Trunk Club #1

After my Stitch Fix adventure last week, D asked if the same service was available for men.  Stitch Fix only does women's clothing but I did find a men's version in another company, "Trunk Club."  D agreed to give it a try. :-)

The really nice thing about Trunk Club is that there is no styling fee. You simply pay for anything you wish to keep.  After filling out an online profile of D's sizes and style preferences he was matched with his own personalized stylist named Erin.  Erin emailed us to set up a phone call with D a few days later to find out what types of clothing he was looking for and also price points.  It was definitely an impressive level of service.  It's not a monthly subscription service - you can have a new box sent as frequently as you want.  

Erin explained that Trunk Club actually has a show room in Chicago where guys can go and have live personal shopping experiences.  If we lived in Chicago, it would be fun to try.   For now we left th choosing up to Erin to send us a trunk of items she thought D would like.

It should also be noted that the items are generally higher end brands and everything is full price.  Since you can't take advantage of buying things on sale, you have to decide if having items selected for you and free shipping is worth buying clothing at full price.  Unlike Stitch Fix, there is no discount for purchasing the whole box.  

Three days after speaking to Erin, D's box arrived!  There was a note from Erin saying she was still on the lookout for a sportscoat D would like. It was suggested he try everything on (to provide accurate feedback) and D had 10 days to decide if he would be adding any of the items to his wardrobe. 

The first item is the "Ahab Puffer Vest" by Theory.  Surprisingly, D really liked this.  It's not like anything he owns or would have picked out himself while shopping.  We debated it for a while (mainly due to the full price point), but decided this was going to be a keeper.

Next we received the "Laundered Textured Fancy Gingham Check" button down shirt by Ben Sherman.  This isn't D's style.  The fit was perfect but he's not really a fan of reds in his clothing.  This is going back.

The next two items are two pairs of socks by Pact.  D hasn't incorporated the colorful, patterned sock trend into his wardrobe.  And today is not the day he will begin incorporating colorful, patterned socks into his wardrobe.  These are going back.  (I thought they were fun though ;-)

Our next item is a pair of "Lenny Chino" pants by Mac Jeans.  These were ok.  D already has a new similar pair though.  They will also be added to the return pile.

The other button down shirt in the trunk was the "Textrured Plaid Tailred Fit" shirt by Culturata.  D actually liked the pattern of this shirt, but the fit was a little too boxy.  For the high price point of this shirt, it would have only been worth keeping if it was an item D totally loved and fit great.  For some reason I didn't snap a photo of this being modeled but here it is folded. 

Next we received the "Tournament V-neck Sweater" by life after denim.  D and I both really liked this cotton/cashmere blend sweater and the plan was to keep it.  Unfortunately when were were folding it, we noticed a small pink stain on the fabric.  So we won't be keeping this one.

The second keeper in this trunk is the "Half Zip Sweater" by Jeremy Argyle.  D really likes pullover sweaters for winter, and this woolen black one will be very versatile for winter. 

Overall D really enjoyed his first Trunk Club experience.  I think with future feedback to Erin, he'll get even more personalization in the items sent.  I predict this will be an occasional thing for D when he's looking to update his closet with some new items.

Has anyone has anyone else had an experience with Trunk Club?  Thoughts?

Stitch Fix #1

This is a post about a personal styling/shopping service I discovered and decided to try out.

I should start off by admitting that I don't really consider myself an effective shopper when it comes to buying new clothes.  If I'm on the mission for something specific (jeans, dress, dress pants, shoes, etc) I do ok, but I'm not very good at just going into a store and trying on a bunch of things to figure out what looks good.  On a daily basis, I spend most of my time wearing scrubs but I try to dress up whenever I have the chance.  My latest personal style challenge to myself is to find some stylish, casual tops to wear with jeans that aren't t-shirts or sweat shirts.  This (in addition to not having tons of spare time) is why I was very curious to try Stitch Fix.

Here is how it works:
1.  Fill out a VERY extensive style and sizing profile on their website
2.  Sign up for when you would like to have your "fix" delivered.  The styling fee is $20 and includes all shipping.
3.  When your fix arrives, spend 3 days deciding which items you would like to keep by trying everything on at home. If you keep anything, the $20 styling fee is deducted from the items cost. The items you don't keep are sent back in a pre-paid USPS envelope.  If you decided to keep the whole box (5 items), you'll get the entire contents of the box for 25% off.
4.  Review all the items online.  By providing feedback about fit, styles, and colors, supposedly each future fix becomes even more tailored to your unique style.
5.  Sign up for your next fix!  Another option is to sign up to get a "fix" monthly.  I personally decided I would schedule periodically on my own in case I ended up keeping multiple items from a box and
didn't plan on purchasing new clothes for a while.

With each item they also send a styling card with ideas for how to combine each item with clothing already in your closet.  For my first fix, I didn't request anything specific but I did mention I didn't want to be sent any jewelry (I have RocksBox for that :-).

So without further ado...Here is my Stitch Fix #1!

The box included a note from my stylist "Jackie."  It will be interesting to see if Jackie will be my stylist for my next fix or if it's a rotating thing. 

My First item is a "Margot Asymmetrical Zipper Coat" by Pink Martini in black.  I loved the cut and style of this coat and it reminded me of something a futuristic Kate Middleton type would wear.  My only issues were the color (I already have black coats) and I also didn't love how the there was a little peek-a-boo in the belly-button area (a little hard to see in this photo).  If it was a different color I would have definitely considered keeping it, but I won't be keeping this one.  (Notice I had a photo bomber!  Haha ;-)

Next I tried the "Esten Button-Up Sleeveless Blouse" by Collective Concepts in navy.  I liked this blouse, but it was a little too big on me (especially in the armpit area).  If it was a little smaller it would have been a winner.  Maybe next time - this will also be sent back.

Yea!  Here is the winner of the whole box!  I loved the "Holden Printed Swing Dress" by Tart before I even tried it on.  I have other things in my closet by this brand and this dress compliments my style perfectly.  This dress will definitely get lots of use my wardrobe.  And it's also great I can apply the $20 styling fee to the cost.

The "Angelina Cross-Front Long Sleeve Top" by 41Hawthorn in green was my least favorite item of the set.  The color was nice and style was interesting, but it did nothing for me when I tried it on.  I think it would look better on someone a little bustier than me.  This will be going back.

My final item was the "Ivy Grid Print Tab-Sleeve Blouse" by 41Hawthorn.  I liked this top, but again it was too big for me.  If it had slightly more shape to it, it would have been a keeper.  This last item will also be going back.

Overall, I was very happy with stitch fix.  I didn't achieve my goal of finding some new casual tops in this set, but I did decide to give it another try towards the end of October.  While I only ended up keeping one amazing dress, the other pieces definitely had potential to also be great.  I hope that my feedback regarding my sizing issues will enable my next fix to contain even more fabulous additions to my closet.

Interested in also trying Stitch Fix?  Please use my link - for everyone I know who signs up, I'll receive a credit to purchase something in one my next fixes.  https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3184070

Bonjour Jolie September 2013

The next boxed adventure to arrive is Bonjour Jolie - aka period box ;-).  As usual it was nice to have some nice surprises to go along with my monthly supplies.

Bonjour Jolie is a time of the month box that sends you monthly supplies in the brand of your choosing along with special treats for $16/month (plus s/h).  The theme this month was "Go Vegan" and all of the included items fit for a vegan lifestyle.  While I myself am not vegan, I do already find it interesting to see what types of different products are out there.  

The Gift:

Personalized Silver Necklace (retail: $16)  I actually really like this!  It's very cute and casual and I love how it has the letter K just for me :-)

The Edibles:
Gourmellow - By Desidero Chocolates (retail: $3)  This is a vegan marshmallow that truly didn't taste any different from the real thing.  It was a perfect treat to brighten my afternoon.

SerendipiTea Tea Company (retail $3.50)  This is loose tea with a reusable cotton filter bag.  Interesting idea, but it seems like a lot of work to always be cleaning a filter bag.  I understand the point is not to have extra paper tea bags as waste, but I think I'd rather brew my loose tea in my teapot.  I'm willing to give a try though.

The Pampering:
PuurBody Full Size Vegan Lip Balm (retail $3.50)  I love lip balms.  Honestly I think is the only beauty product I use every day no matter what - several times a day in fact.  This lip balm smells amazing and was also had a great texture.

Just Pure Minerals Bronzer and Brush (retail $1.50)  Cute handy size, but loose powder in small containers like this are often challenging for me.  

Sunny Day Botanicals Organic Lotion (retail $2.00)  Always handy to have a small travel size of lotion.  

U Just Relax Bath Tea (retail $2.00). Apparently this can be reused for 2-4 baths and dried in between. I can't remember the last time I took a bath but perhaps this will inspire one. 

Protection:

A mix of feminine hygiene items I chose along with 2 travel packs of Advil and 2 feminine wipes (retail ~ $12).

This box had amazing value (~$41)!  I love how Bonjour Jolie makes stocking up on necessary items a little more enjoyable each month. :-)

September 2013 Barkbox

It's been an interesting couple of days as I managed to fulfill a dream of competing on a national gameshow (next goal - actually win money on national gameshow ;-).  The long hours have caused me to get a little behind on blog posts but I'm going to catch back up today with Elvis' latest Barkbox.  On a side topic, know that meals from Plated are still being enjoyed but they aren't going to get a post this week.

D had the honor of unboxing and it appears to be a pretty collection of items this month.  We ended up getting one item that was different from the info card, but I think Elvis will be ok with the substitution.  

The first item is a kangaroo toy from Aussie Naturals (retail: $7.99).  This a great toy that is a stuffing free toy that squeaks AND also has a rope on the inside.  What will be great about this is that there will be a new rope toy for Elvis to enjoy with the kangaroo part falls victim to "too much love."  This is another winning toy discovering thanks to Barkbox.

Next we have some pizza flavored organic dog treats by Wagathas (retail: $6.49).  We haven't opened these yet, but they definitely sound delicious.  

The item is VetraCare Pet's liquid bandage (retail: $8.95).  This spray both disinfects and protects cuts and scrapes.  Hopefully now that we have it, we won't have to use it, but this will be a good thing to have if Elvis ever has a day of rough housing at daycare.  

The final bag of treats was our replacement item - It's Purely Natural Chicken and Rice Biscotti with Sweet Potato chunks (retail $4.80).  I'm sure Elvis will love these.  He's had sweet potato treats in the past and they were a definite success.

Elvis definitely has more than enough treats for him to enjoy this month.  The overall value of the box is $28.28.  We have the 6 month subscription so this is a great value for the $18/per month.

Interesting in trying Barkbox?  Please use my link to sign up!  https://barkbox.com/r/ngwiVp3pQe

Rocksbox #5

I think the folks over at Rocksbox have definitely figured out what I like.  After a few "so-so" pieces mixed into my first few boxes, the past 2 boxes have been solid successes.  It was not easy for me to part with the green earrings and gold bar necklace in my previous set, but curiosity of got the better of me.  Again with a 1 week turn around time, here is what arrived in my box this time.  

"Petra Tri-Color Necklace in Teal/Mint/Aqua" by Loren Hope (Retail Price: $125, Member's Price: $100).  This necklace is similar to a pair of earrings I received a few months ago.  I don't wear a lot of "statement" necklaces so I look forward to incorporating this into my routine over the next couple weeks.

"Mirror Cluster Drop Earrings in 14kt Gold Plate" by Isharya (Retail $58.00, Member's Price: $46.40).  At first when I saw these earrings I noticed there was something unique about them.  Instead of being large transparent crystals, each "stone" is a little mirror.  The size is on the larger side, but they are different from other large clear crystal earrings I've worn in the past.  They nicely complimented the solid maroon dress I wore today.

"Paisley Wrap Ring" By Gorjana (Retail $50, Member's Price: $40).  This is my favorite rocksbox ring I've received so far.  It's not too large and I feel like I'll wear this almost daily through the duration I keep this set.

Has anyone else been enjoying Rocksbox?  I think it's becoming one of my favorite boxes.  For $19/month you get to "rent" 3 pieces of designer costume jewelry for up to 2 months.  You can switch out your set as many times as you want during each month (sort of like netflix).  The best part is that you can also purchase any items you absolutely fall in love with.  If you are interested in trying it out, please use my link to sign up.  http://curebit.com/x/SUy5uo

September 2013 Birchbox

Here come the September boxes!

First up: Birchbox

This September marks Birchbox's 3 year anniversary so the theme is "heritage."  For those of you who aren't familiar, Birchbox is a beauty sample box that sends 5-6 deluxe beauty samples monthly for $10/month.  There is also a men's version of the box for $20 a month, but I haven't convinced D that he wants to try it yet.

Here is the box and all the goodies inside.

My first item is "Dr. Lipp - Original Nipple Balm for Lips"  (Full size: $14.50, Sample Size: $2.90).  I did a double take when I saw the name of this product.  While it was originally designed for nursing mothers it's now marketed as a product to bring ultra hydration to dry lips.  Apparently boys like it too since GQ magazine named it one of the top three lip moisturizers.  The product is very thick and a little goes a long way.  I usually always put lip balm on before going to sleep and I definitely noticed my lips were nice and soft when I woke up today.  I think this might be my favorite item in the box.

Next is "Grand Central Beaty - SMART Skin Perfecting Polisher" (Full size: $38, Sample Size: $7.60).  This product definitely seems interesting.  Apparently it beads up after massaging it into skin as it it exfoliates, tones, smooths, and moisturizes.  Rinsing is optional and apparently the little beads can just be wiped away.  I haven't tried this yet, but this would be great for traveling when I don't want to bring my full skin care regimen along.

The third sample is "Ruffian - Nail Lacquer in Delirium" (Full size: $10, Sample Size: FULL SIZE!).  It's always fun to get a full sized item in a box.  I also LOVE this deep shade of purple.  It will be great for a mani/pedi to compliment a dark green dress I'm wearing to a wedding next week.

The "Serge Normant - Meta Luxe Hair Spray" (Full size: $25, Sample Size: $6.67) is probably my least favorite sample just because I never really use hairspray.  This smaller size will be great for traveling though if I have an event that requires my hair to be curled and therefore hair-esprayed. 

Last but not least is a sample of "Keratherapy - Deep Conditioning Masque" (Full size: $23, Sample Size: $0.38).  I've never done a hair masque, but I'm always excited for anything to make my hair softer/shinier. 

I really liked my box this month.  My least favorite samples are the hair products, but I'm happy not to see monthly perfume vials lately.  The overall value of the box is $27.55 which is definitely a good value.

What did other people get in their birchboxes this month?  Interested in signing up for Birchbox?  Please use my link!   http://birch.ly/13uUfhH

Plated Week of 9/2/13

It's been a quiet week of sample boxes as September gets started, but don't worry - there will be plenty to review in September (including some new reviews! :-)

This has been an amazing week as we celebrated some great friends at beautiful weddings the past two weekends.  And today is an exciting day as Sunday football returns in full force (Go Rams)!

We did enjoy a tasty week of Plated this week.  Cooking so much meat was a bit of a challenge at first after so many vegetarian meals, but we're getting the hang of it.  We'll be having Plated again this next week but will continue to mix in the vegetarian Blue Apron when the mood strikes us.

The week started off with Citrus-Soy Chicken Thighs with Soba Noodles.  The dish was pretty simple to make and the chicken was very flavorful.  The big success of this dish was D and myself finally figuring out how to use the broiler feature of our oven.  Yea!  Now we can broil things and not just bake them on high temperatures.
Score: 6/10

Our second dish was Grilled Steak Salad with Basil-Chive Vinaigrette and Tomato Strata.  We both really liked this dish.  The final portion sizes were definitely too large for 2 people.  It seems like for many of these plated  recipes the quantity of food produced is quite high.   It makes packing lunch for the next day very easy.  D and I both really loved the steak salad and the tomato strata, but honestly thought the steak salad could have stood alone.
Score: 7/10

I was on my own for the final meal this week of Herb-Roasted Chicken with Tomato-Zucchini Gratin.  Cooking when it's an evening by myself always requires a little extra motivation, but I was really glad I prepared this dish.  The chicken was very flavorful and the vegetables were a very light and perfect side dish.
Score: 6/10

Interested in giving plated a try?  Using this link will let both of us have 2 free plates with our orders.  https://www.plated.com/invites/c68767

Again, Go Rams!!!!