. I'm sure some people may have loved this, but it's really not for me. I was already wondering what in my settings would have made them think I would wear something like this.

The next item was Look by M Solid Color Tights in deep blue. Retail Price $15.00. I have no idea what size these are or if these will even fit me because I couldn't find anything on the packaging. Plus, I already own similar colored tights and don't really need any more. Another dud for this box. It was really not looking promising.

I also received Icy Hot Sweet Dots Hipster Pink Glo/Excalibur. Retail Price $8.99. These were a little young for me and did not look or feel like quality panties. I've never heard of this brand, but I picture someone younger than me wearing these, maybe someone from age 18-22. Again, another miss for me. And by this time I had already decided that whatever the last item was it would not be worth it for me to keep this box because I will not use 3 out of the 4 items.

The last item I received was Betsey Johnson Intimates Sleep Shorts Houndstooth. Retail Price $29.00. I had seen other people had received these in previous boxes and they are the only item I kind of liked in my box this month. I wasn't crazy about them, but if I received them with other items I loved I would have kept them. They fit comfortable and are cute. They also have some rosette details on the sides and back pocket, which I like.

This box was a total miss for me and I will be returning it. I loved some of the reviews I've seen for other February boxes and there are some really great items you could have received in this month's box including Muk Luk boot socks and Kiby chemise or cami sets. I would have loved to see a beautiful cami set in my box or boot socks (I never received anything from the brand Muk Luks and everybody is raving about their products).

I've changed my settings and don't seem to get the items I'm hoping for in this box, so I'm going to cancel this subscription. I'm hoping another intimates subscription starts up soon, because I was really looking forward to a box like this. But everything I've received in my Wantable Intimates boxes doesn't seem worth it for the price I pay, so this box is out for me. I'll be happy to add another subscription box with the money I'm saving from this one. I'm thinking maybe Her Fashion Box, which just started shipping to the US, or maybe Fair Ivy to get some pretty jewelry pieces.

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I'm adding on to this post because I received my replacement February box after sending back the box reviewed above. I just wanted to share what I received. I had requested a few items I had seen others receive for February, so I was hoping for a box with exactly what I wanted. So, I received a black box this time. What is the difference between the white and black boxes, does anyone know?!?

I was surprised this box arrived in one piece. It was in bad shape and falling apart, but everything seemed fine inside, which was amazing. Here's what I got.

Wantable included a cute OOPS! note, which was very thoughtful. I love those inserts!

I was very surprised when I pulled out my order sheet and only saw 3 items listed. I've never received less than 4 pieces and have always seen reviews for 4-5 items. Not sure why I received less than the normal. I went back and looked at reviews that received the same or similar items and it didn't seem like my box was more expensive than others with 4 items, so that's a mystery to me. And it made me kind of sad, because I feel like I should have received a 4th item, even if it was an inexpensive pair of undies or socks.

The first item I received was something I requested, the Kiby's Mandy Slip. Retail Price $44.00. I thought this was adorable when I saw it in other reviews and wanted it for myself. I love the print! But it doesn't fit as well as I expected. It runs small and is much tighter than I prefer. I like when slips/chemises fit a little looser under the bodice, but that's just me and I'm sure most people would love the fit of this.

I had to do a close up to show the print and the lace detail. Love it!

I had also seen others receive Rhonda Shear panties that I was jealous of, so I requested something by Rhonda Shear in this box. And I received my favorite item from this box, which was these lacy red panties. Retail Price $22.90. These fit really flirty and adorable, and were exactly what I was hoping for in a February Valentine's box. These have really cute bow details too. Love these so much!!!

The last item I requested was something from Muk Luks, because I hadn't received anything from the brand yet and people were raving about their products. They sent me the Muk Luks Aloe Socks, which I haven't tried yet, but am really looking forward to. Retail Price $10.00. My feet could really use some added moisture through the winter months. I had mentioned the Muk Luks boot socks everyone was receiving and was really hoping to get them, or the adorable tights I seen some people receive. But I'm sure I'll love these socks too!

Wantable definitely listened to my request and sent me a box with exactly what I wanted, which I'm very happy about. I was hoping for a 4th item, and I'm not sure why I didn't get one, but I'm much happier with the pieces in this 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!

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Thursday Thoughts

I'm linking up with Jen from Ramblings of a Suburban Mom for Thursday Thoughts.

Okay, so the only thing that has been on my mind lately is the Golden Tote sale for February. I was going to do everything to make sure I got the items I wanted this month and I was pretty sure they were going to sell out quick. I was ready at noon EST on Monday Feb 3rd, when the sale was supposed to launch, frantically clicking to get the page to load. The site had technical difficulties and they decided to postpone the sale, with no estimated time, but in hopes that it would open the following day.

So, I waited, refreshed, waited, and repeated continuously until Golden Tote announced the sale would not be launched on Tuesday. So, Wednesday I was ready again. I was confident it would open at some point. So my computer was ready. I had my email and Facebook up waiting for a notification of when the sale would launch. And it finally did around 4 pm EST. And I was able to order what I wanted (with a lot of clicking and reloading). This month I ordered a $149 tote and chose the Bright & Breezy Wrap Cardigan and the Chic Chevron Sweater.

When my order was confirmed I felt relieved and I could finally go back to living a normal life. Wow, I never realized how much I'm addicted until I reflect back on my neurotic actions. And yet I feel accomplished that my tote is going to have exactly what I wanted. These pieces sold out quick, which I had anticipated. And now the wait begins to see if I get the coveted dress they revealed in a spoiler email (that is the main reason I ordered this month and who knows if it will show up in my tote). Aghhh the anticipation!

What's been on your mind lately?

Stitch Fix #4 February 2014

Rating: Like It!!!
Cost: $20 styling fee + retail price of items you keep

My Stitch Fix #4 arrived today! I skipped a few months through the holidays to save some money and was hoping this box would be exactly what I wanted. Work pieces and vibrant colors was what I was looking for. This is the first look. I could see nothing, but that made me want to rip into the box even more.

So here's the second look. It looked promising when I saw some color, which I really liked. I thought maybe this will be the fix where I keep all five pieces!

Here is the card that shows how to style all the pieces. This made me want to try everything on immediately. I really liked everything they sent and was hoping it would all fit!

Katherine Barclay Nadia Ponte Pencil Skirt
Retail Price $98

I loved this skirt and it fit nicely, but it was a little too pricey for me. I think I can find something similar for less, so I decided to send this back. I did request a cobalt blue pencil skirt, so they definitely listened!

Sent Back

Margaret M Rio Geo Print Skinny Pant
Retail Price $78

I really liked the print on this pant. It was navy and tan and would go with so much in my closet. Unfortunately, these did not fit. They were too big and just looked wrong. I also requested patterned pants, so they definitely sent me what I wanted.

Sent Back

Under Skies Tuckerman Airy Knit Sweater
Retail Price $38

This sweater was one of my favorite items when I first looked at everything in the box. I loved the bright pink color and thought it would be a great transition piece from winter into spring. I immediately paired it with skirts and pants and loved it! This was a keeper!!! And I'm already trying to configure a cute outfit with it for Valentine's Day!

Keeper

RD Style Frenando Airy Knit Open Cardigan
Retail Price $68

I kept going back and forth with this piece. I liked it and it was comfortable, but I think the fit and color made me feel frumpy. I paired it with different pants and shirts and just couldn't get it right. I decided I probably wouldn't wear this if I kept it, so it's going back.

Sent Back

Under Skies Geena Tab-Sleeve Belted Tunic
Retail Price $48

I liked this out of the box. I loved the color and I need more tunics, so I couldn't wait to see how it looked on me. Maybe it was too wrinkly, but this looked awful. I didn't like the sleeves and the belt was in a strange place. It just didn't work, which made me kind of sad. I'm still searching for the perfect tunic...

Sent Back

I only kept one item from this box, but really loved everything they sent. They just didn't work on my body type. The stylist definitely listened to my requests and sent me exactly what I asked for. All the colors and pieces were beautiful, just not for me unfortunately. 

Have you tried Stitch Fix? 

*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!

Popbasic Sunday Collection January 2014

Rating: Love It!!!!

Cost: $85

My Popbasic Sunday Collection came yesterday and I couldn't wait to see this collection in person. This month's collection included a Blueberry Silk Blouse, Wishbone Bangle, and Wishbone Ring. I was most excited for the jewelry in this collection, which is different for me, because I do love clothes!

This collection is one of my favorites. The Blueberry Silk Blouse will be perfect for work and fit great! I would say it is slim in the waist and if you're worried about it fitting, order a size up. I am normally a small and ordered a size small, but it is very slim in the waist. I tend to like my blouses a bit on the looser side though. It's also a great navy color that I've been pairing with everything. I especially like it with my white/turquoise tulip skirt and can't wait to wear it!!!

The jewelry pieces were gorgeous and just as I imagined! I love the bangle, even though I don't usually wear them. This is a fun piece and I love the wishbone detail. I was very worried the ring would not fit me because I had no idea what size it was and I have small fingers. As I expected it is too large for me, but I love it so much and I'm going to try to figure out how to size it smaller without it looking silly. Any ideas?!? I would say the ring is around a size 6 (for those of you thinking to order) and I wear a 4.5 on my ring finger. I do think this size would fit most people on at least one of their fingers. It was definitely my favorite item in this collection!

Are you thinking of ordering? The Popbasic Sunday Collection is still available in all sizes, so order today before it sells out. Once they're gone, they're gone!

*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!

What Would You Do For a Sale?

Be honest, you've probably skipped class or called in sick to a job when you hear about a sale you just can't miss! I've decided to tell you the lengths I've gone to, so I don't miss out on an anticipated sale (Golden Tote). These companies sometimes hype these sales up, with countless emails and pictures of what will be offered and then you have to wait until the day of the sale (and it always seems to take forever).

I'll admit, I've been known to set alarms and skip work for a sale. I anxiously await the day Golden Tote sales open for the month (it opens Monday February 3rd at 9 am PST). The January Mystery Tote sold out quickly and they have hyped up February, so I think it may sell out quick (or at least the items everybody wants). Okay, some of you may think I'm crazy, but I preferred when they opened the sale at midnight PST, instead of 9 am PST. I live on the East Coast and I would set my alarm to get up to order and then go back to bed (and I never missed out on anything that I wanted).

For February they are advertising the sale will open at 9 am PST (and I know they'll stick to it after the totes for January sold out before the official release of the sale). And this wouldn't pose a problem for most people living on the East Coast (it's noon here), but my work computer will not allow access to their website. And my mobile devices do not load the page correctly. And after the below spoilers there is no way I can miss this sale. What should I do?!?

So, I came up with a plan. I thought about bringing my laptop to work, going somewhere with wifi during my lunch and ordering. And then I thought I might get stuck at work and wouldn't take my lunch right when the sale opened. It was making me nervous. I could call in sick. I NEED my Golden Tote this month!!! I asked my boss if I could work from home instead. That way I have my regular home computer (to order my Golden Tote) and my work computer to still get my work done. And my boss agreed. Yay!!!! Now, I'm relaxed and know that whenever the sale opens on Monday I'll be ready.

And the real reason I can't miss this sale is the spoiler they released for a surprise dress that will be included in the $149 totes. I LOVE it!!!! It's the Savant Swing Dress I've been lusting after from Anthropologie, complete with elbow patches and in the best navy color. So perfect for me!

If you haven't purchased a Golden Tote yet what are you waiting for, seriously what?!? The value is amazing, the clothes are adorable and have I mentioned the girls behind Golden Tote design the Puella line that sells at retailers such as Anthropologie (swing dress pictured above is Puella, retail price $98). So, if you haven't already, check out all the great items Golden Tote is adding to their boutique (that I'm hoping will be choices for the totes). I need this sweater. And I'm betting it will be the first thing to sell out if it is offered as a choice (they had a similar chunkier one a few months ago that sold out quick).

What will you be doing to make sure you get what you want in your Golden Tote?!? Is anyone taking great measures like I have? I'd love to hear your stories.

Popbasic Current Sunday Collection and Spoilers

Popbasic releases a mini collection each month with 2-3 pieces that they slowly reveal throughout the month and it is never disclosed when the sale will open. I anxiously stalk my email waiting until I can make the purchase. This is one of my favorite companies and has been since I discovered them. I think I've only skipped one collection, so far. The Sunday Collection for January 2014 is available now and I'm in love! This collection features a Blueberry Silk Blouse, Wishbone Bangle, and Wishbone Ring and is $85 with free shipping worldwide. I ordered it the very first day it was available, because I'm always nervous it will sell out, and once they do they're gone. Popbasic has also given spoilers for February and March and I know I'll be ordering them as well. Check it out.

January Collection

February Collection including Black Tank

March/April Collection including White T-shirt and Infinity Scarf, this collection will also feature a leather clutch in gray not shown

Popbasic also does some unique things that has set them apart. They send cupcakes to lucky followers, have a penpal program, a book club, and podcasts. Like their facebook page to get in on this. And one of my favorite things they do is allow followers to create Polyvore creations with each collection that are included on their website. This is also a way to have a chance at winning the collection! If you don't want to miss out on the Sunday Collection order today! Also, sign up on their website to receive email notifications for future collections!