Another Golden Tote Post!

The October Tote was released for sale and despite the fact that I was trying to NOT buy one LOL I got suckered in to buying one as a few of the items just where SCREAMING "BUY ME"

I went with the $149, tote (plus $25 Shipping) which gives you 6 to 7 items of which I get to choose 2, as I feel this is the most BANG for my buck (up to a $600 value)

My first Choice was the item that made me check out the sale in the first place

I am a sucker for these kinds of sweaters, paired with a shirt and boots this is my go to outfit of winter! This will also work with my lulu's for a more casual look

I chose this simple but work appropriate dress (again leggings, tights or nylons with boots! )as my second choice.

The other 4-5 items will all be chosen for me by the team at golden tote, based on my style profile, I am very excited and can't wait to see what I get! 

Did you order from the October sale yet? Check out! 

http://www.goldentote.com/

Golden Tote February Sale!

This time when the sale rolled I wasn't too in love with the large tote choices, but one of the items from the smaller tote intrigued me.

So I grabbed the smaller tote for the first time!  My Shipping notice was received on February 15th and my tote finally arrived a little later than normal on March 6th, and for the first time I wasn't over the moon impressed with my tote.

I picked the thin blue and grey hoodie shown above (pic from Golden Tote) as my choice, and I have to say I am in LOVE with this item, I have had my tote for 36 hours and already worn it twice. The fit was amazing and it is super soft!, I wore it to the movies on Tuesday with jeans and then again yesterday with a pair of comfy pants, it looks great with either option and it is light enough that I will enjoy wearing it in the spring and summer months on those blustery days. <3 <3 <3

I only received one other clothing item which is within the guidelines of the service, but it was one of the choices from the larger tote.  I have just used the picture from the Golden Tote Website, although the one I received was an emerald color (yay for the Pantone color of the year) so its on trend, but my feeling is that I really hadn't wanted any of the items from the larger tote or I would have ordered it.  I haven't tried it on yet, as I am trying to work up the nerve,  it is not something I would pick out for myself as it seems boxy to me and my frame does not need to look boxy, but the idea of a boxy shift with some lace detailing is growing on me, it may look cute with a pencil skirt and a cardigan?

I think I would have much preferred an item from the larger totes extras, they received scarves, a basic layering tank and a lace bralet.    In my tote I also got some more hair ties, the ones made from a elastic that are not supposed to wreck your hair, I love them and can never have enough and a bottle of nail polish, which as you know I am already swimming in (Plus it sorta seems like an afterthought, it wasn't on trend color wise or anything) these items were just "fun" extras.

The smaller tote is $49.00 plus a $20.00 shipping charge (it actually costs them more than that to ship a tote to Canada, around $30 or $40, so I have a sneaking suspicion that this charge may rise soon), but I had a $15.00 credit so this tote ended up costing me $54.00, I am not sure that for me personally the value was there, I definitely do not think I would have been happy if it had cost me almost $70.00, This was my third order from Golden Tote with all of my other totes I have been ecstatic and felt that I definitely got more than what I paid for, I am not entirely sure if that is just how the smaller tote works as it was my first time ordering one, but I also kind of felt that the girls over at Golden Tote were not 100% dedicated to the February sale, with all the other things they have going on.

I realize that the last part of my review sounded pretty negative, but that does not mean I am done with Golden Tote by any means, in fact I am looking forward to the next sale as the concept is something I am really in love with and I have discovered a variety of items that I would not have chosen for myself but now wear on a regular basis.

The girls over at Golden Tote have been working on a website overhaul, which is expected to allow for more customization of totes, originally supposed to launch on February 28, but I think has been delayed along with the March sale till March 11.  They have posted some AMAZING spoiler pics from their next tote, so I am quietly sitting on my hands waiting for it to begin.  P.S it also looks like this month they will be offering an accessory tote as well! So my credit card better watch out!!

Here is a link to their facebook if you would like to check it out!

www.facebook.com/pages/Golden-Tote/135947516506384


and if you have any interest in trying it out, my referral link is below (no obligation to use it though)

http://mybuzzlink.com/bee/offer.htm?aId=1013&cIval=30&tt!pID=1723&tt!bD=1291592_1&overrideLanding=aHR0cDovL2dvbGRlbnRvdGUuY29tP3R0IXBJRD0xNzIzJnR0IWJEPTEyOTE1OTJfMQ%3D%3D

Golden Tote - December Tote and Accessory Tote

I am late posting this once again you will have to forgive me the Holiday Season was a bit crazy!!

Once again I LOVED both of the Totes I received, and I truly cannot wait till the next sale as this may be my favorite sub of all time!

I haven't had a chance to take some great pictures so I have grabbed a few off Golden Totes Website

My first Choice in the 149/ Tote was

This Gorgeous Lace Cami Dress

Description from the website says

"This spaghetti strap lace dress is an essential in everyone's wardrobe especially for the upcoming Holiday Season. Dress it up with heels and beads or simply wear with flats and a cardigan for a more casual look"

I wore this to my new years party with my new favorite boots and a little black sweater, not sure if it's quite dressy enough but I think in spring and summer it will make a great piece for work or dinner. Fit was great!

This AMAZING shirt was my second choice and I have to say like the Aztec sweater from November's tote this will be a much loved piece for me, it fits amazing and can be dress and casual.

I received this shirt, I honestly am not really sure how I feel about this one, I think I need to live with it for a bit, its bolder than my normal taste but that's part of why I love this service. but fit wise its amazing.

The next item is a Puella Maxi dress

I really am unsure how I feel about this item,  the dress itself would be amazing if not for that strange band around the tummy, I like most women feel this is a problem area and am not sure why you would draw attention to that area on purpose? (maybe a future maternity dress?)  but honestly it sort of frightens me I haven't even tried it on!

I Also ordered the Accessory Tote for $49.00

This was an amazing value to me, I received, both the leggings and the sweater shown above (Both pieces I LOVE) a great knit hat, two scarves (1 a chunky purple and grey infinity scarf and another one that I gifted as it wasn't really my style) a great knit hat and a three pack of socks in funky colors and patterns from a company that donates money for each item purchased (I definitively will be purchasing from them again) Will update with the company later.

So for $198 plus shipping, I got 8 Amazing items of clothing and accessories and 2 not really my thing items 1 of which I gifted and the other which I will hold on to for possible future use.

I am really looking forward to the February sale!  I have heard on FB that they are changing the webiste so you can customize your tote more along with making it more personal, doesn't that sound great?

Have you checked out Golden Tote? if so what did you get?  

Here is my link if you want to check it out (I get a $15 credit for each person who makes an order)

http://mybuzzlink.com/bee/offer.htm?aId=1013&cIval=30&tt!pID=1723&tt!bD=1291592_1&overrideLanding=aHR0cDovL2dvbGRlbnRvdGUuY29tP3R0IXBJRD0xNzIzJnR0IWJEPTEyOTE1OTJfMQ%3D%3D

November Golden Tote Review!

So after a very busy weekend I finally have a chance to review my first Golden Tote! If you haven't heard of this Sub, I strongly suggest that you check it out, only you now will have to wait until February :(

Just to recap Golden Tote is a clothing Subscription Service that offers two tiers of service, your first Option is $49 plus shipping (up to $250 value) with this option you get to choose 1 of 2 items and they surprise you with 1 or 2 more.  Option 2 is a bit more pricey but in my opinion is more bang for your buck, for $149 (up to $600 value!! ) plus shipping you get to pick 2 of 4 choices (not the same ones as the other version) and they surprise you with 3 to 5 other items.

Now I strongly dislike going to the mall,and when I do what I buy is usually black or grey, my wardrobe really consists of pieces that can go together without much thought, but it is not very exciting or trendy, and many times when we have somewhere to go, I panic cause I have nothing to wear!!, so when I heard of this service I thought this could be a great opportunity to add to my lacking wardrobe, not break my bank and try something fun! Sorry about the Photo's they really do not do the clothing justice, but I am home alone with no one to help hehe will edit post later with better photo's

My first Item was the Aztec Sweater which was what started this whole adventure,  I got my tote in between the Annual Realtors Luncheon and my work Christmas party so I was able to wear it to dinner!!  I love this item and wore it again to a friendly get together the next night. I can see this becoming a staple in my wardrobe.  This piece is very versatile, it could be paired with jeans, skirts, dress pants and I wore it with my lu's for a more casual look too!  Also the fit was amazing and it drapes beautifully.

My second item was a hooded twill jacket. This item most likely will not get alot of wear until spring as its a bit cold for this piece but definitely will go into spring rotation. Fit was great, and I think its a quality piece.

My third item was a blue ombre infinity scarf.  I can not say enough about this scarf aside from the fact that I have practically lived in it since Friday :) It is so soft and makes me feel quite cozy. I will definitely be checking this designer out so I can order another......or 2.......or 3 :)

4th Item - Puella Striped Babydoll (what I am calling it anyways)
The fit on this is great though I am not 100% sold on the chevron type stripes on the top part as I think they make my chest look strange lol- but I think on someone with less ample attributes ;) this would look great with leggings and boots. I was really hoping to get one of the Saint Grace Maxi's but maybe in the future.

5th Item - Color Block Sweater.  I love this sweater! jeans,work pants and leggings!  this will go with everything. Once again Fit was spot on.

6th Item - hmm what to call this sweater?
I really like this piece and I think you could really mix up what you wear under it to set different tones to your outfit,  Fit was pretty good as I think its meant to be on the loose side.

I got a tad concerned when I made my December Sale Tote and Accessory Tote prior to receiving my first tote, but after receiving my tote my only concern is that the next sale is not until February 28th

I personally love this service, what do you think? would you try it?

December Beauty Boxes

So its the middle of the month and I am expecting many pretty things in the mail but have yet to receive anything and the wait is killing me!!! I am expecting:

IPSY - This is my first bag from Ipsy and the reviews of last months bag AND the information on this months bag was amazing so I am really sad that it has not arrived yet, even though I got my shipping notification on Monday the bag has not yet been received by Canada Post for delivery :(

TOPBOX -  I received my shipping notification yesterday with an expected delivery date of December 19th, I usually always receive my Topbox a day earlier than expected, but being the Christmas Season I do not have high hopes!, this one was shipped out late due to a sample not being received on time, the 1 posted spoiler on FB does not really give me high hopes for this one as everyone says that these are all items that have been previously received  but since there are at least 56 variations of Topbox this month I am crossing my fingers mine will be decent

GLYMM - No Shipping notification yet, but I usually receive notification around the 14- 17th each month so crossing my fingers!! Normally Glymm does a hint thing on their FB for one of the products in the bag, but so far this has not happened this month, this one should be a complete surprise  (If I manage not to look at spoilers on FB once the packages get shipped, which we know will never happen)

GLOSSYBOX - This one doesn't even get shipped until the end of the month so not too concerned though it would be nice if they had gotten their act together so we could have it pre-Christmas.

LUXBOX - I signed up for this one by the deadline for the Winter Box and was charged and then the payment was mysteriously reversed and when I logged in I was told I had no active subscription, but word on the Beauty Box FB pages is that the guy who runs it is a bit shady.  Though the spoilers I have seen seem to indicate the winter box being an "O.K" box I am not too sad that I won't be receiving this.

BEAUTY BOX 5 - I signed up for this one solely based on a brush..........yep, you heard me.......a brush, I figure if its crap or the rest of the box isn't worth it I can always cancel in the new year LOL - no idea when I should be receiving it because I only ordered it yesterday.

and last but definitely not least

GOLDEN TOTE - I have been waiting very patiently for this one,  I assume because its shipped from California and has to go through customs is what is causing the delay, but I tell ya hoping it has arrived makes my walk home from work go much faster! I was super hoping that my November Tote (Very late order, my bad) would have arrived by today as I have been dreaming of some of the items in the tote and would have been great to wear today for the Realtor's Luncheon, I am very excited about my December totes as well (ya two of them ! one large tote and the accessory tote as well LOL) these ones where posted this week so I m crossing my fingers that they arrive prior to Christmas or at least New Years as the dress I chose as one of my pieces would be great for holiday parties, though I note that they change the other option which was a cardigan that I didn't much care for to another lace dress (This one with long sleeves and absolutely to die for) which made me run to their page and try and order another one :) Thankfully for my credit card they are sold out

So to Canada Post please bring me pretty things in the mail soon!

Golden Tote

Golden Toes December sale starts today! Run, do not walk and go check it out
http://www.goldentote.com/index.php

My Referral Link is http://bit.ly/VgStqX

though in my case I checked last night before bed and it was already up and running so I snagged both a $149 (worth up to $600) AND the $49  (worth up to $100) Accessorize Gift Tote,  I have not yet received my November Tote (being sent out today) but it looks like December is going to a month of presents LOL, I m kind of glad that the next Tote doesn't go on sale till the end of February as it gives me to time to appreciate and enjoy my current totes. This is a service that I can't help but think is genius.Can't wait to review them for you guys!

Subscription Boxes

Have you heard of or tried Subscription Boxes? I recently over the summer fell in love with both the IDEA and the actual service of curated items being delivered to my door. In Canada we have access to several strictly Canadian sub services along with a few from other countries (Shipping can kill the savings though)

Liz over a subscription addiction has a great list of American ones that you can check out here (Some offer shipping to Canada)

http://www.mysubscriptionaddiction.com

I also found out about a few from

http://www.subscriptionboxes.com , this site also offers user reviews to help you make your choice a little easier

My first sub choice was Topbox because of all the rave reviews, but this was back in January and I had to go on the 8 month long waiting list. (my opinion is down below as I am now off the waitlist)
http://topbox.ca/

My First Sub was Glossybox, (was $15 now its $21 a month)

http://www.glossybox.ca/referal?CI=MTMxMzQ=

I ordered GB in June and received my first box in July, now my opinion of Glossybox has been sort of hit and miss, some boxes have been amazing and others less so. Glossybox's website promises "5 deluxe beauty samples delivered each month." but some months we have received drugstore items such as Venus Razors (don't get me wrong I love them :) ) or other items that have come in P&G sample packs, basically stuff I could pick up at SDM for cheap. There has been a general uproar on Facebook in the last few months due to the fact GB raised there price (which was already the highest at $15.00 a month) to $21.00 and their reasoning for doing so being the "Making a North American Standard Pricing (GB USA has always been $21) and so they can continue to improve and provide us with great products" So I am sticking it out for a few months to see if there is an improvement or at least less of a variance with the types of products and samples, I have not been taking pictures of the boxes or doing reviews, but I will starting November. 

My Second Sub was Glymm ($12 a month)

http://www.glymm.com/share/mmayer2009

Glymm has been pretty consistent with their type of samples, I have pretty much had a use for everything I have been sent (even the baby butter hair creme, its perfect for my daughter's hair), I have no complaints except the high number of Shampoo and Conditioner samples as I m don't really feel that you can get a good sense of a product in three or four uses, I don't foresee cancelling this in the near future. Once again will start reviewing and posting pictures with the December bag.

Third Sub...TOPBOX (was $10 now its $12 a month)

Finally off the Topbox wait list, and was a bit disappointed with my first few boxes from them, as prior to this all I heard was RAVE reviews everywhere but I guess you can't win all the time and they are trying to accommodate lots of subscribers at this point, but I m looking forward to future boxes and I haven't received anything terrible or drugstore quality, so again I do not foresee cancelling this one.

Fourth Sub - Indie Giftbox -- Not a Beauty Box ($20 plus $10 shipping)

http://indiegiftbox.com/

I was put on a waiting list for this one for several months, Indie Giftbox describes itself as "We curate great items from independent artists and small businesses every month and organize them into themed boxes that you can purchase. Our goal is to help you discover new artists and companies, and to help those artists and companies grow their businesses! "

I was very happy to be able to get in on the Winter themed box for November, as Indie has a limited amount of boxes available and you have to be on the ball to order one when they become available.
I paid a little more for shipping as this is an american box, but once I received the box I was extremely happy with the contents I received: 

1. a wonderful travel size candle in a great reusable tin from (Will update with the scent when i get home)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/plainjbodyandhome

2. a really cute Christmas Ornament from 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/shopofworldlydelight

3. a Loveley Snowman Gift Tag (plus one to make yourself, my daughter loved this)

as seen here (Also a link to her Etsy Shop) http://www.etsy.com/transaction/102825503

5. Lovely Christmas Card, thats almost to cute to use ( I love note cards and it was extremely good quality)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/112429864/peace-mistletoe-holiday-card-qty-1


6. Snowflake necklace (Not exactly the same as the chain is different, but still wonderful for winter)

http://eef.storenvy.com/products/684750-proper-snow-at-last-silver-tone-snowflake-necklace

I also received coupons and gift cards from the following:

issa.ino:handmade, Wired Essentials, Megandowntherabbithole, My So Called Chaos, and Sebastian Design.

All of which would make finding a gift for that hard to shop for person easier, plus your supporting small business!

6th Subscription Box - GOLDEN TOTE ($49.00 for 2 to 3 items, or $149.00 for 5-7 items, plus $20 shipping)
http://www.goldentote.com

I have been considering this one on and off since I discovered it Via Liz's website (link to Liz's website above)
This is a little more pricey then a beauty box but its CLOTHES!! amazing clothes !!

One of the reasons's I was hesitant to try this was not only because of the higher cost, but the lack of reviews out there from actual subscribers, that of course was until Liz posted her review and I immediately went a bought the $149 dollar tote







These are the choices for I made for the 1st Item and the 2nd, the remaining items in your tote are a complete surprise, One of the main reasons I ended up ordering is the Aztec swear is absolutely gorgeous.

The Girls behind this sub are the clothing designers behind Puella, so you know the stuff is going to be quality, I ordered my November Tote today and the December one goes on sale on Monday (hehe I maybe reviewing these both at the same time)

 I don't know if this is something that I will indulge in every month at $170.00 including shipping or $70.00 for the other version, unless I can wiggle the room in my budget else where, but then again that's whats great about this sub, if you don't like the choices for 1st and 2nd you can skip the tote all together. I love the idea of adding to my closet( Which is sorely lacking) without hitting the mall and with pieces that are curated and seem to be high quality. 

(Below are the two choices that I passed on)










That's all for now folks I will be revealing and reviewing my boxes and posting pictures starting with Glossybox November Edition, followed hopefully by Golden Tote and then Topbox and Glymm then Golden Tote and Glossy HAHA what a great month for mail!!