Stitch Fix #4 Review

The Box:  Stitch Fix

The Cost: $20 styling fee which is applied to items you choose to purchase.

The Goods: 5 articles of clothing and/or accessories hand chosen for you based on your style profile.

I think this might be my first Fix that actually included a note from the stylist.  This is also the first Fix I've received since linking a Pinterest board.

41 Hawthorn Florence Colorblocked Dress: ($68)  Oh man.  This one was tough.  I actually really liked it and the cut was rather forgiving for my shape.  I could see wearing it with heels and a blazer or with flats and a denim jacket.  However...I have a TON of black dresses so I just couldn't justify throwing $68 at another one.  If I came across a similar style for less, I'd totally buy it.  Sent Back

Oh, since my phone was dead I couldn't use the remote control app for my camera.  J was super kind and offered to take the pictures for me...or at least I thought he was kind until I found the 20 or so extra pictures like this one.

I look like a horse.

19 Cooper Cathleen Split-Neck Tulip-Sleeve Blouse: ($68) Meh.  I didn't hate it, but there was nothing special about this top.  I think I might have liked it more if it had been a bit longer or less boxy or...something.  I did like the color, though...especially with the jeans they sent. Sent Back.

Just Black Adora Skinny Jean: ($88)  Oh man.  These were extremely soft but I just couldn't let myself keep them for a couple reasons.  They were a little snug in the hips but were really long (hence the bunching at the ankles.)  For $88 they better be pretty damn perfect.  While I'm down for splurging on quality denim, I'm also reluctant to spend that much money on "trendy" jeans.  I really, really want some colored denim now though. Sent Back.

Tart Katniss Geo Print Dolman Sleeve Top: ($48)  Gilt had this top recently for $45, so it's nice to know that Stitch Fix's prices aren't outrageously overpriced.  I wasn't sure about this top at first but once I put it on I fell in love with it.  It's unlike anything I own plus it's way comfy. Kept.

J told me to be fierce.  This is what he got.

Kut from the Kloth Houndstooth Blouse: ($48) J really liked this on me, but it was sort of tight across the shoulders.  I found it on sale on Amazon for a bit over $20 so I might actually order it in a size up to wear with leggings.  It's worth noting that the green version is $68 on the Kut from the Kloth site, so $48 is a decent deal compared to that. Sent Back.

Even though I only kept one item, I feel like Stitch Fix is finally starting to get me.  For one thing, it seems like they paid attention to all of my whining about it not being super cold in Texas and didn't send me any heavy sweaters.  I liked the style of everything except the blue top, so I have high hopes for my next fix.

Disclaimer: This post contains a referral link.

February Loot Crate Review - Warriors

The Box: Loot Crate

The Price: $13.37 plus shipping

The Goods: 6-8 items perfect for a geek or gamer.

February's theme was Warriors.  Apparently it was based around a show called Bravest Warriors?  J and I had never heard of it.

Kidrobot 'Bots Blind Box: ($2.99)  J hasn't opened this yet, so I have no idea which one he got!  Personally, I hope it's the bear one.

Bacon Card: ($4)  The inside says "I love you more than bacon."  J's not a huge fan of pork and I'm a vegetarian so that doesn't say too much in our relationship. We'll probably send it along to someone it would mean more to.

Gas Powered Stick Drawstring Bag: ($5?) Since we'd never heard of Bravest Warriors, we had no idea what this really is referencing.

Bravest Warriors Bow Tie: ($12?)  I don't even watch the show and I think this is adorable.  I don't know if J will actually ever wear it, but I still love it.

Gas Powered Stick Sticker: ($2?) Even though we don't know what this is, J already added this to our collection.  It looks like something I would have had in the 90's.

Alpha Battle Tee: ($15)  J and I spent several minutes discussing which characters each of us knew.  We could figure out most of them, but we were stumped by a few.

Total Value: Somewhere around $45.

With a box like Loot Crate, it was inevitable that they'd have a theme outside our realm of geekiness.  However, (as always) J loved the shirt so that makes up for the fact that we were clueless about the Bravest Warrior items. 

Disclaimer: This post contains a referral link.

Inzuri I.N.N. Box Review (Buyer Beware)

My first two Inzuri I.N.N. boxes were great.  I thought I had found my OTP nail box.  Then...December came around.

For the most part, I'm fairly forgiving when it comes to shipping delays.  I understand that things happen, however...well...here's the timeline of everything that has happened with Inzuri.  Inzuri's FAQ states that they charge on the first of the month and ship on the second Tuesday.

12/3 - Charged for December shipment.
12/18  - Shipment notification for December box.
12/26  - Received an email stating "We are happy to announce that all I.N.N Box shipments are out. You should start seeing activity on your tracking numbers no later than tomorrow." and offering free shipping for January.
12/31 - My tracking had still not changed from "Order Processed: Ready for UPS."  Sent an email to Customer Service
12/31 - Customer Service said they'd look into it.
1/2  - Charged for January.
1/6 - December tracking still hadn't changed, I'd received no further updates from CS.
1/6 - Received reply "Yes we have located your package and there should be activity on it shortly."
1/10 - Still no change on December tracking, sent another email.
1/14 - Second Tuesday of Jan.
1/18 - No reply to previous email, sent another (less kind) email and requested cancellation and refund for December.
1/21 - CS replied and said they had refunded December, offered two months free as an apology.
1/27 - Still hadn't received any refund, sent ANOTHER email, requesting cancellation and refund for December and  now January since I also hadn't received shipping information for that one.
1/28 - Cancellation processed, received confirmation email.
1/29 - Refund confirmation email received.
1/30 - January refund deposited.
1/31 - Sent email inquiring about December refund.
2/6 - No response to previous email, so sent another email inquiring about December refund.
2/7 - Posted on the Inzuri Facebook page.  Received a response within 20 minutes asking me to send a message to their facebook.
2/11 - Received response from their Facebook saying that they'd take care of the issue immediately.
2/12 - Received email confirmation of refund for December.
2/13 - Received refund for December.

Based on what I've heard, I'm not alone in my issues.  Granted, there are also a few people who have had no issues.  Maybe I've overreacted. I generally hate bashing companies and even writing this post makes me feel very uncomfortable, but I feel like it's important to me to put my experience out there for interested people to judge for themselves.

February Pijon Box Review

The Box: Pijon Box

The Cost: $29/month

The Goods: A curated care package of products for college students.  (You choose male or female.)

February's theme was "Rise and Shine."

Brush with Bamboo Toothbrush: ($6)  While I like buying items that are biodegradable and recyclable and such, I'm not sure I'd spend $6 on a basic toothbrush like this. No matter, this will get used now that we have it.

Color Club Nature's Way and Love Links:  ($16)  I'm not a fan of Nature's Way.  It's way, way too sheer and a bit streaky.  Love Links is much, much better though.

Popbar Hot Chocolate on a Stick: ($2.99)  I LOVE popbar hot cocoa.  It's so rich and delicious.

Reviver: ($3)  Oh man...I would have used the crap out of these in college.  Now, I can see these coming in handy for dry clean only clothes.  

Oatworks Strawberry Banana: ($2.33)  J and I were both a little...scared to try this.  The murky color didn't look overly appetizing, but I was pleasantly surprised by the taste.  I'd actually buy this again!  J's a V8 Splash addict and he said he likes this just as much.

Go! Towel: ($4.49)  This is a little bamboo towel compressed into the size of a poker chip. While they're a neat idea, I can't think of a use for them. I'll probably stash these in my car or something.

Rooted Beauty Passionberry Lip Balm: ($4.99)  It's not my favorite scent but this lip balm feels nice and the cardboard tube is pretty neat.  I liked the face wipes Pijon sent a couple months ago, so I'm tempted to order the moisturizer and give that a shot now too.

Total Value: $36.81

I'm a little disappointed that this is going to be my last Pijon Box.  Even though I'm not in their target demographic of college student anymore, I've really enjoyed the subscription.  I'm very impressed with all of the eco-friendly items they've sent.  While I was in college, it wasn't always easy to be "green."

Disclaimer: This post contains a referral link.

February Popsugar Must Have Review

The Box: Popsugar Must Have

The Cost: $39.95/month

The Goods: Hand-picked food, fashion, beauty, home, and/or fitness items.

Gorjana Brooks Jewelry Roll: ($45)  I travel with jewelry enough to really *need* a jewelry roll, but maybe I'll find an excuse to use this.

The inside has three zipper pockets, so I might use it for bobby pins, rubber bands, and things like that.

Nourish Organic Pure Hydrating Argan Face Serum: ($23.99)  I have a really hard time with moisturizing face products.  This is supposed to "reduce signs of stress and fatigue."  Boy, do I need that right now.

Red Hots from Sugarwish: ($6.25) Meh.  I'm not a fan of red hots and I certainly don't think they're worth $6.

K Hall Designs Peony Candle Tin: ($11)  I'm not a big fan of floral scents.  My grandmother is moving into a new apartment tomorrow, so I plan on putting this with a couple other small items for a housewarming gift.

NCLA Rodeo Drive Royalty: ($16)  When I first pulled this out I could have sworn I had a polish this exact color, but the closest one I could find in my stash was Essie Wicked so I guess I was mistaken.

Here's a comparison if you're interested.  Essie Wicked on the left and NCLA Rodeo Drive Royalty on the right.

Model Co Lip Pops Duo: (~$25)  This is a lip color on one end and a gloss on the other.  The lip color isn't quite right for my skin tone alone, but the gloss brightens it up enough I think I can pull it off.  It smells pretty great too!

Dial Vitamin Boost Body Wash: ($4?)  Everyone is all worked up about getting Dial in their PSMH.  I agree that it does seem really off from Popsugar's usual brand image, but we'll either use it eventually or donate it.

Total Value: ~$131

I think I've pretty much decided that unless Popsugar really wows me, I'm not going to resubscribe when my current sub is up in a few months.  The value is always amazing but the products wind up being more misses than hits for me and my lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This post contains a referral link.

February Ipsy Review

The Box: Ipsy

The Price: $10

The Goods: 4-5 full and deluxe-sample sized beauty products chosen based on your beauty profile.

J got the mail yesterday and I asked him if I got anything interesting.  His response: "You got a catalog from Dell..."  Umm.  Sir.  Why would you not think my Ipsy delivery is interesting?! (He said it was because I get packages all the time.  Silly boy.)

February's theme is "The Look of Love."

Even though the outside of this month's bag is plain, it might be my favorite.  Look at this lining!  Love it!

Dr. Lin Skincare Acne Spot Corrector: ($4.49)  Last month it was Proactiv and now this.  Apparently Ipsy is concerned about my breakouts.  I've never heard of Dr. Lin but I'll give this a shot.

Zoya Odette: ($9)  I've said it before, but Zoya is my absolute favorite polish.  Odette is a pretty muted mauve color unlike anything I have in my collection.

 City Color Be Matte Blush - Fresh Melon: ($2.99)  I'm always happy to see cruelty-free products in my Ipsy bag.  I'm surprised that this brand is so inexpensive!  This blush is really soft and it gave me the perfect sheer wash of color.

Tini Beauty Shadow Tint - Ambrosia: ($18)  At first, I thought this was a lip gloss and wasn't happy with the color.  Once I realized that it was a cream eye shadow my spirits lifted.  I like that Tini is cruelty-free, but I haven't had much luck with their polish formulas.  Hopefully the eye shadow will work better for me.

POPBeauty Plump Pout - Peony Petal: ($7.46)  This little gloss is surprisingly pigmented.  It's not very sticky, which is always a nice thing.  I don't *need* any more lip products but I'll totally use it now that I have it.

Total Value: $41.94

Well...this month was an improvement over last month.  I don't know how much longer I'm going to stick with Ipsy, though.  I've already started narrowing down my beauty-box wish list so I'll probably switch as soon as I can settle on just one.  (Or two...)

Disclaimer: This post contains a referral link.

January Jungle Stand Review

The Box:  The Jungle Stand

The Cost: $9.92/month

The Goods: A taste of 6 different foods, chosen around a theme.

This month's theme - if you can call it that - was "Professional Tasters vs. You."

The idea was that two of the items were award winners and we, as tasters, were supposed to pick which ones we thought they were and decide whether we agreed or not.

Tiramisu Wafer: These weren't bad but they weren't a favorite of ours.  I never would have guessed they were tiramisu flavored, they just tasted like chocolate to me.

Cafe mocha wafers: Easily the least favorite of the box for both me and James.  The coffee notes overwhelmed the entire wafer.

Key lime shortbread: J's favorite.  We both thought they tasted more lemon-y than key lime-y though. 

Raspberry shortbread:  Blehhh, this one was one of my least favorites.  Granted, I tend to hate pretty much everything raspberry flavored though.

Coconut patty:  Pretty standard stuff - chocolate and coconut.  Totally delicious though.

Key lime coconut patty:  My favorite.  SO good.  J hated it though - he's not a fan of key lime flavors.  It was like a perfect tropical party in my mouth.  I need to find where to buy more.

We're still having fun with Jungle Stand, but I'm getting bored with all the sweets.  Hopefully they'll venture back into the sour, bitter, salty and unami flavors soon.