December 2013 Wantable Intimates review

One of the beauty bloggers I follow recently posted that for Cyber Monday Wantable was offering a 2 for 1 deal, on new subscriptions, I have been secretly interested in trying out their new "intimates box" but hesitant to pull the trigger after the initial Canadian launch fiasco see link to post below

http://messylaughter.blogspot.ca/2013/06/wantable-new-subscription-box-open-to.html

I wasn't really overly impressed with the Jewelry box as I felt value for my money was lacking and cancelled after that first box (I still have not worn 2 of the 4 pieces and I only wore the other 2 once or twice), But I have been eyeing reviews of the Intimates box since its launch and coveting the pieces, though reviews are hard to judge as I am never sure if they send well known or popular bloggers better stuff than the average joe (Which I am) but decided that 2 boxes for the price of 1 would still be a great deal even if I disliked half of what I received.

Before I get into my review let me give you a little run down of how Wantable works

When you sign up for Wantable you get to pick your type of subscription, they offer a Make Up, Accessory and Intimates boxes, They then offer a quiz to determine your preferences and sizes (I was a bit concerned about the size issue, as I have been burned before with the panty subscriptions), its a great but simple quiz, and each month you can adjust it to further customize your boxes.

The cost for US subscribers is $36 USD, with Free shipping, but since I am Canadian, I pay extra for shipping AND because the value of the box is over the duty free limit, they charge a small customs fee, which I think is a fabulous idea, as some other U.S based subscriptions have left me with huge! customs charges (ahem FANCY) so my total cost was $45.26 and let me tell you it was worth EVERY PENNY!!


Looking at reviews there was one product I was really really hoping to receive

The Muk Luk Slipper Sock/Boot (Value $35-44)  http://muk-luks.com/


(INSERT IMAGE)

I love love love these, and can see myself wearing them all winter and even in the fall!, super cozy!!

Bella + Canvas Fleece Straight Leg Sweatpant (Value $34) http://www.bella.com

These are great, they are a little on the large side for me, but have a draw string, so I can work with that, I love being cozy and comfy at home, so these will defenitly get worn AND not being black, they won't show dog hair!!

PACT -Tomato Farm Stripe Crew Sock (Value reg $10, on sale for $4) http://www.wearpact.com

I received a gift pack of PACT socks last year from Golden Tote and I still love them, these socks are GREAT! They are super soft organic cotton, and I love the fact this is a company with a purpose, you can learn more about them here

http://www.wearpact.com/good-source/

AND I currently have a cart full from their website, I am thinking of pulling the trigger on.

Coobie Soft Bra - (Value $22) http://shopcoobie.com/shop?c=coobie-bras-full-size

This bra was nice, I was not fully blown away as I tend to need a bit of "support" and I think the large size lacked that, I should have gotten a medium (I have since updated by preferences on Wantable)

This one is the closest I could find on their website, its not exact though. Looking at the Cobbie website could also make me go broke LOL


All in all the value was just over $100, not including potential taxes and shipping so I am very pleased with my box and am really really looking forward to next month's box, and because of the sale it will only cost me shipping and duty! so less than $12 dollars (still kinda sneak a free box should be just that a free box)

If your interested in checking this subscription out, feel free to use my link

https://www.wantable.com/invite/pJ-YYCUX6kc

I paid for this box, from funds of my own, I was in no way compensated for my review.

Justfab Review! September 2013

I just got notified that my recent Justfab order got delivered! I am very sad to be at work at the moment as I would much rather be at home digging into the boxes! Will Update the Post with actual pictures and my thoughts once I get home! I ordered these boots during the B1G1 sale both are called "Bryce" and are currently sold out, I got both and Shipping for $48.90.

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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/

Retail Therapy - Second Boohoo Order!

I made another Boohoo order---I know totally violated my no-buy but I really really needed some retail therapy :)

Again shipping took a week and I actually got three items for $30 (a.k.a wicked deal) from their 70% off Sale.

I have really been trying to add some color to my wardrobe and get out of my safe comfy blacks and grays, so my first choice was

I know your thinking but its grey!! LOL but actually I wasn't able to find an image of the coral, because its sold out on boohoos website. but I took a quick shot (not in natural light) to give you an idea

My Second Item is a work shirt (which I am in desperate need of)

It ended up fitting a little large than I normally would have picked for myself, but after a few minutes I actually think it will be perfect!

And of course! another Maxi Dress!

Look at all the pretty colors!!

have you made any great shopping hauls lately? 

WWW.BOOHOO.COM ....is the BOMB!

I have heard lots and lots of talk in my beauty groups about ASOS, which is a UK online retailer that offers clothes, shoes and accessories at a very very reasonable cost,  ships free and as long as you keep your order total low, you don't get hit with duties, but in all my browsing I really haven't found anything I love on that site that wasn't over $100.00, but with my recent obsession with Maxi Dresses (for hiding those unsightly love handles!) I knew I had to hunt some down, so I took to google to find some reasonably priced fun ones for summer! I came across another UK retailer that offers free shipping over $25 and promises no duties if your order is under $18 which is actually harder than it sounds on that website and is a pain since you need $25 to get the free shipping but I got a little excited last Friday (the 14th) and made an order for  this dress priced at $30, I figured I could test the waters to see if I would get charged duty for $30
* Picture Direct from Boohoo.com
I then got even more "outta control" and ordered this one as a separate order, again it was $30
* Picture Direct from Boohoo.com

They advertise delivery in 7 to 14 working days, after hastily making these purchases I ended up checking out their Facebook and noted that quite a few customers had been making inquiries regarding their order and the fact that they had been hit with duties, long shipping waits, and items being delivered direct to a customs house instead of home delivery, a quick web search also showed that some peeps have had delivery being attempted and then the item being sent back to the UK without a second try.............my heart broke a little inside as I had been really really excited. But I figured this is what happens when you jump in without So I settled into wait and since I was having it delivered to my office I kept a little stash of cash in my desk in case of duties.  I received notice on Sunday (the 16th) that my items had shipped and I looked at the tracking on Monday after I returned to work and my order showed an expected delivery date of Friday (the 21st) and I though "yeah right" not after everything I had read, I checked my tracking this morning and low and behold it ACTUALLY was supposed to be delivered today! and with our morning mail .....there were my much longed for Maxi Dresses! my next pleasant surprise was that there where no duties or additional charges whatsoever! My guess is that I think some of the other orders had not been broken down into separate purchases to avoid duty?

I tried one on in the bathroom at work as I was a bit nervous about the sizing, Boohoo shows you the UK sizing and the Canadian equivalent when you make your order, but still when you are shopping online at a retailer without having had a chance to try their product before it can be a bit nerve wracking and again I was amazed at the Fit and the Quality of the dress, I ordered a size up from my normal which translates in to a 14 UK ( talk about an ego bruiser!!) and other than it being a little loose in the hip area which for me is okay as that was a plus when it comes to Maxi Dresses while I wait for this 20 pds to melt off me...... LOL I think these will be very comfortable to wear! The quality was a bit better than I had expected, they should last for a few summers (I guess I will have to confirm after I wash them) and the only problem I have now, is I pledged myself to a three month no buy so I have to wait to make another order!!

For a Limited Time they have 25% off for Canadians, code is 25CAN use it at checkout! I recommend!!

Stunner of the Month!

Back at the beginning of May I was browsing MUT, and came across some girls discussing a monthly sunglass sub, and since I have cancelled all of my beauty subs except 1 due to either not being impressed or the OVERLOAD of product I now have after less than a year of being a subscriber and the idea of monthly subs still makes my little heart flutter! I have been branching out into other more lifestyle orientated subs like Popsugar.

Stunner of the Month is $9 a month plus an additional $5.49, shipping to Canada, which may seem like a fair bit for "Fashion" sunglasses but I thought it would be fun to try over the summer since I have recently gotten into the whole sunglasses as a fashion accessory instead of a way to see in the sun LOL thanks to Captain Amazing. I have always been that person that either loses or breaks sunglasses in quick order but almost 2 years ago when I bought Captain Amazing an expensive pair of sunglasses for Christmas I picked myself up a pair of Guess Glasses at 50% Off and have managed to not only keep them but keep them in good condition, since then I also added a pair of London Fog Aviators from the House of Harlow (Thanks Pop Sugar!) so I thought this would be a fun and inexpensive way to grow my collection of "Stunners" and if I end up not liking them then I can always gift them or throw them in my camping gear!

This sub Ships twice a month depending on when you sign up, I signed up I think around the 12th of May but was not charged until the 23rd of May ( Just under $13 dollars, and I do not remember using a promo code)  which was pretty much the beginning of the week that they shipped.  Once I saw the charge on my card I took a peak into my account to see if I could jog my memory as to when they would ship and was surprised to have an option to "Rate My Stunners" which of course contained a picture of the Stunners I was to receive, and I gotta say I was not really in love with what I saw, I received a shipping notification on the 30th day of May and my Stunners arrived yesterday on the 10th, which was just over a week for shipping, which isn't bad as my american beauty subs take TWICE that to get to me.

The Packaging was nice and kept the Glasses from being damaged and they also came with a  fabric classes "Bag" I really can't call it a case LOL, I also received a key chain miniature screwdriver set, that I think is amazingly useful!

Now that I have them in my hands I have to say that they are kind of growing on me and I can see wearing them to the beach and what not, what do you think?

If you want to give them a try, use the code trystunner for your first month free

https://www.stunnerofthemonth.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

Bathing suit season is sneaking up on us!

Since I am on a  health/Diet kick in preparation for beach/Swimsuit season, I have been keeping an eye out for great swim suits. I have found a few companies I would love to try online, but being as I have such a problem finding swim suits I have been a little gunshy about ordering anything.  Then I came across this picture of Selena Gomez ( I Know, but it was on TMZ so don't hate!!)

I am in LOVE with this swim suit, it is classy and very old school Hollywood Glam,  I am not sure if it would work for my top heavy figure, but I would love to track one down and try it on!!.

Cross Border Shopping

I recently fell in love with a pair of sandals, I saw at my local Sportchek, but I was told they only had a size 7 and under in those particular sandals, some Google research I discovered that for some reason Sportchek only carries them up to a size 7? ....very strange.  Because I loved them so much I researched the Sandals and I could order direct from the manufacturer at a cost of $100.00, plus tax of $12 and Shipping of $7 for a grand total of $ 119.00.....EEEK, did I really love them that MUCH?

then I had an epiphany.... maybe I could find them online cheaper? well as it turns out I could!

Amazon.com (notice the .com) has them for $64.96, but with shipping taxes and duties my total would have been $97.09 to ship them direct to my house....hmmm still not a good enough deal, but that reminds me, I have a handy US Shipping depot, 10 mins away from my house just across the border, they charge me $3.50 per package for the privilege of shipping to their location, SCORE but while making that order I found these

Which at the time where on Sale for $27.50 -- They are now listed at $63.00!!!! and the manufacturer offers them for $95.00

So I ordered those as well LOL so with taxes, delivery and the receiving charge my total worked out to $107.32, STILL 11.68 cheaper than if I had ordered the 1 pair direct from the manufacturer............... I got $195.00 worth of shoes plus taxes and shipping so for a total of $225.40 and I only paid $107.32 for a savings of $118.08!!!!! Thats almost a 53% Savings!

I may never ever buy anything from a mall again :)

January Pop Sugar Must Have

Pop Sugar Must Have - January 2013

Pop Sugar is a U.S "Lifestyle" Sub that costs $35.00 U.S, and has free shipping IF you have a U.S Postal Address.  Now this sub is one that I have been eyeing for quite sometime, other bloggers have reviewed and raved about this sub as its usually a high value box filled with awesome and useful things. Plus I got $5.00 off my first box,

If you have not heard of Pop Sugar, it is a website that reports on many different things, Celebrity gossip and news, entertainment, fashion etc. Lisa Sugar has created a empire based on Pop Culture, so the must have box is touted as a curated collection of items that are "MUST HAVES" by the founder and editors of the Pop Sugar Website.

 I live right near the border and have a very handy shipping depot approximately 10 mins from my home, that  I can use as a U.S Delivery Address I decided to give this box a shot, now before I even got my shipping notification I had already seen spoilers of this box on MUT (Make Up Talk) so I was not overly excited to get this, and then shortly after it arrived, we suffered a family emergency so I left it at the depot for almost two months, which is why this review is late and precedes the February box review.

The Box that it comes in is cute: White and pink and all the items inside are wrapped in gorgeous pink tissue paper:  Inside was

I will start off with the most disappointing items:  3 Think Thin bars, Two Dark Choclate  Pop Bars (You heat up milk and dips the bars in and stir to create "Hot Chocolate" and a container of Jet Puffed Mini Marshmallows..... I really don't think I "Dig" food items in a sub, I m a little two picky about what I eat.

The box also contained an Epicuren Enzyme Tea Tree Lip Balm with SPF ($9.95 from Amazon) - I have a ton of Lip Balms from my beauty boxes so this goes in the drawer. There was also a code for a Castegram, Iphone cover, which I didn't need, but if you want it let me know!

Next was the the two  "Big Ticket" Items

1. Stott Pilates - 65cm Stabilty Ball - (approx $38.99 US, paid for the cost of the box with a little left over)

I am happy with this product, as I would love it introduce a fitness regime into my day to day and I did not have one currently, I always wander passed them in stores and think..... I should get that!

Link to the Product

http://www.merrithew.com/shop/ProductDetail/ST06033_Stability-Ball--65cm-green

2. Pop Sugar Special Edition Remix Timebomb watch (Approx Value $49.95, hard since this was a special edition)

This a cute items, but when I first took it out of the box, I wasn't sure that it was really for me.  Luckily for me I received the basic black model (there where some pretty bright neon's being sent out), this watch also flashes neon LED colors when you press a button and quite frankly it is HUGE.  But after wearing it a few times I have to tell you it has grown on me, and since I currently do not have a watch this works

Here is a link to a similar product, mine is only missing the X from the face, also the one on their website looks to be a bit better quality (this is hard to confirm from pictures as they wouldn't post terrible pictures right?)

http://www.xwatchco.com/shop/watches/sport/black-timebomb-sport.html

All in all I got my moneys worth, but I really wasn't blown away or overly excited about the box.

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?