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Spring Box of Style Review

April 12, 2017

Hello, loves!
Let me first say how excited I was to finally receive the Spring Box of Style from the Zoe Report! It’s almost worse when you get teasers of which items will be in a subscription box; I’m starting to think I’d rather just be surprised haha! I definitely was looking forward to the “hero” item, which did not let me down.

Before I get ahead of myself, I wanted to share that this exact box is currently $20 off when you use my link here and code “FRIENDS20” at checkout until midnight on Friday, April 14th! Now, without further ado, so you can know if it’s even worth it haha, here is my Spring Box of Style Review!

First up, the “hero” item, this versatile bag from Tribe Alive. Retail is $238, which I personally wouldn’t have paid for it, just because I wouldn’t spend that much on a bag right now. It is very well made, the leather and woven material look very high-end, and I love that it has some structure to it, and is quite roomy. It did take a while to relax and had the “folded” look for the first week I had it, so don’t expect to wear this one straight out of the box. The second time I wore it out, I had a woman try to find it online right then and there so she could buy it, she loved it so much! Thumbs up to this item!
Next up is the multi-way earrings from Adornmonde (retail $62). Subscribers were given the choice between gold and silver, but I didn’t really care because my ears aren’t pierced! I reached out to Team Zoe and was informed that there wasn’t another option to choose from, so these will be re-gifted. No value in these guys for me.
The Symbology scarf (retail $50) was also an item I wasn’t quite sure about… The color (a true red), doesn’t immediately speak to me as a spring item, and the shape isn’t something I reach for in my current scarf collection. I honestly haven’t worn it yet, and might wait until summer, when I’m breaking out my brighter colors. I love the idea of it artfully tied over the strap of a bag, but I’m not one to wrap a scarf around my arm or as a necktie. Others may find this item more worthwhile.
I’d been wanting to try the Tatcha skincare brand for some time, and am happy to have received the Polished Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder (retail $65). Again, a little pricier than I normally spend for an exfoliating product, but this one is pretty cool. The packaging is gorgeous, and this very gently foamed up and scrubbed away dead skin, leaving my skin feeling pretty fresh and clean. I didn’t notice any discernable scent, but I’m completely fine with that. Perhaps not a product I’d purchase again, but glad that I’m getting to test it out.
Another item I was stoked about was the glass water bottle from BKR. After seeing these babies all over the internet, I knew that I wanted one but didn’t want to invest the $35 they go for. It is, of course, heavier than regular plastic bottles, but you also aren’t going to risk anything leaching into your water. Plus, the color is SO pretty.
Lastly, as part of the box, the Butter London nail polish in Piece of Cake (retail $18). This one I was a bit disappointed in. I did three layers, because you could still see my nail with only two coats. It chipped very easily and looked uneven and slightly chalky. I haven’t used many polishes from this line before, but it doesn’t have me wanting to search out more shades.
I did also receive, as an annual subscription member, this adorable tassel keychain, which I adore. It’s been on my keychain since the day I got it, and I love the little bit of flair it gives to something usually pretty mundane.

One thing that was pretty cool about this season’s box is that everything in it came from female-founded brands. The only thing that didn’t was the item not pictured here, the Stella Artois chalice. I still have no idea why this was included, as it seemed so out of place. It does have a really pretty etched pattern on it, just not sure it’s relation to the other products.

All in all, I’m loving the bag, the water bottle and the keychain. I value the box at about $160, in terms of the use I will get out of the items, which is not a bad deal at all! If you’re interested in subscribing, for one season, or an annual membership, use my link here to sign up!

This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing items through these links may provide me with a small commission. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.

March Stitch Fix

March 30, 2017

Hi, loves!
This month’s Stitch Fix will be short and sweet. For this fix, I had requested a navy or grey crossbody bag, a lacey top, another light layering piece, floral print something, and I wanted to try my luck at another pair of jeans. I have to say, this was one of my most disappointing fixes to date. The price points were outstanding and totally within my budget, and had some of the pieces fit better, and/or not been damaged, I likely would have kept the whole box! I hate to say it, but I didn’t even want to waste the time this month, showing how everything looked, so we just shot the items themselves. Read on for the rest of my thoughts on my March Stitch Fix!

I was really excited to take this one out of the box, but soon realized it had a few problems.. First off, there was a large snag in the lace neckline. It was not something I cared to invest time or money in fixing and realized if it was that delicate, I’d probably end up unravelling it some more. THEN I noticed there was a small oil stain on the front! It definitely went back. Top, $38, returned.

Again, I would have totally rocked this top, had it fit properly. It was perfect around my hips, but had these gaping pockets of fabric under my arms! So unflattering, and I have no idea what body shape this would have worked on. Blouse, $44, returned.

So, this would be the item I did keep. It was reasonably priced, functional, and quite comfortable to wear. It’s a touch darker than I had pictured, and had an odd bright blue mark on the side, but I didn’t want to lose my styling credit, and this was the item I pictured myself getting the most use out of. Bag, $48, kept.

Alright, so these jeans had the weirdest fit EVER. When I got them pulled up, I noticed there was still a bit of material in the crotch area, like I needed to pull them up more, but they wouldn’t go! So it’s like I had webbing between my legs. Also, the length was confused. They wanted to be cropped jeans, but they were too long to be “cropped” and too short to be full length, which was quite unflattering. My bum looked really good in this pair, but the other factors had me putting them right back in that bag. Jeans, $78, returned.

Lastly, this uninspiring flyaway cardigan. I don’t mean to sound so harsh, but the color was just meh, the fit was meh, and I could never see myself reaching for it to complete a look. It was also a bit pricey for a piece that I would consider a basic at $54. Cardigan, returned.

Overall, the odds were not in my favor this fix. I’m not done with this service, as I continue to find things that I LOVE from Stitch Fix, but I’m hoping the quality and fit will improve next month.

All pictures by Holli Zenko Photography.

I’d love to know.. When you get a less than fantastic monthly service, do you cancel right away or give them another shot?

FabFitFun Fall Reveal

October 19, 2016

A new season has arrived, and with it, the FabFitFun fall reveal!
I was definitely looking forward to this box, because I knew it would be full of pretty little things to make the best of the cooler weather. I’ve broken down all of the contents of this subscription box into a couple of categories, because there was just so much jam-packed in to it! Read all the way to the bottom for a $10 off discount code 😉

Coloring book & coloring pencils – FabFitFun
I was stoked to receive another coloring book and new pencils! I thoroughly enjoy the one I already have, which is of underwater creatures, but was in need of a more beginner-level version. This one is full of flowers and other pretty things and each page can be completed in a night, as opposed to a week for the larger, more detailed designs. I also think it’s fantastic that when purchasing add-ons, I was given the option to donate to Pencils of Promise, a global community that’s focused on increasing access of quality education for children in developing countries.

Now for the makeup, always one of my favorite categories!
I’ve held off on getting any of the Naked palettes, for one reason or another, and it must have been because I knew that this Nude Collection palette from Pure Cosmetics ($50) was coming my way. I’ve found the pigments to be true, long-wearing, and I love that this palette can take your eye look from natural to super-smoky depending on the shades you use.
The Cargo lip gloss quad was an add-on purchase for $9 (down from $20). I’ve been a longtime fan of Cargo and the classic tin packaging is definitely nostalgic for me, as I used to collect them about a decade ago!
Always in search of the perfect brow products, I generally prefer a tinted gel, because I think they look more natural and add a bit of pigment to brows. This water-resistant version from The Browgal is clear, but I do like that it holds brows in place through working out and a night of dancing.

The Purlisse sunscreen ($9) was an add-on, and a product I already know that I love. It’s a perfect combination of moisturizer and sunscreen and does a great job at both.
The Skin Laundry Restoring Night Serum ($50) I have only remembered to use a couple of times, to be honest, because washing my face is the last thing I do before going to sleep and most nights I’m so tired, I simply forget! I have noticed my skin nice and smooth when I wake up, and I’m definitely going to take it with me when I travel.
I’ve never been a fan of body oils, because I feel that they are always so messy! They get all over the bottle, the counter, and anything you touch after using them. I can’t say that this French Lavender mini version from Mullein & Sparrow ($18) is any different, because pouring oil out of a glass bottle is decidedly not the cleanest method of dispensing it, but I do feel that it left my skin moisturized and I loved the delicate lavender scent.

(That’s what I get for wearing a hot pink shirt while using a reflector haha!)
I added on this Cucio Somatology Yoga Essentials Kit for $19 and I’ve already made great use of it. The Mat Spray leaves a gorgeous fresh scent on something that rarely smells gorgeous or fresh. I also love the balancing lotion and oil for giving me a sense of calm if I’m feeling a little stressed out.
I already own another pair of toeless foot socks, but these from Toesox ($18) will definitely come in handy once those get worn out. They’re a great addition to your Pilates or yoga practice.

Last but not least, the fun stuff!
The Ban.do greeting card set ($10) was a great find. The cheeky sayings and cute pictures will brighten up the day of my friends and family when I send them off.
I really wanted the coffee cup that said “good morning, gorgeous!” because that’s what Mark says to me every morning, but instead I got the “joy comes in the morning” saying. I’ve only used this cup once and I was not impressed. My tea that was boiling hot at home was room temp by the time I got to work. It also made a whistling noise when I sipped from the cup. Not my favorite.
Another kind of odd item is the Spongelle Bulgarian Rose Body Wash Infused Buffer ($16). It smells divine, first and foremost, but it’s not very practical. You could never travel with it, I can’t imagine it drying out properly between uses, and I can’t imagine it’s going to last enough uses to make it worth the retail price tag.
Who couldn’t use another plaid scarf for fall?! Again, I was hoping for a different version, but I guess that’s why it makes it more ideal to purchase the year of FabFitFun boxes in advance. That way, you get to have options and choose the version you like best. I’ll still gets tons of use out of this black and white Loch and Key blanket scarf from Modcloth ($35).

All in all, this box was DEFINITELY worth the price of admission. It contains over $250 worth of items for $49.99. If you’re interested in signing up for the FabFitFun Fall box (they’re still available!) or the upcoming winter box, feel free to use my link here and code “FALL20” when checking out for $10 off your first box, making it only $39.99!

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you click on or purchase items through these links. This is what helps keep Dressed for Time going! All opinions stated are my own, and I will always give my honest thoughts on any items or subscription boxes I post about.