Golden Tote July 2013 Review

My Golden Tote from the July selection arrived today! I was so excited to see what was in my first $149 tote.

Golden Tote is a clothing subscription service that sends you clothing and some acessories every month.  There are two tote options: a $49 tote where you pick the first piece and they send you 1-2 more (up to $250 value); and a $149 option where you pick two pieces and they send you 3-5 more (up to $600 value) based on a style profile you fill out.

The first item I picked was the Puella Swing Dress.  Puella was started by the same girls who then went on to start Golden Tote.  I love everything of theirs that I've been sent so far!

Puella Swing Dress,

I definitely like it better with a belt!

Puella Swing Dress

Puella Swing Dress in Navy and White Stripe 

Puella Swing Dress in Navy and White Stripe detail

This dress is on sale for $66 at the Golden Tote website.  I love how comfortable it is, but it still looks really nice.  It is 72% poly and 28% rayon and dry clean only (which means it's DIRTY.... with apologies to Mitch Hedberg).  I can see this becoming one of my fall favorites on my teaching days!                                          

Next in the tote is a tank from Collective Concepts.  My boyfriend said it looked like a Magic Eye pattern and I agree.  But, it is comfy and fits well and I don't wear patterns (other than horizontal stripes) very often, so it's nice to change things up.

Collective Concepts Tank

This tank is a little on the longer side, but not quite tunic-length.  I'll probably end up tucking it in and wearing it with a sweater to work.  I really like it, even though it is not something I would pick out on my own.  This is why I love Golden Tote! They know me better than I know myself.

Collective Concepts Tank

Check out the contrasting patterns.  It works, against my better judgement.

Detail of Collective Concepts Tank. 

This tank is 100% polyester and dry clean only.  I found a similar tank on piperlime and it was selling for $59.  I think Piperlime marks things up quite a bit, so I will knock 20% off the price to estimate the actual value.  $47.

Even though in my profile I said that I didn't like maxi dresses, they apparently took that to mean maxi skirts were ok.  I don't have any, so I'm not complaining because this one is pretty decent.  It is paneled at the bottom to give it a lot of freedom and motion.

Potter's Pot Maxi Skirt

Don't mind the belly, this is how high I had to pull it up so it didn't hit the ground.  I have some room to wear heels with it if I lower the waistband.

Potter's Pot Maxi Skirt

The waistband has a metallic gold and black background with orange and blue detailing.  It's really pretty in person and I need to figure out an outfit that I can wear with this skirt that will show it off!  If I still was in the orchestra world, this would be excellent for concerts, but I'll have to find another place to wear it!

Potter's Pot Maxi Skirt Waistband Detail

It's really hard to find these things online! Again, Piperlime has some (mini) skirts by Potter's Pot that are selling for $59.  Again, I think that might be a little high, so we will take 20% off and call it $47.

The skirt is double layered chiffon (100% polyester) and says to hand wash and line dry.


We have another Puella item, and one I definitely would not have even looked twice at in a store.  It is growing on me now, though.  It is a really light and soft fabric and the bold geometric print is unlike anything else I own.  The cozy factor definitely will push me to wear it, and I'm ok with going outside my comfort zone for something that feels so soft it might be more appropriate for sleeping than for working.

Puella Top

Puella Top

Detail of Puella Top

Puella tees go for about $20 (on sale right now) at Anthropologie, which seems like a good estimate to me.

This is 100% rayon, hand wash and lay flat to dry.


The Bonjour Cafe blouse by Under Skies was my second pick and I am so happy with it! It is light and sheer and fun and very wearable.  I can see myself wearing it with jeans to work, or dressing it up with a skirt if I have to look a little more professional.

Under Skies Bonjour Cafe Blouse

I couldn't tell from the pictures online, but the bottom is elastic.  I thought the model had it tucked in neatly to her jeans, but this makes it even better! It won't come untucked and look sloppy :).

Under Skies Bonjour Cafe Blouse

The blouse has pretty gold buttons on the cuffs, as well as across the shoulders.  It's a really nice detail that pulls it together.

Detail on Shoulders of Under Skies Bonjour Cafe Blouse

Golden Tote is selling this in their boutique for $46 on sale right now.

It is 100% Polyester, came with a spare button, and is hand wash and lay flat to dry.

The final item is probably my favorite thing in the whole tote!  If you asked me to describe my perfect year-round item, I would say it would be a cozy, soft, grey open-knit sweater.  That is exactly what this is, and I am thrilled.  Put it over shorts and a tank for a cool summer night, but pair with a scarf and some knee boots for a nice fall outfit.  Grey is my favorite clothing color, too.  It is a great neutral!

Under Skies Open-Knit Sweater

So comfy! So soft! So perfect!

Under Skies Open-Knit Sweater

It is as comfortable as a sweatshirt, but because it is slightly metallic, looks a little nicer.

Close up of Under Skies Open-Knit Sweater

This is 100% Rayon and hand wash, flat dry.  Some other Under Skies tops (button downs and blazers) went for an average of $45 on lulus.com (which I have never heard of... is it legit? They have some cute things!)

ban.do Flash Bobbi Set

These bobby pins were a bonus! Aren't they cute? I hope they don't pull my hair out like the Birchbox ones did :/.

These retail for $10.

Golden Tote July 2013 $149 tote

As always, they included a branded tote bag.  They are so useful! $3? I'd buy one for that much.

I also got a bonus in this month's tote! I won second place in a contest they ran on Instragram (#gtfavorites) and they sent my prize with this month's tote.

What was my prize?

Cleobella Mexicana Wallet in Kelly Green!

My prize was a beautiful hand-crafted leather wallet from Cleobella.

Cleobella Mexicana Wallet

Detail.  The gold is actually a little metallic and shiny.

Not bad for some selfies! The Mexicana Wallet retails for $138, which is almost as much as I paid for this entire tote! 

My overall (very estimated) value without the wallet is $284.  I think that is a pretty good deal for $149 plus about $8 S&H.  I definitely underestimated some of the retail prices, but that's ok because I probably wouldn't pay full price for any of the items I received.  I'm a poor grad student and mostly wear basics from Old Navy.  GT gives me a chance to class up my wardrobe at an affordable price.

As always, everything fits perfectly (their sizing guide is spot-on) and is something that I will wear.  Most of my current favorite articles of clothing are from Golden Tote.  I know that I can trust that they will send me quality items that I will enjoy wearing.  For $149, this could not have been any better!

This post contains items I purchased with my own money, or won in a promotion.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.

The week in nails, August 11

Neither of these had names

2 coats of a random dark purple neon from Urban Outfitters (came in a pack of 5 without names on them) and a Nicole by OPI purple, blue, and red glitter that no longer has the name on it either sponged on the tips.  Oh well.  I wore this like shown for 2 days, but then had to repaint three nails on each hand in a dark pink because of chipping.  That stayed for another day. No base, Seche Vite over everything.

Nothing beautiful can stay

I wore this for one afternoon before it started chipping off in large chunks :( I sponged on the colors to make the gradient.  Left to right: Color Club Reign in Spain, Julep Nina, Julep Charlie, Color Club London Calling, Julep Bess, Color Club Pardon my French.

Comments on this in real life included, "WOW your nails are bright"

Color club Reign in Spain for the rest of the week.

Retrospective: Birchbox December 2012

See my first Retrospective for the answers to the quiz that I used.

December 2012: Month 10

Juicy Couture Perfume
Photo by Birchbox

Yeah.  It's another Juicy perfume.  Ho hum.  It's pretty floral and a little too heavy for me.  That's all I got.

Full size $90 for 3.4 oz.  1.5 mL sample value $1.35

Mox Botanicals Lip Butter in Pomegranate & Fig
Photo by Birchbox

I really wish this hadn't been in my pocket when I put my pants through the wash! The one use I got out of it was really nice, and the scent was unusual, but great.  Oh well.

Full size $16 for 0.2 oz, they sent a half size (0.1 oz), worth $8.

Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo
Photo by Birchbox

This is an awesome sulfate-free clarifying shampoo.  It smells GREAT and makes my hair super-clean.  I highly recommend it.  I'm thankful BB sent such a large sample!  I bring it with me when I travel and it makes my vacations that much more special.

Full size $32 for 250 mL, sample size 52 mL for $6.66

theBalm Cosmetics Hot Mama
Photo by Birchbox

This is my new favorite blush for summer! It is the perfect color, and has a hint of shimmer.  In fact, I was doing a friend's makeup for a fancy event and she asked if I could use "whatever made [me] look so glowy on [her]".  Good complement for a great product!  When I use this up, I'm definitely buying the full version!

Full size $20 for 7.08 grams, sample is 1g for $2.82

Tweezerman Filemate
Photo by Birchbox

It's a nail file.  It files my nails.  I wouldn't buy it for $5, but I'll take it if they send it for free!  At least it is a cute pattern.  I think I ended up giving this away in a gift with some polish.

This is full size and Birchbox sells it for $5


Total Value $23.83

Two of the five products were awesome! the others are a little mediocre, but that's what you get with BB sometimes.  Hot Mama totally makes this box worth it!


Birchbox costs $10/month, including shipping and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  You can review the products you receive for 10 Birchbox points each.  For every $1 you spend in the BB shop, you also receive 1 BB point.  For every 100 BB points you accumulate, you get $10 to spend in their shop.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn 50 BB points at the end of your first month.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.

Plated Review

Plated is a food service that overnights the exact fresh ingredients to make the dishes you selected from that week's menu.  It costs $10 per month to be a member.  Each week the menu changes, and will feature a number of different dishes in different styles.  You have until Sunday night to pick your plates for the week.  You can choose to skip any week(s) you want.  There is a minimum of 4 plates (4 servings) per week if you do choose to order, with a minimum of 2 plates (2 servings) per recipe.  There is no cap on how many plates you can order.  Deliveries are on Tuesdays by FedEx PeriShip and they pack everything so that it will stay fresh until late Tuesday night so you don't have to worry about it being delivered while you are at work.

I found a great deal online for a trial for Plated, and picked out two plates of two different meals.  They sent me an email letting me know I would need olive oil, salt, pepper, and an egg for that week's preparation.  All other ingredients, including spices, fresh herbs, and meats, came in the package.

I was still home when this was delivered at 9:30 am.  I put everything away, and then re-boxed all the ice packs to see if it was still cold when I got home at 10:00 that night.   It was.

First look.

Recipes and info on top of the make-shift cooler.

All of the recipes included had step-by-step instructions with lots of pictures.

Fresh herbs and veggies on top.

Everything looked really fresh and came in the exact portions that were needed for each recipe.  Everything was labeled with what meal it was for, and there were larger bags for each recipe with the less fragile components of each dish.

Meat and fish on the bottom, surrounded by ice packs

I don't have a counter, so pictures on the stove will have to do.  This is all the stuff, but nothing is unwrapped yet.

The steak tacos were my favorite of the two dishes, but both were amazing!

Spices and soy sauce packets for the beef tacos

Like I said, everything I needed was pre-portioned out, and the garlic cloves were even peeled.  That was the most prep that was done, though.  I still got to do the tough stuff like squeeze limes and grate jicama ;)

More Taco Ingredients

Look at that cute bottle of sesame oil! I was tempted to save the bottle for salad dressings for lunch... but I forgot and threw it in the recycle bin.

Ingredients for the jicama slaw (minus the cilantro)

I loved this slaw, but we found out my boyfriend does not like "that Jamaica thing" at all.  He ate his second helping of tacos without the slaw on top.  Just steak and beans.  

Asian Soy Steak Tacos with Jicama Slaw and Black Beans

The final product! This was awesome, and I will definitely be using that marinade recipe again.  It was so simple (soy sauce, lime juice, chopped garlic) but tasted amazing.

The other dish was a little fancier, and was also my first ever attempt at cooking fish any way other than baking it.  My family didn't eat fish or seafood when I was growing up, so I never got comfortable cooking it!  This is what makes Plated such a great service: if you aren't a great cook, or don't know how to cook something, their easy directions will provide all the instruction you need to perfect it!  Everything is really well written and the timing of each step in order is spot-on.  If you think that you can't cook, you can, and you should try Plated as a first step.

Ingredients for the haddock, minus the fish, fresh parsley, and the ears of corn.

Finished product: Potato-Crusted Haddock with Corn-Watermelon Salad and Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

This was really good! I should have worn gloves while cleaning the jalapeños, though, because I just about burned my fingers off.  Oops.  This meal was worth it, though.  I saved both recipe cards and will be making these dishes in the future.

They sent two pieces of delicious fudge as an extra.  It was really good.

They also included two pieces of fudge to help promote a no-bake cookbook.  I wish I still had the info card to tell you exactly what book, but it also accidentally got recycled.  

If you are a Plated member (and pay the $10 per month) each plate per week will cost you $12.  That amount is reduced to $10 per plate if you order 6 or more.  If you aren't a member, you can still order, but each plate will cost $15, or $14 if you order 6 or more.

I am a poor grad student and can't afford to do this every night of the week, but every now and then it would be a great idea!  It saves me the trouble of shopping for ingredients (I hate the grocery store with a passion) and figuring out what to make for dinner.  I do like to cook, and don't mind that part at all, so Plated just takes all the bad things out and lets me do what I enjoy!  

If you want to try Plated, you can get two plates FREE by using my referral link.  I will also get two free plates, so it's a win-win!

The service in this review was paid for with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post also contains a referral link: if you sign up for Plated using it, you and I will both get two free plates.

Retrospective: Birchbox November 2012

See my first Retrospective for the answers to the quiz that I used.

November 2012: Month 9

Chuau Chocolatier Honeycomb Chocopod
Photo from Birchbox

My extra was a Chuao Chocolatier ChocoPod, dark chocolate with honeycomb. That lasted all of two seconds after I opened my box, and was absolutely delicious! There were little crunch bits of caramelized honeycomb in it. Yum!

7 Pods retail for $7.95, value of a single pod $1.14

Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper
Photo from Birchbox

I received a sample of Curly Hair Solution's Curl Keeper for the first time in November. This actually is not bad and works pretty well.  It does tend to make my hair a little crunchy, but nothing that I can't handle.  It's not that bad of a deal, too.

Sample was 30 mL ($3 value), full size is 100 mL for $10. 

Jouer Signature Fragrance Rollerball
Photo from Birchbox

I also received a little roller ball vial of Jouer Fragrance Cornucopia oil. The note that I picked up right away was the honeysuckle, it brought me back to my childhood walking to and from the ocean on a road lined with honeysuckle bushes! This is a very wearable scent for me, I keep it in my purse for those perfume emergencies.

The sample size is 1.18 mL, it is $42 for the 7.09 mL full size, which includes a tiny 2mL lip gloss. Assuming the lip gloss is a bonus gift, that would make this sample value $6.99. 

ModelCo FIBRE LASHXTEND Mascara
Photo from Birchbox

I love that there is a mirror on the tube! This is one of the nicer fiber mascaras I have used. It definitely makes my lashes longer, and slightly fuller-looking. 

This is full-sized, retail is $24.

Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer in Bronze Shimmer
Photo from Birchbox

This adds a nice subtle shimmer wherever you apply it. Honestly, I tested it out after I got it and haven't used it since.  Maybe I'll put it in my makeup bag to remind me.

The sample size is 1.5 mL, full size is $20 for 14.1mL, making this a $2.13 aliquot.


Total Value $37.25

Overall, I was really happy with this box.  That chocolate was DELICIOUS and I used the mascara until it was dried up and no longer useable.

Birchbox costs $10/month, including shipping and sends you a box of 4-6 samples and sometimes full-sized products.  You can review the products you receive for 10 Birchbox points each.  For every $1 you spend in the BB shop, you also receive 1 BB point.  For every 100 BB points you accumulate, you get $10 to spend in their shop.  If you would like to sign up, my link is here and I will earn 50 BB points at the end of your first month.

This post contains products I purchased with my own money.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.  This post contains a referral link, see above for details.