Subscription Service Archives

Gift a Tippy Taste Jewelry Box This Holiday Season

November 15, 2016

If you know me, you know that I am a jewelry fanatic! I just can’t resist a sparkly gem. My husband doesn’t understand why I don’t just invest in fine jewelry. What can I say, I love costume jewelry. Plus, it’s much easier on my wallet.

If you’re trying to figure out what to gift this holiday season, just check out Tippy Taste. Tippy Taste is a jewelry subscription service that allows subscribers to receive 2-3 pieces per month, depending on their plan. When the monthly newsletter comes out highlighting the latest collection, you get to choose your most to least favorite items by ranking them.

This is the first jewelry subscription service I’ve seen that allows you to curate your own box. You also have the option to shop directly from the site without a monthly subscription. They recently launched an affordable fine jewelry line. I’m a big fan of the Horseshoe Pearl necklace and Heirloom ring. I guess a girl can change her opinion about fine jewelry.

Tippy Taste September Box

This past summer Tippy Taste took a trip to Russia. The September box was inspired by their visit. Every piece from the collection is beautiful. The two pieces I received are the Veronika necklace and the Anastasia Drop earrings. I’m obsessed with the gold spikes and chic black crystal accents of the necklace. I love how dainty it is with a touch of edge. The earrings are super unique. I love the black and gold combo and the fringe detail. A sophisticated choice for those upcoming holiday parties.

If you’re still struggling on what to get that special person in your life this holiday season, a Tippy Taste box is the perfect gift for the jewelry lover in your life. Super affordable with the added bonus that they can choose what they want. Win-win!

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*Tippy Taste graciously provided me with these products, but all opinions are my own.

The Best Closet Staples + Rocksbox Review – 4 Months In

September 6, 2016

📷’s by Luba Kochubey Portraits

Closet staples are great for two reasons; capsule wardrobes and building your closet’s foundation. I won’t be covering capsule wardrobes, but if you’re interested in learning more about them be sure to check out Unfancy. Caroline does an excellent job of breaking down the process into actionable steps.

Whenever I shop a Nordstrom sale, I get so tired of hearing that it is a great time to stock up on staples. I hate staples, they are so basic. But now I know better. Closet staples are the building blocks of a great wardrobe.

When I was choosing an outfit for this shoot, I was a little frantic. I felt like I didn’t have anything new to wear. I made a conscious effort to rely on my staples (distressed denim, white blouse, and utility jacket).

Most people have these pieces, and if you don’t, they are easy to find on the cheap. I do however, recommend investing in a nice pair of jeans and a white blouse. Investing in both of these will save you in the long run.

Closet Staples

The Utility Jacket

When I got this jacket I wasn’t sure I would wear it very much, but now I go for it weekly. Even though the recent weather has been warm, I still need a light weight jacket in the mornings and for the office. It’s super light weight and can be thrown into my tote bag when it’s not in use.

I have worn this piece with a chambray dress, black skinny jeans, and now this pair of distressed denim. It would also look super cute with a simple tee and skirt. That’s four options right there with just one jacket.

The White Blouse

A white blouse is a classic and looks good on everyone. You can wear it with any bottom (skirt, jeans, shorts). You could even put it under a dress. Do yourself a favor and buy two so you always have this option in the morning.

Distressed Denim

Do you really need an explanation for this one? I didn’t think so, but just in case, let me stress again that a good pair of denim will keep you looking your best. I am partial to distressed denim because I never like to look too dressed up. The distressing keeps things casual and fun. When you find a brand or cut that works, I recommend getting a couple washes or colors.

All of the accessories in today’s post are from Rocksbox, a monthly subscription service. This month I seriously fell in love with every piece. If you’re curious about Rocksbox you can check out my other reviews (month one, month two, and month three). Interested in signing up? Use code laceandpearlsblogxoxo at checkout to receive your first month free.

Closet essentials will de-stress your mornings. If the above items aren’t your staples of choice, find a few that are and make them work for you. What are your favorites? I would love it if you would share them in the comments.

*Rocksbox graciously provided me with a free 6 month trial, but all opinions are my own.

Scentbird Subscription Fragrance Service

August 30, 2016

📷’s by Luba Kochubey Portraits

Finding a new fragrance can be difficult. It took me two years to find Flower Bomb by Viktor & Rolf and Prada Infusion D’Iris. Both of these fragrances smell amazing, but I would love to add a few more to my repertoire.

Whenever I go searching for a new fragrance, I always give it a little spritz on my wrist. I then end up leaving the store to go scrub it off with soap and water. For the rest of the day, I swear I’m haunted by that awful perfume smell.

Can anyone else relate?

A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon Scentbird, a perfume subscription service.

How does Scentbird work?

Like most subscription service, you’re first prompted to create a style profile. To get started I filled out the TruScent Recommender. This is a database full of thousands of scent profiles and perfume reviews by real people. What I liked most about this process is you don’t have to choose the recommended option. You can also just browse by brand, mood, occasion or personality.

You can retake the TruScent Recommender at any time, and rate fragrances. The more you rate the better your recommendations.

I’m a big fan of product reviews and almost always read them when shopping. Scentbird works the same way. I reviewed my recommendations but chose to go with something else based on the scent and reviews.

What I Received

I chose Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline. This fragrance consists of lotus, musk, black tea, bamboo, and pear. It is described as being elegant and having a fresh scent. My good friend Mil also wears it but I have to say, I wasn’t a fan. I wanted to love this fragrance, and the reviews were good, but it just didn’t work for me. The scent just smelled too perfume-y and strong. Maybe it’s just my body chemistry. I’ll continue to wear for a while to see if I adjust to it.

What do you get?

Scentbird’s subscription runs $14.95 a month and can be canceled at any time. Best of all you get a generous sized 8 ml bottle (a ~30 day supply). It comes in a super cute reusable case and glass bottle. Each month you get to choose from 450+ designer and niche fragrances.

I would definitely try Scentbird again and sign up for a monthly subscription. My mom loves fragrances and this would make a great gift.

Visit Scentbird to sign up and take the TruScent Recommender. What is your favorite fragrance? I would love to add them to my list.

*Scentbird provided me with this fragrance, but all opinions are my own.

Golden Tote – Clothing and Surprises

August 23, 2016

📷’s by Luba Kochubey Portraits

Do you love fashion? Does the idea of having your own personal stylist sound appealing? What if you could combine both of these things while providing input on the process. Work with someone who not only knows all your measurements but also won’t put you in something you hate. Sounds nice right? I’m here to tell you that Golden Tote is your answer.

What is Golden Tote?

Golden Tote is a flash sale site that launches a new collection the first Monday of every month. Depending on your order, both you and your stylist will choose a few items. For example, I chose two items and my stylist chose three.

How Does My Stylist Know What I Like?

I am impressed with Golden Tote’s style profile. When you sign up you’re prompted to create an account. You are then encouraged to share your measurements, color preferences, likes, and dislikes. I also appreciate how you can select the items that you would not wear, such as a crop top or flared jeans.

How Much Does It Cost?

The price is similar to other retailers, but with an insider discount. It is more cost effective if you buy a tote instead of individual pieces from the boutique.

Tote Options

The Golden Tote – $149 Pick two pieces/stylist chooses three
The Surprise – $89 Stylist will choose three items for you based on your profile
The Mini Tote – $59 Pick one piece/stylist chooses one

Return Policy

You have two options; the traditional method where you can return a full or partial order, or join their Facebook group to swap, trade, or sell an item.

What I Received

My choices

The stripe shift dress is my favorite item that I received. I styled it with this distressed denim jacket and added a cute parrot brooch to the pocket. I requested a size large, but the dress was too big in the hips and upper body. I am narrow through the hips, so the extra fabric wasn’t necessary.

Dress: Golden Tote c/o | Sandals: Josef Sebiel | Necklace: Stella & Dot (old) | Bracelet: Tory Burch for Fitbit (similar)| Lipstick: Wet n Wild (Stoplight Red)

The second item I chose was the Picnic Perfect dress. I love everything about this dress from the color to the pattern. It comes with the belt which helps add definition to the waist. Unfortunately, this dress was tight in the chest. For reference, this dress is a size large and my chest measurements are a 24DD.

Stylist choices

I am a big fan of this lace skirt from Blush Noir. I have never worn a pencil skirt and was surprised by how much I liked it. It’s a bit body conscious for my liking, but the fit is nice and super flattering. The length was good, too. It didn’t hurt that the material is lace (my fav). The waist was a bit large. Otherwise, it would have been perfect. I don’t think that I could take a smaller size.

My favorite piece that the stylist chose is this purple top by Skies Are Blue. The silhouette is one that I wear often, but the color isn’t. I am not the biggest fan of purple, but I love this shade. I’ve worn this blouse so many time since receiving the order.

Dress: Golden Tote c/o | Necklace: J.Crew (similar) | Lipstick: Wet n Wild (Stoplight Red)

My least favorite item was this fitted floral dress by Collective Concepts. I am not a fan of bodycon dresses or (as I mentioned before) the color purple. This dress was surprisingly flattering, especially in the midsection (my trouble area). I still didn’t like it on me. I felt like it made me look a little too mature, (older than my age).

Would I try Golden Tote again?

Heck yes! The experience was so much fun. I’m curious what the fall collection will look like. Be sure to head over to Golden Tote and sign up for their newsletter.

*Golden Tote provided me with this tote and the clothing, but all opinions are my own.

Rocksbox Review – 3 Months In

August 3, 2016

This month’s Rocksbox was my least favorite box so far. It’s also the first time that I haven’t purchased any of the items that I received. I did like the new branding and color scheme. The white box is now a dark gray with rose gold letters, and the white tissue paper has rose gold and pink flecks.

What is RocksBox?

Rocksbox is a monthly subscription service that allows you to rent jewelry with the option to buy. You can hold on to your pieces for as long as you want. If you decide to keep something, you will be charged for that item when your box is returned.

What I Received

Gorjana Necklace

This is a simple piece that is versatile but didn’t hang right. The layers kept tangling around each other. The length also bothered me and didn’t work well with the ruffle blouse that I wore. This necklace would work best with a smooth tee or blouse. I also feel that it’s priced too high for what it is. Needless to say, I sent this one back.

Nashelle Cuff

This piece is cute, but I was not impressed with the quality. I’m also not a fan of cuff bracelets because they are hard to layer with other bracelets. I thought this one was also not worth the price.

Kendra Scott earrings

These earrings are super girly and cute! I love the ivory pearl stone and the rhinestones etching. I haven’t gotten a Kendra Scott piece that I didn’t like. Her pieces are always top notch.

📷’s by Luba Kochubey Portraits

Rocksbox Stylist

Rocksbox lets you provide feedback on the products in your shipment. On this order, I provided the same feedback as I did in this post. The good news is that my latest box is amazing! I surprisingly like all of the pieces and can’t wait to share them with you next month.

Rocksbox Customer Service

I have had to reach out to the Rocksbox’s customer service a few times. With my first box, I lost the earring back from an earring and they credited me $10 for the inconvenience. I was totally surprised since I was at fault. Another time, one of my packages was lost in the mail and they were quick to send me a replacement. Overall, I’ve been super impressed with the service and the quality of their products.

Give Rocksbox a Try

Want to give Rocksbox a try? Read my first and second post if you need more convincing! Then use code laceandpearlsblogxoxo at checkout to receive your first month free.

*Rocksbox graciously provided me with a free 6 month trial, but all opinions are my own.

Gift a Tippy Taste Jewelry Box This Holiday Season

Tippy Taste September Box

The Best Closet Staples + Rocksbox Review – 4 Months In