My Monthly Subscription Box List - Updated

Time to update my Subscription Box List....  See my post here of what I've subscribed to in the past.  I may have gotten a little carried away with having so many of them, but in my defense, many of these boxes do allow you to skip months or schedule your deliveries.  (The boxes with the stars * beside their name are the boxes that allow you to do so).  I'm not actually getting all of these each month.  (Just when I want to receive them/can afford them).

1.  Julep Maven * - $19.99/month
2.  PopSugar Must Have Box - $39.95/month
3.  Birchbox - $10/month - Update:  Cancelled on 7/18/15 due to trying to become more minimalist
4.  Ipsy - $10/month - Update:  Cancelled on 7/18/15 due to trying to become more minimalist
5.  Stitch Fix * - $20/month non-refundable styling fee 
6.  Hello Fresh * - $69/week for each delivery + shipping - Use code XT3PSB to get $40 off your first box.
7.  Graze * - $6.99 - $25 depending on which size box you choose to receive.  (I'm currently signed up for the 8-snack box for $11.99/week
8.  Raw Spice Bar - $6/month - Fresh, authentic spice blends created by top chefs for your next globally-inspired meal.  **My favorite foodie box so far.  It's so affordable and the spices are wonderful!**
9.  Little Lace Box - $59.99/month for a single box, $149.97 for 3 boxes (6-month subscription), or $269.95 for 6 boxes (annual subscription) - boxes are delivered every other month.  I signed up for the 6 month subscription and will get my first box in June.  Click here to get 15% off your first purchase from Little Lace Box.
10.  Fabletics * - $49.99/month - Buy items as an outfit or individually.  You can skip a month or make additional purchases at any time.  I've ordered several times from them now.  Each month their pieces have proven to be well made, quality pieces.  Plus, if you spend over $49, you receive a free magazine subscription to various publications of your choosing.  So far, I'm REALLY pleased with the quality/price/style of their items!  Use this link/referral code to check them out now and get your first outfit for 50% off!!
11.  Golden Tote * - $56.95 ($49 + 7.95 shipping) or $149 (free shipping on the $149 tote) depending on which tote you choose.  For the $49 tote, you chose 1 item and Golden Tote will send you 1-2 additional items based on the style profile you fill out when registering.  You are able to view available items for both totes to make your choice from.  For the $149 tote, you choose 2 items and they send you 3-4 additional pieces.  I've purchased one Golden Tote so far and LOVED IT!!
12.  Club W * - $39/month + $6 flat rate shipping for 3 bottles of wine.  (Shipping is free if you purchase 6 or more bottles of wine for the month).  When you sign up, you'll complete a "Palate Profile".  Each month, Club W will make recommendations based on their assortment of wines they think you would like to try.  You can choose their suggestions, or make your own selections.  They give a wonderful description of each wine, including telling you where it's produced and what notes of flavor it offers.  Click here to receive 50% off your first 3 wines.   
13.  Hamptons Lane *- $47/month (free shipping).  **Click here to receive $10 off your first box.**  On the first of each month, Hamptons Lane reveals their curated box for the month.  After seeing what's inside the box, you have the option to decide whether to purchase the box or skip the box for the month.  (You also have the option to purchase boxes from previous months as well).
14.  Serendipity by Little Lace Box - FREE for current Little Lace Box Subscribers.  $9.99 month for non-active LLB subscribers.  Every other month (on the months LLB does not ship), Serendipity will send 5-7 items (including full-size items) that weren't quite the right fit for the LLB curated box.  Most items will be make-up/beauty items.
15.  BespokePost * - $45/month (free shipping).  **Use code "myfirst" to receive 25% off your first box.  On the 1st of each month, BespokePost emails you the new theme box selections for the month.  You have until the 5th of the month to select your box or to choose to skip the month.  This is a monthly men's subscription box, but I liked some of their box selections, so I decided to join and purchased their "Copper" box, featuring supplies (including 2 real copper mugs) to make Moscow Mules, for $33.75.

Have you tried any of these boxes?  If so, which ones are your favorites?  Know of a new subscription box?  I'd love to hear about it.  (Please do not include referral links to any of the boxes listed above though).

XOXO,
Stephanie

FABLETICS Salar Capri Pants Review - May 2015 Subscription Box

What it is:  A monthly workout clothing subscription box co-founded by actress Kate Hudson.  

Cost:  $49.95 and up for a whole outfit;  less to buy individual pieces

Details:  On the first of each month, Fabletics releases their new collection for the month.  You can buy one of the outfits they've put together as a whole or can select pieces individually from each outfit to create your own style.  You can pick out new outfits/pieces or select pieces from previous months that are still available.  You can also skip the month if you decide you don't see anything you like/want as long as you do so by the 5th of the month.  Subscription members (they call them VIP Members) also receive special additional clothing discounts when shopping the Fabletics website, as well as points for each purchase which can be used to get additional items from the website for free.  If you spend $49.95+, members also qualify for additional "Fit Finds" discounted prices on selected items.

What I Ordered:  This month I chose my pieces individually.  I chose the Breezy tank, the Astoria shrug, and pre-ordered the Salar Capri pants.

These Salar Capri Pants - VIP Price - $44.95 - were on back-order when I placed my original order.  They just arrived this past Friday.  As promised - here is my review of them: 

The first thing that struck me is the vibrant color!  These pants feature beautiful shades of Caribbean blues and greens.  The next thing that stands out is the softness of the fabric.  The compression factor of the pants are great too!  They feel smoothing and really seem to hold my "wobbly bits" in place.  I would recommend these pants to everyone!!

As I mentioned in my original post, the photo above is the "Royal Palms" outfit Fabletics put together on their website.  I instantly fell in love with vibrant emerald color of the capri pants.  However, I decided I wasn't thrilled with the color/style of the tank that was paired with the pants.  The price for the tank shown above is $15.95.  So, I chose a different one from the site.  

2.  Breezy Tank - VIP Price - $15.95 - This tank is from the "Bonita Springs" outfit shown above.  The color of the tank looks like it will go perfect with the capri pants!  The fabric is VERY soft and the color is vibrant!  The only thing I don't care for about this tank is the fact it really does ruche on the left hand side, which feels a bit odd on.  (I thought it was just doing that b/c of how the model had her arm, but it really is made like that).  The ruching is flattering though for hiding a muffin top, which is nice.  Overall, this tank is definitely worth the price!

The total price for this outfit was $60.90.  The quality of these pieces is very high and I should be able to wear them for many years to come, which makes it worth it to me.  Click on this link to get your first outfit for $25.00.  (Yes, $25.00)!!  

Have you checked out Fabletics yet?  If so, what did you think?

XOXO,
Stephanie

**To see the original blog post in it's entirety, click here.

FABLETICS Review - May 2015

What it is:  A monthly workout clothing subscription box co-founded by actress Kate Hudson.  

Cost:  $49.95 and up for a whole outfit;  less to buy individual pieces

Details:  On the first of each month, Fabletics releases their new collection for the month.  You can buy one of the outfits they've put together as a whole or can select pieces individually from each outfit to create your own style.  You can pick out new outfits/pieces or select pieces from previous months that are still available.  You can also skip the month if you decide you don't see anything you like/want as long as you do so by the 5th of the month.  Subscription members (they call them VIP Members) also receive special additional clothing discounts when shopping the Fabletics website, as well as points for each purchase which can be used to get additional items from the website for free.  If you spend $49.95+, members also qualify for additional "Fit Finds" discounted prices on selected items.

What I Ordered:  This month I chose my pieces individually.  I chose the Breezy tank, the Astoria shrug, and pre-ordered the Salar Capri pants.

1.  Salar Capri Pants - VIP Price - $44.95 - The photo above is the "Royal Palms" outfit Fabletics put together on their website.  I instantly fell in love with vibrant emerald color of the capri pants.  (They've gotten great reviews too on the Fabletics website).  However, I decided I wasn't thrilled with the color/style of the tank that was paired with the pants.  (There were four different colors to choose from).  The price for the tank shown above is $15.95.  So, I chose a different one from the site.  These pants are in pre-order status and should arrive in 2-4 weeks.  I'll do a separate review of them when they arrive.

2.  Breezy Tank - VIP Price - $15.95 - This tank is from the "Bonita Springs" outfit shown above.  The color of the tank looks like it will go perfect with the capri pants!  The fabric is VERY soft and the color is vibrant!  The only thing I don't care for about this tank is the fact it really does ruche on the left hand side, which feels a bit odd on.  (I thought it was just doing that b/c of how the model had her arm, but it really is made like that).  The ruching is flattering though for hiding a muffin top, which is nice.  Overall, this tank is definitely worth the price!

3.  Astoria Shrug - VIP Price - $34.95 (FIT FINDS Price - $24.47) - I had my eye on this piece last month.  I LOVE the vibrant cobalt color and am a huge fan of shrugs (the weather is so crazy here in Ohio, you always want to have layering pieces with you).  This shrug was one of the "Fit Finds" this month, and at that price, I couldn't pass it up.  I wore this shrug for two days straight when it arrived.  The fabric is excellent quality and it's sooo comfortable!

The total VIP price for these pieces was $95.85.  For three pieces though (including compression capri pants and a shrug), I feel like that's reasonable.  (In my mind, I always compare prices to Athleta b/c both companies offer high quality, unique sportswear.  I would've definitely paid more if I shopped at Athleta for similar pieces).  The quality of these pieces is very high and I should be able to wear them for many years to come.  Click on this link to get your first outfit for $25.00.  (Yes, $25.00)!!  

Have you checked out Fabletics yet?  If so, what did you think?

XOXO,
Stephanie

FABLETICS Review - April 2015 Box

What it is:  A monthly workout clothing subscription box co-founded by actress Kate Hudson.  

Cost:  $49.95 and up for a whole outfit;  less to buy individual pieces

Details:  On the first of each month, Fabletics releases their new collection for the month.  You can buy one of the outfits they've put together as a whole or can select pieces individually from each outfit to create your own style.  You can pick out new outfits/pieces or select pieces from previous months that are still available.  You can also skip the month if you decide you don't see anything you like/want as long as you do so by the 5th of the month.  Subscription members (they call them VIP Members) also receive special additional clothing discounts when shopping the Fabletics website, as well as points for each purchase which can be used to get additional items from the website for free.

What I Ordered:  I chose the "Nahan" outfit.

As you can see, this outfit consisted of 3 pieces:

1.  Aruba Wrap Top II -  VIP Price - $19.95 - The black Aruba wrap top is definitely my favorite piece out of this trio!  The fabric is soooo soft and it washes well too!  The top is versatile enough to be worn casually, or with dress pants to work (as I did the day after I got it).  You can adjust how the neck lays and make it more or less revealing.  Plus, it hides my tummy, which is a must!  I loved this top so much I ended up ordering it in navy too!

2.  Dili short - VIP Price - $24.95 - This orchid purple color is simply radiant and the compression feature is really nice!  There were actually five different colors/patterns to choose from.  The fabric is really good quality too!  Personally though, I like my shorts a bit longer.  (An inch or two longer would've made them perfect for me)!  Fabletics lists the inseam measurements for each item, so next time I order shorts, I'll just have to pay attention to that.  I wear these shorts a lot around the house.  (I'm just too self-conscious right now to wear them out in public due to the length).

3.  Ayni Sports bra - VIP Price - $19.95 - I ordered an XL in this sports bra and it's a bit too small for me.  Next time I order a sports bra from them, I'll probably order an XXL (I'm a DDD).  I love the fact it isn't designed like your everyday sports bra with the racer back.    

The straps are built to still be hidden under a racer-back top though (see photo below), which is nice!  

The total VIP price for this outfit was $59.95.  However, I used a promo code to get my first outfit for $25 + shipping (for a total of $29.97).  Click on this link to get your own outfit at the same great price!  It was well worth that in my opinion!  Truth be told, I would've paid $59.95 just for the Aruba Wrap top.  (And I would've easily paid that much if shopping on the Athleta website).  It's my new favorite wardrobe staple!!

Have you checked out Fabletics yet?  If so, what did you think?

XOXO,
Stephanie

Subscription Boxes - What I've Tried and What I Currently Subscribe To....

I LOVE SUBSCRIPTION BOXES!!!  Let me just put that out there!  I'm at the age where I rarely receive "presents" anymore, so these are my monthly "gift" to myself.  If I had an unlimited budget (and unlimited closet space), I would probably subscribe to every box out there.  If you're like me though, you have to be choosy.  Here's the breakdown of what I've subscribed to in the past and what I subscribe to now:

Past Subscriptions:

1.  Julep Maven - $19.99/month - This was the very first subscription box I ever subscribed to (in August, 2012).  At that time, there weren't a whole lot of subscription boxes out there.  (Not nearly as many as there are now). I still subscribe to this box to this day!  The best part about Julep Maven is you can skip a month (or several) if you want to and can choose from several different versions of the box based on your preference of colors/items included.  You also can order "add on" items when choose to receive a monthly box at discounted prices.

My favorite item from Julep - their Freedom Polymer Top Coat.  It leaves a beautifully glossy finish, which I love!!

2.  PopSugar Must Have Box - $39.95/month - One of my all-time favorites!  I've subscribed to this box off and on since August 2012 depending on what my budget has allowed.  Each month you receive hand-selected items in beauty, fashion, home, beauty, and food categories.  You can't skip months unfortunately, so at times when I've re-subscribed, I've had to wait a few months to receive my first box.  I think this time around, it's going to be a keeper though.  It is definitely my favorite out of all the boxes I've ever subscribed to due to the variety of items/categories.  

My favorite item from Pop Sugar - that one's a toughie!  There have been so many wonderful items that I still use from this box!!  The one I use the most though is the pink Wet hairbrush I received in my October 2013 box.  I still use it every day!

3.  New Beauty Test Tube - $38.90/quarterly when I subscribed in September 2012 & 
4.  New Beauty Test Tube - QVC Version - $39.16/quarter when I subscribed - I subscribed to both of these for two quarters each (and received 4 boxes/2 of each total).  What I quickly discovered is that the products in both boxes seem to repeat a lot.  The magazine is full of ads and not much else.  There were some high-value samples mixed in with more affordable full-size versions of products (mainly lip glosses).  I cancelled box boxes though after 2 quarters due to lack of variety.  

My favorite item from the New Beauty Test Tube boxes - The Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss from the October 2012 QVC NBTT box.  I still use it to this day and love the plumping feature and the smooth, creamy texture.

5.  Beauty Army - $12/month - You choose up to 6 of the 9 samples they have available for the month.  You are able to skip months if you don't like the available choices.  I did this subscription for a few months, but ultimately cancelled it.  I just didn't feel the samples were worth $12.00 due to size and available options.  Never really found a "favorite item" from this box.

6.  Glossybox - $21/month - This is another box I signed up for in September 2012.  You receive 5 travel-size beauty items.  I liked this box and found some products I really liked.  Ultimately, I cancelled this box when I started focusing really strongly on my budget.  

Favorite find from this box - GK Hair Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner.  I received both in the September 2012 box and they made my hair look/feel soft and shiny!

7.  Goodebox - $16/month - You receive "healthy, sustainable beauty products".  I wanted to try organic beauty products, but decided after a few months this box just wasn't for me.  A lot of the earthy colors didn't work well with my skin tone and some of the products didn't smell good at all!  Never really had a favorite find from this box!

8.  Eco-Emi - $15/month - Another eco-friendly box I tried, but just didn't fall in love with. This box sent a lot of tea, which I'm not a fan of.  Subscribed for a few months, but then cancelled.  No real favorite from this one either.

9.  Conscious Box - $20.90/month - I subscribed to their vegan box for a few months, but then cancelled it.  (I think it's pretty clear the vegan/eco/organic boxes just aren't for me).  

10.  The Big Pink Box - $25/month - Features items made by women for women.  I did this box for one month and wasn't impressed!  It contained a shirt that was way too small (the box doesn't ask for your size), handmade soap, some glitter, a plastic key chain, and some small eye shadow pigment pods.  I did order some of the Spectrum eye shadow pigment that I never ended up using.  I did order their very first box (in September 2012), so more recent boxes may be much better as the company grows.  Not sure though.

11.  Birchbox - $10/month -  There was a wait list to receive the box when I signed up in 2012 and I was SOOO excited when it came.  I received my first Beauty Blender Sponge in that box, which has become one of my all-time favorite products!  I kept this box for a few months, but ultimately cancelled it after I fell in love with IPSY (same price/same type of products) and was narrowing the scope of my budget.  I just signed back up for it today though (use code BB50OFF) and am getting my first box for $5.00.  I changed my beauty profile a bit, so I'm excited to see what's in my first box!

12.  Ipsy - $10/month - I LOVED my monthly Ipsy bag!  Each month, they send you 5 deluxe and full-size beauty items based on the beauty profile you fill out.  Plus, you get a cute make-up bag each month too!  This was the subscription box I kept the longest.  The ONLY reason I cancelled it (in March 2014) was because I had sooo much make-up that I just didn't need anymore make up at the time.  I still probably don't need anymore make-up, but I went ahead and signed back up for it again today.  I would definitely recommend this subscription to everyone!!!

13.  Stitch Fix - $20/month styling fee - Stitch Fix is another one of my favorites!  After completing a style profile (which allows you to fill in your size, shape, style, budget, and lifestyle), they send you 5 items to try (and buy if you like them).  If you purchase all 5 items they send you, you receive 20% off the purchase price.  Your pre-paid $20/month styling fee is also applied to your purchase.  I've been impressed with the stylists so far.  They view your Pinterest page (if you link it) and really seem to listen to any requests I've had.  This is a great way to update your wardrobe if you don't want to go to the mall.  The only downside though is that if you don't purchase all 5 of the items, you do have to pay their regular price.  There have been times when it's been cheaper to buy all 5 pieces with the discount and then I've listed items that I don't like/don't fit on eBay.  Click on this link to try Stitch Fix for yourself!  

14.  Hello Fresh - $69/week for each delivery + shipping - I received this box on 4/29/15 and then went on vacation for a week.  The items for the 3rd meal in the box are still in the freezer waiting to be cooked.  I had a $40 off coupon code (XT3PSB) and ended up getting my first box for $44 with shipping, which I felt was a good price for 3 meals for 2 people.  I'll post a few of this box as soon as I cook the last meal (stuffed peppers).  You can still use code XT3PSB to get $40 off your first box too!

15.  Graze - $6.99 - $25 depending on which size box you choose to receive.  You'll receive 4, 8, or 20 snacks weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depending on the frequency you choose.  Customize based on your preferences/food choices.  Receive your first box free by clicking on this link!  As I mentioned in my blog post yesterday, I LOVE this box!!

So, as you can see, I've had quite a few boxes over the past few years!  Here's a list of what I am currently signed up for:

1.  Julep Maven - $19.99/month 
2.  PopSugar Must Have Box - $39.95/month
3.  Birchbox - $10/month
4.  Ipsy - $10/month
5.  Stitch Fix - $20/month styling fee
6.  Hello Fresh - $69/week for each delivery + shipping (haven't scheduled my next box yet though at this point since I still have one meal left from the last one).  Use code XT3PSB to get $40 off your first box.
7.  Graze - $6.99 - $25 depending on which size box you choose to receive.  (I'm currently signed up for the 8-snack box for $11.99/week
8.  Raw Spice Bar - $6/month - Fresh, authentic spice blends created by top chefs for your next globally-inspired meal.
9.  Little Lace Box - $59.99/month for a single box, $149.97 for 3 boxes (6-month subscription), or $269.95 for 6 boxes (annual subscription) - boxes are delivered every other month.  I signed up for the 6 month subscription and will get my first box in June.  I'll post a review once it comes.  Click here to get 15% off your first purchase from Little Lace Box.
10.  Fabletics - $49.99/month - Buy items as an outfit or individually.  You can skip a month or make additional purchases at any time.  I've ordered twice from them now.  The first month, I ordered an outfit they put together.  The 2nd month, I purchased items individually based on the outfits shown.  I'll take photos and do a blog post soon.  So far, I'm REALLY pleased with the quality/price/style of their items!  Use this link/referral code to check them out now and get your first outfit for 50% off!!
11.  Golden Tote - $56.95 ($49 + 7.95 shipping) or $149 (free shipping on the $149 tote) depending on which tote you choose.  I just ordered my first Golden Tote and chose the $49 tote to try it out.  You chose 1 item and Golden Tote will send you 1-2 additional items based on the style profile I filled out.  You are able to view all available items for both totes, but since I wear an XL and their sizes only go up to a L, I chose the smaller tote to see how their items fit.  There were some really beautiful dresses (as well as jeans) in the $149 tote (you choose 2 items for that one and they send you 3-4 additional pieces), so if the pieces fit well and are of good quality, I may try the $149 tote at a later date.  Again, I'll post a review once my tote arrives.

The beauty of many of these boxes is that you can skip or pause your subscription if you'd like to (especially the more expensive ones).  You can cancel all of these subscriptions at any time.

Have you tried any of these boxes?  If so, which ones are your favorites?  Heard of a new subscription box?  I'd love to hear about it.  (Please do not include referral links to any of the boxes listed above though).

XOXO,
Stephanie