Lace & Pearls

A Seattle Style blog. Helping women who struggle with their personal style or those who just need a fashion fix!

Golden Tote – Clothing and Surprises

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.

📷’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

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.

  • 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

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. 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.

Denim Jacket: Gap (similar) | Dress: Golden Tote c/o | Sandals: Josef Sebiel | Brooch: Banana Republic (old) | Bracelet: Tory Burch for Fitbit (similar)| Lipstick: Wet n Wild (Stoplight Red)

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.

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. 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.

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

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. 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.

Skirt: Golden Tote  c/o | Denim Jacket: Loft (old) | Tee: J.Crew | Necklace: J.Crew Factory (old) |Bracelet: Tory Burch for Fitbit (similar)| Lipstick: Wet n Wild (Stoplight Red)

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.

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.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.

Blouse: Golden Tote c/o | Jeans: AG | Necklace: Banana Republic (old) |Bracelet: Tory Burch for Fitbit (similar)| Sandals: Josef Sebiel | Lipstick: Wet n Wild (Stoplight Red)

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.

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.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.

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.

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How to Wear a Chambray Shirt

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📷’s by Luba Kochubey Portraits

Chambray shirt: Who What Wear |  Skirt: Who What Wear |  Shoes: Josef Seibel  | Earrings: Lucia K. Jewelry (use Laceandpearls20 to get 20% off your order)| Necklace: Kendra Scott (via Rocksbox) use code laceandpearlsblogxoxo at checkout to receive your first month free | Purse: Rebecca Minkoff (similar)| Lipstick: Wet n Wild (Pretty Persimmon)

One of the most recommended closet staples is the chambray shirt. Even though it “goes with everything”, I still struggle to build outfits with this material. I’m not the only one; search on Pinterest and there are endless how-to guides.

Not all chambray is created equal. I recommend purchasing yours in-store so you can feel the weight of the fabric and try it on.

One of my biggest hangups with the chambray shirt is the super thick material. I already have an athletic build, so I don’t need the extra bulk. That’s why I love this blouse. It’s the perfect weight and super soft like a worn in tee. Sleeveless works for all seasons. In the fall, I can wear it under a pullover sweater without bunchy sleeves.

Once you’ve mastered your fabric options, you’ll need to assess the color and fit. I once bought a chambray that was all wrong. It was super over-sized and boxy. I wore it a couple of times, and decided that it wasn’t going to work out. Lesson learned: buy a chambray that works with your frame. Be super careful with the length and fit and take note of the buttons. My shirt had contrasting white buttons, which was great for the warmer months but not so great for fall.

Wear Your Chambray…

  • With white denim or a red pant. Such a classic look and it works for most occasions. 🇺🇸
  • Under a pullover sweater
  • Over your favorite tee, cami, or dress
  • Wrapped around your waist for a casual cool look
  • Tucked into a skirt
  • Un-tucked with a body con skirt
  • With your favorite leggings
  • Denim on denim 🇨🇦

Both pieces in this look are from the Who What Wear (Target collection), which is super stylish and affordable. You can see the first WWW piece in last week’s look. The green pleated midi skirt is on-trend and perfect in length.

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Related posts:

  1. The Ultimate Pattern Mixing Guide
  2. How to Make the Drop Waist Dress Work For You
  3. Tips For Styling a Peplum Top
  4. 8 Tips for Defining Your Personal Style

The Ultimate Pattern Mixing Guide

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📷’s by Luba Kochubey Portraits

Top: Who What Wear | Skirt: Club Monaco (similar) | Necklace: Lucia K. Jewelry c/o (use Laceandpearls20 to get 20% off your order)| Ring: Stella &  Dot | Midi ring: Pretty Particular c/o (use code laceandpearls to receive 20% off your order) | Shoes: Josef Seibel  | Purse: Michael Micheal Kors (similar)| Lipstick: Wet n Wild (pretty persimon)

My favorite mixed-print combo is a striped blouse and a floral skirt. This classic pairing works well because the colors in the top (black & white) are also in the skirt.

This skirt is from Club Monaco (first seen here). I love the multi-layer hem and orange hue. The tank is from the Who What Wear (Target) collection. I am such a fan of this line and will be showcasing several pieces from the collection this month.

What I like most about pattern mixing is that it allows you to maximize your wardrobe without spending money. It may seem intimidating at first but you only need to master a few fundamentals.

Pattern Mixing Tips

  • Same color family. Replace your go-to solid top with a monochromatic pattern in the same color.
  • Try mixing two prints with a unifying color. An example would be blue and white stripe with a blue and white gingham.
  • In the world of fashion, stripes and leopard are neutrals. Keep this in mind when mixing your prints. They will almost always work.
  • Vary the scale of your pattern. Try wearing a medium/large print with a smaller one. Steer clear of two large prints paired together.
  • Matchy matchy. Wear identical prints in varying shades or different sizes.
  • Inverse colors. Wear a navy piece with white stripes alongside a white garment with navy stripes.
  • Break things up. Both your top and bottom don’t need to be a print. Add a solid in between each print. For example wear a patterned scarf with a solid top and a printed bottom.
  • Stick to similar tones. If your prints don’t match, make sure that the colors are in a similar tone.

What’s your favorite mix print combo?

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Related posts:

  1. How to Wear a Chambray Shirt
  2. Brighten Up Your Black and White Look
  3. Tips For Styling a Peplum Top
  4. How to Make the Drop Waist Dress Work For You

A Stroll Through the City

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Photography by Luba Kochubey Portraits 

Sweater: Ann Taylor (similar) | Skirt: Brooks Brothers (similar style) | Necklace: Larimar Necklace c/o | Rings: Gorjana (old) and Lika Love c/o | Tote: Lauren by Ralph Lauren (similar) | Shoes: Dr. Scholl’s | Lipstick: Wet n Wild (Purty Persimmon) | Lashes: Ardell (similar)

There is just something special about shooting in city – the skyline, the historical buildings, the people. I used to be terrified of shooting in a busy area, but now I embrace it. What’s the point of living in a great city like Seattle if you don’t get out and enjoy it?

Today I am excited to share this simple and elegant necklace by Larimar.  It is a great piece for everyday and can be worn with pretty much anything. I love the dainty silver chain and vibrant blue stone that can only be found in the Caribbean waters of the Dominican Republic.

My first instinct was to wear this pendant with a blouse, but I decided to go with a simple cashmere sweater paired with this printed dog skirt. For some extra glam, I wore my Ardell lashes #obsessed. I haven’t mastered applying false lashes yet, so my husband had to lend me a hand. Here’s a video tutorial if you could use a little help too.

Be sure to check out the other accessories from Larimar and definitely hit up their ring selection. They have so many modern pieces that any jewelry fanatic would love.

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Valentine’s Day: Dress to Impress

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Now I am not the biggest fan of Valentine’s Day, but I love the idea of dressing up for the occasion. After being married for almost 6 years, it kind of loses it’s luster. We don’t have any plan, but even a causal night in with a big bowl of popcorn (real butter) or dinner at our favorite burger spot sounds fun. With that said, I hope you have something fun planned with girlfriends or a significant other. Before you rack your brain on what to wear, check out Megan (Diary of This Girl) and I’s photos to get inspired, and remember that no holiday is complete without a side of tulle and cupcakes. If you missed our first post you can check it out here.

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I love how our outfits compliment each other. It’s pretty impressive considering we only discussed wearing tulle skirts. Megan’s skirt is actually a dress that she layered a sweater over. Her white statement necklace, red bag, and ballet flats suit her so well. I want her gold dainty layering rings too! So cute and perfect for everyday. Megan – if you ever want to part with that bag, you know where to find me.

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I have always found tulle skirts challenging to style, especially in the colder months. To make things easier I started with the shoes, and decided that gray tights would work best. The gray sweater made the most sense and pulled everything together. For the accessories I wore a vintage brooch from the Victorian era adorned with a cameo and rhinestones. I found this piece at a cute shop in eastern Washington on a shopping trip with my mother-in-law.

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The purse is from Old Navy. They have really upped their accessory game. The pink chain bracelet is a oldie but goodie as are the rings.

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Enjoy your weekend and be sure to swing by Megan’s blog to see more photos from our Valentine’s Day shoot. Thanks so much for reading. See you next week!

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Photos by Michelle Dorman Photography

(Me) Sweater: Ann Taylor (similar) | Skirt: Club Monaco (similar) | Brooch: vintage (similar) | Rings: Gorjana (old)  & Nadri (similar) | Bracelet: J.Crew (old) | Shoes: Dr.Scholl’s | Purse: Old Navy (similar) | Lipstick: Wet n Wild (Mocha-licious) | Lashes: Ardell (similar)

(Megan) Sweater: Forever 21 | Dress: Target | Necklace: Francesca’s | Bag: thrifted via Goodwill| Ballet Flats: thrifted via Goodwill

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