A different day, A different subscription box

Today I asked myself several very important questions:

1. How can I motivate myself to clean the garage?
2. Will I ever be able to look at a cookie and not want to eat it?
3. How can I get in shape without going to the gym and while doing everyday mom things like pumping and cutting cucumbers into the shape of a dog?
4. Is 8 too many disinfectant sprays to buy at once?

The answers to those questions are not in this post.  This post is about Wantable – another subscription service.  I just can’t wait for Reviews on Tues.  It is my goal to one day have a new subscription box of some variety to open every day of the week.  (No I’m only kidding of course. Once a week would be fine.)

Wantable is, to quote them, “an online lifestyle service for busy people on the go. Providing distinctly unique products tailored to your individual tastes, needs, and wants.” There is a $20 styling fee that is applied to the price of an item if you choose to keep one AND if you keep 5 or more (of the 7 they send you) you get a 20% discount. Win! The process is similar to Stitch Fix and Trunk Club in that you fill out your style and size profile and click through a bunch of clothing options indicating items you would not like to see and ones you would like to see in your box. I wish they had an app for android but alas they do not.

I received my box:

And opened it:

I was fairly pleased with the look of this box.  Not the box but what was inside the box. Everything had promise.  Everything was the kind of thing I might pick up for myself if I were meandering through a store. The trouble of course is touching things and trying them on and seeing what I look like in the mirror. I once read (I can’t remember where) that you should never touch anything in a store because the moment you touch it you are some high percentage more likely to buy it.  Well we’ll see.

Eventually I was able ran up to my closet to try everything on:

Elbow V-Neck Dolman by W. by Wantable 

I love the dolman top – obviously. I just purchased a very, very similar one from my Stitch Fix box. Since I don’t need another black dolman top this one is getting returned.  Plus it was a bit sheer.

1. Printed Pleated Shell Top Black/White Floral by Supply + Demand 2. Heather High Rise Crop in Bilbao Wash by Articles of Society

The floral Supply + Demand shirt had me confused for a little while.  I like it. It’s a pretty shirt.  I thought it looked fine (you be the judge) but I just thought it didn’t go beyond “meh” for me. I feel like if I’m going to spend any amount of money whatsoever I have to be moved beyond “meh.” I knew that if I were going to dinner I wouldn’t put on this shirt so it has to be returned.

The Articles of Society jeans that I have on in the second two pictures are okay if a bit snug but I just don’t need them.  I need boyfriend jeans.  I could use boot-cut. But I do not need another pair of jeans this tight around my legs. Returned.

Long Sleeve Slub Scoop Back V-Neck in Avocado by W. by Wantable

The slub W. by Wantable shirt in avocado (I urge you, if you ever see an avocado this color do NOT eat it) – this was clearly not a winner.  I’m not the type to let my bra straps hang out and the neck line was just not working for me. Perhaps it was just huge? Because it did not look on me the way it did in the picture. Whatever the reason it was not a nice fit for me. This will be returned.

3/4 Sleeve Surplice Jumpsuit by Lauren Helena

The Jumpsuit – I actually really like this. I got into jumpsuits during my third pregnancy and am always looking for good ones that aren’t maternity (I still break those out sometimes…) and this one almost fit the bill. It just wasn’t perfect.  It was a bit plunging but a smaller size would have been too small and I wouldn’t wear a shirt underneath. Sadly, despite the fact that overall I like this a lot, it’s a return.

Ponte Fit & Flare Dress by Q&A

The dress.  It’s just a no. It’s just a flat out no. Perhaps I’m the wrong age to wear this style? Or maybe the wrong size or height? I don’t know the answer. I just know it’s a no for me. Even my pretty red shoes couldn’t jazz this up for me. Look, I couldn’t even show my face in this one. Return return return.

High Waist Josefina Boyfriend in AGM by 7 For All Mankind

Last but not least the boyfriend jeans. Finally. Something I like and want to keep! Let’s ignore the dirty mirror and the fact that I clearly took this picture on a different day from all the others. The jeans are what I’ve been looking for – a bit looser than all the ones I currently own and they get slouchier with a wearing or two (and then tighten back up with washing as all jeans do.) I really like them. Keep.

So that’s my Wantable experience.  You should try it – It’s worth a shot!

Reviews on Tues: Trunk Club

I am in serious trouble. I enjoyed Stitch Fix. I thought it was entertaining to get a box of clothes in the mail. I basically liked the clothes that were sent to me and ended up keeping one shirt. Trunk Club is a whole new ballgame.

Trunk Club is a Nordstrom company so the clothes are all brands you would find at a Nordstrom store.  I love Nordstrom. When you sign up to receive a trunk you fill out a profile and take a quiz which informs your stylist as to your likes and dislikes, styles you would wear and would never wear, what you need the clothes for, your sizes, etc.  I was able to choose from a few options to indicate that this trunk was for a “wardrobe refresh.” I also sent a message saying specifically that I have many basics and casual clothes and that I was looking for items to fill in – something with color, something trendy, something that I wouldn’t necessarily think to buy, and something I can wear on the town (rather than in the minivan).

A few days after I ordered my trunk I got a message with the items that would be delivered to me. This is different from Stitch Fix which simply mailed out 5 items.  I wasn’t sure I liked the idea of getting the message ahead of time – after all – part of the fun of the whole thing is the surprise of opening up the box. After I saw the message I quickly changed my tune. First of all I didn’t realize there would be so many items in the trunk – 11! And I was able to decline more than half which were either not my style or something I just didn’t need.  I was specific when I declined each item as to the reason so that my stylist can understand what I’m looking for better. A few days later when I received notification that the trunk had shipped I was able to see what had been included in the end and I was excited – it all looked much better.

So yesterday. The trunk arrived and I was SO excited.  I don’t know what’s wrong with me when it comes to this stuff – I’m like a 12 year old at an *NSYNC concert 20 years ago (No idea who the 12 year olds are giddy over these days…) – I ran into the kitchen with my box and my husband was there to capture the moment:

The kids were upstairs having a bath so I had just enough time to open the box before they came down. First you see this:

Then you see this:

I even got as far as doing this:

and then the kids were downstairs screaming about who was the best listener during bath/who gets to choose the show/what’s for dinner/whatever.

I did a fashion show during dinner which I’ll take advantage of now since I’m pretty sure the four of them will burst into flames if I do that kind of thing when they’re older. I had a good time though so there’s that.  But I had to wait until this morning to try everything on in front of the mirror.  Here’s what I got:

Victor Silk Blouse rag & bone

Rumpled Satin Blouse Vince Camuto

Vanessa Zip Front Bouse rag & bone

Thatch Tank rag & bone

Ruffle Neck Blouse Wallis

Le Color High Waist Skinny Jeans FRAME

Classic Ex-Boyfriend Chambray Shirt Madewell

Paris Rocks Fringe Calfskin Suede Crossbody Bag Longchamp

Cherita Off the Shoulder Top Paige Denim + ‘Bridget 33’ Bootcut Jeans DL1961 + Cling Stretch Bootie Stuart Weitzman

I wish I knew how to behave when taking pictures of myself.  Do I smile? How do I position my feet? My legs? My arms? My hair? My eyes? Literally every part of my body I scrutinize before taking the picture and still these are the poses and facial expressions I end up with. I ask you.

Well it’s safe to say I’m screwed. I loved everything in the box. It is all right on target in terms of my style and what I asked for.  I could pick any one of these shirts to wear out to dinner, the bootcut jeans would be a great alternative to the skinny jeans I have, the boots are beautiful and fit like a glove.  I mean I don’t know when I’ve tried on shoes that went on easier and felt better to wear in recent history.  The black jeans with all the rips are not something I would typically try on but I have to admit I loved them.  My kids were like – wait a second – your jeans are broken.  And I was like – no that’s actually how they are supposed to be.  It’s called fashion.  They were like – they were MADE that way? But I digress. The bag – I LOVE the bag.  In fact that whole outfit I put together with the chambray top, black jeans and bag – I’m a little bit obsessed with it.

But I really studied each item and had to decide whether it was really worth it.  These brands – rag & bone, Paige Denim, Stuart Weitzman, Longchamp – I mean this stuff is not cheap.  If I bought the whole box I was looking at over $2500! I’m pretty sure I could go back in and alter my profile to receive things at a more reasonable price point (and, by the way, a few of the items were definitely reasonable) but I really wanted to get super nice things.  So I said okay, if I’m going to spend $350 on a shirt it better be the nicest shirt I’ve ever worn and also the most practical and flattering.  It should tick all the boxes.  And I found that with that criteria I was able to knock out a few things right away.  I love the rag & bone tops – the long sleeve silk one from the first picture is beautiful but just doesn’t fit right. The Zip Front blouse is so pretty and different but again – it just didn’t feel or look exactly right when I lifted my arms or put up my hair or any number of other actions I do to determine how the sleeves of any given shirt fit.

The Boots are beautiful but completely impractical.  I’m not buying black suede boots nearing the end of winter, right before the rainy season, for bust out retail.  And that’s the OTHER thing.  I love these boxes.  I think it’s so much fun to look through it all and try it on.  But if I’m going to buy a Madewell shirt, shouldn’t I just go to Madewell and wait for a sale?

The bootcut jeans are cute but too big and too long. The Bag is gorgeous but again – a suede bag? I’m afraid I’ll spill something or mark it up with pen or it’ll rub against my jeans and get discolored.

I forgot to take individual pictures of the ripped up jeans and the off the shoulder top.  The jeans I’ve already said I love and the shirt I really liked too.  My husband liked that shirt the most so that’s always a no-brainer.  Unless I thought something was totally heinous, if he tells me something is his favorite or he absolutely loves something I’m going to get it.

Final verdict:

Victor Silk Blouse – return

Rumpled Satin Blouse – return (loved but too big and too see-through)

Vanessa Zip Front Blouse – return

Thatch Tank – return (not worth the money)

Ruffle Neck Blouse – undecided (inexpensive and a pop of color but not super exciting)

Chambray shirt – probably keep

Le Color High Waist Skinny Jeans – Keep

Bootcut Jeans – return

Off the shoulder top – keep

Cling Stretch Boots – return

Crossbody bag – probably return

All in all I am very pleased with Trunk Club and definitely feel like the stylist “gets me” better that the Stitch Fix stylist.  Whereas Stitch Fix was just ever so slightly wrong in some nameless way everything in this trunk right to a T. The question is – should I continue to do it? Or should I just walk into Nordstrom and go shopping every few months?

What do you think? Am I making the right decision? (It’s not too late – I have another 3 days to decide!)

Reviews on Tues.

I’m finally purging my closet.  There are items in there that haven’t fit me since before my first child was born.  It’s time to go.  Maternity wear, nursing tops, 3 sizes too small J Crew shorts that really, really won’t ever fit me again – gone.

I find I have a uniform these days.  Jeans and a neutral top. Short-sleeve tee shirt in warm weather, long-sleeve tee shirt in cool weather, neutral colored sweater in cold weather. I recently went to J Crew to fill in – tee shirts in white, gray, olive green and navy. Dark jeans, black jeans, a cashmere sweater. So I got the staples – the bread, flour and rice of my wardrobe, but I’m still missing the delicacies.

So I decided to try Stitch Fix – the personal shopping service that sends a personalized box of clothing and accessories to your doorstep every month.  I love clothes, shopping, shopping for clothes and I thought it would be fun to see what they sent me – if I hated it the worst that could happen is I’d send everything back and lose $20. It’s a fun concept.  I love the element of surprise – what will I pull out of the box this month? I like that I can write notes to my “stylist” to get her to “know me” better.  If I have an occasion coming up I can specify that in my notes.  If I hate wearing yellow I can ask that the color not be included in my items.  I was curious and so I signed up, filled out a lengthy profile, and waited until my first box arrived.

I told some fellow 3s moms about this and they told me they wanted to know all about it.  I’m not sure if they knew quite how involved in my experience they would all become, indeed, how involved you would all become. What follows is my first experience with Stitchfix.

The box arrived February 8th and looked just like a box.  Giddy as a kid on the first night of Hanukkah I took my box and ran upstairs to my closet to try it all on.* This is what I found inside. *Wait. Did anyone think it was slightly weird that I’d just be able to drop everything and run up to my closet to try things on? Yeah. That would never happen.  Truly, I got the box, brought it inside and stared at it for hours until P did homework, the kids had dinner, and I got them in bed. Finally – let the fashion show begin!

I was pretty happy – folded up it looks exactly like clothes I would wear.  Come to think of it, not folded up it looks exactly like clothes I would wear.  Love the purple boots, love the jeans, love the black and white of the shirts and dress (despite momentarily wishing they had sent me something colorful, I remembered that I actually only seem to wear shades of black and white or the most boring colors these days..)

I tried on each item starting with the shoes.  I don’t have a picture of me trying on the shoes because 1) I forgot and 2) They didn’t fit and 3) When I remembered that I hadn’t taken a picture I decided that no one needed to see me shoving my foot into a too-small boot like an ugly stepsister or something….So I’m sure I could have exchanged the boots for a bigger size but it so wasn’t worth the hassle. Returned.

Next I tried on the black shirt. I’ve since learned this is called a dolman shirt. The more you know.  I have a few thoughts about what you’re about to see – see if you can guess:

If you said – “that came straight out of your closet” you’re right.  If you said “what’s going on with your arm in the second picture?” you also win.  Finally, if you’re wondering if this is my first time taking pictures of myself in clothes I’m trying on – yes. It very clearly is. See the bent knee in the first and second pictures? I clearly am trying to take a decent picture….but back to the clothes.  I love this shirt.  It’s slouchy and comfortable and, as I said, basically could have been yanked from my closet (there I am standing in my closet – if you look closely at the shelves you’ll probably see something similar).  And because you can never have too much of a good thing, the shirt is a Keep.

Next up, the black and white shirt.

Look! I figured out I can stand a bit closer to the mirror to get a better shot of the shirt.  And I took my hair down for this one just for some variety. So I like this shirt – it’s me.  I can see myself wearing it to…. and then also….. or maybe when I go…..

…and that was my problem with this shirt. I like it but I just don’t see myself wearing it.  It’s the kind of shirt I would buy in a store thinking it’s great for when I go to a board meeting or out for dinner but when it comes time to get dressed for the board meeting or dinner I always without fail choose something different.  Plus I wasn’t wild about the material – it felt a bit cheap. Returned.

The penultimate article of clothing was the dress:

You’ll notice I’ve now put my hair into a third hairstyle (if you can call it that.) Now I’m not loving my body these days (YES I have 4 children YES the smallest is just 9 months YES I’m still nursing him NO I don’t hate myself YES I know what a gift it is to carry and feed these babies NO I’m not ashamed of my body – I just am not thrilled with the way I look right now) and this dress does nothing for me. I feel like a shapeless blob in a pretty garbage bag.  It’s pretty. I like the design. I like the concept.  I just don’t like me in it. Returned.

Finally I tried on the jeans.  Now I have to admit I almost didn’t try them on so I wouldn’t be tempted to keep them. Since losing enough baby weight to be able to fit into normal jeans (but not enough that I fit into my old jeans) I have purchased three pairs of jeans. All of them have been dark wash high waist skinny jeans.  These fit the mold exactly. At least I’m consistent and my stylist certainly got that right.  But I’ll be damned if I was going to keep a 4th pair of the exact same jean. Nevertheless here I am (the shirt is just a shirt)

If I hadn’t just bought 3 other identical pairs of jeans I would have kept these.  But I did buy 3 identical pairs.  So, returned.

And there you have it. My very first Stitchfix box.  My analysis? It’s weird.  It’s all my style but 3 of the 5 items are things I would normally buy but regret and one thing is so me I literally already have 3 exact items.  The shirt was worth it because I paid a $20 styling fee no matter what and if you buy an item you get to subtract $20 from the amount so the shirt came out to a whopping $16. Worth it.

The problem is, I was sort of hoping to get things for my wardrobe that weren’t staples but were more exciting or maybe even (gasp!) trendy! Well, there’s always next month.  And because I have an addictive personality and sponsored Facebook posts are dangerous in the wee hours of the morning, I will now also be getting boxes from Trunk Club and Wantable. It’s okay though because one of them doesn’t have a styling fee…

So I’ll keep you posted. And in the meantime, what other subscriptions boxes should I look into? 😉

xoxo,

Gossip Girl

just kidding.

Until next time…