Fashion Subscription Boxes Added to the List

While my Subscription Boxes List & Directory is taking longer than expected, I'm making progress. I've just added close to 20 fashion subscription boxes. Included in the Fashion Subscription category are:

• Clothing boxes
• Accessories boxes - including shoes, jewelry (quite a few of these monthly subs), handbags, hair ties, etc.
• Clothing / accessories combination - e.g. Golden Tote
• "Personal Shopper" Type boxes - e.g. The List by i-Ella (I have to admit, that is one of the subs I really want to try; the initial reviews / feedback seem quite positive)

I have tried StyleMint and of the few pieces I've ordered, I did like most - I liked the soft fabric and whimsical designs (like of this tee). However there were a couple "misses" mostly because of sizing and / or cut issues.

Don't forget to check out the other categories in the Subscription Boxes Directory (now has close to 110 subscriptions included) and stop back often as I'm adding to the rest of the list.


What fashion / accessories subs have you tried? What are your favorite?

POPSUGAR Must Have Box March 2013 Review

My March POPSUGAR Must Have Box finally arrived today! I already knew what items I was getting (I can't stay spoiler-free) but I was still excited to see everything in person, as well as the varieties of the included products. Take a look:

This month's theme is around Spring and greeting the new season in style. I would say this box strikes a good balance of a variety of items that many people would find appealing and / or useful. I personally am happy with the box and like most of the items.

Must Have Fashion:

Heather Belle Signature Tassel Necklace ($72) - (So, it was not a bracelet after all and I'm actually happy about it since we've already gotten a bracelet in a previous box). I really like this necklace - it's long, very much on-trend and has a bit of Bohemian feel. It's casual, easy to wear during the day or on a night out. The design was just added on on the Heather Belle website (today actually, as it was not there when I did my post yesterday). I approximated the price based on other brand pieces. Now I have the exact price.

Hollywood Fashion Secrets Sweater Saver ($7.99) - As I mentioned in the Spoiler post, I haven't heard of this product before but it sounds like a useful one. you use to grab and remove pulling, fuzz and knots from your sweaters. I will see how it works.

Must Have Home:

The Laundress Denim Specialty Wash ($20) - I wasn't familiar with this brand but I'm really glad to try this fabric detergent. I was hoping to get the Delicate or the Denim wash, so I'm happy with this item. Getting to try brands like this - higher-end, specialty and not something I would necessarily buy - is one of the reasons I love Popsugar Must Have.

Corkatoo Corkscrew ($13.99) - This is one of the items I was most excited about! I don't need another wine opener but this is such a cool, bright (I love the green with pink accents!) and stylish piece. I'm still deciding if I'll keep this one for me or gift to a very close person who will love this.

Must Have Beauty:

Buxom Sculpted Lash Mascara ($12.99) - I'm always excited to try new kinds of mascara and I've heard only good things about this brand. The wand has a unique S-shaped brush that I haven't tried so far.

The New Black Nail Polish ($10) - I'm always excited to get nail polish, especially mini ones as I never use a whole regular bottle. I've never used this brand before but I was a bit disappointed with the colors I got (I would have preferred blues or reds) and the fact one of the bottles had spilled. The idea behind this duo's is to use them together as a unique French manicure or on alternating fingers / toes, so I might give it a try.

Special Extras:
Marshmallow Peeps (~$1) - Perfect for Easter!
Hollywood Fashion Secrets Fashion Tape Assortment Pack (~$5) - A sample of the brand's most popular fashion tapes, this is a good one to carry in your purse in case of an "emergency".
Also, included in the box are a couple of coupons: one for a mini Buxom lip gloss with a Sephora purchase and the other for 50% off a Hollywood Fashion Secrets purchase.

The total value of this month's box comes to ~$143 - is consistent with the high box value to monthly subscription price rate that Popsugar has been giving its subscribers.  No complaints here!

If you want to sign up for POPSUGAR Must Have and want to use my referral link, you can do so with code REFER5 for $5 off your first box.

NEW: Check out my growing Subscription Box Directory!

What do you think of this month's Must Have box? If you got one, what color variations did you receive?

Wittlebee Kids Clothing: March 2013 Box Review

NEW: Check our the latest Subscription Boxes Coupon Codes & New Subs post for a great Wittlebee promo!
My kids and I were excited to receive our Wittlebee box in the mail today, and it did not disappoint. For those of you who are not familiar, Wittlebee is a kids’ clothing club that, for $39.99 / month, sends you a box of six clothing items based on your child’s style profile and types of clothes needed. You can communicate specific “style notes” with the Wittlebee stylist building your box and from this month, you can select up to three items from your personal Showroom. I love that feature and enjoyed having the ability to select half of the pieces I was getting!

Now, to the box - I have been a subscriber for more than six months and while I skipped a couple of months, I've received enough boxes to know I do like this subscription a lot - and so does my 5-year old. This month I ordered a split box between my 5-year old girl and my almost 9-month old boy (I find this option really convenient). Take a look at what we received:

While I was familiar with the three items I had selected from my Showroom, once I saw the colors of the rolled-up clothes in the box, I knew we'd like everything. We've received a good mix of basics, as well as more uniquely styled and whimsical pieces. Here are the details:

Girl 6T outfit #1: a Wittlebee / Threadless T-shirt and a Butterfly Fashion Tutu in yellow (latter selected by me and my daughter). A girl can never have too many tutus and this one is of high quality - soft and with many layers. My girl loved it! The T-shirt is one of the basic pieces and while I was not too excited about it initially, my daughter said she really liked the picture; on second thoughts, it does makes a nice spring / summer outfit with the tutu.

Girl 6T outfit #2: Trish Scully Retro Rags Green Peasant Blouse ($36) and Ruffle Pants in white / polka dot (similar style for $26). This outfit is gorgeous! I love the style, the color combination and the fact that it's a transitional outfit into spring; the pants would also be perfect for breezy summer evenings. The total suggested retail price for this outfit is $62 which more than covers the cost of the box.

Boy 12 - 18M outfit #1: Rabbit Moon Soho Striped Zip Sweater in blue / brown ($23.50, on sale from $47) and Wittlebee / Threadless T-shirt 'I Love You' - I selected both of these pieces from my Showroom, so I knew what I was getting. The quality of the Rabbit Moon sweater is very nice - it is soft, thick and with a spot-on color combination that is so much more vibrant and nicer in person. The sweater would be a great layering piece for my son for spring / summer. The soft blue tee is the second basic piece in the box - I really liked the cute graphic and the color.

My verdict: I like Wittlebee, especially with the recent improvements - e.g. ability to self-select half of the pieces from your Showroom and the split-box option. The total value of this box comes to ~ $115 (I assumed ~$15 for the tutu and $7 for each of the T-shirts since I couldn't find the exact style / pricing) which is way above the cost of $39.99. In all of our boxes, we received pieces from both basic and higher-end brands that I would have bought anyway. While I cannot justify ordering a box every month, I definitely plan on ordering once or twice per season.

If you want to try Wittlebee and get $10 off your first box, you can sign up though my invitation link. Thank you! Also, try code ELLIE for 50% off your first box.

What do you think of Wittlebee? Are you subscribed and if so, what are some of the most favorite pieces you received?

Food Subscription Boxes Added to the List

 

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! A quick note: I just added 25 food & drink subscription boxes to my Subscription Boxes Directory. Included in the Food & Drink Subscription category are:

• Food- and snack-only boxes (or some type of combination, e.g. 'taster's' boxes such as Goodies or food / music boxes such as Pairings)
• Coffee & tea boxes
• Chocolate & candy boxes
• Drinks / cocktails boxes

As of this month, I'm subscribed to Graze (still loving it), Love with Food and Goodies - the latter two will be my first boxes in March, so I can't wait to get them!
Don't forget to check out the other categories in the Subscription Boxes Directory (now has close to 90 subscriptions included) and stop back again as I'm adding to the rest of the list.

"It's a Box World": Subscription Box Directory & Comparison List

I am finally ready to reveal my extensive Subscription Box Directory & Comparison List. Based on the amount of time it is taking me to research all the companies and collect the information to build that list, I could easily title it “It’s a Box World”. Indeed, it does feel that there is a subscription service for everything and anything you can actually put in a box. Rather than wait until I’m done with all subscriptions, I'm sharing what I've compiled so far from what's turning out to be a very long list – well, I organized it in a way that it's more than just a laundry list.

The “boxes” in this directory are segmented in twelve (12) major categories. If a box belongs to more than one category, I’ve classified it to the one that best reflects its major focus (e.g. True Beauty box is under Eco-friendly rather than under Beauty boxes). Then, for each subscription box, I have included the i) name / website, ii) short description, iii) the price and iv) some highlights. That last point is my attempt to differentiate, if at all possible, the given subscription box from the rest in the batch. It was important for me to include this observation because, when I was researching the “myriad” of boxes out there, I found myself putting down some short summary notes on each to help me remember it somehow. The highlights should be helpful if you are trying to compare a few subscription boxes within the same category. For example, I have compared some of the most popular Beauty Boxes to help me decide which one I should go with. You can take a look at it here. 

Today, I'm posting the first four categories (in bold below) that include about 60 subscription boxes. You can check them out on the  Subscription Boxes Directory page.
I’m working on the rest of the categories, so please check back soon.

1. Lifestyle boxes (span multiple sub-categories: home, beauty, food, fashion, fitness & health, etc.)
2. Home boxes (entertaining / decorating / arts & collectibles, stationary etc.)
3. Beauty boxes (makeup, skincare, hair care, fragrance)
4. Mom, Baby & Kids boxes (includes mom-to-be, new mom, baby, kids’ crafts, kids’ clothing boxes)
5. Fashion boxes (clothing, accessories)
6. Food & Drink boxes (snacks, food-only, coffee, tea)
7. Indie / Homemade boxes
8. Crafts / Hobbies / DIY boxes
9. Eco-friendly / Green / Health-conscious boxes (some span across categories)
10. Men (span more than one category, e.g. fashion, beauty, clothing, but exclusively focused on men)
11. Pets
12. “Special” Category boxes: “Time-of-the-month”, “Adult”, Miscellaneous

New Subcription Box - Show Your Feet Some Love with Foot Cardigan

It seems like new subscription services are launching every day - for everything and everybody, every hobby, interest, accessory, or piece of clothing.

The new sub box: I just learned about Foot Cardigan - a new (launched in October, 2012) subscription service that sends you one pair of  "delightfully unusual socks every single month". They invite you to "show your feet some love".
Price: $9 / month + $2 shipping: $11 total

Highlights: Judging by the information and pictures on their website, this subscription service seems to be really fun and promises to send some truly unusual pairs of socks, or as they put it "If variety is the spice of life, you’re about to dip your feet in wasabi." And more:
"Foot Cardigan wants to make your feet fancy. Why wear boring black or white socks when there’s a whole world of podalic accessories at your fingertips, er… toetips? ... we’ll send you a new pair of fabulously bizarre socks." 

Also, you do not get to choose the pair of socks but you are guaranteed to have an instant conversation starter with the one that you receive.  If you are not happy with it, well ... you are encouraged to make a "sock monster".

There is already SockPanda that sends "cool socks monthly", but Foot Cardigan seems to be more targeted to male customers and seems to focus more on the truly unusual and bizarre, but still fabulous pairs of socks.

Intrigued? Looking for that unusual and interesting gift for a friend, or just for yourself? Foot Cardigan might be the answer.

New Eco Beauty Subscription – True Beauty Box

There is a new eco / natural beauty subscription service I learned of recently - True Beauty Box, offered by LoveTrueNatural.com – a company that focuses on products that are safe and free from harmful ingredients. The True Beauty Box is brand new, having released its first box last month (January 2013). Here are the details based on the information on their website:

By becoming a True Beauty subscriber, you will receive only the best all natural and cruelty-free full-size beauty products – from lines such as Lavera, Benecos, and True Natural – once a month, plus samples and a monthly surprise. Your True Beauty Box is individually curated to suit your beauty profile. Also, as a member of the True Beauty Box Program, you will enjoy exclusive sales and special member pricing of 15% off on LoveTrueNatural.com. They also offer flexibility regarding your beauty profile - you can take a quiz to determine your beauty profile or you can choose your profile yourself. The bottom line is the quality of of products you'll get, namely: there are no petroleum by-products, no synthetic dyes, fragrances or preservatives in any of the products you receive. There are three types of boxes to choose from:

True Beauty Box – Veganista, $30 / month

Receive 3 to 4 full size, all natural, paraben-free, cruelty-free and VEGAN products, plus a monthly goodie, and samples. There are over 200 beauty products that are vegan at LoveTrueNatural.com.

True Beauty Box – Flirt, $30 / month

Receive 3 to 4 full size, all natural makeup products each month, plus a monthly goodie, and samples. The included products will be from premium European organic brands like Lavera, Benecos.

True Beauty Box – Indulge, $40 / month

Get a mixture of 3 to 4 full size, all natural anti-ageing, bath, body, and cosmetic products each month, plus a monthly goodie, and samples. The products included will be from premium organic brands from around the world, like Lavera, True Natural, iLike, Benecos and Green People.

Check out the True Beauty boxes from January here to see some of the products you can expect and also, the difference among the three types of boxes. I’m always on the lookout for paraben-free and organic beauty products. I would definitely be interested to try some of the brands in the True Beauty Box. 

What about you - are you interested in this new eco beauty subscription or you already have enough "boxes"? Have you used some of these brands? Will you be getting your True Beauty Box or, if you are already subscribed, I'd be interested to hear your opinion.

Goodies Co. Guests Can Now Shop Its Online Store

Goodies Co. - the $7 food subscription service that delivers 5-8 new foods monthly - has just opened its online store to guests users. Until now, only its subscribers could buy the full-size treats featured in the Taster's Box. Now everyone can get a hold of these treats by checking-out as a guest. Shipping is always $5. They have a Valentine's Day Gift Box featured that is full of chocolates and looks quite delicious.

Goodies Co. Valentine's Day Gift Box

I'm in line to receive my first Goodies Taster's Box in February, so I am yet to comment on the goodies from personal experience. However, based on some of the reviews of boxes from January and December, I am really excited for the opportunity to buy some of the items online. I find the way the items are reviewed - across taste, uniqueness, packaging and overall criteria - useful. Also, there are quite a few reviews already which seems to be a good indication of popularity and overall quality of the foods offered. Can't wait to get my February Taster's Box!

Are you a Goodies Co. subscriber? If not, would be buying some of the treats in their online store?

$20 Off Healthy Surprise Snacks Box via Plum District

Plum District is offering $20 off any monthly subscription to Healthy Surprise - a subscription service that sends you a box of new healthy full-size snacks delivered to your door every month. I personally haven't tried them, but based on the information on their website, there are three box options: Starter Box, Healthy Box and Large Box:

Healthy Surprise Subscription Box Options - Stater, Healthy and Large

If I were to use the $20 off coupon, I could get the Starter Box almost at 50% off. If it looks like something you'd want to try, you can get the $20 off coupon by registering at Plum District. If you are not familiar with the site, it is provides daily offers "By Moms For Moms - a community of moms sharing deals from local and national merchants for other moms to enjoy."

Do you subscribe to Healthy Surprise or any other food / snacks subscription service? If so, what are your thoughts in terms of value, snack choice, convenience? If not, are you willing to give them a try?

Graze Healthy Snack Review - 1st Box is Almost Here!

My 1st Graze Healthy Snack box is packed and on its way! If you are not familiar with the new food sub, you can read more here.
What I find really neat is that Graze posted a picture of the snacks in this week's box in my account. Take a look below: 

A preview of my 1st Graze Healthy Snack Box

I actually like the fact that they give you the heads-up as to what's coming. As for the choice of snacks, Graze got a good mix based on my ratings:

• two snacks that I "love": Habas Tapas and Pear Tatin snacks
• one snack that I "like": Super Berry Detox
• one snack that I would "try": Lemon and Poppy Cake with an Afternoon Infusion (I would probably end up "loving" this one - not sure why I left it as a "try" as I really enjoy poppy lemon cake)

As for the actual quality and taste of the snacks, I will write more once I get the box - hopefully in the next couple of days. More to come!

New Food Sub Alert - Graze Healthy Snack Box USA Launch

Graze – a weekly snack subscription box – has already been operating in the UK for the last four years. Today, Graze launches its service into the US.

In short – Graze is a snack delivery service that sends a box of four nutritious snacks delivered to your door for free every week (yes, unlike most subs out there, this is a weekly one). There are more than 90 snacks on their website to choose from, ranging across nine different categories – dip & dippers, savory snacks, healthy treats, super seeds and more. The company says that it is focused on delivering healthy portion-controlled high-variety snacks.

You can sign up for two different types of boxes – the nibble box that offers the maximum variety of snacks or the light box that offers low calorie snacking and over 50 varieties to choose from. 

Once you sign up, you can rate each of the snacks on their website so that you can have a say of what goes into your boxes. There are four ratings, including a “trash” one that, if choosen for certain foods, translates into you never getting those. Also, you can make changes or cancellations for the following week’s box if you let the company know before 02:00 EST on Friday.

I just signed up for the light box and rated the snacks – there are a bunch that I loved and I am looking forward to getting my first box next week. That is my first food subscription box and I am hoping to love it.

If you want to sign up, it is currently by invite only. Graze states that in that way they “can concentrate on making sure every box is perfect”. You can use my invitation code 4DCWNCR to sign up and get your first box for free or you can use this link instead link.

Have you heard of Graze before? Are you going to subscribe? What other food subs do you get?

The First Post and Subscription Boxes

Hello! This is my first post and, as always when embarking on something new, I am excited about the journey, only this time there isn’t necessarily an end in sight. I know one thing though – I will remain true to myself and hopefully, in sharing my honest opinions, I will bring you some useful information on interesting products and services.

Today, I will start my “memoirs” on the subscription-based eCommerce business phenomenon or, as it is most commonly referred to in review blogs, subscription boxes. Just a side note - in the investment and industry analysis space, the space is often referred to as 'subscription {e}Commerce' or simply 'sub com'.

Subscription boxes – beauty, fashion, home, baby & kids, arts & craft, food, Eco / health, lifestyle – to name some of the most popular categories out there, might be the new trend or obsession that has taken the market over the last couple of years. As many of you probably already know, most of the subscriptions are monthly but some are delivered quarterly, and many of the monthly ones give you the option to skip a month. The way it works is the following – you pay a set amount of subscription fee per month (there are a number of subscription plans where typically 3-, 6- and 12-month plans give you a discount over a month-to-month plan) and get a number of curated goodies based on the type of box.

The subscription-based model could be described as a “modern age” deal-of-the-month club, however I’d say it is much more than that. While the deal element is definitely present in most of the subscriptions (as you typically get more in value compared to what you have paid for as a subscription fee), something else also characterizes today's sub com model – and would probably distinguish the truly successful subscription companies going forward. It is the fact that many of the subscription-based businesses market to a highly targeted customer base that is interested in a specific niche and willing to try new, small, independent quality brands or probe high-quality luxury brands before they commit to buying them. Thus, these target customers are not only interested in getting a good deal on the goodies they value, but also on finding products and services that are new, cool, and of high quality; products and services that they can then – hopefully for the subscription companies and the marketing companies alike – go back and buy repeatedly.

Over the past year or so, I have been following this monthly subscription box phenomenon with great interest that had led me to subscribing to a few “boxes” myself. I will be exploring these one at a time. The latest and, to date, the most exciting box I am subscribed to is PopSugar Must Have Box. All of the opinions expressed here are my own and, what I might find exciting, may be plain boring for others - even if so, hopefully it would still be informative.

Do you subscribe to any boxes? If so, what are your favorite ones? What do you think distinguishes those from your less favorite ones? With so many sub boxes offered on the market today, how did you choose the ones to subscribe to?

M.

Disclosure: There is a referral link in my post. I will get referral points if you click and sign up for the PopSugar’s Must Have Box through my link.